Page 27 of Enemies to Lovers

‘I’m learning that,’ I say. ‘I think.’

Mum looks at me. ‘Yeah?’ she asks, but it’s the kind of yeah that doesn’t need an answer. We drive the rest of the way in silence, thoughts of Jamie lingering in the air between us.

8

I step out of the shower and pour baby oil onto my still-wet skin. Kate reckons that is where her glow is coming from – she glistens, subtly, and it makes her look radiant, so she’s given me her bottle to try it (with explicit instructions to put a towel down; apparently baby oil and tiled floors won’t mix well, if I want to stay upright). I’m feeling nervous, but good nervous, I think. I text Hope for a pep talk.

Me

Tonight is the night! Are you proud of me?

Hope

BBQ night with the Greek god? OF COURSE I AM PROUD! This is a big step for you.

Me

Thanks, pal

Adonis keeps calling me ‘pretty lady’, though, every time he texts

That’s a lot, don’t you think?

Hope

How fit is he, on a scale of one to Captain America?

Me

Off-the-scale fit, to be fair

Hope

Well then, he can call you whatever he likes!

Have you shaved your legs?

Me

Yes

Hope

Your bikini line?

Me

Hope!

Hope

You didn’t answer the question

Me

… yes. NOW NO MORE QUESTIONS!

From the bathroom I hear Jamie come into our room, and I pause like a squirrel sitting upright in the face of danger, listening to him open drawers and unzip bags,the rustling of fabrics and the sound of an aerosol, maybe hairspray? I know he hasn’t used the bathroom yet, because everything was bone-dry when I got up here, but I don’t know where Jamie has been since our run this morning – or if he’s even coming tonight.

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