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“I said I’m fine!”

“Not anything to do with him, is it?” Gemma asks, cocking her head to the side.

“Looks like it to me, Gemma.” Ben chimes in. They share a conspiratorial smile, and I realise why Gemma got me to invite Ben too. It gives her back-up.

I hate Gemma.

8

CHAPTER EIGHT

Oliver.

I am going to lose my mind. Actually, I have already lost my mind. How am I meant to think straight when Eden comes downstairs looking like that?

I excuse myself to the bathroom to try and find some composure. It doesn’t work.

I can hear them chatting and laughing just outside and I hate the way my ears strain when Eden speaks, trying to catch any words that leave her mouth. Looking into the mirror, I slick my hair back even though it hasn’t budged in the slightest— Ben made sure of that with the amount of product he put in.

There’s something so intoxicating about being around her. And what was that outside just then? Good girl? Jesus Christ, what’s wrong with me?

Taking a breath, I lean against the sink, knuckles white. I just have to get through tonight without doing anything stupid. Without making things awkward between us. That shouldn’t be too hard, right?

When I open the door again the three of them turn to look at me. Ben’s grinning so hard he looks like a kid at Christmas. Gemma watches me over the rim of her glass with a smirk on her face. But it’s Eden that captures my attention.

“What drink are you after, Ollie?” Ben’s words barely register in my head. I’m only looking at her.

“Whatever she’s having.” I’m mesmerised by the way her face flushes as I make my way back over to the group. I can see it so clearly now without her glasses. Ben hands me a glass full of God-knows-what—something fruity by the smell.

“It’s my specialty,” Gemma laughs, noticing my hesitation. “I call it ‘Gemma was left alone with one too many liquor bottles!’”

“It’s good I swear! Her girlfriend lives for it,” Eden adds, nudging me with her shoulder. I smile and take a sip and the taste of coconut rum and cranberry juice floods my tongue.

“Interesting mix. Not too bad though, I’ll give you that.”

“Haha! Told you he’d like it!” Gemma exclaims as Eden rolls her eyes.

“Is there some sort of bet that I don’t know about?” I ask.

“Gemma and I were trying to figure out what sort of drinks you’d like. I said you wouldn’t like this cocktail, but I was wrong.” Eden looks at me and shakes her head. “You just made me lose $10.” The way she pouts makes me laugh.

“Let me buy you a drink, okay? Then we’ll be even.”

“Can you guys stop flirting?” Ben interrupts, checking his watch. “We have twenty minutes until the event starts, and you bet your ass I’m going to be in line for free entry.”

“Fine, fine. Let’s go then.” I hope no one notices the blush creeping up my neck. Are we flirting? Is she flirting with me? Does she want me to flirt with her?

Eden and Gemma grab their bags and then we’re on our way. Walking down the city streets I hate the way my eyes cannot focus on the footpath. They keep sliding to Eden no matter where she is. Walking to the club goes a lot faster when you spend the whole time trying not to stare at someone’s ass. Which is extremely difficult, might I add. Eden’s red dress keeps creeping up the back of her thighs and the tassels don’t leave much to the imagination.

“You’re awfully quiet.” Ben falls in line beside me as the girls continue forwards, chatting away. “Nothing to do with…”

I roll my eyes. “Dude, come on. Leave me alone.”

“Okay, okay! I was just going to say go for it. Gemma says there’s a vibe there. What have you got to lose?”

“She could hate me.”

“Doesn’t she already?”