He had no idea why that fact had tripped off his tongue so easily. Maybe because half his mind was focused on driving. Who knew?
The fact remained they’d just shared information that Ed usually considered far too personal for two people who had practically just met, and he didn’t know how to feel about that.
Apart from awkward.
Oliver obviously felt nothing of the sort as he carried on chatting, gaze focused on the passing scenery. “But for the record, I’m not all that fussed about one-night stands, and my friends all know Betty anyway, so they’re more than welcome to pop in.” He turned to face Ed. “And they sometimes do it when I’m not there, so don’t go calling the police, yeah?” He laughed at Ed’s scowl. “But seriously. I’ve done my fair share of partying. It’s not something I care to repeat.”
Ed sensed there was more to that statement, but he didn’t ask.
Time seemed to have flown by all of a sudden, and it took Ed a bit by surprise when he found himself turning into their road.
When he’d parked and turned the engine off, he bit his lip. Now that they were back, he didn’t want to get out. Embarrassing conversations aside, it was the most enjoyable morning/afternoon he’d had in a long while.
Wow. I need to get out more.
“So, thanks for your help today.”
“No problem,” Oliver replied. “But we’re not done.”
Ed’s eyebrows scrunched together, and Oliver gestured to the back of the van with his thumb. “Unless you’re planning on carrying that mattress in on your own?”
Arse.
Even the thought of carrying that monster made his back ache. “God no.”
Oliver chuckled. “That’s what I thought.” He reached to open his door, so Ed did the same and met him at the rear.
Getting everything inside was ten times easier than it had been loading the van.
Ed had never been more relieved to be living in Elise’s old bungalow: no more fucking stairs.
“Want help putting that lot together?” Oliver gestured to the pieces of bed propped up against the wall.
Up until that moment, standing in the bedroom—albeit the spare one—had seemed totally fine, but Oliver mentioning the bed seemed to drastically change that. Ed palmed the back of his neck, relieved not to feel the heat of a blush. “Thanks, but I reckon I can manage. I’ve taken up enough of your Saturday as it is.”
Oliver smiled at him. “I was happy to help.” He turned to head out of the room and Ed followed.
They passed what used to be the dining room—now Ed’s work room—and Oliver came to an abrupt halt, letting out a low whistle. “Wow.” Ed almost stumbled into the back of him. “I didn’t notice all this before.”
The space wasn’t quite as Ed would’ve wanted it, but as a temporary area, it wasn’t bad. Laptops and PCs filled the room, with his limited supply of spares in the cabinet along the back wall.
“No need to ask what you do for a living then.” Oliver looked around the room again before meeting Ed’s gaze. “I’m assuming it’s not just a hobby.”
Ed chuckled and shook his head. “No, definitely not a hobby.” As much as he enjoyed his work, as soon as he’d done his hours for the day, that door was locked and done with.
Oliver’s eyes danced with curiosity, like he had a hundred questions waiting to spill out.
Normally averse to people enquiring about his private life, Ed found himself wanting to be asked.
“Ed?” Aiden’s voice rang out from the back door. “You in, mate?”
Swallowing the twinge of disappointment at being interrupted, Ed called back, “Yep, just coming.” Either it was his imagination or he saw a matching flash of disappointment in Oliver’s eyes.
“Hey.” Aiden met them in the hallway, eyebrows raising ever so slightly when he saw Oliver there as well. “Alright, Oliver?” His smile was easy, familiar as he greeted him, and Ed frowned before remembering they’d already met according to Aiden. “Ed rope you in to helping, did he?” He grinned, a twinkle in his eyes that had Ed narrowing his. “Shouldn’t it be the other way around after last week.”
Ed shot daggers at his best mate while Oliver laughed.
“Nah, we’ve moved past that,” Oliver replied, matching Aiden’s smile, although it was a bit too conspiratorial for Ed’s liking.
