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She couldn’t call him. Not in this state. She might let something else slip, and that would not do. And then there was the matter of fixing her other mistake. That one was far more pressing. And it was only a matter of time before he realized…no, she couldn’t let that happen. He would hate her. Never forgive her. Probably never speak to her again.
She had to do something.
She scanned the party and spotted Bakari. They had messed around before. It wasn’t all that great, but he was able, and if he wasn’t willing, he would be once she got done flirting with him.
She downed the rest of her margarita and sauntered over to him. He was lounging on the couch, which had been pushed against the wall next to the DJ. She sat next to him, but also partly on his lap. He looked down at her butt on this thigh and then he looked at her face. “What are you doing?”
“What?” she said, leaning in closer.
He leaned closer too, and then their faces were touching. “I said what are you doing?”
His breath was warm on her ear. It felt nice. This might actually be enjoyable. “I’m hanging with you. If that’s okay.”
He pulled back so that he could look at her again. He shouted this time, “I guess so!”
She leaned further into his space and touched his ear with her mouth. “There’s a room upstairs.”
His chest rose abruptly. She waited for him to jump up and lead the way, but he stayed where he was.
“I think I’mma just hang out here for now,” he said, and even though she wasn’t into him like that, it stung for a minute. All pretty girls hate rejection. It’s not their fault, though; everyone tells them every day of their lives that they’re attractive. Unlike average girls, they come to expect male attention, and are always offended when they don’t get it.
“Are you sure?” she said.
“I’m sure.”
An awkward silence ensued before Nyleah scanned the room again, hoping for a solution to her problem. And then she saw it.
Jace.Of course!she thought. That was her way out. She almost squealed with joy at her genius. It made perfect sense.
Jace had always had a crush on her, and she had always known it. Boys think they’re slick, but you can always tell. The only time it’s ever confusing is when theydon’tlike you. But she had never been interested. Still wasn’t, at least not romantically. But at this moment, he had something she wanted. She quickly formulated a plan.
Several deep breaths later, she checked herself out in her compact mirror and told herself she looked perfect. She sashayed over to Jace. He was sitting alone, as usual, on the periphery of a conversation between other people, laughing occasionally but never saying a word.
This would be easy.
“Let me holler at you for a minute, Jace,” she said, more demand than suggestion. His eyebrows raised slightly, and he glanced at Mike, who was sitting nearest to him. “I just need to ask you something about band.” That ought to keep their nosy asses from making stuff up later on.
Jace stood and set his cup on the table. Without saying another word, Nyleah walked back toward the kitchen. She could feel his footfalls behind her, and she could sense his eyes on her.Good, she thought.Take a good look.
She passed through the kitchen and headed for the steps leading to the second floor, pausing once to turn around and smile at him. He smiled back, It was an awkward smile, but it was fine. She didn’t need him to seduce her.
She climbed the stairs with him right on her heels. There was only darkness waiting for them up there. Darkness and heat. A heat so oppressive, she started dripping with sweat immediately. She reached the top landing and realized there were no walls, only beams. She felt around for a light switch and found none. Jace stopped right behind her and placed a hand on her shoulder. He was so close, she could feel his breath on her neck.
“Why did you really want me to come with you?” he asked.
“Just wanted to talk. But first, help me find some light.”
The two padded around in the dark, bumping into each other a few times and giggling. She was still drunk, but less than she had been before. Jace finally found a lamp, and when he turned it on, a dull yellow glow bathed the room.
Nyleah looked around and wasn’t impressed. There were a couple of dusty chairs and a pool table, and none of those would do. “What’s down there?” she said, pointing toward the hallway in front of them.
Jace grabbed her hand. “Let’s go see.”
He was turning out to be more aggressive than she expected. She followed him, her hand in his, and tried not to stumble. There was a small bathroom straight ahead and what looked to be a bedroom on the left.
Jackpot.
Jace led her into the room and to a grey couch. She stumbled and fell into it. Jace took his seat next to her and stared at her expectantly.
