Chapter 23 Eva #2
Billie purses her lips with a silent nod. “You’re falling for him.”
“No, I’m not.” I choke the words out quickly.
“I’m sorry. I will correct myself. You’ve fallen for him.”
“It’s not like that, okay? It’s just been a buildup from high school. More of a what-if scenario,” I rush, spluttering my words. “Once this wedding is over, this will be over.”
“You really believe that?”
“I have to, Billie. Aston is not the guy for me.” As the words leave my mouth, I check my phone to see if Aston has texted. There’s nothing from him, and even though I should send him a text, something makes me hold back.
Last night changed everything.
I don’t know where we stand.
But given Aston’s history with women, it wouldn’t surprise me if I’m just a notch on his belt.
Except he asked me to stay.
The day turned out to be quiet, which should have been a welcome relief, but only added to my stress of low numbers this season.
When I finally arrive home, I take a long-needed shower. The hot water feels like heaven, but upon spreading the soap all over my body, I notice small bruises near my thighs.
A smile graces my lips as I remember when he positioned himself between my legs and gave me the best head of my life. He used his hands to keep my legs spread wide open, which I assume led to the bruises.
The water cascading down my body stings my sensitive nipples. God, he really did a number on me. I use the soft loofah beneath, but the moment it accidentally glides against my clit, I moan with desire. How is it possible for me to want more?
I decide to get out and put on my silk black pajamas to relax for the rest of the night.
With my hair damp and brushed away from my face, I set up camp on the sofa with my laptop.
In the background, I put on Love Island again.
I’ve missed a few episodes, so I’m not up-to-date with who is sleeping with whom.
This week’s focus is finishing plans for the bachelorette party and the seating chart for the reception.
Maddy’s mom offered Beaumont Manor to host the girls-only party.
I wasn’t sure if Maddy would approve, but since we didn’t have much time, she happily accepted and gave me a list of things she requires.
Ramona, however, texted me to say she could get male strippers if we need them. I’m still on the fence, not wanting to make the party that kind of cheesy.
My phone pings with a text beside me.
Maddy
I’m coming over after dinner. Did Ramona text you about strippers? Like, how hot are we talking?
Me
I saw a pic and let me sum it up in two words: WILD STALLION. See you soon.
The guilt rears its ugly head again. If I were to say something, maybe she might understand given that we’re all adults now and can make our own decisions.
With every minute that passes, I twitch nervously in anticipation. It all becomes a bit too much, so I rumble through the kitchen cupboards and pull out a bottle of gin someone gave me for the opening of the café. Luckily, I also find a bottle of tonic.
My stare is blank, and I am unable to concentrate on the screen.
The gin has gone down nicely, so I make another and decide to call my parents instead.
It’s been a while since I last checked in, and of course, nothing much has changed.
They got some new animals, including an exotic bird, which Dad treats like a third child.
When we hang up, I call my brother, needing to hear his voice.
“If it isn’t the queen of Cinnamon Springs,” he teases upon answering. “You’re alive, lil sis.”
“Barely,” I tell him. “This wedding planning is killing me.”
“Wedding planning? Whose wedding?”
“Didn’t I tell you Maddy’s getting married?”
“No, but then again, maybe you did and I forgot. It’s been busy, and I haven’t had a moment to stop. Everyone wants a taste of Cannes ,” he says in an overdone French accent.
“Right, because you’re a Michelin star god.” I smile proudly, even though he can’t see me. “Do you mention that when trying to hook up with the ladies?”
He chuckles. “No, I rely on my good looks.”
“Gross.” I laugh loudly. My brother is a good-looking guy. He’s always been one to capture the girls’ eyes, but much like Aston, he never settles down. “So, what’s new with you?”
“I’m dating someone,” he says, with a weight to his admission.
“Get out of here,” I shout, then calm down. “Really?”
“Yes, her name is Nicole, and she is American. We’ve been seeing each other for four months.”
“Four months? Wow! Is this the longest relationship you’ve ever had? Do I smell wedding bells?”
“No,” he quickly informs me. “Since you’re so nosy, remember Briella? I dated her for longer.”
“Oh God, how could I forget?” Briella is someone my brother dated while still living here in Cinnamon Springs.
She ended up following him to college, but things took a nasty turn.
Apparently, once she got a taste of freedom, she no longer wanted her high school boyfriend and was caught hooking up with other guys at frat parties several times.
Poor Elliot had his heart broken over and over again.
“More like Cruella. What a waste of time. Do you even know what she’s doing these days? ”
“Some husband in finance and three kids.”
I chuckle. “Consider yourself lucky.”
“So, what about you? Are you actually trying to let men date you, or are you still red-flagging everyone?”
“I don’t red-flag everyone.” I sink into my sofa, annoyed. “God, you’re just like Billie.”
“Wait, is Billie the hot one?”
“Don’t go there,” I warn him. “To answer your question, my dating life is complicated.”
“Complicated because you make it that way.”
I sit up, pulling my legs to my chest. “I don’t make things complicated. I’m the least complicated person to go out with. If it’s not working I—”
“Pull the plug,” Elliot finishes. “And there’s your problem.”
My guard is up while annoyed by my brother’s comment.
He makes it seem like I don’t care and just end things if the guy isn’t working out.
It’s not at all like that. What’s the point in pursuing a relationship if I think my heart will get broken?
I know what it feels like, and I would never wish it upon anyone, let alone myself, again.
“Eva, just admit it. It’s not complicated, you’re spooked.”
“You’re spooked,” I retort.
There’s a knock on the door, so I jump up to answer it. I expect it to be Maddy after her dinner, but I open the door to Aston, who is standing on the other side in his gray sweats and his usual navy coat.
“Um… Elliot, I have to go.”
I hang up the call as Aston tilts his head in curiosity. “Elliot?”
“My brother,” I blurt out, quick to remind him.
“Right, yes, forgot about him.” Aston’s expression softens. “Can I come in, or am I banished to the hall for being a naughty boy and breaking the friend code?”
The corners of my mouth lift. “You can come in, but just letting you know, Maddy is coming over.”
“Of course she is,” he deadpans before closing the door behind him and following me to the sofa. I sit on the other end, keeping my distance. I’m not immune to how his presence affects me. How can someone look so sexy in gray sweatpants but equally as sexy in a suit? It’s usually one or the other.
But it’s not what he is wearing, it’s Elliot’s words lingering in my head. Do I spook easily? I don’t consider it being spooked, more vigilant with my heart.
There’s a difference.
“The wedding is right around the corner,” I start by trying to ignore the voices in my head, but stop upon his unrelenting stare. “What?”
He rubs his stubbly chin. “You don’t want to talk about leaving this morning?”
I shrug, focusing back on my screen. “What’s there to talk about, Aston? We both lost control last night.”
“And you still believe I’m playing you, am I right?”
“I don’t know what to b-believe.” My words falter, and I’m unsure how honest to be with him.
“We just need to get this wedding over and done with. Can we at least pause things until then? I know you’re not bothered by hiding from Maddy, but I am, and if you care for me in the slightest way, you’ll understand why I’m feeling so torn over this. ”
The powerful sound of silence lingers in the room. Of all the words we could say to each other right now, perhaps this is the loudest. Besides, with Maddy coming over, the last thing we need is an argument between us.
Aston finally sighs, asking, “Okay, what do we have left to do?”
I go through my list and read from my screen. “So, this is my spreadsheet. Red means outstanding, orange means pending, green means complete.”
“Show me.” He yanks the laptop from me, only to place his fingers on the keyboard to start typing, but then he stops, reaching into his pocket to remove black-framed reading glasses.
“Are you touching my spreadsheet? I’ll let you know I spent hours on that and have a system.”
“Your system needs tweaking,” he brags, passing the laptop back. “Here you go.” His eyebrows raise with a smirk teasing his lips.
I press my legs shut, trying my best to ignore the heat rising between them while I glance at him. “Since when do you wear glasses?”
“Since staring at screens all day became blurry,” he admits.
“Huh.” I rub the back of my neck, then swallow with a struggle. “They look good on you.”
“Is that why your nipples are hard?”
I glance down, rushing to cover my chest. “No funny business. You are here strictly as a friend helping me plan this wedding.”
“Right, so I have to forget about how you came five times last night?”
“Six,” I mumble, taking a slow drink from my glass. “But who’s counting?”
“Apparently, you,” he teases.
I smack him with the pillow as he scowls. Why does he have to look so irresistible in those glasses?
“Can you be normal, please? Pretend nothing at all happened last night,” I beg of him.
“Impossible.” His grin is driving me crazy. “However, since my sister is about to knock on that door, I will pretend… for now .”