Eden beamed into the camera, catching on. “Yeah, don’t be so insecure.”

“Eden, Francis, and I are mates,” he told his followers. “And it would be nice if other people saw it that way.”

He was taking a punt, lying so obviously, but he figured Francis would rather be a famous footy player’s mate than embroiled in a dumb feud. And he was sure nothing would annoy the guy more than being relegated to ‘Eden’s friend.”

He smiled at the camera. “Okay, that’s all folks. We have Thai food to eat.”

“Bye,” Eden said with a wave.

“Actually,” he said, thinking fast. “Baby, can you say something for me?”

“Sure.”

He whispered in her ear. He could see in the camera that Eden looked confused, but she smiled all the same. “Everyone’s sisters should keep twerking. You look great and we’re all really proud of you.”

Will laughed and flicked off the live button and Eden frowned. “What was that about?”

“Oh, never mind.” He stood. “I should get going.”

Eden’s face fell. “You sure?”

“Yeah. I’ve got training tomorrow.” He pointed to her fork. “You keep eating and keep all the leftovers.”

She stared up at him, so beautiful it broke his heart. “You’re not mad at me?”

“Why would I be mad at you?”

She didn’t answer, just sat there chewing her thumbnail. Willow gently guided her hand away. “When I said ‘keep eating’ I didn’t mean that.”

She gave him a small smile.

He sighed. “Baby, everything you said about your tour and Francis, it all makes sense. I just need to go process, okay?”

“Okay.” She hesitated. “Do you want to come to my sister’s engagement party with me?”

“You… What?”

“My sister’s engagement party. It’s next weekend and it’ll be a total disaster, but do you want to come if you don’t have a game or anything?”

“You want me to meet your family?”

A flush stained Eden’s cheeks. “No. I mean, yeah. I mean… You’re a great guy and if you’re too busy it doesn’t matter. You don’t have to come.”

“Eden. Of course I’ll be there.”

She smiled at him, a full-faced beam, and for a second the air between them was crystal clear. Like there was nothing they couldn’t say. Then she looked up at the ceiling. “You’re definitely going to have a terrible time and hate me forever.”

“I won’t.”

She didn’t look as though she believed him. He didn’t believe it himself. But as he drove back to his lonely house, he decided it didn’t matter. Meeting the family was serious and he was going to do it right, impress Eden’s parents, win over her siblings, and lay the groundwork for a long happy relationship. He was lucky, goddammit. He could still make this work. He had time.

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