Where the Night Ends Read online

  “And—did he say anything?”

  “He asked me if I had any idea how beautiful I am.”

  “What!?” Courtney practically screams next to me. “Why didn’t you start with that?” She smacks the steering wheel. “Holy shit, Tess. Sebastian fucking Baxter is totally into you.”

  “What? No, he’s not.”

  Even though it seems unlikely, I can’t deny that he was throwing some serious vibes my way.

  “He totally is,” she insists. “And—he said he was going to call you later,” she reminds me.

  “He doesn’t even have my number.” The image of him stealing my phone flashes through my mind. “Shit.”

  “Shit what?”

  “He stole my phone earlier.” I lean forward, sliding the device from my back pocket.

  Unlocking the screen, I go into my contacts. It only takes a quick glance to see that his name isn’t in there. My list isn’t all that expansive.

  “What?” My best friend bounces anxiously beside me.

  “I thought maybe he added his number, but it’s not in here.”

  “Go to your outgoing calls,” she suggests.

  Sure enough, there’s an outgoing call right around the time he took my phone.

  “See.” She looks over at the device in my hand when she stops at a red light. “He totally called himself from your phone so he would have your number.”

  “You don’t think he’ll actually call, do you?” I feel panic start to creep in, my earlier fear returning.

  As attracted as I am to Sebastian—because trust me, I am—I think I’m even more scared of him.

  “Um, hell yes I do.” Courtney breaks into my bout of self-doubt.

  “And you think I should answer?” I stare at my phone, feeling the car slow to a stop. It isn’t until I look up that I see Courtney has parked on the side of the road in front of my house.

  “What’s going on, Tess?” She turns in her seat, knowing me well enough to know that I’m about to have an internal meltdown.

  “I just.” I sigh. “I’m not really cut out for someone like Sebastian,” I vocalize my fear. “Even if by some crazy twist of fate he’s actually interested in me that way, I don’t think I would hold his interest for long.”

  “Stop doing that!” Courtney scolds. “Stop overthinking every single moment that happens in your life. Sometimes you just have to take the bull by its horns, Tess, and ride that motherfucker as long as you can.”

  “That’s easy for you to say, you’re not afraid to climb on top of the bull.”

  “And you shouldn’t be either,” she interrupts. “Look, the most popular boy in school just spent the entire night with you. Not only that, he took your number and told you he was going to call you later. You should be excited. Not sitting here looking like you’re about to vomit all over my car.” She sighs, shaking her head. “Do you like him?”

  “I don’t know.”

  “Tess, this is me.” She holds a hand to her chest. “Do you like him?”

  “I do,” I admit, hating to even say it out loud.

  “Then just see where it takes you okay? I know you’re in the business of doubting yourself at every turn, but I’m telling you right now—if Sebastian saw even a fraction of the girl I know you are, he’s already falling in love.”

  “I don’t know that I would go that far.” I laugh, shoving Courtney’s shoulder when she leans into me and bats her eyes.

  “Embrace it, Tess. I promise if you let your hair down, I think you’ll find you enjoy the wind in it.” She winks. “Now get the hell out of my car. Go get some sleep. And call me later.”

  “Yes, ma’am.” I reach for the handle, pushing the door open before climbing out.

  “And, Tess.” Courtney waits until I turn around before continuing, “For what it’s worth, I think you and Sebastian would be totally smoking hot together.” She grins, wide and excited. “Just imagine. You and Sebastian, me and Ant—

  we’d be like the most popular foursome in all of school.”

  “Just what I’ve always wanted,” I say sarcastically, laughing when Courtney flips me off seconds after I shut the door.

  “Love you, bitch,” she calls through the open window.

  “Love you more.” I throw her small wave before turning around and heading inside.

  ***

  I wake with a start, my head swimming the second I open my eyes. I wish I could say that the first person who pops into my head isn’t Sebastian, but that wouldn’t be the truth. I stare up at my ceiling, recalling all the events of last night over and over in my head.

  It isn’t until I hear noise coming from the kitchen that I snap out of my fog and look over at the clock. At first I think I’m seeing things—there’s no way it’s three o’clock in the afternoon. Reaching for my phone, the time is confirmed the second I tap on the screen.

  Dropping it back onto my nightstand, I groan, stretching my arms above my head. I must have been exhausted, considering I crashed within thirty minutes of Courtney dropping me off and am just now waking up.

  Peeling myself out of bed, I cross the small space of my room and step out into the hallway. The sound of my mom rustling around in the kitchen is more prominent now and I set off in her direction, assuming she’s probably making something to eat before work.

  My stomach rumbles at the thought. God, when is the last time I ate something? Now that I think about it, it’s been nearly twenty-four hours. No wonder I feel so famished.

  “There she is.” I barely make it around the corner before my mom speaks. She’s standing at the stove, clad in pink scrubs, her shoulder length brown hair pulled back in a small ponytail, stirring something in the pan in front of her that smells an awful lot like chicken stir fry. “I was starting to wonder if you were ever going to get up.”

  “Sorry. Court and I stayed up late watching some weird movie.” I don’t feel the need to be specific, my mom isn’t much of a television person. Well, except for watching re-runs of Friends—that she could do for hours.

  “What time did you get in?”

  “Around eight. Court had to work, so she brought me home early.” I hate being deceitful, but I’m not lying entirely. Courtney really does have to work today, just not until later this afternoon.

  “Speaking of that, have you decided when you want to go car shopping?” my mom asks, glancing over her shoulder at me.

  I’ve had my license for about six months now, but due to limited funds I haven’t been able to get a car. I’ve saved up quite a bit over the last two years from my summer job at the mall, but I’m not sure I have enough to buy anything worth a crap.

  “I think I’ll just ride with Courtney this year.” I shrug. “I’d rather save the money and be able to add to it next year’s paychecks so I can buy something that will actually last me more than a few months.”

  “I think that’s smart. You’ll want something reliable when you go off to college.” She rests the spoon on the side of the pan and turns toward me. “How did I get a daughter as responsible as you?” Her blue eyes that match mine shine with pride.

  “Good parenting?” I question, humor lacing my voice.

  “Good answer.” My mom smiles big and wide, cupping my cheek for a moment before stepping past me. “Are you hungry?” she asks, returning from the pantry with a box of instant rice.

  “Starving.”

  “I just need to make the rice,” she says, grabbing a pot from the counter before heading to the sink to fill it with water.

  “What time do you have to be at work?” I ask, claiming her place at the stove where my suspicions are confirmed—chicken and vegetable stir fry, one of my favs.

  “I have to be there at five. I’m working sixteen tonight.” She joins me at the stove, placing the pot of water on the back burner.

  “You work too much,” I tell her.

  “That may be true, but you’re not the only one saving.” She bumps her hip with mine.

  I’m not stup
id, I know that the main reason she’s picking up all these extra hours is because she’s trying to save for my college tuition, and that’s hard to do when she provides the sole income for our household. She won’t accept a penny of the money I make even though there have been times I’ve offered.

  She would never tell me that’s what she’s saving for outright because she doesn’t want to make me feel guilty. She’s just that kind of mom. Selfless, giving—I know there isn’t a thing she wouldn’t do for me. I just wish I got more time with her than I do. I’d take time over money any day.

  We spend the next hour cooking, eating, and then cleaning up the kitchen. Mom leaves for work shortly after which leaves me all alone on a Saturday night. Normally I’d be working too, but Wednesday was my last day at Ophelia’s, the small clothing boutique where I’ve worked the last couple summers. I never work during the school year, that’s a rule of my mom’s. She wants me to focus on school work—to her there’s nothing more important than a solid education.

  She would know. She spent six years in school—four in nursing, two additional getting her practitioner license. She does pretty well for herself, too. While we live modestly and don’t have the kind of money Sebastian’s family has, I’ve never really wanted for anything. My mom always makes sure I have the clothes I want and nice things, but there’s also things she can’t afford on only one income; like a car for her sixteen-year-old daughter.

  Not that I mind. I take pride in being able to do things for myself. It’s always been me and my mom. I like to think that we’re in this together. I think a lot of that stems from my dad passing away when I was so young. In some weird way, I’ve always felt like I need to take care of my mom, even though she’s never acted like she needed it.

  She’s strong and independent. I like to think I’m like her in that regard, though I’m not entirely sure that’s true.

  I try to keep myself busy over the next couple hours by folding some laundry and taking a shower. I do everything in my power to keep my mind from wandering to Sebastian, but despite my best efforts, it’s all it seems to want to think about.

  I keep checking my phone—making sure the volume is all the way up—

  wondering if he’ll call.

  I dress in my most comfortable pajamas—pink and white striped bottoms with a white tank top. After letting it air dry most of the way, I finish drying my hair with the blow dryer before tying it up into a messy knot on top of my head.

  By eight o’clock I’ve accepted that Sebastian isn’t going to call and decide to try to distract myself with a movie. There’s nothing really good on any of the channels, so after several minutes of surfing, I finally decide on renting the new Kevin Hart comedy. I could use a good laugh right about now.

  I no more than hit the purchase button on the remote when a firm knock sounds against my front door. Not sure who it could be, I toss the fluffy red throw across my lap to the side and climb to my feet.

  Another knock sounds just as I reach the front door. Knowing better than to just open it, especially being home alone, I peek out of the small glass inserts that surround the door frame.

  Who I see on the other side has my heart clamoring inside my chest.

  I expected to see Courtney or at the very least Bree—both of whom are known to just show up at my house at all hours of the night and day. There’s a reason we call each other’s houses our second homes. So when Sebastian’s tall frame and handsome face comes into view, for a moment I think I’m imagining things.

  Certainly, this isn’t real—right?

  Why would—how could—I just can’t seem to make sense of it.

  My body acts on autopilot, unlocking the door before my mind even has a chance to process what it’s doing. There’s a small voice in the back of my head, questioning every movement, but I’m powerless to stop myself. It’s like my body knows exactly what it wants—to be near Sebastian—and my mind doesn’t get a say in the matter.

  I’ve convinced myself that the events that took place last night were simply exaggerated—that I made something out of nothing. But when the door swings open between us and those hazel eyes meet mine, I know with complete certainty that what I felt last night, what I’ve felt all day, is in fact real. Very real.

  One quirk of his lips and my knees nearly buckle underneath me… Oh god, I’m in so much trouble.

  “Hey.” Sebastian rocks back on his heels, shoving his hands into the pockets of his jeans as he stares back at me, a twinkle of mischief in his eyes.

  I swear I feel like I’ve entered some alternate reality.

  There’s no way Sebastian Baxter is standing on my front porch right now. And yet, here he is—right in front of me—looking so handsome in his dark jeans and gray tee, his hair pushed back haphazardly like he’s run his hands through it several times throughout the day.

  He’s so good looking it should be a sin. No one should be this sexy. And yet he is. Every inch of him is perfection and I hate that with just a smile, my heart beats a little harder.

  “Hey.” I don’t try to hide my confusion over his unexpected visit. “What are you doing here, Sebastian?”

  “I wanted to see you.” He shrugs, a smirk playing on the corner of his mouth.

  I swear if I could bottle up this moment and keep it forever I would. God, what is he doing to me right now?

  “How did you even know where I lived?” The moment the question leaves my lips I know the answer.

  “Courtney,” we both say in unison, his smirk turning into a full smile.

  Butterflies erupt in my stomach, and I’m suddenly painfully aware of how ridiculous I probably look.

  As if he can somehow read my mind, he adds, “Cute pajamas.”

  I nervously fidget with the bottom of my tank, thanking the heavens that I had enough forethought to put on a bra.

  “I wasn’t expecting company,” I finally manage to squeak out.

  “Well, now that you have it are you going to invite me in?”

  Could he be any surer of himself? His confidence oozes from every orifice of his body, and I desperately want to soak it in—know what it’s like to feel that good in your own skin.

  “I’m still trying to decide.” I eye him warily.

  “Anything I can do to sway your decision?” He steps forward, his tall frame now towering over me.

  I wish I could say that I’m immune to his charms, that the nearness of his body doesn’t stir something deep inside of me—a wanting I didn’t even know I could feel, but that wouldn’t be the truth.

  “I-uh my mom’s not home. I don’t think she’d approve of you being here.” I regret it the moment I say it.

  Stupid, Tess. Seriously. You’re mom’s not home. That’s the best you got?

  “I’ll be good.” He tips my chin up with the back of his hand so that I’m looking up at him. “You can trust me,” he offers with a humored grin.

  “It’s not you I’m worried about,” I mumble under my breath a little too loudly, realizing my mistake almost instantly.

  His eyes sparkle with humor, but he chooses not to address the statement we both know he heard. Instead, he slides past me into the house, giving me no choice but to follow him inside.

  “When does your mom get home?” he asks, looking around the small space that equates to about one sixteenth of his house.

  “Not until morning,” I say, feeling like he already knew the answer to that long before he got here—especially if Courtney had anything to do with it.

  I make a mental note to give her a piece of my mind later. I can’t believe she would send Sebastian here and not even give me a heads up. Some friend.

  “Popcorn?” Sebastian inhales, turning in the foyer to face me.

  “I was getting ready to watch a movie.”

  “Perfect.” He kicks off his shoes, sliding them against the wall with his foot.

  “What are you doing?” I can’t keep the smile from my voice.

  “Getting comfy,” he s
ays like it should be obvious. “What movie are we watching?”

  “We?” I choke out.

  “Yes, we. I’m here, aren’t I? I think that means I’m joining you.” He turns, heading into the living room without waiting for me to respond.

  Unlike Sebastian’s house, he doesn’t have to go far to find the room he’s looking for. The living room sits right off the foyer and given the paused movie on the screen and the bowl of popcorn on the coffee table, it’s pretty obvious where I was planning to watch said movie.

  Flopping down where I was sitting just moments earlier, he stretches his arm along the back of the couch and throws me a wide grin when I stop in the doorway.

  “Are you just gonna stand there checking me out all night, or are we gonna watch a movie already?” he teases, patting the cushion next to him.

  “Do you always show up uninvited and just make yourself at home?” I ask as he props his feet up on the coffee table, his long legs stretched out in front of him.

  He thinks on that for a moment, humor etched in his features.

  “Yep.” He finally concedes, patting the couch again.

  I laugh, I can’t help it. He’s so damn endearing. Shaking my head, I cross the room, taking the seat on the opposite end of the couch.

  “You know,” he leans forward and snags the popcorn. “If you sit all the way over there you can’t reach this.” He shakes the bowl before setting it in his lap.

  I let out a frustrated sigh and then scoot closer, secretly dying to get as close to him as I can. Not that I would ever admit it out loud.

  Taking the middle cushion, I pull my legs up, tucking them underneath myself. “Happy?” I roll my eyes, leaning forward to grab the remote.

  “Very.” He smiles at me, his eyes holding my gaze for a long moment before he grabs a handful of popcorn and shoves it into his mouth.

  “You’re something else.” I try to keep the smile off my face but fail miserably.

  “I do my best.” He smiles around a full mouth.

  I don’t know what to do, what to say, how to act. I’m such a ball of nervous energy that I feel like I might bounce out of my seat at any moment.