PROLOGUE
Graham, Then
“Holy shit, it’s packed in here.”
My eyes scan the dark, crowded space, taking in the booming music, grinding bodies, and the stench of sweat, spilled beer, and teen spirit in the air. Everyone’s in a great mood tonight after our shutout win against Hawkins High. Not only has their football team slaughtered ours in the playoffs for the last four years, but it’s also my first time making it this far, so the victory was especially sweet.
“Damn right,” my buddy, Landon, quips as he leans in. “And they’re all here celebrating us, my man.”
I snort. “Most of them are probably here because it’s Friday night and it’s a chance to get drunk, but yeah, we’ll go with that.”
“Speaking of getting drunk, you want a beer?” he asks, gesturing toward the kitchen, which looks to be swarming with just as many people as the living room.
“Nah, I’m good.”
Landon shrugs and saunters into the kitchen, and as I’m about to walk around and find some of my other friends,something—or rather, someone—catches my eye across the room. My pulse races as my gaze takes her in from head to toe. Wearing a dark blue tie-dye shirt knotted around her waist, black jean cutoff shorts, fishnets, and a pair of black combat boots, she’s the last person I expected to see at a party like this.
Charley Madison, my sister's best friend and a senior at my high school.
Weaving through the bodies crowding the tight space, I make my way over, and it’s not until I’m almost right in front of her that she spots me. A wide, toothy grin splits her face as round, flushed cheeks make her bloodshot eyes squinty. “Graham!” she squeals, holding up a red Solo cup with god only knows what’s inside. “Fancy running into you here.”
“I could say the same thing to you, Sunny,” I reply with a small chuckle. “Are my sisters here too?”
She shakes her head before taking a swig from the cup. “No, I came with him.”
My gaze slices over to a guy I don’t recognize standing beside her, his arm loosely wrapped around her waist as he carries on an obnoxiously loud conversation with Blake, our quarterback, before coming back to her. Stomach souring, I lean in and ask, quiet enough for only Charley to hear me, “Who is he?”
“David,” she supplies with a giggle.Oh, David. Yes, that clears everything up.
I can smell the vodka on her breath, which takes me by surprise. I don’t think I’ve ever seen Charley drink more than a beer or two, yet she’s definitely at least tipsy right now.
“Yo, Astor!” At the sound of my last name, mine and Charley’s attention turns toward where it came from. Standing on a chair, somehow already shirtless and double fisting two cans of beer, is Landon. “Get your ass over here!”
“Looks like you’re being summoned,” Charley teases.
“Yeah, better get over there.” I huff out a small chuckle, not wanting to leave her side for some reason. “Let me know if you need a ride home later.” My gaze slices over toDavidagain before adding, “I’m not drinking tonight.”
Flashing me a lopsided grin, she says, “I’m good, but thanks.”
Heading over to Landon and the rest of the team, we shoot the shit and the night progresses, but every so often, my gaze flits back over to Charley andDavid. She’s sitting on his lap now and they’re making out.I hate it.He gives me the creeps, but I can’t put my finger on why. Maybe it’s the way he’s so openly groping her ass in front of everyone. Or maybe it’s the way she’s had a drink in her hand since I got here and is getting progressively drunker. Not only is Charley my sister's best friend, but she’s also lived down the street from us since we were all little kids, which is probably why I’m feeling protective of her.
Finally, leaning in toward Landon, I ask, “Who’s that guy making out with Charley?”
He follows my line of sight, squinting to make out who it is. “Oh, that’s Blake’s brother, David. He came home from college to watch the game tonight.”
College?!My brows pinch. “How old is he?”
Landon shrugs. “Twenty. Maybe twenty-one.”
“What the hell is he doing with Charley?”
“I don’t know, man. Maybe because she’s fucking hot?” My gaze narrows on my friend, and he barks out a laugh, slapping me on the back. “Relax, I’m just stating the facts. What, you jealous that he’s mackin’ on her and you’re not?”
I shake my head, nose wrinkled. “No, I’m not jealous.”
Sure, Charley is an attractive girl—like,reallyattractive—but that doesn’t mean I’m jealous.
“Mmhmm, sure you’re not.” Landon waggles his brows suggestively.
