Page 26 of On the Breakaway

The words cut through my almost embarrassment. Before I can fully turn, I’m being pulled into a hug.

I smile into Liam’s chest. His arms wrap tight around me, squeezing once before pulling back enough to look at me.

“I was starting to think you wouldn’t show.” He purses his lips.

“Please,” I scoff, relaxing instantly now that I have an anchor. “You know me. I never miss a party.”

Even if I did sort of want to miss this one. I’ve been in a funk lately. Going out is starting to feel like a performance, and I’m tired of acting.

His eyes drop to the drink in my hand. “What’s this?”

“It’s my drink.” I emphasize the word ’my’ and pull it away from his grabby hands. “Why are you always trying to steal my drink?” I smack his hand away.

He shrugs. “These fruity drinks of yours really hit the spot.”

“So, order one yourself.”

“Oh, c’mon, Aves, you know I can’t order that. I have an image to maintain.”

I snort, almost spitting out the sip I just took, and he grins widely.

“I think your image could take the hit. And your ego, too.” There is almost nothing that would shake Liam’s unwavering confidence.

I glance at him sideways when his lips turn down in a frown. The guy is way too used to getting what he wants. Apparently, even I’m not as immune to his charm as I pretend to be because I hand him my glass.

“Fine.” I sigh and point at him. “But you’re buying me the next one.”

He finishes my drink, slams the cup down on the table, and nods to the bar. “Deal. Let’s go.”

We move through the crowd easily this time, Liam’s broad body creating space in front of me. He holds an arm back for me to hang onto so we don’t get separated because it’s getting crowded. Well, that, and he tends to get swarmed.

As we weave through the room, I wave at a few of the players that I know and compliment a few random women’s outfits, because girl power.

While we wait for our drinks, Liam starts rambling on about something, but I’m only half listening. Instead, my eyes drag across the room, over faces and bodies like I’m taking inventory of who’s here.

I’ve seen everyone I would expect to see, except…

There. In the corner of the room.

Grayson.

His simple t-shirt is tight around his biceps and his jeans are fitted to perfection over his thighs. I’m reminded that even though I can’t stand his good guy act, he’s obnoxiously hot. Like fucking unreal hot. Like he could burn your house down and you’d say thank you hot.

He’s leaning back against the wall, one hand wrapped loosely around a drink, head tilted slightly as he listens to something Sloane is saying. She’s moving her hands around animatedly while reciting some story that can’t possibly require that much enthusiasm.

I tune Liam out entirely, stomach knotting. I hadn’t expected Sloane to be here of all places. But here she is, clear as day, Grayson’s date.

He smiles at something she says.

Shouldn’t everyone find it a little strange that he’s dating a college girl? I mean, she’s hardly old enough to drink.

It’s weird.

“Earth to Avery.” Liam slides the drink into my hand, and I grip it tightly.

“Are they dating?” I ask, nodding toward Sloane and Grayson.

“Who?” Liam turns to look, but people walk by, blocking his view.