‘It is now, but at the time it was mortifying. And then he saw me munching on cock cookies in Love & Lattes too. He must think I’m obsessed!’
‘I thought you didn’t care what Ben thought?’ Jess raised a suspicious brow.
‘I don’t! It’s just, well, I’m seeing a different side to him.’
‘Oh yeah?’ There went that eyebrow again.
‘I still think he’s arrogant and a dick for hating romance, obviously, but he’s been really helpful. And kind. And considerate, and as much as I hate to admit it, he’s really hot. He…’ I hesitated. I didn’t want Jess to tease me about maybe liking him, but I had to tell someone about the whole chest thing.‘He was the one who saw the stain on my dress, and he whipped off his shirt so I could wrap it around my waist, and his chest is, like,wow.’
‘Awww, that’s really sweet!’ Jess said. ‘So youreallyfancy him, then?’
‘No!’ I blurted out. ‘I mean, yes, I… I don’t know! All I know is that Ican’tfancy him!’
‘Why not?’
‘Because of a million reasons!’ I frowned at her, wondering how she could ask such a crazy question.
‘No, tell me why?’
‘He’s a player!’ I said. ‘And he’s arrogant… maybe,’ I added, unsure about whether he really was. ‘And we work together.’
‘So do Theo and I, and Jane and Jackson.’
‘But you’re in committed relationships! Ben isn’t the settling down type and that’s what I want. A proper partner, not just a shag. It’d be messy if we were working together. I’m not into the whole casual thing, so I’d hate to see him flirting with other members, justno.’ I shook my head as a shiver raced down my spine.
‘Yeah, now that I think about it, that could get awkward. And Theo told me Ben’s not sure how long he’ll be sticking around.’
‘Really?’ I stopped in my tracks. For some reason my stomach sank. We hadn’t been working together long and he did wind me up a lot, but I’d still be a bit disappointed if he left the library completely.
‘Apparently, he doesn’t like to spend too long in one place. He’s a nomad.’
‘Well, there you go, then, another reason to add to the list of why we shouldn’t get involved. What am I even saying?’ I mentally slapped my face. ‘It wouldn’t be an issue because he’s not even interested in me like that.’
‘Yeah, right.’ Jess rolled her eyes. ‘I’m sure he’s interested. You’re a babe.’
‘Says my supportive, completely unbiased best friend,’ I laughed.
‘It’s true! Have you asked yourself how Ben knew you had a bloodstain on your arse?’
‘What do you mean?’
‘He obviously saw it because he was checking out your bum when you walked away.’
My head snapped round to look at her.
‘Oh…’ I nodded. ‘Maybe. I’m grateful, though. Actually, I’d better get to the B&B and get this shirt off. I don’t want the stain to rub off onto it. You coming?’
‘Okay. Theo, Celeste, Jane and Jackson have got everything covered. I can stay out for another fifteen minutes or so.’
We returned to the B&B. There wasn’t any sign of Glenda, so we went straight up to my room. Once I’d changed, we went back downstairs and just as we got near the front door, Glenda was coming in.
‘Hello, lovelies!’ She beamed, carrying multiple shopping bags.
‘Need some help?’ I offered.
‘That’d be great!’
Jess and I took some of her bags, carried them into the kitchen, then helped to unpack them.
