He does

His eyes met hers with a knowing look and she felt her voice falter. This pig of a man held secrets about her, something that could upset her life. While he did not say it openly his gaze made her acutely aware of her lack of control.

Ben opened his mouth "So just us again. I wonder if Tom would be so willing to leave us alone together if he knew." he finished with a smirk. Emma felt the heat of a blush rising. He was being so blatant about it, her heart fluttered.

"Please don't say anything to him" she pleaded in a squeak.

"I still don't plan to, don't you worry. If anyone is going to blab its going to be you. You are acting so tense and weird. He will notice if you keep being standoffish with me" he said seriously. He patted the seat next to him. "Why don't you sit near to me so he doesn't think something is up and you are avoiding me."

Her mind raced. Did that make sense? Would her avoiding proximity to her boyfriend's housemate be a red flag. She took a deep calming breath and swapped seats till she was sat next to him. His thigh was touching her leg. She could feel the heat. *gulp* this was a bad idea. But too late as the others came back to the table. As Tom handed her a drink she thanked him, she felt Ben's hand slyly creep to her leg and grip it.