Page 10 of Fallen Flame

“What did you say?”

I rubbed the back of my neck. “I told him that since he was stuck with me... maybe we should have a little fun and get to know each other better.”

Ever stared at me completely speechless.

I gave her an awkward smile.

“And?”

“And...”

I sighed. “He told me goodnight.”

Silence. “He... what?”

“He told me goodnight.”

“That’s it?”

“That was it.”

“He didn’t flirt?”

“No.”

“He didn’t smile?”

“He smiled.”

“He didn’t kiss you?”

“No, Ever. He told me goodnight, and then he walked away.”

Ever’s mouth slowly fell open. “What an idiot!”

I burst out laughing. “That’s what I’m saying, but I’m also embarrassed as hell.” I shrugged.

“But I’d do it again if I had the chance.”

Ever stared at me as if she’d never seen me before. “I had no idea you liked Oliver.”

Neither had I. My cheeks warmed. “I didn’t either.”

“What?”

“I swear.” I tucked a strand of hair behind my ear. “I’ve always thought he was cute.”

“Who hasn’t?”

“But...” I searched for the right words. “Last night was different.”

“How?”

“I don’t know.”

I really didn’t. One minute he’d been walking me down the hallway like the responsible club guy, making sure I got settled into my room. The next, I couldn’t stop looking at him. The way he listened when I talked. The way he held himself. The way he never once made me feel like I was annoying him, even though I was ninety percent sure I talked too much.

Something had clicked. Hard.