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When the song ends, we’re still laughing until Ethan comes to join us.
“Excuse me, do you mind if I cut in? I’d like to dance with Eden.”
What’s happening? I have two handsome men vying to dance with me. And Ethan rarely danced with me when we were together, so his gesture surprises me even more.
“Of course,” Rhett says politely and leaves Ethan and me alone on the dance floor.
Ethan’s feet slide in a slower rhythm, and it’s more sensual than fun. I keep my gaze fixed over his shoulder with a quick check now and then to read his expression. When I do catch him staring at me, our eyes meet, connecting, before I look away.
“Did I tell you how beautiful you look tonight?” he whispers close to my ear.
“No. This is the first time we’ve spoken.”
He leans back and grins. “That’s because you’re far more stunning than just beautiful. I can barely take my eyes off you.”
“Ethan,” I whisper and bow my head. “I can’t—”
“I know. I just want to compliment a beautiful woman because compliments are good for the soul.”
“They are,” I admit. “Is this the part where I tell you that you also look handsome?”
“I think it is.” He smirks.
He spins me, and when I land closer to him, I steady myself by gripping his shoulder and waist tightly, so I don’t overbalance. After months in the jungle, it’s taken me a while to get used to wearing heels again. I glance up to the footballers talking to Cleo, Yasmine, and Amy. Only Amy isn’t listening. She’s glaring at me. Or is it Ethan? I’m not sure Amy will ever let go of the animosity she has for Ethan.
“Thank you for the dance,” I tell him when the music stops. “And for the compliment.”
“The pleasure is all mine.” Ethan grips my elbow and leads me back to my friends.
Before I say anything to Amy, I’m overcome with déjà vu. And how life is panning out.
The server walks by, and Amy takes a champagne glass from the tray in a swift action, downing half of it in one go. “You two were looking cozy.”
“I just realized how easily I have slipped back to my old life, my old ways,” I tell her.
“Too easily,” she says and takes another sip without looking at me.
“It’s not what I want. I don’t want to be complimented on my fake dress and makeup that has transformed me to look desirable. I don’t want this. I want Samuel… wherever he is. Until he’s out of the jungle and can contact me, I need you to stop me from falling further down the rabbit hole of normality.”
Amy looks me straight in the eye. “Challenge accepted.”
“Will is here,” Faith announces.
We turn to the doorway, where Will rushes in and makes a beeline for our father. With champagne in hand, both Faith and I walk over to my father.
“Happy birthday, Dad,” Will says in a deep voice and holds out his hand.
Dad spins and ignores his hand, instead taking his son and hugging him in a warm embrace. They both pat each other’s back before breaking apart. Dad holds Will by his shoulders and looks him up and down. “You look well, s-son.” His voice cracks on the last word.
My dad is turning into a big softie.
And I couldn’t be happier about it.
“Hey, bro, what about a hug for your sisters,” I say.
Will turns to Faith and me and waggles his eyebrows. “Don’t you both scrub up well, especially you, jungle girl,” he says and winks.
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