That One Moment (Lost in London #2)(19)

Then, Benji stuns us all when he steps back and drops a mighty kiss right on Hayden’s mouth!

It wasn’t a proper snog. Just a quick peck on the lips. But Hayden’s shocked expression is priceless. I bite my lip to conceal the growing urge I have to laugh. Benji turns around and his eyes are completely closed still. His aunt steps past me and grabs him by the arm. “C’mon Benj. Off to beddy-bye you go.”

“Top night!” Benji shouts and then stumbles into me. Hayden reaches forward, grabbing me firmly around my waist to prevent me from falling.

Agitha’s eyes fly wide as if she’s been stung. Standing only a foot away from my face now as she clasps Benji’s arm, she looks back and forth between Hayden and me. I swear her pupils dilate, so I look down briefly to ensure she isn’t hurt anywhere.

“You two,” she gasps, her voice tight and high-pitched. “Are you together?”

“No,” I jeer, a bit overly defensive as she continues looking back and forth between Hayden and me. Perhaps Hayden’s charms are affecting her as well.

“I just thought. No, no. Never you mind.” She shakes her head as if trying to snap herself out of a daze. Then Benji moans loudly that he thinks he’s going to be sick. She scurries him into the flat and shuts the door, offering us a quick thank you.

“You sure your boyfriend is into girls?” Hayden grumbles, wiping his lips as we make our way back toward the stairs.

I snicker, “I couldn’t care less who he’s into.” Benji kissing Hayden was the perfect end to an already weird evening. Serves Hayden right for being a brooding, cranky wanker.

He glances over at me, allowing me to pass him on the steps. “I just assumed.”

I pause and look up at him. “He’s just a coworker I thought could do with a night out.”

Hayden’s brow furrows at this. “I think he’ll need a morning in after this.”

I laugh softly and continue our descent. Hayden opens the car door for me again, and his crabby expression from before seems slightly lifted.

“Benji’s snog soften you up a bit?” I ask as he starts the car and pulls away.

“What do you mean?”

“You seemed rather moody earlier. It seems Benji’s affection warmed you up.”

As if compliments crush him, his eyes turn back into slits. “Where do you live?”

“Oh, you don’t have to take me home. Just take me back to the ballroom. I’ll grab a cab there.”

“Where…do…you…live,” he repeats slower and with more force.

“You are awfully bossy for someone who’s only spoken one word to me before tonight.”

“You’re awfully sassy for someone whose dog has licked my balls.”

“What?” I exclaim and start laughing. “Is that what all this fuss is about? Are you mad at Bruce?”

“‘Course not.” Hayden scowls, looking out the side window. “But I really need to know where I’m going.”

Sighing heavily, I tell him I live by Brick Lane Market and he gives me a shocked look.

“What?” I ask.

“Nothing.”

He’s back to the silent treatment for several more miles. This man’s temperature changes are making me feel like I have the flu. Finally desperate to break the silence, I say the first thing that pops in my head.

“You…did well up there tonight.” I fidget awkwardly with the outer layer of fabric on my dress, pinching it and rolling the smooth material between my fingers. “It was a very moving speech.”

I’m desperate to look at his face right now to gauge his reaction, but I’m too scared. So instead, I do something really smart…I continue babbling. “I was always crap at speeches. I’d clam up and lose my words. Then I’d look down at my notes and everything would suddenly look backwards. One time I belched right in the middle of the speech. I think the class thought I was going to puke like poor Benji.” I laugh awkwardly and look out the widow, slamming my eyes shut tight. Shut up, Vi. Shut up!

Thankfully, he chuckles and says, “Thanks. It wasn’t easy.” I can’t help but glance back at him. His hands are gripping the wheel so hard his knuckles are white. “Just trying to bring awareness and help create funds to support others in need. It’s more common than you’d think.”

His demeanour transforms from an agitated, cagey alpha to a cool, suave business man. It feels like an act.

“I know. I mean, I can imagine…I mean…Bugger,” my voice trails off and I look away, feeling my cheeks heat with embarrassment. Clearing my throat, I decide to pry further, “Have you done a speech like that before?”

He shakes his head slowly.

“So this was kind of a big night then.” He continues to squint against the London city lights, appearing deep in thought. Feeling brazen, I add, “I erm…actually have questions…if you ever want to answer them. I mean…of course you don’t have to. But if you do…I’d be interested to learn more.”

Questions? Christ, Vi, why didn’t you just tell him you’re a morbid freak who sleeps with porcelain dolls!

Silence stretches out between us and he looks confused.

“Do you mean questions about the charity?” he asks, his voice low.