AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Oliver’s face is filled with doubt, and after looking at me for a long moment, he lets out a heavy sigh. He rolls over to turn off his lamp and says, “Goodnight, Lilly. Sweet dreams.”
As I turn away from Oliver to face the wall, I think to myself, This is going to be a long night.
CHAPTER 25
Lilly
I wake up to a feeling of utter contentment and snuggle closer to the source of the nearby warmth, taking in a deep breath, filling my lungs with that smell, that one that always makes me think of Oliver. Oliver! As I emerge from unconsciousness, I realise that at some point during the night, I migrated across the bed towards Oliver, and that is where I am now, wrapped around him, like a koala bear hugging a tree. My arm is thrown over his waist, holding on tightly, and my leg is hooked around both of his. I am pressed so close to his body I can’t see where I end and he begins.
How did this happen? OK, stupid question. This happened because my body physically cannot stay away from his, but how has he not extricated himself from me? I look up from where my head is nuzzling into his chest and let out a relieved breath when I see Oliver is still asleep. There is still time to salvage this situation. I just need to get back to my side of the bed without waking him up. As gently as I can, I take my leg off his and move away from his warm body, when he murmurs in his sleep, frowning, and pulls me back. Great. Now what? It would seem that Oliver’s sleeping form is enjoying this little impromptu cuddle, but I doubt a conscious Oliver would feel the same. Not wanting the day to start off on an awkward note, I try again to get out of this lovely but oh-so-inappropriate embrace. I think back to one of my favourite episodes of Friends, the one where Ross tells Chandler how to get out of spooning Janice all night (“hug for her, roll for me”), and I pull Oliver closer for a tight squeeze, then roll away from him in one swift motion. Quick as a cat. And roll straight off the bed.
“Ouch!”
“Lilly?” Oliver speaks up, his voice rough with sleep. “What happened? Are you OK?”
I poke my head up from where I am now sitting on the floor next to the bed and flash a thumbs up. I am such a dork.
“All good here. Just some gymnastics to start the day.” What? What did I just say? “Did you sleep well?” I ask, changing the subject.
Oliver yawns and stretches his arms above his head, exposing an expanse of tanned chest, while I force myself to look away in an effort to not drool over him first thing in the morning.
“That was the best sleep I have had in years.” He gives me a contemplative look.
“Must be the sea air,” I say as I get up and head to the bathroom, wondering if Oliver remembers our night-time cuddle.
“I’m going to get ready for the day,” I add as I step into the bathroom. “Lots of activities to keep us busy. Rise and shine, early bird catches the worm, and all that,” I ramble on, no longer in control of what is coming out of my mouth.
I hear Oliver chuckling as I close the door and hurry through my morning routine. After brushing my teeth, I attempt to get my hair in order, embarrassed that Oliver has seen me with bed hair. After plaiting my hair into two braids, I dress in a white bikini (one with more coverage than the last time Oliver and I went swimming together), throw on a short sundress in a bright shade of turquoise that matches my eyes, and smother my face with sunscreen. Unlike Oliver with his beautiful olive skin, I burn at the slightest hint of sunshine, and I do not want to attend the wedding tomorrow looking like a boiled lobster.
As I exit the bathroom, I see Oliver has already dressed for the day. He looks amazing, as per usual, in blue, red, and white shorts and another polo shirt that is doing great things for all his muscles. I stand and stare at him for a beat, unable to stop my gaze from running over him. I notice Oliver is doing the same to me, making me flush and squeak, “Bathroom’s free.” After this embarrassing display, I let Oliver pass by and attempt to busy myself by filling my beach bag with the day’s essentials. Phone, sunscreen, hat, water bottle. All packed and good to go.
Once Oliver has finished getting ready, I stop him before we leave the room.
“Are we set on the game plan?” I ask, reminding us of both of the reason he is here with me. “Are you ready to play the part of my adoring boyfriend? To help my ego and save me a lifetime of humiliation?” I add with a touch of dramatics.
Oliver laughs and grabs my hand as we leave the room. “I have been ready for this for a long time, Lilly.”
Huh? That shuts me up as we make our way down to reception, where we are meeting the wedding crew for the day.
“Lilly!” I look up to see Sebastian and who I assume is his fiancée moving towards us as we exit the elevator. “I am so glad you are here. I was not sure you would turn up,” he adds, which is weird given I RSVP’d saying I would be there. Maybe-Sarah is looking at me up and down with a vacant smile on her face, and I plaster a fake smile on my own.
“You must be Sarah? It is so nice to meet you. Thanks for inviting us to join in your special day.”
“Oh, sure, no worries, it’s all good,” Sarah says in a high-pitched voice, sounding like she may be drunk already. Or maybe she is just always a little vague?
Feeling awkward, I pull Oliver closer to me and introduce him, “Seb, Sarah, this is Oliver. My boyfriend.”
Oliver flashes his friendly, dimpled-filled smile, and I relax a bit. Just knowing he is here to have my back is making this conversation almost bearable.
“Nice to meet you both. I echo Lilly over here and thank you for your kind invitation to join you this weekend.”
Sarah beams at Oliver, and for unknown reasons, decides to give him a sloppy hug. She must be charmed by Oliver and his dimples, while in contrast to this, Sebastian looks at him with open hostility.
“Oliver?” Sebastian says. “You look familiar. Aren’t you the older brother of Lilly’s best friend? Annie?”
“Amy,” we both correct him, me feeling pretty annoyed given that Sebastian and I were a couple for over four months and friends for around six months before that, and he couldn’t even recall the name of my best friend.
“So how long have you two been a couple?” Sebastian continues, sounding somewhat suspicious.
