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“Is it just me, or is it hot in here?” Ashley fanned herself.
Maria slung an arm around my neck. “My throat is so dry.”
“I’ll get drinks.” I untangled myself from six arms and fought through the crowded dance floor.
“I want a decent mixed drink, Christina,” Sydney yelled. Her voice carried across the room. “Not that nasty-ass punch.”
“You got it,” I called back, and whirled to face a solid wall of male chest. My arm brushed smooth fabric — a dark button-down shirt. The sleeves were rolled up, putting massive forearms on display.
Blue Eyes was in front of me. The two feet of space between us felt much too far, and not nearly far enough.
Every drop of perspiration on my skin popped into sparks. My hair hung down, hot and heavy. I’d taken care with styling it this evening, but all the heat tools and hairspray in the world couldn’t keep it from frizzing out in this sweaty party atmosphere.
As I twisted it into a dark rope, his gaze followed its length.
“I’m just — getting some drinks,” I announced.
“Enjoy.” He swept a hand towards the bar. “There’s plenty there for you.”
His voice was deep, calm, and surprisingly quiet for such a big, broad guy. It cut through the pounding music and commanded my attention.
“You’re not having anything?” I asked.
“I don’t drink.”
“At all? “
He said nothing.
The glint of gold on his hand caught my eye. I took his fingers in mine, way more forward than my usual, to look at his fraternity ring. It was worn around the edges. The crest and letters were softened, the metal nicked. He wasn’t the first owner of that ring.
“You’re in Kappa Sig? I know some guys in there.” I kept the tone chatty, flipping back my hair. “I’m closest to James. He's like a little brother to me. He calls me for advice on everything.”
“Parker or Ulloa?”
“Ulloa.”
“He's a good kid.” His thumb brushed mine.
“Are you a good kid?” I was trying for another smile from him, but I felt weighted. I could hardly breathe.
“I’m not a kid.”
A pulse leapt between us. His hand was huge, cool against my sweaty one. Suddenly, I felt like I was petting a wild animal — a lone wolf, acting tame for reasons of its own. Waiting patiently to pounce.
It was time to let his hand go. I didn’t.
“If you don’t drink, what’s the point of being here tonight?” I stared up at him. “What are you even doing in Kappa Sig?”
“Good question.” Slowly, casually, his thumb brushed my palm. My breathing quickened. My skin prickled, just from holding hands. My boyfriend, my best friends, girls’ night, and the party all faded into the background. I stood in front of this stranger, my self-control threatening to dissolve.
“What are you doing here all alone?” I breathed.
“What areyoudoing all alone?” he countered.
“I’m not,” I retorted, stung. “I’m with my friends.” I snatched my hand away and pointed to the center of the dance floor, where the three of them were grinding in a tight knot.
Blue Eyes put his hands in his pockets. “I know. I saw them.”
