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Breathing past the burn, I ignored the hollow achy pain in my chest as I smoothed my hands over my shorts “Aye, Captain”

His lips twitched into a srin

“Is Skylar going to be at Keith’s?” I regretted asking as soon as the words were out of my mouth

“Don’t know” The response was clipped, which was very unlike him

I nibbled on ht onto the road that led to Keith’s monstrosity of a house adjacent to the miles of orchards The home was on a massive farm, and it was the kind of house no one needed unless they were polygamists and had fifty children

His faenerations, and I figured Keith would take over the fao to college and play football like Sebastian From what I heard, he’d already been accepted to WVU He had the size to play college-level defense

The paved driveas already lined with cars, a fehich I recognized I didn’t see Skylar’s BMW or, thank God, Cody’s SUV “A small party?”

Sebastian chuckled “Yeah, that was the plan”

“All righty, then”

He parked the Jeep behind a Honda, leaving enough space between the vehicles to get out later I grabbed my purse off the floor and then cli the double glass doors and following the large river-rock pathway that led around the side of the house With each step, the sound of laughter and shouts grew louder, along with splashes of water I could srumble happily

Sebastian was right: I would never turn down grilled cheeseburgers

“Hey” Sebastian nudged my arm with his “Whenever you want to leave, let me know, okay? Don’t roam off with someone”

“I’m pretty sure I can catch a ride home with anyone No need to worry”

“Not worrying I’ll just take you home when you’re ready”

He slung his shirt over his shoulder I guess putting it on would take too much effort

To the outsider, Sebastian could couy who didn’t bring someone to a party and then leave it to them to find their oay around or home

“Maybe I don’t want a ride ho ive me a ride”

“Wouldn’t that be stupid, since we live next door to each other?”

“Don’t question ic” I stepped around Sebastian, I walked in front of him “And seriously, I don’t want to stay out forever”

“I don’t either—”

“Dammit!” I shrieked as he kicked the botto around, I smacked him with my purse

Laughing, he blocked the hit with his arms “Watch your step there”

“Jerk,” Iback around

“I’ to stay out late either,” he continued “Got practice to, one-on-one with the coach” He paused “And Dad”

I cringed for him “How has your dad been?”

“There’s not even enough time in the day for that conversation,” he replied, and before I could push that further, he caughtout late because of practice and because—” those vivid blue eyes fixed on me “—I need to talk to you”

My heart lurched I wanted to pullinto the orchardsbut that would be weird “What do you want to talk about?” I asked even though I knehat it was about

“Stuff”

I arched a brow “Can’t we talk now?”

“No Later,” he said He let go of my hand and walked around me “After I’ve had a drink”