Chapter 26 Sarah
SARAH
‘Glass?’ Ben asked as he put the bottle of beer on the floor beside me.
In hindsight, if I’d known this morning when I got dressed that I’d be unpacking boxes, I would’ve worn my jeans or something more comfortable instead of this dress, but nothing I could do about it now.
‘Do you even have any glasses?’ I asked.
‘Somewhere…’
‘Don’t worry. I know I’m a classy bitch, but even I can drink from a bottle.’
Ben snorted, and I crossed my arms and did a mock scowl.
‘Why are you laughing? Are you trying to say I’m not classy?’
‘I wouldn’t dare!’ He grinned. ‘I have no doubt that if I looked up “classy bitch” in the dictionary, it would have a photo and description of you.’
‘Too right!’ I said as I raised my bottle in the air. ‘To your new flat. Cheers!’
‘Thanks. And here’s to a successful wedding this weekend, which will result in not just your brother’s happiness but also the downfall of those who shan’t be named.’
‘Cheers to that!’
We clinked bottles and smiled as our eyes locked. Again.
That had happened a few times already tonight.
Whenever it did, I told myself to look away, but somehow I couldn’t. Just like now.
This wasn’t good. Looking into each other’s eyes would be fine in front of my family, but it was the last thing we should be doing at ten o’clock at night when we were alone in his flat with the bed just metres away.
What was I even saying? Of course I wouldn’t sleep with Ben. I rolled my eyes internally, thinking it was crazy that the thought even dared to pop into my head.
Nuh-uh.
Never gonna happen.
Ben broke eye contact, taking a large gulp of his beer, and I tilted my bottle back and did the same.
‘God, I needed that,’ I said.
‘So, are you a beer drinker? I feel like I should know those kinds of things about my girlfriend.’
When he said the word girlfriend, a tingle shot down my spine. Then logic kicked in and reminded me that this was a fake arrangement.
Nothing to get excited about.
‘I don’t mind it,’ I said.
‘But if I’m getting you a drink at the bar, what am I ordering?’
‘Malibu and pineapple.’
‘Malibu?’ He raised a judgemental eyebrow.
‘Yeah. What’s wrong with that?’
‘Nothing.’ He smirked. ‘Nothing at all. I’m just not one for sweet drinks.’
‘I enjoy a nice G I wanted to give him a hug, but somehow it felt too personal.
Maybe it was best if I left before I said or did something else to upset him.
‘I’m getting a bit tired. I should go.’ I stretched my arms up in the air. ‘Unless you need me to stay to, er… talk or finish unpacking?’
‘No, don’t worry. It’s going to take ages to get all this stuff organised. I’ll deal with it another day. But thanks for everything. You’ve been a big help.’
‘You’re welcome. Where are you off to this week with Theo?’ I asked.
‘We’re looking at some sites in Kent and then we’re heading up North.’
‘Cool. I hope it goes well and you and Theo find what you’re looking for.’
‘Fingers crossed. We’ll know it when we see it. So, obviously we can text nearer the time, but do you want to meet in front of the library around eight on Friday morning and catch the train to the airport?’
‘Yeah, okay,’ I said, picking up my bag and heading towards the door.
‘Great. See you on Friday.’
‘See you then,’ I said, closing the door, then leaning against it and blowing out an anxious breath.
I hadn’t banked on travelling to the airport with Ben too. I’d assumed that he’d get some sort of chauffeur-driven car or taxi there and just meet at the airport.
Going on the train with him meant more time spent together.
And more temptation.