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CHAPTER 3
Ella
Outside?I blinked, wondering what I’d expected, before nodding and taking another sip of my lemonade. I liked how he was thoughtful enough to make me a drink. Even if it was basic—just vodka and raspberry lemonade. He didn’t know that was my favorite flavor. My sister preferred strawberry, but I’d always been a ride or die raspberry girl.
I expected to just follow behind him, but he interlaced our fingers, the warmth from his grip instantly spreading throughout my system. Interweaving through the horde of bodies still in the frat house, the Prince pulled me onto the front porch, holding his beer out in front of him.
For all I knew, he did this with other girls all the time. It was an idea I had to swallow back, to stuff down. I didn’t want to think about him—Charming, the nickname I’d given him feeling all too fitting—with anyone else. Not tonight. Swallowing back the bile in my throat, I watched as he led me to a set of chairs tucked into the corner of the porch.
There was something in his eyes as he’d watched me twirl for him in the kitchen, an unchecked lust that made me feel like I was someone entirely new. I’d never had anyone look at me likethat before. Every time he called me Princess, his voice was practically a rasp against my skin.
“Cozy,” I said as I settled into the large wicker chair, the chill of the evening air a welcome balm from the heat inside the party. I hadn’t brought a coat, and my dress was essentially sleeveless, the sheer sleeves I’d sewn onto it giving me no protection from the wind.
He chuckled. “It’s really nice in the summer.”
I’d bet. We weren’t too far from the beach, and much like the sorority houses a few streets down, it was only a short walk from both the ocean and our campus.
After finishing my drink, I set my cup on the side table before tucking my hands underneath my legs, not wanting to fidget even more.
“So, Princess. Tell me about yourself.”
I cleared my throat, staring out into the night. “What do you want to know? I already told you I’m in Costume Design, and I have a twin sister who goes to CU too…” I trailed off. What else about my life was interesting?
“A twin, huh? What’s her major?”
“Theater.” I smiled, thinking about how Audrey came to life on the stage. “She wants to be on Broadway one day.”
“And you?”
I looked up at him, our gazes locking. “I’d rather design the costumes for it.” He nodded, taking another swig of his beer. “What about you? Any siblings?”
He shook his head. “No. Just me.” He sounded almost… sad? Or maybe that was bitterness I was picking up? Either way, I found I wanted to chase that feeling away.
“Hey. At least there’s no one to steal your stuff, right?” Sensing I’d found a sensitive subject, I focused on something else. “You said you’re pre-law?”
“Yup. It’ll be a few more grueling years of school before I’m able to join my father’s firm.” His hands toyed with the now empty-beer can, fiddling with the tab.
“That’s your dream?” I was surprised to hear myself asking, but he also didn’t exactly seem excited about the decision. “To join your family’s practice?”
He gave a muttered agreement before pinning me with a look, instantly changing the subject. “Tell me something.”
“What?” Was he drunk?
“Something you’ve never told anyone.”
“Oh.” I bit my lip. “I like to sing, but I have stage fright.” I hadn’t even told Audrey that. It was more than just not wanting to be in the spotlight. I practically froze whenever I had to give a speech, or present in front of the class.
And then there was my propensity for tripping on air. The two things did not mix.
He raised an eyebrow. “Really?”
I brushed one of my little curls behind my ear. “Yeah. I get all sweaty, and my skin gets all splotchy and red, and I want to die of embarrassment. Every time.”
“I bet you sound as beautiful as you look,” he murmured, pinning me with that dark gaze of his.
“Oh, I—” The warmth filled my face, like I’d summoned the splotches myself. “You’re good at that, aren't you?”
“What?”
