AllFreeNovel
Share Us
As the guys talk sports, my eyes wander the room, and I spot the redheaded hockey fan standing beside a dark-haired beauty who looks like she could be on a billboard advertising relaxing getaways to exotic islands. All she needs is a grass skirt and a coconut shell bra. They’re whispering together the way only best friends can while eyeing up some hot guy. I wonder who their target is.
Ten minutes later, I find out.
Caroline—that’s her name—is tucking a red curl behind her ear while she chats up an interested-looking Casey. Poor girl, I hope she’s not after something serious. He laughs at whatever she just said, and she grins up at him. Her starstruck gaze is one for the books, and I can’t help watching the exchange.
Soon they’re tapping their drinks together.
And a short while later, his hand is threading around her waist.
Yep, she’s gonna get herself some Casey lovin’.
That’s what she wanted. After all, he’s her favorite player. His hand glides down to her butt, which is wrapped up tight in a sexy blue dress. He gives it a squeeze as he buries his tongue in her mouth. Her cheeks flush pink, and she presses herself against him… and now they’re disappearing up the stairs.
I turn back to Liam and try to catch up on his conversation with Wily, but it’s some football stuff I don’t understand, so I start looking for Mick. Moving away from Liam, I strain to spy around the corner and check out the living room, which has been turned into a dance space. She loves to shake her booty at these kinds of things. Maybe we can shake together.
Liam’s hand brushes down my back. He’s still talking to Wily, not really looking at me, but it’s nice to feel that connection. I’m about to shift back to his side when my heart catapults into my throat.
I freeze for a second, my stomach dropping as my entire body floods with adrenaline.
Theo?
What the hell is he doing here?
I can’t breathe.
Is he…? Oh no, wait. That’s not him.
Still can’t breathe, though, can I?
My heart is thundering as I watch the guy I could have sworn was my ex turn to talk to a girl on his right. They look so similar, it’s freaking me out.
“You okay, cariña?” Liam asks.
I spin with a smile that I hope he can’t see through. “Just looking for the bathroom.”
“Oh, there’s one down the hall and to your left.” Wily points, and I nod.
“I’ll show you.” Liam, obviously not wanting to leave my side, guides me down there, his hand on the small of my back. I appreciate it, but it makes it harder to hide my unrest.
I should tell him, but I can’t.
He’s had enough on his plate this week. I don’t want him feeling like he has to play bodyguard and spend the entire party scanning faces to ensure Theo isn’t, in fact, here. It’ll ruin everyone’s night.
Stepping into the bathroom, I lock the door and rest my hands on the shiny white vanity.
“Of course he’s not here.” I stare into the mirror. “He doesn’t know where you are. You’re safe. Even if Liam wasn’t here, you’d be safe, because… because…” My frenzied brain scrambles for some logic. “Because you’re at a party full of people, and he wouldn’t be stupid enough to try something in public.” My stomach jitters. “Plus, he’s not in Nolan. He doesn’t even know where you are. He doesn’t know where you are. You’re safe, you’re safe, you’re safe,” I mutter, then go on to remind myself that I know how to punch back now. I know how to block and defend myself. I could flip that asshole over my shoulder if I had to.
Rising to my full height, I stare down my reflection, lifting my chin and forcing myself to feel strong and capable. “I could.” I raise my eyebrows. “I could kick his ass, because I am a fucking boss bitch.”
Then stop hiding away in the bathroom and go enjoy the party.
Closing my eyes, I brush my bangs to either side of my eyebrows and do just that. When I slip out of the bathroom, Liam’s waiting for me.
“You good?” He scans my face as if checking for signs of distress.
I put on a bright smile. “I’m great. Wanna dance?”
“Sure.” He nods, and we head for the living room.
