My best friend's brother and my brother's best friend (2016)

Old Feelings

"Eli," I breathe, still in shock.

"Seriously Dani, what's going on?"

He looks seriously confused and I don't blame him, coming back home from holiday and witnessing this.

"How much did you see?" I ask cautiously.

"Well I just walked straight into the Godfather's lovechild coming out here. Who was that?" He asks dryly, motioning in the direction of the mystery man, his dark blue eyes filled with concern.

"To be honest I have no idea what's going on," I admit, letting out a deep breath to steady myself.

"Come on, let's go back in," he says gently, approaching me before taking my hand.

There it is. The touch that makes my heart batter mercilessly against my chest. I reply with a small nod.

We head back inside as I try and forget the horrors of what just happened outside. We quietly submerge back into the pulsing lights and crowds of people.

"Let's get a drink," he leans down, tucking away my hair to whisper directly in my ear.

"Sure," I reply, feeling my body completely deactivate at his presence. I could swear that he's doing this on purpose.

We order and wait in silence both pretending to be preoccupied watching the bartender put on a show as he makes us our drinks. Unfortunately, the show ends, we're served and there's no excuse to avoid conversation. Don't look at me, you're supposed to be the suave one.

"Cheers," he exclaims with that award winning smile as he clinks his glass against mine.

"Wow an Old Fashioned, who's from the Godfather now?" I tease, finally feeling like I'm getting back to normal with him now that I have some liquid courage.

"Shocked at my sophistication?" He teases back with a grin.

"Just wondering where it's coming from?"

"Ok, ok don't hurt my feelings," he grins holding up his hands before eyeing me nervously, "you know, I've missed you Dani."

"Yeah ... me too," I hesitate, taking another deep swig.

As if being my saviours, my head is turned when I hear my name being yelled out by a waving Cara and Jeremy from the middle of the dance floor. I can't help but beam back at the happy drunken pair.

"I should join them before Cara comes and drags me over herself, she's determined for me to be having the most fun here tonight," I confess with a pained smile.

"Sure, you go out there and have fun, I'll see you in a little bit."

Before I can protest, he gives my arm a quick squeeze and heads off in the opposite direction. Downing most of my drink I head back into the swarm of dancers to join the others.

"Dani! I've been looking for you!"

I spin to see Josh stood behind me with his hands in his pockets and a warm smile.

"Hey - Yeah," I say with a cover up smile.

"You look stunning," he offers gently.

"You don't look so bad yourself," I reply, returning his nervous smile.

"Hey can we talk, go somewhere I mean?"