Read The One Awakened: Book 1 in The One Trilogy for Free Online Page A

see that the information I’ve just provided him with has not gone down well.  
    He isn’t laughing along with me. In fact his jaw is clenched in tension and he is staring at me intently, as if considering what to say next. He’s probably just feeling protective of Finn and I, in the brotherly manner he has always portrayed. I can understand that he wouldn’t want to see me rush into anything too soon. I decide to flip the switch.  
    “What about you? Anyone tempt Britain’s most eligible bachelor?”  
    He watches me for an age, as though he’s deciphering the words over and over and then with an upturned mouth barks, harshly. “Don’t change the subject Lulu. So when do I get to meet this Leo?” He practically orders it; struggling over Leo’s name. Hang on a minute, why does it seem like he’s angry all of a sudden? He’s not my father and who was changing the subject; me or him?
    “Tomorrow night actually; if you want to? He’s coming to meet up with us for drinks, for Suzie’s birthday. You coming?” I add graciously, placing my drink back onto the side-table.“Yeah I’ll see you there. Gino already invited me,” he shrugs and makes to stand up. “Right I’d better be off, I’m shattered and I’ve got to go sort my shit out.”
    Why do men always use the term ‘sorting their shit out’ as an excuse to escape you? This is just code for ‘I need to be on my own now, crash on the sofa with a beer and kill someone on the playstation’. I’ve got news for all you men - women have cracked the code!
    “Yeah it’ll be nice to be back in my own bed again. Think I’ve only slept in it a handful of times since I moved into the new-build.” He refers to his relatively new, but gorgeous home, a perfect example for the Silver Construction portfolio.  
    Wait - hasn’t he been luxuriating in a beautiful new build hotel, in Dubai of late? Life was really hard for some. Why has the mood changed so suddenly? It’s rapidly become uncomfortable and I just want to get back to comfortable - just normal time with my mate.  
    “So you’re off then? That was quick. Glad I could supply you with some home-cooking, or at least a ready meal. It really is great to see you again Seb; I’ve missed you - rather a lot actually.”
    I smile up at him sheepishly, annoyed with myself for admitting my weakness. This would have been normal before - common practice between us, to admit our feelings and be open with one another.Gazing down at my face, his eyes scanning my face thoughtfully, it appears as though he wants to say something.  
    “You look good Lu. Really good.”  
    Hmmm -   you do too!
    “I missed that twitchy little snub nose of yours.”
    My fingers fly up to it, instinctively. What?
    We lock eyes and his are narrowed and intense as he thrusts his hands into his cargo pockets. His body language is stiff, cool and appraising but finally he moves towards me, leaning in - I presume, to kiss my cheek - finally - normality between us at last! I can smell his scent - pure male, and feel the heat coming off his body. But I’m left hanging and feeling stupid, when he quickly changes his mind and gives me a fumbling shoulder slap instead.  
    “We’ll catch up more tomorrow yeah?”  
    His eyes focus on my lips and I moisten them instinctively, only holding his attention further. Then with my mute nod he’s gone. How strange? What was the bro pat all about?  
    Men are so bloody weird.  
    I’d never understand them truly but what I do know is that something over the past hour and half has changed; no scrap that - everything has changed, between two best friends. I feel strange, sad, discombobulated, excited - all rolled into one, but have a strong sensation that something special is on the cards and God knows I am seriously long overdue a little special in my life.  

    Sliding into the car, I click my phone into its holder, and ease my seatbelt around my torso, before placing both hands on the