“You look amazing,” he says, his eyes trailing over me with a soft smile. “Gone for sequins over glitter tonight, huh?”
I grin. “Christmas Eve calls for sequins. It’s an unwritten rule.”
He glances down at his shirt, tugging at the collar. “Clearly, I didn’t get the memo.”
I laugh. “I think you could definitely pull off sequins.”
His eyes flash with heat. “Maybe, but I’m pretty sure you wear them better.”
My cheeks flush with heat, and I brush my hands down my black sequined mini dress, suddenly certain I’d picked the perfect outfit for tonight.
I lean in slightly so he can hear me over the music, “So, what brings you to Eden?”
He grins. “You said it was a good night out. I figured I’d see for myself. I hope your family didn’t mind me stealing you away from them.”
I laugh, waving him off. “Please. They see more than enough of me.”
I take a sip of my drink and sneak a glance at him, only to find he’s watching me with that easy smile of his, the kind that makes my stomach do a ridiculous little flip. It’s hard to know if he’s aware of the effect he has on me, or if he’s affected by me,despite the compliment about my dress. Still, he’s here. That has to mean something, right?
We spend the next hour talking. The conversation flows easily like it always does, but there’s something different tonight. It feels like he’s holding back, like there’s a shift that I can’t quite put my finger on. I don’t know what’s changed, or why, but it leaves me second-guessing.
“I’m just going to run to the restroom,” I say, grabbing my purse. “I’ll be right back.”
He nods, and I slide off the stool, making my way through the crowd to the other side of the bar. There’s a long line for the ladies room, so I slip into the staff restroom instead. Perks of being a regular, I guess. I get a few looks from the women waiting, but I ignore them.
A few minutes later, I head back across the bar, but when I reach our table, Ben is gone. Two women are now sitting where we were, chatting over cocktails like they’ve been there all night.
My stomach dips.
“Hey, sorry,” I say, forcing a smile as I step closer. “Did you see where the guy who was sitting here went?” I’m really hoping he just went to grab another drink.
One of them looks up. “Guy in a blue shirt? He just left. We grabbed the table as soon as it opened up.”
He just… left? Without even saying goodbye?
“Thanks,” I murmur, my voice barely above a whisper as they turn back to their conversation.
I stand there for a moment, unsure what to do. Part of me wants to believe there’s a reason, that maybe he got a call or had to leave suddenly. But deep down, the quiet sting of disappointment settles in my chest.
After everything… afterthatkiss… he didn’t even say goodbye.
And no matter how hard I try to brush it off, it hurts.
CHAPTER THREE
Ashlyn
I’ve just left my apartment for work when my phone rings through the hands-free in my car. Ivy’s name flashes up on the display, and a wave of panic washes over me. It’s seven-thirty in the morning. Why is she calling so early? I hope she’s okay.
“Hey, Ivy,” I say as I answer her call. “You good?”
“Hey, Ash. Yeah, I’m good. I just wanted to check you’re alright. How are you feeling about seeing Ben today?”
My heart swells at her concern. I seriously have the best friends.
I let out a sigh. “I’m dreading it. I have no idea what I’m supposed to say to him. I think I’ll just avoid him altogether. It’s easier that way. Less awkward.”
The Christmas break is over, and school starts again today. I haven’t heard a word from Ben since Christmas Eve, not that I expected to. He still doesn’t have my number. But hedoesknowwhere I live. He walked me right to my door the night he kissed me. If he wanted to see me, he could have found a way.
