Chapter 4 Not My Fault

Maybe I shouldn't have dared Aaron but a part of me can't help it. We're always bantering. And I don't care if we're in the middle of this intense conversation right now, I will not back down from a challenge. Especially not from Aaron Coleman.

But...I am a bit curious that Aaron is...expressing concern. Jules said that if a guy is nonchalant...that means he doesn't care.

It was before Aaron interrupted our conversation at the party.

The music from the party hums faintly in my mind as I sink into the memory, the scent of perfume and champagne drifting up like ghosts from hours before. I can see myself again, at the bar with Jules, the disco lights glittering behind us like scattered diamonds.

Jules leans casually against the bar top, a glass of something bubbly in one hand, the other tucked into the pocket of her tailored blazer. Her dark hair glimmers under the soft gold lights, and her smirk suggests she's about to say something she knows will rattle me.

Her grin widens. "Flattery aside, you need options."

I roll my eyes but lean closer, intrigued despite myself. "Fine. Enlighten me, Jules. Which one of these charming individuals should I try to connect with tonight?"

She gestures subtly toward the crowd, eyes sparkling with mischief. "Oh, let's see...there's the tall one by the bar, Mr. Brooding, perfect for a dramatic conversation. Then there's the guy who keeps adjusting his tie...Mr. Overconfident, probably needs a reality check."

I raise an eyebrow, amusement creeping in. "And what about the one pretending he's reading the room but is actually staring at the snack table?"

Jules laughs, a sharp sound. "Ah, definitely a dark horse. But if you want a spark, you're gonna need someone who notices you, not someone nonchalant."

I glance around the room, half-dreaming. "Okay, say I pick someone. How do I even...you know, tell if we're on the same page? Are there...clues?" My voice drops to a conspiratorial whisper, eyes darting to make sure no one's watching.

Jules's smirk softens into something almost tender, though it's still teasing. "Clues, huh? Hmm...well, first, make sure he's paying attention to you, not just the idea of what he thinks he's supposed to be doing. That's important. Communication, Eva, subtle or not, is everything."

I nibble my bottom lip, frowning thoughtfully. "Subtle? Give me an example."

Her eyes glint as she leans in closer, voice a whisper now, teasing but earnest. "If you're smiling, laughing, leaning in, that's your body saying you're engaged. If he notices, reacts, meets you halfway, then you're golden. If he's just...mechanical, zoning out, well..." She shrugs with mock tragedy. "You'll know."

I laugh, the sound mingling with the soft pulse of the party behind us. "So basically, read the room. And him. Got it."

Jules nudges my shoulder with a grin. "Exactly."

I grin back, feeling that spark of daring she always manages to ignite in me. "Alright. Adventure, huh? Maybe tonight isn't just a party after all."

Jules winks, raising her glass. "Exactly. Let the night decide...just make sure you enjoy every second. I can't believe you're finally stepping out of your comfort zone. I'm so excited for you, I wonder who it will be and I hope he'll be freaking worth it." Jules winks at me, making me feel excited.

I step back, letting the memory settle, Jules's laughter echoing faintly as I drift from that time, back to the present.

Her words resonate within me as I stare into Aaron's glazed eyes, my lips curling with a smirk. So far, Aaron has been attentive, to the extent he's even noticed my hesitation.

I can't let him go, not now...not when there's this undeniable pull between us. That he's the one person I feel this intensely about right now. It's not my fault that we're here right now.

So, I grab his shoulders, my hands snaking around his neck and daring him with my eyes, cocking an eyebrow.

"What kind of problem?"