Sleet Banshee by S.J. Tilly

CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

MEGHAN

“M

eghan! Oh my god, it’s been too long!” Steph jumps up from her seat to give me a hug.

“Hey, bitch! How’ve you been?” I squeeze her back.

This. This is what I’ve been missing.

“Sit by me - " she gestures to the open seat next to her.

Settling myself into the chair, I look around and smile. I got all my hugs in as I made my way around the table, and I already feel a million times better.

Katelyn rented out the back room at this awesome Mexican cantina place. The decor is rustic, the lighting is dim and it’s the perfect vibe for a super chill dinner party. The tables already covered in chips, salsas, and pitchers of margaritas. So really, what more could a girl ask for?

Katelyn and Jackson are seated opposite me, along with Izzy and Zach. On Steph’s other side is her mom, Mary. Luke Anders, Jackson’s best friend, is at the end of the table to my right, but the two spaces between us are still open.

“I’m so glad you could make it,” Izzy beams at me from across the table.

Her new relationship looks good on her.

I grin. “Are you kidding? I wouldn’t miss this for the world.”

“I know. You’ve just been so busy at work recently. I wasn’t sure if you’d have the night free.”

I feel like such an asshole. I’ve been busy, but not as busy as all that. But I remind myself that I’m turning over a new leaf. I’m getting my shit together and I’m going to be more present.

“I actually just wrapped up my big convention last night. So I should have a lot more free time now.” Not a lie.

Izzy squeaks and claps. “Perfect! Let’s grab lunch someday this…”

I miss the rest of what she says because a deep rumbling voice just entered the room. A voice that I can feel in my bones.

He’s here.

My eyes slowly pull away from Izzy, moving to where Jackson is standing from his seat, giving a bro hug to Sebastian.

Sebastian is saying something in greeting to Jackson, but his eyes are locked on mine. And he looks hungry.

My honey badger preens her fur coat.

I break the eye contact and look at the empty seat next to mine.

He wouldn’t dare.

I try to act casual while I take a few deep breaths in an attempt to calm my racing pulse. This was not part of the plan for tonight. And I’m a total moron for not considering it as a possibility. This is Jackson’s thing, not Zach’s. I didn’t think Sebastian and Jackson were close.

A hand grips the back of the empty chair next to mine and I clench my fists.

“This seat taken?”

I glance up, the voice is not Sebastian’s.

I don’t know this guy, but he looks familiar. He must be another teammate.

Before I can open my mouth to reply, a large hand lands on the man’s shoulder.

“Dude, move down one.” Sebastian’s tone leaves no room for argument.

Dude rolls his eyes but moves down without argument and starts talking to Luke.

I refuse to show how stressed out his presence is making me. I also refuse to shy away, keeping my eyes on Sebastian as he noisily drags the chair out.

Smirking, he sits, and I watch as his eyes trail down my body. I’m seated, but he can see plenty from his vantage point. My grey cable knit sweater might seem demure, but it’s stretched tight over my chest, and tucked into a burgundy leather pencil skirt. Sitting down brings the hemline up to a nearly indecent height, but the black tights I’m wearing keep all my skin covered. My hair is half-up, half-down tamed into a controlled mess. And I’m immensely glad I took so much care getting ready for tonight. I look good, and I know it.

Sebastian slowly reaches out, dragging a finger down my black feather earring. “Nice to see you again, Banshee.”