how she couldn’t make it, so I wasn’t holding my breath. Avery hadn’t gone to a single party since she started college, even though I knew Brittany and Jacob had.
Sighing, I let go and stepped back. My class was over in Byrd. “You sure you don’t want me to give you a ride tomorrow night?”
Ollie’s head whipped around so fast you’d think I said nachos. “It would be a ride you’d never forget, Avery.”
I shot him a dark look. “That’s not what I meant.”
Her cheeks were flushed, either from what Ollie had said or from the cold. “I know. And it’s okay. I don’t need a ride, but I’ll be there.”
I really didn’t believe her.
There were a lot of angels and cats in high heels, so much so that I had a hell of a time not wanting to separate the girls into two groups: the fallen and the catty.
Brittany, Avery’s friend, was in the group of the fallen, her white dress absolutely no protection against the chilly night. She was with Jacob, who looked remarkably like Bruno Mars, but I hadn’t seen Avery.
Figured.
I’d spent a good part of the evening wondering if she’d really show and if she did, what she would wear. Would she be an angel? A cat? Really stupid, considering that I did have better things to dwell on.
Irritated, I roamed from one room to the next. The house was packed, standing room only, and people spilled out onto the front porch and the lawn. If the cops didn’t show up at some point tonight, breaking up the party, I’d be amazed.
There was too much going on inside the house for me. Music thumped loudly, but not quite drowning out the shouts and laughter. Couples were in every corner, some who appeared to have forgotten who their boyfriend/girlfriend was. I used to love this scene, but now, it made my skin itchy.
I’d retreated outside to the garage with Jase, in the midst of a mean game of beer pong.
“You look thrilled to be here,” Jase said, squinting an eye as he held the white ball, lining it up with the plastic cups.
“Not feeling it tonight.”
“Uh-huh.” Jase bounced the ball into a cup in the first row. The guys on the other side of the table groaned. “Is that because I haven’t see
Why I had made the mistake of calling her that in front of Jase was beyond me. I didn’t respond as the ball from the other side bounced right off the table.
Jase chuckled. “Amateurs.” He turned to me. “But do you know who I do see? Steph. And she’s been looking for you.”
“So?”
“Just thought I’d share that knowledge with you.” He tossed me the ball. “Let’s kick some ass.”
With nothing else better to do and wanting to get out of my own head, I joined the game. Jase had been right. The group across from us really were amateurs. Fifteen minutes into the game, our opponents were swaying like weeds in the wind.
“This is actually shameful,” I muttered, eyeing one of them, who punched the end of the table to hold himself up, rattling the cups.
Jase grinned evilly. “They should’ve known better than to challenge me.”
I laughed as I folded my arms, running a hand over my bare bicep. Jase bounced another perfect throw and the other side erupted in curses. Straightening, Jase raised his hands out to his sides and then he stopped, eyes widening.
He elbowed me and turned, voice low. “Well, look at who just wandered in here.”
My brows lifted as I followed his gaze, looking past a group dancing. Air punched out of my lungs. I couldn’t believe it. Unfolding my arms, I stared for a second, absolutely shocked.
Avery was here.
Standing next to Brittany and Jacob, she stood out and not because she wasn’t in a costume. Her formfitting black turtleneck revealed a small section of her flat stomach. It was the first time I’d seen her stomach. Crazy.. My mouth dried.
A big, old goofy-ass smile broke out across my face and I set my cup down. I didn’t even say anything to Jase as I crossed the crowded garage. Jacob said something to her that caused her cheeks to flush and, a second later, I had her in my arms.
Lifting her up, I spun around as she clutched my shoulders. “Holy shit, I can’t believe you’re actually here.”
Her warm brown eyes met mine. “I told you I was coming.”
I set her down, but kept her tucked close. God, she looked gorgeous with her coppery hair falling in waves down her shoulders, curling around the swells of her breasts. “When did you get here?”
“I don’t know. Not that long ago.”
“Why didn’t you come say hi?”
“You were busy and I didn’t want to bother you.”
She had been staring at my lips, which was entirely distracting up until those last words left her mouth. I bent my head, my lips brushing her ear as I spoke. I didn’t miss the way she shivered. “You are
When I lifted my head, our gazes collided and held. The hue of her eyes deepened, almost blending in with her pupils. There was a connection there between us. No mistaking the electricity shimmering in the tiny space between our lips. And when hers parted, I lowered my head, wholly intent on kissing her.
“Yo, Cam!” Jase yelled, obliterating the moment. “You’re up.”
I smiled tightly. “Don’t go too far.”
“Okay,” she said, her hands slipping away.
Stalking back over to the table, I shot Jase a dirty look. “Perfect timing.”
“What?” He watched me pick up the Ping Pong ball. “Did I interrupt Avery turning you down?”
“Funny.” I bounced the ball, missing my target. Cursing, I picked up the cup. “Fuck you all.”
Jase let out a loud laugh and said something, but my narrowed gaze found Avery. I could barely see her. Her friends flanked either side and a red cup had ended up in her hands. She really wasn’t drinking and, for some reason, I was glad to see that. Their group grew and every so often, she disappeared from view, reappearing a few minutes later. Once this stupid game was over, it was her and me, and no interruptions. And, dammit, tonight she would tell me yes when I asked her out.
“Incoming,” Jase warned.
I didn’t realize what he was talking about at first, but arms went around me from behind. I knew immediately it wasn’t Avery. I couldn’t get that lucky.
“What are you dressed as?” Steph asked.
“Myself,” I told her, turning around. She was dressed as if Little Red Riding Hood had wandered onto a porn set.
She smiled, twirling the edge of one of her pigtails. “That’s not really a costume.”
“We are too awesome to wear costumes,” Jase said, eyeing Steph’s friend.
I gently untangled Steph’s arms. “You guys look hot.”
“I know.” Steph giggled. “Can we join?” she asked, nodding at the game.
Jase stepped aside, and I knew by the way he was paying attention to Steph’s friend, he wouldn’t be spending the night alone.
My attention immediately sought out Shortcake. I was surprised for a second time that night when I saw what she was doing.
She was dancing.
It shouldn’t be such a big deal, but I had the suspicion that whatever caused her to stop dancing professionally hindered her from doing it at all.
God, she was . . . there were no words.
The song was fast, with a lot of beats, and her hips hit them all. Holding on to Brittany’s hand, the two of
