AllFreeNovel
Share Us
I’m completely willing to go if she’s not comfortable but she shakes her head. “No, it’s fine. I just didn’t expect it, that’s all.”
With my hand on her lower back, I lead her inside. It’s a very small get together. Anything here always is, though. Craig’s basement isn’t that big so he likes to keep it low key. This is exactly what I needed. A party to see old friends, but one that doesn’t require too much of my energy and attention.
“Hey! Look who it is!” Justin says as soon as he sees us. Everyone looks up and starts to shout their hellos. Kayleigh nervously tucks closer into my side.
“Kayleigh, this is Craig, Justin, Tyler, Mason, Chelsea, and Layla.” I point to each person, going in order around the room. “Guys, this is Kayleigh.”
They all shout their hellos as she shyly waves. We go over to the mini fridge to grab a couple drinks. Chelsea follows us over there but I’m not worried about it. While she’s someone I dated in high school, she’s nothing like Bianca.
“Wow H, look at you, bringing a girl with you to a party.”
I chuckle. “Very funny, Chels.”
“You must be something special.” She practically whispers to Kayleigh. “I dated him for like three months in high school. I’d show up at parties and have no idea he was there until we ran into each other.”
Rolling my eyes, I smile. “Okay, we were like sixteen. What did you want me to do? Have my mom pick you up before I snuck out?”
She waves me off dismissively. “Yeah, yeah, yeah. I see how it is. You went off to college and learned how to be a gentleman.”
“Gentleman?” Kayleigh snorts. “Please. Let’s not add to his already inflated ego.”
“I like her.” Chelsea gleams.
I fake a pout and when Kayleigh notices, she coos. “Aw, don’t worry. You’re still adorable.” Her hand lightly pats my cheek.
Chelsea returns to her previous seat while Brandon, Kayleigh, and I all take the remaining empty couch. As if it’s a natural reaction, my arm goes around Kayleigh’s shoulders. For a second I think she’s going to freeze up from the PDA like she normally does, but instead she smiles and settles against me. My ex gives me a look, knowing this stuff is all out of character for me. I don’t mind though. This is what I want.
“So, H. Where’s your shadow?” Tyler quips.
I groan loudly. “Somewhere far away from here I hope.”
Kayleigh looks up at me. “Your shadow?”
I shake my head as a sign not to worry about it, but Craig starts to laugh. “There is a girl we went to school with that is absolutely obsessed with Holden.”
“She’s not obsessed with me.”
“Oh please.” Layla pipes up. “That girl makes Carol Bundy look normal.”
I ponder it for a second then nod. “On second thought, don’t post anything about me being here. I don’t want her showing up.”
They all laugh and Mason goes to pass me a blunt. I shake my head immediately but Kayleigh still notices it.
“Have you ever done it?” Her voice is low like she doesn’t want anyone to hear us.
“I used to do it in high school, but stopped once I got to college.” She doesn’t answer right away which has me beginning to panic. “Does that bother you?”
To my relief, she shakes her head. “Not at all. I’ve just never done it.”
Okay. I knew she was innocent, but this could get fun. As I think about seeing her high for the first time, a smirk spreads across my face. “Do you want to? I could corrupt you.”
“Corrupt me?” She snickers. “I’m not a saint.”
“Oh, trust me babe, I know.” I try not to envision of all the things we’ve done in the bedroom that prove she’s anything but innocent. “But really, if you want to try it, I’ll do it with you.”
“Okay, but you have to help me. I have no idea what to do.”
A new feeling of excitement courses through my veins. “It’s easy. Have you seen someone smoke a cigarette?” I ask, gesturing for Craig to pass me a new one. He knows I’ll pay him later. “Well, it’s just like that. Just suck in and hold it for a few seconds, then blow it out.”
