Chapter eighty

Dallas

“Well, this is awkward.” She said, grinning widely.

“Oh this is nothing. Wait till they start devouring each other in your presence. I swear they just can't keep their hands off each other.” Ethan said and shook his head. He leaned against the door, his arms folded.

“You have horrible timing.” Oliver muttered, a hint of annoyance in his tone. I didn't know whether it was directed at his cousin or Heather.

“I tried to warn her that she was going in the wrong direction, but she was already here.” Heather said beside Lisa and threw an apologetic look at Oliver.

Oliver narrowed his gaze on Ethan, who raised both his hands defensively and grinned.

“Don't look at me. I tried to stop her too, but she was eager to see her best friend.” He shrugged.

Lisa's eyes was darting between Oliver and I, a wide grin on her face. I was still standing by the door, trying to figure out if this is actually real or just one of my terrible nightmares. Maybe Lucien would pop out soon like he always does in my nightmares and all these would disappear. Maybe I'd wake up soon. Maybe–

Lisa drew a long sigh as if she could hear my thoughts.
“No, Dallas. You're not dreaming. Yes, I'm really here. Now, close your mouth and hug me before you accidentally eat a fly.” She rolled her eyes and chuckled.

“There are no flies in my house.” I heard Oliver muttered silently at my sides. But he wasn't very silent given how Lisa glared at him.

Nope, not a dream. This is definitely my best friend. She's the only one who would glare at a man in his own house.

“Oh my God! Lisa!” I screamed and rushed into her arms. We hugged each other tight, giggling like we're teenagers.

“I missed you so much,” I said, squeezing her.

“Me too!” She replied.

We disengaged from the hug and I studied her face, a big smile on my lips.

“You're really here.”

“I am,” she smiled back. “I've been preparing for the trip since Atlas's arrest.”

My mouth hung open in surprise. That was two weeks ago. My eyes flew to Heather.

“You knew about this?” I asked.

She told me she was going to visit a friend and would be back late. I didn't think much about the ‘friend’ and just assumed it was a guy. I even teased her about it, but she just smiled. I should have suspected when she didn't bother to ask for Oliver's permission. I assumed she already talked to him about it.

Heather nodded wth a smile.
“I was asked to keep it a secret.”

“You kept it for that long? I didn't even suspect a thing.” I exclaimed.

“Well, isn't she exceptional at keeping secrets?” Ethan said, all traces of amusement draining from his face.

I took note of the subtle way Heather pressed her lips together. She avoided looking at Ethan. I didn't have time to focus on their interaction when Lisa chuckled.

“I know right. I was dying to tell you, but I wanted to see the look on your face when you see me.” She said.

“Well, I'm surprised. And I'm happy you're here.” I squeezed her hand.

“Me too. Mr Kang made it happen.” She added and threw a glance at Oliver.

I looked back to see Oliver staring at me, a smile tugging at the corner of his lips. My smile grew wider and I mouthed an appreciation.

“Although, I've not completely forgotten that you stole her at my bachelorette and also my wedding. I didn't even get to say goodbye.” Lisa whined.

Oliver's face was set to his default mood. Hard, unsmiling, and completely indifferent. But his eyes lit up as soon as our gazes collided, before reverting back to how it was.

“Congratulations on your wedding.” He said, not bothering to offer her a smile.

“Thank you,” Lisa replied, holding his gaze. Her expression morphed into confusion, but she didn't avert her gaze. Typical Lisa. She was probably wondering why Oliver looks like he would murder her in a heartbeat, but she didn't want to show her fear by looking away.

My eyes darted between them and I bit my lower lip to refrain the laughter that threatened to explode. Heather and Ethan were trying to do the same.

Ethan was the first to burst.
“Oh my God, I need a minute. I just can't…” he exploded into rounds of laughter.

Heather and I did the same. Lisa finally averted her gaze and stared at us in confusion. Heather was the first to get a grip of herself.

“Oh God!” Ethan exclaimed before he finally stopped laughing.

Oliver raised an eyebrow as if demanding the reason for our laughter. Ethan bursted into another round of laughter. I let out a string of coughs to mask mine, and Heather simply shook her head.

“I'll help Lisa settle in.” Heather said and motioned to Lisa.

I grabbed my best friend's arm and tugged her towards my room, but she wrapped her arms around me. She leaned in and whispered into my ear,

“Please, stay back. Oliver is currently staring at me like he'd kill me if you come with. It's not a good idea for me to die just few months after my wedding.” she paused. “Take all the time you need. You're going to tell me everything about that kiss I just witnessed when you're done.”

She pulled away and winked at me before turning to Heather. The both of them walked away, the sound of their heels trailing behind them.

“What was that about?” Oliver asked, pinning his cousin with a glare.

“What?” Ethan asked, blinking his eyes innocently.

Oliver arched an eyebrow and Ethan snorted.

“You were glaring at her like she stole something from you,” he chuckled. “Now, before you kill me, we all thought the same thing.” he threw a glance at me.

I nodded in agreement. Oliver gave me a ‘really’ look and I smirked at him. We continued communication with our eyes, mine roaming his half naked body.

“Got it, I'm out of here.” Ethan chuckled. “And put a shirt on for goodness sake.” He walked away, leaving only the two of us.

My legs worked their way towards him until there was only a few meters between us.

“You brought Lisa.” I managed to say.

It sounded silly but that was the only thing I could say. There were a lot of emotions overwhelming me and I had no idea which one to focus on.

“I wanted to cheer you up but you seem to need space from me. I figured she would help.” He said, his voice dropping with each second.

I could see the need in his eyes and how he was holding himself back. He seem determined not to lose control this time.

“Although I'm starting to rethink my decision. She has horrible timing.” he added.

I let out a small laugh.
“You're not jealous of my best friend, are you?” I teased.

“I'm jealous of everything when it comes to you. The clothes that touch your body before I could. The air that touch your lips before I kissed them. The comb that had the chance to touch your hair before I could run my fingers through them, or curl them in my fist while fucking your mouth. I'm jealous of everything even if they don't mean shit. That's how crazy I am about you, Dallas.”

My breath hitched, a slight gasp escaping my lips. That was the closest he had ever came to saying he had feelings for me. The closest he'd come to saying those three words. I wasn't sure I could give it back to him if he said them.

So I closed the distance between us and wrapped my arms around his neck, our foreheads touching.

“Thank you,” I said softly before sealing my lips with his, soft and delicate.