Chapter 9

The night stretched on like a dream, the air thick with warmth and lingering tension. The fairy lights above us flickered, casting a golden hue over everyone's faces as the game continued. Billie sat next to me, my knee brushing up against hers every now and then. I'd receive small glances or see a smirk form upon her face when they did touch, it set me on fire.

Finneas, still riding the high of storing up chaos, leaned forward, his eyes glinting. "Never have I ever...lied about my feelings for someone"

Ivy snorted, immediately taking a sip of her drink. Claudia followed, exchanging a knowing glance with Finneas as he drank too.

Billie hesitated, her fingers tapping the side of her drink, and then - slowly - she lifted it to her lips.

I smirked and, without breaking eye contact, raised my glass and took a sip too.

The group erupted into laughter and teasing, but I barely noticed. Billie's gaze stayed locked on mine, her lips twitching into a curious smile.

"Ember" ivy dragged out my name, eyes gleaming like she'd just discovered the juiciest gossip of the year. "Who?"

I twirled my cup in my hands, my voice dripping with playful defiance. "Wouldn't you like to know?"

Billie's brows shot up, and she bit her bottom lip like she was holding back a laugh. Ivys mouth fell open.

"Okay okay" Claudia giggled, seeming to be a bit tipsy now, and too be honest I'm feeling that way too. I don't drink often so it hits me earlier than everyone else, but I'm feeling comfortable and confident so I don't mind.

"Next question before this turns into a full blown confession" she laughs, finneas smirked but let it slide. "Never have I ever... snuck out to see someone I wasn't supposed to."

Billie drank without hesitation, her tongue running across her bottom lip as she did. I drank too.

"Never have I ever... fallen for someone I shouldn't have" Claudia added, her voice sweet but her eyes sharp.

Billie drank.

I let my eyes linger at her as I took a slow, delightful sip, watching the way her gaze flickered to my lips.

The air between us was charged, every glance, every subtle shift of her body closer to mine turning the night into a slow burn I didn't want to end.

Finneas clapped his hands. "Alright, let's take a break before someone accidentally confesses their deepest, darkest secrets" everyone laugh and the circle dissolved. People peeling off to grab more drinks or stretch out on the patio chairs. Billie stayed next next me, her leg pressed against mine, her fingers casually toying with the hem of her oversized sweater.

"You okay?" She asked, voice low enough that only I could hear.I tilted my head, letting my shoulder brush against hers.

"Depends, are you asking as a concerned friend, or as the girl who just drank to that last question?"

Her smile was slow and deliberate. "Maybe both." she said, her eyes filling to my lower stomach where the dangly belly button jewellery hung. Her eyes crawling there way back up to my face, stopping on my lips for a fraction of a second.

The music thumped from inside the house, muffled but steady, like a heartbeat. My chest felt tight, my skin buzzing, and all I wanted was to be closer to her. I wanted her to close the gap between us.

But she didn't.

Instead, she leaned back on her elbows, stretching out like she had all the time in the world. "Wanna go for a walk?" She asked, tilting her head towards the garden path that snaked around the backyard.

I swallowed, my pulse racing. "Lead the way."

Billie pushed herself up, waiting for me to follow, her hand outstretched. I took it, her skin warm against mine, and let her lead me into the night.

We walked in silence at first; the cool night air settling over my skin.The distant hum of the party faded as we ventured further into the garden, fairy lights twinkling in the bushes like tiny stars.

"You've been quiet tonight" she finally said, her fingers loosely curled around mine.

I licked my lips, letting my thumb brush against her knuckles. "Just...a lot to take in."

She stopped walking, turning to face me, her eyes searching mine. "Is it me?"She asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

I tilted my head, stepping closer, until I could feel her breath in my skin. "What if it is?"

Billie stepped closer, her fingers grazing my wrist, sending a shiver through me.

"I saw the way you looked at me during the game" she said, her gaze burning into mine. "And the way you drank"

I lifted a brow, voice low and teasing. "Maybe I wanted you to see."

Billie's lips curved into a small, knowing smile, "it's okay" she whispered. "I drank too."

The world tilted on its axis. The air between us buzzed like electricity, and I swore I could feel my heart beating in my throat.

"Are you tipsy?" I asked, my voice almost a dare.

She tilted her head, eyes glinting. "Maybe a little. You?" She challenged.

I leaned in, heart pounding. "Maybe a little."

Her gaze flicked to my mouth, lingering there. She stepped even closer, her hand trailing lightly up my arm, leaving goosebumps in its wake. The space between us shrank to almost nothing, her breath warm against my lips -

"There you are!" Ivy's voice pierced through the quiet, stumbling down the path towards us. "Emmy we gotta go. Aidans here"

I jolted back like I'd been doused in cold water, my heart thudding painfully. Billie's hand dropped to her side, as she let out a soft, breathless laugh, rubbing her face like she couldn't believe our luck.

Ivy squinted at us, oblivious. "C'mon you know how impatient Aidan is" she laughsI force a smile, even though it ached, "I guess that's my cue"

Billie nodded, her voice soft. "Text me?"

I bit my lip, backing away. "I will."

As Ivy dragged me towards the house, I glanced back one last time. Billie stood there under the fairy lights, watching me go, her hands stuffed in her pockets and her smile just a little sad.

I knew this wasn't over, not even close.