Page 19

There’s something about drinking and trying to make it down a flight of stairs that is just not compatible. As much as I’m ashamed to admit it, I’m a little unsteady on my feet by the time I reach the front door. And I almost fall over myself when I see Oliver in the flesh.

The boys haven’t noticed me yet. Instead, they stand together, Oliver blowing air into his cold hands. When he spots me his eyes light up and a flush settles over his skin. I wave, then open the door.

“Hey guys! We’re just upstairs in Gemma’s room. Three flights up on the left.”

“Eden! Looking good tonight!” Ben’s the first one in, and he gives me a kiss on the cheek before heading upstairs. Oliver follows behind him, and I pretend not to notice the dirty look he shoots at Ben’s retreating back.

“Oliver.”

“Eden.” He nods, then grins. Mischief dances in his green eyes. There’s something electric in the air tonight. “He’s right. You do look good.”

I try to ignore the rush of warmth that sends tingles all over my body. “Thanks,” I respond softly. “You do too.”

“Do what?” His eyebrow quirks up. Oliver’s playing a dangerous game.

“You look good,” he makes me say.

“Why thank you. Thought I would channel a famous literature character tonight. Pop quiz! Which one is it?”

Laughing at his playfulness, I start making my way back upstairs. “Hmm. I’m going to go out on a limb here and say…Gatsby?”

He’s so close behind me I can feel the heat radiating off his body. I can’t turn and look at him though. With the tension in my body slowly dissipating, I have no clue what I would do to him. My mind—usually constantly buzzing—stills, and all I can think about is Oliver. He waits until we reach our floor to respond. He passes me and blocks Gemma’s door, leaning casually against the wall. My heart thumps so hard in my chest it feels like it’s going to fly out.

“And a first name?’ His voice turns quiet, soft. My body leans in subconsciously. I know what he’s trying to do. And if he wants to play this game, so be it. I don’t back away from challenges.

“That’s a hard one,” I smirk, crossing my arms. I notice the way his eyes flick down to my chest, just for a moment. I make a conscious effort to push them up just a little higher to make him sweat. It works. “You know I haven’t read the book.”

“What book, Eden, what book?” He likes this. I know he does. Making me squirm under pressure. I tilt my head back to look him in the eye.

“The Great Gatsby?” I answer innocently, eyes wide.

“Good girl. I’m impressed.”

Good girl?

Good girl.

Good girl!

Good…girl…

What the fuck. What the fuck?

I swear my brain short-circuits as he grins and opens the door, leaving me alone to freak out. I swear he knows exactly what he’s doing to me.

Luckily Gemma and Ben are there to distract me from the inner freak-out I’m trying my best to hide. Ben hands us a cocktail each, and I hope he doesn’t notice the bit that spills due to my shaking hands. Gemma raises her glass.

“Here’s to a successful semester!” Gemma cheers. We clink glasses, and I feel Oliver move closer next to me. I don’t want to look at him though. I can’t. Not with other people around. Not with the things I want to do to him.

“Where’s the bathroom?” His breath tickles my neck and the sudden nearness sends goosebumps across my body.

“Just the door over there.” He presses a gentle hand into my hip as he passes, nodding thanks. My skin burns where he touched me. Gemma watches us with interest and as I turn away from her prying eyes, I find myself face to face with Ben. Who’s sporting a shit-eating grin.

“You alright there, Eden?”

“I’m fine.”

“You look a little bit…”