Ben wanted me just as much as I wanted him.
Fuck.
Our eyes locked and electricity crackled through the air.
I bit my lip as I seriously contemplated whether or not we had time to shag and get this sexual tension out of our systems.
The way I was feeling about him right now, he’d only have to touch me once and I’d come on the spot, I was sure of it.
Usually I liked sex to last, but I’d be happy even if it was over in a few minutes. I just needed to feel him inside me. I wanted to taste him, I wanted to…
‘Sarah?’ I heard a knock at the door and almost jumped out of my skin. ‘You in there? The wedding’s starting in twenty minutes. We need to take our seats.’
‘Shit,’ I mumbled. ‘That’s my mum. We should go.’
‘Sure,’ Ben said as we stepped out of the room.
The wedding was gorgeous. If I was ever lucky enough to get hitched, that was exactly how I wanted to do it. Something fairly low-key.
Adrian and Debbie had got married on the beach in front of a gorgeous flower arch with guests seated on wooden benches lined with colourful cushions and decorated with flowers.
There were round tables laid out on the beach with white tablecloths and gold plates and cutlery. After the speeches, we’d all tucked into a delicious three-course meal whilst the DJ played soft music in the background.
Once we’d eaten, the mingling continued. Ben, of course, was brilliant. Although we’d seen Trent and Esme from a distance (as predicted, she’d worn a white dress—what a cow), thankfully we’d managed to successfully avoid speaking to them. And Ben had got on so well with Adrian and Debbie that they’d even invited him to be in some of the family photos.
At first, it was kind of awkward because Ben and I knew it wasn’t real. But then I’d encouraged it because although I knew nothing romantic would ever happen between us, I now considered Ben a real friend.
Yeah, we’d only known each other for around five weeks, but we’d already spent a lot of time together. And most importantly, he’d shown up for me. He’d proved himself to be a true friend through his actions. So whatever happened, wherever he movedto next, I knew that I’d always look back on those photos fondly and remember how he’d helped me out.
‘I’m going to the loo,’ I said. ‘You gonna be okay on your own?’
‘Sure. Everyone already feels like family. I’ll be fine.’
‘Great. I’ll grab you a beer on the way back.’
As I headed to the ladies’, my shoulders relaxed. We’d really pulled this off. And most importantly, we’d done it without stuff getting complicated.
I’d been thinking about it and actually, as much as I’d wanted him earlier, it was good that we got interrupted and nothing happened between us. It’d get too messy. I was still on probation and I didn’t want to throw away my dream career, just for a two-minute fuck.
It didn’t matter how gorgeous Ben was, it wasn’t worth the risk. We were much better off as friends.
We’d managed to achieve our objectives without crossing any lines. No kissing, no complications.
Tomorrow we’d be able to fly to England, then go back to work on Monday without any awkwardness. It was perfect.
One more night and we’d be home free.
Easy-peasy.
42
BEN
As I waved to a woman that I now knew was called Auntie Gertrude, a warm feeling of satisfaction flooded my chest.
I’d got through the day. Not just for Sarah, but for myself.
Weddings had always been tricky for me.
