Shards of Glass

Chapter 4

Alex leaned in towards my ear and said in a not-very-quiet voice, "You have GOT to lick his face." I stared at my pint of Guinness as I waited for the rest of the table, all of whom would definitely have heard her, to react.

I closed my eyes and made a strange, nervous sound from the back of my throat. Oh fantastic, the most mobbed British star on the planet had joined us for a drink and just when we were managing to be cool about it, Alex reminds us all that I have a massive thing for him. As if my tripping over him wasn't bad enough, now he had to deal with us making jokes about licking him.

When I opened my eyes, everyone was looking at Alex. Apparently I was destined to spend the whole evening blushing right up to my eyebrows. Olliver was obviously a little annoyed at this too and told Alex to grow up. Benedict just looked down and made a forced smile into his drink.

"Well," I said. "I'm going to have to get very drunk now. It's the only way I can deal with this!" Thankfully, I managed to break the tension.

About forty minutes later, things had calmed down, we had done our introductions and we were chatting away as a group. Benedict had a really easy way about him and joined in our ridiculous musings about all sorts of silly things. I tried not to catch his eye too often as every time I did I flushed slightly. I'm sure no-one else could tell, but I knew how my heart thudded just a little harder each time I remembered where I was, and with whom.

Olliver was sat next to me. "You ok, little one?" He asked.

I smiled a relaxed (drunk) grin at him and thought how comfortable I felt, right at this minute, with all my best friends around me, not to mention the beautiful man sat on the other side of the table.

"I am." I replied.

"You're still planning to sleep on the floor, then?" Olliver asked me, referring to our current room situation.

"Yeah, I'll be fine." I said. "I've done worse!" I giggled and had another gulp of my beer. I couldn't actually remember how much I'd had to drink.

"I've got space, if you fancy a cuddle...?" Olliver had never been this direct with me before. He put his hand gently on my knee and left it there. He'd done that before, playfully, but this time it felt more purposeful, as if he was making a point. I wasn't entirely sure how to react but I realised it probably had a lot to do with Benedict's presence, and of course Olliver knew all about how much I fancied our new friend.

I cast my eyes around the table and although Benedict was chatting amiably to Alice and Fran, he glanced over to Olliver's hand on my knee and I'm sure I saw a slight frown flash across his forehead. I was a little bit drunk and I thought Benedict must now be coming to the conclusion that I was just a total embarrassment, not to be trusted where there were any beverages involved; alcohol or tea!

"But, I think I ought to stop drinking now." I declared, sitting up straight and removing Olliver's hand. Olliver tutted and went to get himself another drink before last orders.

Alice disappeared outside for a smoke, Alex and Fran went to the ladies and it was then I noticed the absence of people and the comfort they provided. I was now painfully aware that I was on my own with Benedict.

He moved seats and sat down next to me.

"Hi." He said. He held my gaze even though I tried to look down. Oh god, the blushing.... Again!

"Hi." I replied. Words!

"I had a good evening, Anna." Benedict told me. I felt like there was something else he was saying with his eyes but I brushed that thought aside. "Although, I don't usually feel like hanging out with people who spill my tea," he continued. "My tea is very special to me." He pulled a serious face.

I laughed and knew that the incident, although not forgotten, was not worth worrying about anymore. He obviously wasn't too bothered and it didn't seem to have made too negative an impact on him.

"Well, I should be getting back." Benedict said. "I'm in the other hotel, came here as it's a nicer pub and they have my favourite whisky. I'm... glad I did. Oh!" He picked up my phone which was on the table in front of me. Unlocking it and turning the lens around to face us, he said, "This is for your friend." He giggled mischievously to himself, stuck out his tongue and put his face right up next to mine. Click!

As he moved away, putting my phone back down on the table, I took a deep breath. He smelled amazing; just a hint of expensive cologne.

And before I could say anything (I was still enjoying the smell), he quickly leant over, kissed my cheek, and then he was gone