Saving Us: A novel of love and friendship (Northern University Book 1)

by Wendy Million

  “It’s you, Nattie.” Sebastian shrugged and grinned. He grabbed my hand and brought it to his mouth, kissing the back of it. “Man, I love hanging out with you.” He laced our fingers together.

  “The feeling is mutual.” My heart pounded in my chest at the word “love” leaving his lips.

  He snagged the parking space closest to my front door. I undid my seat belt and leaned over to kiss his cheek. When I moved back, he wrapped his arm around my middle and tugged me across him. My body landed between him and the steering wheel. The position was awkward, but as soon as my lips met his, I didn’t care anymore.

  In a gruff voice, Sebastian said, “We’re never going to make it to dinner if you don’t get out of this vehicle now.”

  I chuckled and ran my fingertips along the side of his face. When our eyes met, the air hummed. With one last soft kiss, I tried to wriggle myself to my side of the SUV. He watched me for a moment, desire and amusement flickering across his face. Finally, he secured his arms around my waist and helped lift me into my seat.

  I ran into the house and yanked off my sweater and jeans. The purple dress was at the rear of the closet, and I tugged it down before I shimmied into it. I hadn’t worn it since that first night at the frat house. I also grabbed a light sweater in case the restaurant was cold, and I threw on my heavy winter coat. In my high heels, I teetered out to the vehicle.

  When I opened the passenger door, Sebastian whistled. “That dress has made an appearance or two in my dreams.”

  I glanced at myself and raised an eyebrow at him. “This old thing?” I slid into the seat.

  Sebastian stared at me for a few minutes, not making any move to leave the parking lot.

  “What?” A half smile played at the edges of my lips.

  “They’re gonna love you, Nattie. You’re smart, funny, and absolutely gorgeous. They’ll wonder what the hell you’re doing with me.” His expression brimmed with sincerity.

  I grabbed his shirt and tugged him to me. Before his lips met mine, I said, “In this moment, I couldn’t imagine wanting to be with anyone else.”

  He crushed his lips to mine, deepening the kiss. His seat belt released, and he murmured against my mouth, “They can wait.”

  I laughed and pushed against his chest when he started to climb over. “No, Sebastian. No. I can’t be late the first time I meet your family. We might as well carry a cardboard sign that says we were too busy screwing to be punctual.”

  “You got markers and cardboard in your house? I’ll gladly make that sign.” But he eased into his seat, giving me a sideways glance.

  “I do have markers and cardboard in my house. But they are for your final game of the season. I have big plans.” I threw my hands wide.

  He put the SUV in reverse. “Big plans, huh? You mean, Annika has big plans?”

  I raised my eyebrows. “Nope, this is me. I have ideas, Sebastian, ideas about football that are my own.”

  He placed a hand over his heart and looked shocked. “Ideas about football because of me?”

  “Yeah.” I gave his thigh a squeeze before gazing at him again. “Watching you on the field, now that I understand how it works, well, I’m so proud of you. I see you out there prancing.” I glanced at him out of the corner of my eye with a small smile. “And I can’t get over how good you are and that you’re mine. That I know you, really know you.”

  The air between us electrified. There was so much more I could say. But I wasn’t going to declare my love for him while we were in his SUV driving to dinner.

  “I’m proud of you all the time too.” Sebastian’s gaze rotated between me and the road.

  “Oh yeah? Why’s that?”

  “You’re so strong. Man, you’re probably one of the strongest women I’ve ever met. You’re solid in your convictions, and you don’t back down, even when it would be easier. I admire that. A lot. You got a good head on your shoulders.” He cupped the back of my head.

  I grabbed his hand as it left my head and sandwiched his between mine. Even though I’d decided I wasn’t going to tell him I loved him in the car, the words were bubbling, threatening to boil over.

  “That’s incredibly sweet,” I whispered.

  “It’s not sweet, Nattie. It’s true.” He turned into the restaurant parking lot. When the SUV was in park, he focused on me. “Look at me. I’m not even nervous about them meeting you.”

  “I’m probably nervous enough for both of us.” I undid my seat belt.

  He came to my side as I was climbing out and secured my hand in his.

  “Here goes nothing.”

  He grinned. “Famous last words.”

  I smacked him in his firm abs. “That’s not helping.” Having half of my mind consumed with rated R thoughts of Sebastian didn’t help either.

  Welcome, Gutter. My brain couldn’t wait to slide in.

  He opened the door to the restaurant and motioned for me to go in first. I slipped past him, my stomach rolling.

  He followed behind me, and we stood at the desk for a minute. The place was full of dark wood, dim lighting, and gas fireplaces. Any other time, the atmosphere might be romantic instead of anxiety inducing.

  “I see them.” Sebastian guided me through the restaurant.

  Chapter Thirty

  As we approached the table, two women and a man rose to greet us.

  Sebastian’s mom drew my eye. Her pale skin, light hair, and sharp blue eyes were in direct contrast to his father, whose complexion was much darker than Sebastian’s and even his sister appeared dark skinned compared to his fair mother. His mom’s lips quirked up as if she knew what I was thinking. She was as white as me.

  “Natalie.” She smiled and held out her hand. “It’s so nice to meet you. I’m Janice. This is Devonte and Kiara.” She pointed to Sebastian’s father and sister.

  I shook everyone’s hand and then took the seat Sebastian pulled out for me.

  When the waitress appeared to take our drink orders, I got water. Getting drunk with his family was much farther along the dating road. Sebastian grabbed my hand under the table. I smiled at him and gave him a gentle squeeze.

  “So, Natalie. Sebastian told Janice you’re hoping to become a lawyer. Kiara specializes in criminal law.” Pride was evident in Devonte’s voice.

  “Yes, sir. I haven’t decided what I want to focus on just yet.” I turned to address Kiara. “I’m not sure if your brother told you, but my dad’s a cop, so I’m not sure I can go the criminal lawyer route.”

  She took a sip of her fruity cocktail. “It’s not for everyone. My clients certainly cut a wide swath across society. Bermuda is so small everyone knows everyone. Might not be so bad in a big city.”

  “Depending on where you practice, I’m unclear how much money is in prosecution.” Janice swirled her wine.

  “That’s true. That’s always the push-pull,” I said. “I don’t have an interest in corporate or real estate. Maybe family law? I have time to mull over my options.”

  We sat in silence for a few minutes, looking over the menus. Sebastian released my hand and clutched my leg before using both hands to look through the list. Everything sounded amazing, but the price tags were insane. I scanned for the cheapest thing.

  Shopska salad for the win. I closed my menu before I could talk myself into something more expensive.

  When we ordered, everyone else chose lobster, fish, or steak, and when the waitress got to me, I picked the salad.

  Sebastian frowned at me. “A salad?”

  “Yep.” I nodded. “It sounds delicious.” The description wasn’t appealing. But it was cheap.

  Without another word, Sebastian passed our menus to the waitress. He took a drink from his beer and gave me a sideways glance. I’d once told him salads were what real food eats. He knew something was up with me.

  “We were surprised when Sebastian said he was dating someone.” Devonte flicked out his napkin. “Janice and I assumed he’d inherited our roaming genes. We didn’t figure he
had any desire to settle down.”

  When he finished speaking, I was in the middle of taking a sip of my water. I sputtered and almost choked.

  “Dad.” Annoyance laced Sebastian’s voice. “I can’t believe you said that to my girlfriend.”

  “Welcome to my world, little brother.” Kiara gave her father an amused look. “I’ve been fielding those shitty comments for years while you laughed away.”

  He shook his head at her. “So, you should be helpful now, sis.”

  “No way. I choose to mock.” Her smile was too sweet.

  His family was close, even if they were unusual. Devonte’s comment rang in my ears. If Sebastian and I weren’t so solid, it would bother me more.

  “Mom?” he asked. “You gonna help me out here?”

  “Your father and I have a specific philosophy on monogamy. But I’m happy for you and Kiara if you two seek something else.” She spread her hands wide.

  He chugged his beer and signaled the waitress for another. I squeezed his leg under the table. He laced his fingers with mine.

  “You people are killing me,” Sebastian said.

  “I wondered when you said you were bringing her to meet us. I guess you forgot the awkward meet and greets I’ve sat through over the years.”

  He held up his free hand toward his sister. “I don’t need a recap. We’re good. Seriously.”

  “You played a heck of a game tonight,” Janice said. “Do you follow football, Natalie?”

  I never thought I’d be grateful for a conversation about football. Sebastian chuckled beside me, but I wasn’t sure if it was because of the question or my previous attitude toward football.

  “I don’t follow the sport or any players other than Sebastian and his team.” I took a long drink of my water.

  “Natalie didn’t like football when we first met. It was actually her roommate dating Johnny that put us in the same places.” Sebastian’s shoulder rubbed against mine.

  “That Johnny has a hell of an arm.” Devonte whistled.

  “It’s not just his arm that’s amazing.” Kiara pretended to fan herself. “Is he still seeing your roommate?”

  “Yes.” I tried to keep my expression neutral.

  “Transferring was an excellent idea.” Janice leaned back as her food arrived. “You and Johnny work well together on the field.”

  “I take it you’re into football?” I directed my question at his mom.

  Janice grimaced. “No choice. He’s been crazy for it since the first game he watched. He’s given up a lot of other things over the years to get himself close to the top. His college career has been a carefully orchestrated dance to get him to this school this year and eligible to play.”

  I rubbed Sebastian’s shoulder before the waitress set down his food. The familiar swell of pride rose in me. “He’s persistent.”

  Kiara laughed. “I bet he is.” Her gaze slid between us.

  When the waitress placed the world’s tiniest salad in front of me, I realized cheap was not going to fill my stomach. Good thing I hadn’t gone for the alcohol or I’d be drunk by the end of the meal.

  Sebastian turned to our server. “Can I get a side plate?”

  The waitress passed him the plate, and he cut his steak in half, setting it in front of me.

  “Sebastian,” I whispered.

  “Nattie, you’re not eating a damn salad. Certainly not a salad that looks like two pieces of lettuce with random things thrown on top.” He gestured to my half-empty plate.

  When I glanced up, his family watched with amusement.

  “Aww. That’s so cute,” Kiara said.

  “Shut up, Kiara. I was going to invite you to come out with us. I’m starting to reconsider.” He shot her a warning glare.

  “I’ve hung out with your friends before.” Kiara dug into her lobster and popped a piece into her mouth.

  “Yeah, I remember the last time you hung out with my teammates.” Sebastian huffed.

  She stopped mid-bite. “What’s that mean?”

  “I think you know that that means.” He gave her a pointed look.

  She snickered. “Yeah, I do.”

  Frowning, I nudged Sebastian’s shoulder.

  “I’ll tell you later—or I’m sure she will if she comes out with us.” He gestured toward his sister.

  While we ate, the conversation turned to football, the draft, and Sebastian’s plans for the next season. His parents were coming to the championship game, but Kiara couldn’t get more time off work.

  When the bill came, I got money out of my purse and tried to pay his parents.

  “Nonsense.” Devonte waved me off. “You’re in college and we have well-paying jobs. Someday, when you’re working a suitable job, you pay it forward.”

  “Thank you.” Embarrassment lit my cheeks. “It was nice to meet you.”

  “Yes, it’s been marvelous.” Devonte took another big gulp from his beer. He’d gone through several during dinner. “Maybe we’ll see you again someday.”

  “Jeez, Dad.” Sebastian shook his head.

  “Who knows?” I grinned.

  “I know.” Sebastian met my eyes. “You guys are going to be seeing a lot of Nattie. She’s not going anywhere.”

  My grin stretched wider.

  “I can’t go out with you two if this is what’s happening. I can’t properly digest my dinner when Sebastian’s this loved up. The world is tilting on its axis.” Kiara pushed back her chair.

  My insides somersaulted at the use of the word love.

  “Come on, Kiara,” Sebastian said. “I hardly ever see you. I want you to get to know my girl.”

  “We’re heading out.” Janice circled the table to hug Sebastian, and then everyone started exchanging hugs and goodbyes.

  When Janice hugged me, she whispered in my ear, “He looks happy. I’m glad.”

  Devonte kissed both my cheeks and gave me a half hug. He looked at Janice for a beat before putting his arm around her and leading her out of the restaurant. As they exited, Janice threw her head back in a raucous laugh.

  Before I could ask Sebastian about their behavior, Kiara intercepted. “It’s probably best if you don’t ask. They’re weird.”

  I nodded. “Noted.”

  Kiara put on her coat. “I’m going to be the old one at the bar, aren’t I?”

  “If you drink enough, you won’t care.” Sebastian helped me into my coat.

  “True,” Kiara said. “Is that asshole Theo going to be there? ’Cause if so, less alcohol is probably better than more. He was grabby at the start of the year.”

  “Theo?” I asked, surprised.

  “That was his name, wasn’t it, Seb?” Her voice drifted over her shoulder, leading us out of the restaurant. “You two got into it, right?”

  “Yeah, that was him,” Sebastian admitted, avoiding my gaze.

  I nudged him. “You never told me that.”

  “I told you he wasn’t a good guy. It’s why I followed you home that night from the bar when he was walking you.” He met my gaze before sliding away. “We both know how that turned out.”

  A brief flash of him leaning into another girl on the hood of his car flashed in my memory. “Yeah.”

  He secured me tight to his side. “Till the day I die, Nattie.”

  “Me too.” I wrapped my arm around him and squeezed him. “That whole night was so pointless.” The image of him with the other girl still hurt my heart every time I thought about it, so I shoved it away. He wasn’t that guy anymore.

  Kiara opened the rear door of the SUV. “You two are disgustingly cute. Sebastian, I always wanted you to get a girlfriend so you’d understand the pain of Mom and Dad. But I’m not sure I can handle this ooey-gooey stuff you two have going on.”

  “We’re that bad?” I asked.

  “We’re not that bad.” Sebastian chuckled. “Kiara’s tolerance level for anyone in a relationship when she’s not in one is very low.”

  She pointed at him. “That is true.
Take me to the bar so I can meet my next conquest!” Kiara shouted before climbing into the backseat.

  Sebastian rubbed his neck. “I’m kinda glad Johnny and Annika are back on. Not sure how I would’ve handled my sister trying to sleep with him all night.”

  I smiled, but it didn’t reach my eyes. “Yeah,” I agreed before climbing in. “He’s all Annika’s.”

  Chapter Thirty-One

  Kiara took a sip of her fruity drink and smiled at me. “Alone at last.” She watched Sebastian head for the bathroom. “My brother never spends this much time around me at a bar.”

  “He didn’t use to spend this much time with me at a bar either.”

  “I find that hard to believe. He’s weirdly attentive: getting drinks, making genuine conversation, gazing at you adoringly.” She used her free hand to secure a bobby pin a little tighter. Her hair was an intricate mass of braids that culminated in a bun-like structure.

  I shrugged. “We get each other, I guess. We have a similar sense of humor. I enjoy hearing his perspective on things. I tend to make up my mind quickly about people. He’s more open-minded.”

  “My brother has always been extroverted. He’s never had trouble making friends or finding people who want to spend time with him.” Her lips quirked up. “But I’m not sure I’ve ever seen him spend time with someone the way he’s spending it with you.”

  My cheeks were two flames of color in the dimly lit bar, and warmth filled my heart. “That’s nice to hear,” I murmured, the ice cubes shifting in my drink. “I had a hard time deciding to go all in with him.”

  Her smile was wide as she took me in. “I get why he likes you. There’s this energy around you that kinda reminds me of him. Of the best parts of him.”

  My blush deepened, and I shifted.

  She laughed. “All right, all right. I’ll leave you alone. I don’t wanna scare you off. Sebastian would never forgive me,” she said. “So have you always wanted to be a lawyer?”

  My shoulders collapsed, and I was grateful for the new topic. “No. I came here for Exercise and Sports Science. Took me three weeks to realize I was fooling myself. I wasn’t sure I wanted to get into the law. Growing up, given what my dad did, it was hard sometimes. He couldn’t always leave work at work.”