Harriet just left to go back home, so now I’m alone with Sebastian, who plops down on the sofa next to me, putting his legs up on the table.
“Should we discuss the interviews, Sebastian James? Or should I call you Sebby?” I tease him.
I can’t help it.
I’ve met some of the people in his life today, and it was adorable hearing the nicknames they use for him. Sebastian James isn’t really a nickname, since it is his name, but Harriet using both is precious.
“Knew you would bring that up.”
He looks over at me with a playful glimmer in his eyes and the most breathtaking smile.
Shit. That smile is lethal for women.
Especially someone like me who’s already struggling with an attraction to the man.
I get up to get my purse to distract myself from his beautiful smile and freaking dimples.
I grab my calendar and notebook.
When I’m all set, I get comfortable by tucking my legs under me.
“Okay, so I’ve categorised the interviews based on theme and vulnerability and have a suggestion for the order, but we’ll do whatever you’re comfortable with,” I tell him.
“Vulnerability? What exactly are you going to ask me, Lily?”
Hopefully he won’t shut me down.
For this to be beneficial for both of us, he needs to know where I’m coming from and what I expect of him. I want this assignment to be strong, and therefore, we’ll have to dig deep—if he’s okay with that.
“This assignment is important for me, as you know. For me to write a strong paper, I’m going to dig pretty deep into your feelings, fears, and ambitions in this sport, Sebastian. Some questions may be too personal, and you can always just tell me that you don’t want to answer them,” I explain, hoping he’ll be open to it.
Sebastian told me he’s never gone to a mental coach or therapist, which many athletes do.
Therefore, these “sessions” with me might seem very intimate.
“It’s fine, Lily. I’ll tell you, and if you overstep a line, I’ll just put you on the first flight back to America.”
He smirks at me.
“And ruin my academic career? Luke would have your ass if you ever did something to hurt me,” I say, obviously joking.
Luke would probably have Sebastian’s back over mine if I had asked him something too personal or made him uncomfortable.
The expression on Sebastian’s face, though, looks like he would be terrified of Luke if he actually did do something to hurt me.
Gone is the playfulness that was present just mere seconds ago, and in its place is what looks like real worry.
Could it be that he’s feeling this, too? But won’t act on it, afraid of my brother?
Sebastian swallows.
“Yeah, he would.”
Instead of dwelling on the conflicting emotions in his eyes, I clear my throat and start listing the themes I’ve drawn up for my assignment. All of them won’t fit into the final paper, but I’d rather have too much material than too little.
For each topic, I give him a few examples of questions I’ll be asking so he understands it better.
I’ll ask him about his daily routines and how they change when he’s heading into practice, a game, a cup, or a championship.
