‘Well, if you’re sure?’
‘Ben,’ I sighed. ‘I might have called you Buttface, and I know we locked horns over your scandalous opinions about romance novels, but I know deep down you’re a decent guy.’
‘So youdon’tthink I’m an arsehole?’
‘In the beginning, yes. But the Buttface nickname was always supposed to be ironic. Because obviously your face looks nothing like a butt.’
‘You saying you think I’m pretty?’ I could tell that he had a smug grin on his face.
‘Ridiculously so. But you didn’t hear me say that. I can’t go throwing around compliments to someone like you. Your head will never fit through the library’s double doors.’
‘Your secret’s safe with me.’
‘Anyway, to answer your question, I’m fine with coming to your flat. It’s not like we haven’t been alone before. I know you find me irresistible,obviously, but I’m sure you’ll find a way to control yourself!’ I cackled. Clearly, I was joking. I could probably cover myself in ice cream with chocolate sauce and sprinkles and I’m pretty sure Ben wouldn’t be tempted.
In fact, I was starting to think this playboy reputation stuff was all a myth. When I bumped into Kara the other day, she told me she’d seen Ben on the beach and practically thrown herself at him and he hadn’t even batted an eyelid.
Or maybe he preferred American girls, which was why he hadn’t asked Celeste or Kara out.
‘Ha,’ he laughed. ‘You sure your offer to help me unpack isn’t some ruse just to get me alone so you can have your wicked way with me, Jeffries?’
‘No!’ I said, thinking that my defensiveness made me sound as guilty as hell. ‘Youwere the one who said that I needed to prep you for the wedding, so that’s why we’re meeting up, remember? Look, I need to get back to the party. How do I get up to the flat?’
‘You need to go through the separate entrance door at the back of the library. Press the buzzer for flat one and I’ll let you in.’
‘Okay. See you later.’
25
BEN
Sarah was coming up to my flat.
Shit.
Because it’d been so long since I’d seen her, I was looking forward to spending time with Sarah more than I should.
No. It was fine. I was overthinking. The only reason I was feeling weird was because she’d offered to help me.
I was used to my brothers lending a hand, but the women I hung out with never did anything to help me without an ulterior motive.
Maybe Sarah was doing it because I’d let her borrow my shirt, but it wasn’t even a big deal.
When I’d noticed the stain, I’d debated even telling her because then I’d be admitting to staring at her arse, which, full disclosure, I totally was. But then I’d decided that her feelings were more important.
But there could be no bottom ogling tonight. I needed to keep everything above board. I had to show her that I was taking this seriously.
Despite my reputation for being a joker, when friends and family really needed me, I always did my best to step up. Whatever it took, I gave it my all.
That was why when Sarah had said that she didn’t think that preparation and studying were my style, her comment had stung.
Being the youngest was hard. Especially because my brothers were so bloody brilliant. Theo was always the golden child. Not just because he was the eldest and first in line to take over the reins at Father’s company, but because he was so smart. He aced every exam, had impeccable manners and was charming. Tom was pretty much the same.
And then there was me. It didn’t matter how much I tried at school, I always flunked my tests. I even had extra tuition, but nothing seemed to stick. In the end, Father gave up. In truth, I think he believed it wasn’t worth bothering with me because he already had Theo and Tom to run the business.
Whilst Theo and Tom were always complimented by family members for their achievements and intelligence, I was just the ‘cute’, ‘handsome’ one or the family joker.
I wasn’t good at sports oranythingfor that matter. Well, I was good at design and technology, especially when I got to make things with my hands, but that didn’t count because it wasn’t ‘academic’. As far as Father was concerned, I was utterly useless.
