Page 64 of Fallen Flame

Together, we headed toward the common room. The smell of coffee hit me before we even rounded the corner.

I poured myself a mug and then reached into the cabinet for a bowl. I had just started pouring cereal when Ever and Jude came down the hallway.

Ever looked at me once. Then again.

Then she slowly smiled.

Uh-oh.

She walked right over while Jude wandered toward the coffee pot. “I was really tired last night,” she whispered.

I looked up innocently. “Were you?”

“Mmhmm.”

She leaned closer. “And I thought I saw you guys kiss.”

I nearly dropped the cereal box.

“But,” she continued, “I figured my eyes were just tired.” She looked me up and down. “Right now, though?”

I laughed nervously.

“I know for a fact something is going on with you and Oliver.”

I couldn’t help smiling. “You are very observant.” I poured the cereal into my bowl. “But maybe keep it to yourself, yeah?”

She nodded immediately. “I hear you.”

I appreciated that mostly because I didn’t even know what Oliver and I were yet.

We’d kissed.

Twice.

Really good kisses, but that didn’t automatically mean we were dating.

Or together.

Or... anything.

Until Oliver and I actually talked about it, I wasn’t exactly interested in broadcasting it to the entire clubhouse.

“You eating, babe?” Jude called from the coffee pot.

Ever shrugged. “I mean...” She leaned against the counter. “I’m hungry, but I don’t feel like making anything.”

I held up my bowl. “I can make you some cereal.”

She wrinkled her nose. “You know what I really want?”

Oliver folded his arms across his chest while Jude smiled at her. “What, baby?”

“A bacon, egg, and cheese croissant from Kwik Trip.” She clasped her hands dramatically. “And one of those giant vanilla cappuccinos from the machine that makes you wonder if they ever clean it.” She paused. “But if they do clean it, I swear it probably won’t taste as good.”

Jude laughed. “I do need to stop and get gas.”

Ever looked at me.