We arrived at the party thirty minutes ago, and I’ve already been separated from Beth. She’s stuck on the other side of the living room, talking to the blond woman she met half an hour ago. By the look on her face, I can tell she’s exactly where she wants to be.
Had Theo told me this was a toga party, I definitely would’ve canceled. The majority of the men are dressed for the theme, and as a result, I’ve bumped into more male bare chests than I’m comfortable with. Drink in hand, I’ve slunk into the nearest corner I could find between the dining room and the kitchen.
As I’m scanning the room for someone I might know, I’m startled when the group gathered around the dining room cheers as a ping pong ball makes it into a red plastic cup. Glancing into the kitchen, I shudder as another group downs Jell-O shots like they are about to expire. Across the room, Beth and her new friend have moved tothe couch, where their seemingly PG conversation has quickly turned PG-13.
No signs of anyone I know, and definitely no signs of Theo.
Downing the last of my seltzer drink, I question why I seem to care so much about seeing Theo tonight. On the entire ride here, I had myself convinced that I wouldn’t give him the time of day to avoid any and all distractions possible. Now that I’m here, I can’t help but wonder where he is. It is his house after all.
Shaking the empty can in my hand, I move toward the kitchen to find the recycling bin. I squeeze past the Jell-O shot group and round the corner, narrowly avoiding the couple making out by the fridge. I spot an open door next to the fridge and figure the bins must be outside. Even if they aren’t, I could do with some fresh air.
The doorway is tucked into a small corner of the kitchen, so I can’t see when I move through the threshold and run directly into a wall.
No, not a wall. Walls don’t smell this good. I’ve just run into a man. A very tall, very attractive, rock-hard-bodied man. Thankfully, one who isn’t wearing a toga.
Theo.
I back up once I realize I’ve been clinging to him for longer than is socially acceptable. Busying myself to avoid further embarrassment, I hold up the can in my hands to check the alcohol content. It’s too dark to read, but I decide I’m done drinking for the night regardless. I’ve hit my two-drink limit, and I especially shouldn’t keep going if I’m taking note of how Theo smells.
A mix of fresh laundry, citrus, and the ocean breeze. I’m definitely done drinking for the night.
“Hey, you made it!” Theo shouts over the music filtering outside from the kitchen. “Are you looking for something?”
“Recycle bin!” I yell. He leans closer to me, indicating he didn’t quite hear me, so I opt to shake my can in front of him instead. He nods, then motions for me to follow him beyond the threshold of the door, farther into the small backyard.
Theo leads me to the recycle bin near the fence gate, and I toss my can in while he holds the lid open for me. The music isn’t as loud outside and only filters in softly to the backyard. As I’m standing next to Theo, the sudden change of volume feels suffocating. A few people have gathered around a small firepit on the other side of the yard. They stare at the fire as they each take a hit of the blunt being passed around. Even with the quaint size of the yard, they’re still far enough away that we can’t hear them. I think they’re already too high to have even noticed we’re out here.
Taking a deep breath, I relish the summer night breeze that kisses my bare legs when it flows through the hemline of my dress.
Theo must catch me surveying the backyard as he says, “Jessie’sdad owns the place. Matt, Jessie, and I all live here. Have since our sophomore year of college.”
I give him a polite smile when I respond, “It’s a nice place. Beth and I just have a small two-bedroom apartment. It can get pretty cramped, especially with her housekeeping tendencies.”
He chuckles. “The guys would probably say the same about me.”
I contemplate taking the chance to leave during the few moments of awkward silence that follow his statement, but for some reason, I can’t seem to pull myself away. It must be the alcohol. That’s the only logical explanation.
“Hey, about the other day in the store. Again, I’m really sorry I ran into you. Hopefully, your ankle isn’t too fucked. I’m happy you came to the party instead of trying to have me arrested or something.”
“My ankle’s fine, but the jury’s still out on getting you arrested.” When his smile matches my own, I can’t help but continue, “Or maybe I’ll sue you for negligent driving of a shopping cart.”
We laugh together, but when our eyes lock, I’m entranced by the swirls of green in his irises again. When he glances down at my lips, I look away, suddenly finding the sky is more interesting than anything he has to say. Considering we’re in the city, no stars are in sight, but I can at least make out the moon. I’ve already let my thoughts stray from my plan enough as it is.
I’m just about to make an excuse to leave, grab Beth, and get out of here when he says, “So what are your plans after graduation?”
I laugh. “Not much, considering every company I’ve applied for has turned me down. I’m starting to think I’m meant to be a barista my entire life.” I steal a glance at him, catching a glimpse of the intensity with which he’s looking at me, and quickly look away, afraid that I’ve dumped too much on him.
He must notice my embarrassment because he responds with, “I’m sure something will come up soon. What are you majoring in?” There’s a flicker of something behind his eyes when he asks me this, but it must just be a reflection from the moonlight.
“Architecture. I’ve applied to just about every architecture, design, and construction company around here just to try to get my foot in the door.” I pause to think before continuing, “Well, except for the big ones that I know I’d probably just be wasting my time applying to.”
“Which big companies?”
“The obvious, Callaway Designs, Rose City Designs, Kane Construction…what?” I stop listing companies when his smile grows tenfold. My stomach flutters at the sight. It’s more radiant than I remember the first time I saw it.
“Kane Construction, you say?” he asks with a hint of amusement in his voice. I nod while waiting for his response.
With a laugh, Theo sticks out his hand. “I don’t think I properly introduced myself. Theodore Kane, youngest brother to the owner and CEO of Kane Construction. It’s a pleasure to meet you.” He wiggles his hand like he’s waiting for me to shake it, appearing to be very pleased with himself at this big revelation.
