The headline says “Sebastian Bennet. Cosying Up to Mystery Woman”, followed by a picture of us from today.
My hands are around her at the Sky Garden as we look out over the conservatory.
At least her identity isn’t known yet.
It’s only a matter of time, though.
The British gossip media is brutal.
Just as I finish the article, Dean sends me three more, making me groan out loud.
They’re all from British and European news sites, but I wouldn’t be surprised if this has reached the American media as well.
I really need to call Luke.
I hurry back to my car, considering whether to wait for the call and do it with Lily.
I decide against it.
If Luke tells me to stay away from her, I know she would jump in and tell her brother to back off.
Even though I’m not planning to do that, I still feel compelled to do this as right as possible.
It wasn’t supposed to go down like this, but I can’t help myself around her.
Not once did I think about the possibility of us being photographed. I was too occupied having a great time with both her and my family.
Hopefully, I’ll at least get a hold of Luke before someone else tells him, or he sees an article himself.
My heart is pounding in my chest, and my hands get sweaty as I search for Luke on my phone.
Hell, it feels like I’m having a heart attack.
I hit call, bringing my knuckles to my mouth as I bite down, trying to calm my nerves.
Luke answers, and I don’t know if I should feel relieved or not when he answers in his usual tone.
“Hey, man.”
I don’t think he knows, which I’m grateful for, but it makes it that much harder to come clean.
“Hey, Luke,” I say, trying to sound as natural as I can, with my heart hammering so hard, I feel the pulse in my ears.
“I have something I need to tell you, and I don’t know how, and it wasn’t supposed to go down like this,” I begin, my words rushing out in a panic.
Luke doesn’t say anything, which only heightens my stress.
Who knew telling your best friend that you have feelings for his sister could be this nerve-wracking?
All my nervous experiences are lining up nicely; all linked to the beautiful blonde.
“Fuck, this is difficult. I’m sorry, I’m not making any sense right now. My head is a mess.”
Luke is still silent on the other end.
Why doesn’t he say something?
Probably because I’m a freaking mess and he’s letting me get whatever I need off my chest before he gives his input.