Page 23 of Scoring with my Bestie's Ex

Her cheeks go pink, but a silly grin crosses her face. “Bella, he’s amazing. He’s so funny and he gets what I’m saying, even if I stutter like an idiot. Honestly, I’ve never met anyone like him before.”

For many people that would sound dramatic.

Not Ellen, though.

She once told me that she had met all the ‘types’ of people in the world. No matter how smitten she’s been, she has never gushed this much about a guy.

“Really?” I ask.

Ellen nods. “He’s kind and gentle. And he’s so romantic. I didn’t expect things to turn out this way. We were just along to start with.”

I narrow my eyes at her. “Playing along?”

A sheepish grin crosses her face. “Oops.”

“What do you mean, playing along?” I insist. “Spill it, girl!”

“We knew that you and Aaron were setting us up. It was obvious,” she says.

I throw a hand over my eyes, groaning dramatically.

Ellen laughs and pulls my hand away. “Come on, it wasn’t like you were trying to be subtle. Oh, let’s do a scavenger hunt, but Ellen and Mike, you be partners,” she sings in a high-pitched voice.

I have to give her that one. “Okay, okay. But even though you were just playing along to start with, you like him."

“I do. I’m selfishly glad for the landslide because it means I get to have more time with here.” Ellen puts her head on my shoulder. “I just hate that it was Steven who took our old cabin. If it had been someone else, then I wouldn’t feel so bad.”

“You don’t have to feel bad. He lurks, but he hasn’t done anything since the day of the scavenger hunt,” I say. “At this point, he’s like a garden gnome, creepy but harmless.”

“Good.”

I got the sense Ellen had more to say, though. I sigh. “Spit it out.”

Ellen laughs softly. “Promise you won’t get mad at me?”

“Uh, oh. That’s not a great way to start.”

“What about you and Aaron?” Ellen pulls away. “In making sure that Mike and I spend time alone together, you two have been spending a lot of time alone together, too.”

“So?” My cheeks turn hot.

Ellen gives me a knowing look. “So how are things between you two? Do you enjoy spending time with him?”

“I mean, yeah.” I clear my throat. “He’s nice. I don’t know why you’re acting like that, though. It’s not like we’re spending time together in that way.”’

“That way,” Ellen repeats, a devilish grin crossing her face. “You mean holding hands and staring into each other’s eyes? Or do you mean hiding out behind the gym making out?”

I swat her arm.

“Hey, don’t get physical. Not with me, at least,” Ellen teases. “I bet you’re wishing it was Aaron who came to see you tonight.”

I laugh in response, but my voice is breathless. She’s hitting far too close to the truth! What would I have done if Aaron had come to my room?

It’s not even a question, really—I would have let him in, regardless of any flimsy excuse he gave.

He wouldn’t take things too far. Even if I lost my head, he’d be aware of where the line was.

Although, I should know where the line is, too. It’s not fair to put all the work on him.

---