Even though many of them were short, I still counted them, like my own form of self-torture.
Lily seemed oblivious to the lustful gazes of the men, always humouring them with her wit.
I, on the other hand, saw how those men looked at her. It reminded me a lot about myself, whenever I know she’s not watching me back—or her brother, for that matter.
Which is precisely why this will be a challenge.
I can’t act on my attraction to her, knowing that if things don’t work out, we’ll still have to see each other here and there.
I would also hate to ruin our friendship.
We may not spend too much time alone together, but I like Lily.
She is a woman I see as a friend, which I don’t have too many of.
I sigh, leaning my head back against the seat and closing my eyes.
I can do this.
I have to practice self-control.
It shouldn’t be too hard, knowing I’ve already done that for a few years.
As long as she doesn’t push that control, we should be fine.
~
When we arrive at our building I can tell Lily will probably fall victim to the jet lag. I should have booked a flight arriving in the evening so she could go straight to bed.
Now, she really should be trying to stay awake so as not fuck up her inner clock.
She will be staying in an apartment in the same building as my own.
My condo is more than big enough for her to be staying there, but that precious control I was talking about? Yeah, it could never handle having her in my apartment.
Therefore, I’ve secured her an apartment in the same building, so I’ll be nearby and easily accessible when she needs to meet me for her project or anything else.
“You really should try to stay awake, Lily,” I tell her, seeing her eyes drift close for the tenth time during the car ride from the airport.
“Shut up, Sebastian. I just need a nap.”
I chuckle at her.
A nap, my ass.
That nap will turn into a full-on sleep, and then she’ll struggle.
“We’ll bring in our luggage, then I’m taking you out. If you jumble up your sleeping schedule on the first day here, you’ll be a mess,” I tell her.
She mutters something under her breath, clearly not happy about my suggestion, but I know she’ll thank me later.
~
“Lily, this better be the last one, I swear,” I complain.
My mission to make her stay awake quickly turned into my worst nightmare.
She’s been dragging me through every store available, stating that the two suitcases she bought with her didn’t hold enough and that she needs more clothes for her “London adventure” as she calls it.
