Overlooked(1)(113)

But something about Olivia had called to me and made me eager to learn more about her.

From our limited interactions in art class, I knew that she was sweet and soft spoken. She always slid me an easy smile and engaged in small talk as we worked on our projects in the studio.

I was a terrible artist but it was the elective I looked forward to most.

I arrived in the art studio and dropped my backpack near the door before pulling on my smock. I collected the tools I’d need to complete my project and went to sit down to wait for Olivia’s arrival.

She didn’t keep me waiting long and walked in wearing a pretty yellow sundress and sandals. Her strawberry blonde hair was pulled up and secured by a white ribbon.

She was perfection.

Her usual easy smile was missing and replaced with a serious, contemplative expression.

But she still greeted me sweetly after putting on her smock.

“Hi, Sebastian.”

Butterflies swarmed in my stomach.

“Hi, Olivia. How’s it going?”

She tilted her and appeared to think about her answer before settling on, “I’m really happy it’s Friday. I don’t think I could take another day here.”

“I hear you. Any plans this weekend?”

Shaking her head, she frowned.

“What about you?” she asked, selecting a pencil to start her new sketch.

“Not much. Probably just helping my dad out at the shop and then I may go see a movie.”

Olivia made a noncommittal sound and just nodded before diving into her art work.

We worked in silence for a few minutes before I gathered up the nerve to speak again.

At that moment, I was thrilled that our workstation was near the back of the gallery, not exactly in earshot of the other students or the art teacher for that matter.

“Olivia, there’s something I’ve been meaning to ask you.”

Distracted, she looked up.

“What’s up?”

“Would you like to go to prom with me?”

After what seemed like hours, Olivia found her voice.

Though her next words made me wish she’d just remained mute.

“Sebastian, I’m sorry.”

I cleared my throat and tried to pretend that the words didn’t sting as much as they did.

“It’s not you, trust me.”

If I wasn’t so crushed, I’d probably roll my eyes at her weak attempt to console me.

“This is just not a good time for me. I don’t even know what’s happening anymore. I wouldn’t be good company anyway. But it was really sweet of you to ask.”

Unable to speak, I just gazed at her and only nodded, letting her know that I understood.

Even if it was the furthest thing from the truth.

This is why I never put myself out there.

No matter how good my chances seemed, I just wasn’t cut out for this shit.

A sad smile claimed her face before she went back to work as if she hadn’t just crushed my teenage dreams.

Jolted back to the present by a hand on my shoulder, I allow myself to be escorted to the awaiting limo.

Olivia slides in before me and I follow close behind her.

This should be fun.





CHAPTER THREE





OLIVIA KING





This is insane!

I’m sitting in the back of a limo with Sebastian Downs.

And he’s a billionaire now?

Oh, my God.

Seated across from me, he is the picture of calm and collected while I freak out internally.

Does he recognize me?

Had he set up this whole thing when he saw my pathetic submission?

What the hell is going on?

The car accelerates, smoothly covering ground and I continue to stare at him in shock.

I don’t remember him being this gorgeous in high school.

But he is panty-dropping fine these days.

Currently, he’s looking down at his phone tapping away at the screen, so I take the opportunity to admire him in all his glory.

A strong square jaw accentuates the other beautiful features on his tanned face and the glasses he once wore are gone, giving me a clear view of his dazzling blue eyes.

His well-muscled body is a glorious testament to the hours he must spend in the gym every week. I can’t help but appreciate the resulting powerful physique.

He’s donned in a simple button up, slacks and loafers but I can just tell from looking at him that the getup probably cost more than two months of my pitiful salary.

And don’t get me started on his cologne.

The scent is musky and masculine. Purely intoxicating and making it nearly impossible to focus on anything but him.

I’d expected to be a sweaty mess in front of the cameras, but what I hadn’t expected was for the source of my frazzled nerves to be my old classmate.

“Are you just going to keep staring or are you going to speak, Olivia?” he asks darkly, catching me off guard.

A startled gasp escapes me before I can help myself. I still can’t pull my eyes away from him though.