Page 30 of Lessons in Love

She ends up on one couch with Ben, who gives me a wave and a smile. He—like Gemma— also looks very pleased that they’ve managed to get Oliver and I in the same room. Good to know that everyone’s scheming against us. I swear it’s insufferable sometimes when your best friend is in a relationship and cannot wait to get you in one too.

Oliver’s on the other smaller armchair, and he’s staring rather intently at his phone. Great. Guess this is the way the night will go. The second my knees start to bend Gemma pipes up.

“Don’t you dare sit on the floor, Eden. There’s a perfectly good spot on the armchair with Ollie.” Gemma grins at me so I slide into place next to Oliver, giving him a tight smile. The warmth from his leg burns mine. But—against my better judgement—I’m not complaining.

This could not possibly get worse.

“Hey.” Oliver says softly, green eyes finally lifting from the phone. “How have you been?”

I’m grateful he’s broken the silence, but I have no clue how to continue. “Good, I guess. Flat out with assignments again.”

“Never-ending, is it?” He gives me one of his signature grins, and my face flushes uncontrollably.

“You could say that.”

Gemma presses play on the movie, and we fall into a comfortable silence.

The movie flies by next to Oliver, so when he has to shake me awake, I’m more than a little stunned. I’m nestled into his side, tucked in with a blanket from God-knows-where. He has an arm wrapped around my waist, thumb lightly massaging me. My skin tingles where he touches me. I’m sure it’s just my imagination, right? Right?

“How long have I been out?” I yawn, rubbing my eyes.

The movie is still playing in the background. Gemma and Ben are deep in conversation about the lore surrounding Matthew Lillard, and I can see Ben pulling up texts from Michelle as evidence. Not that that’s worth anything against the arsenal that Sam sends.

“Not long,” he responds softly. “You’ve missed the haunted house ride bit.”

I let out a breathy laugh. “What a shame. That’s my favourite part.”

He leans in to whisper in my ear, breath tickling my neck. “I think you’re my favourite.” The earnestness in his tone throws me. My throat feels thick, and I fall silent, so I’m more than shocked when he laughs. “Too soon?”

“No, it’s just…” There’s something about being this close to him that makes me want to open up. As much as I don’t want to admit it, Gemma’s right. I need to talk to him. I make sure Gemma and Ben remain too involved with one another to notice us before continuing. “I don’t know how to do this.” I turn my head to look at him and he looks back, confused.

“Do what?”

“Be…with someone.”

“Oh.” Oliver becomes quiet, then opens his mouth to speak again. “If it’s any consolation, I don’t know how to either. We can figure it out together.” His green eyes focus on mine and I find myself struggling to take a deep enough breath. “Would you like that?” He’s so soft, so warm against me.

“Yeah. I would.” He smiles almost to himself, then turns back to the television. I copy him. Which causes me to catch Gemma’s grin from the other side of the room. She gives me a thumbs up. I flip her off and feel Oliver’s chest rumble underneath me as he laughs. My face softens, which just causes Gemma to grin even wider.

“I’ll get you back for this,” I mouth at her, and she just laughs. Motherfucker.

* * *

I stretch back in my chair, groaning as I do so. I swear I can feel every single vertebrae crack and it’s just another reminder that I really should do more than just sit at my desk everyday. But with so much work piling up, I feel like I don’t have a choice.

Maddison was right. This research project is a lot.

It’s not like I don’t enjoy it. It’s one of the best things I’ve ever done during my time at university. But— as Edward sends me yet another article to read, another new method to learn— it’s starting to overwhelm me. Just slightly. The tendrils of panic curling up my spine is enough to keep me from spiralling, to keep me focused on what I have to do. It’s still early days though, so I take a deep breath and ready myself for another few hours of work. Then an idea flashes through my mind.

Eden Miller:

Your class finishes soon, right?

Oliver James:

Are you stalking me or something?

I’m worried I’ve overstepped as I chew on the end of my nail, then my phone buzzes a few more times.