Under Your Skin | Jude Bellingham

009

Huddled by myself in the corner of the room, my eyes scanned the vicinity, searching for Chloe and Gio amongst the crowd of people. The room was dimly lit, offering no favours to help me spot them. I'd only popped outside for a few moments for some fresh air, and already they'd seemingly disappeared from my view. We'd been invited to Karim's party which meant this was my first time meeting Gio and Jude's teammates. Parties were usually a fairly comfortable occasion for me, but I didn't really know anyone here and I was starting to feel really awkward and out of place.

I decided to check the kitchen for any sign of my friends. On my way, I was greeted by Karim Adeyemi himself. He offered me a smile and didn't hesitate to pull me into a hug as if we were old friends, and I realised Chloe had been right about him being so welcoming. Karim kindly pointed me in the direction of the kitchen, but Chloe and Gio were nowhere to be seen when I got there.

"They've probably snuck upstairs for some private time," Jude said, somehow correctly guessing that I was searching for Chloe and Gio. He was leaning against the kitchen counter, dressed in a plain white shirt. "If you know what I mean," he added with a
wink.

"Well hello, Bellingham," I said. I ignored his comment, just grateful to see a familiar face. "What a surprise to see you here."

"I don't appreciate the sarcasm, Hannie. I thought we agreed to put all that behind us." His mouth twitched with the threat of a smile.

"Sorry," I sighed.

Jude shoved a beer in my face. "Here, drink it. You look like you need it." I took the drink from his hands, thanking him as I did so. "Once you get to know everyone, it'll be a lot less nerve wracking," Jude said.

"How'd you know I was nervous?" I asked him.

"It's written all over your face."

"It's just a lot to get used to, all this change. I've never been good at small talk."

"Yeah, I get you."

I looked up at him. Sometimes I forgot how tall he was, how much he towered over me. There'd been a time when I'd been taller than him, back when we were really young, and I'd always teased him for it. The tables had significantly turned when he started to grow. Jude always took great pleasure in snatching things from my hands and holding them over my head knowing full well I couldn't reach to take them back.

"Social gatherings make you nervous too?" I asked him.

He nodded a response, and I have to admit I was slightly surprised. Jude always seemed so arrogant and in control — it seemed as if little fazed him, as if he'd never lie awake worrying about anything. As much as I hated to admit it, he just oozed charisma. People couldn't help but like him and Jude could always easily slot himself into any social group with a simple jumble of charm. But as the other night in the kitchen of Gio and Chloe's house had shown, there was a lot I didn't know about the eldest Bellingham brother.

"Of course I get nervous, who doesn't?" He answered with a grin. "Unfortunately you've just got to find a way to deal with it."

"Easier said than done," I said.

"Yep. But I'm used to it now. I kinda have to be, my career demands it."

I exhaled a deep breath, noticing my heart rate had accelerated within the last few minutes. With an alarming realisation, I didn't know whether it was because of how panicked I'd been to be stood alone in a roomful of people I didn't know, or because I was stood talking to Jude. I shook my head as if I could dismiss that ridiculous thought — as if Jude would make me feel nervous. Still though, I couldn't help but admire the way he looked tonight, dressed casually yet his presence could turn heads and make hearts flutter. There was no denying how attractive he was.