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Her gaze catches mine, and I don’t know exactly what I’m showing her right now, but it makes her blush. Then her lips twitch, and she says with a little more confidence, “I am sexy.”
My lips curl up in response. “I belong here.”
“I belong here.”
“I’m about to have the best night of my life.”
She hesitates. Something flashing across her expression—maybe a touch of fear or dread. I can’t work out where that’s coming from. But just as I start to frown, she rushes out the words. “I’m about to have the best night of my life. Now, let’s go.”
Tugging my hand, she drags me into the party, and yes, I’m feeling pretty damn cocky that I managed to swing this thing around.
As we walk through the door, every head in the room seems to turn toward us. I guess they’re not used to me arriving with someone, and yeah, it feels weird. But screw it. I like this girl, and?—
Oh shit, I really do like her.
How did this happen?
When?
And why am I not freaking out a little more about it?
I’m flirting with girlfriend territory here. I promised myself I’d never go down this path. Not that Mikayla’s my girlfriend. She’s just a girl I brought along to this party.
You called heryourlittle mouse before.
I shut the thought off and rest my hand on her lower back, propelling her past the gawking partygoers and pretending like this is the most normal thing in the world.
“Hey.” I raise my chin and eyebrows at various people, fist-bumping a few of the football players I know, then spotting Ruby. She glances down at Mikayla, then back up to me with a little pout.
That’s right, luscious lady. There will be no visits to the bathroom tonight.
She grins and shakes her head, walking past us with a wink. Mikayla frowns, glancing at me, but I just shake my head and make a beeline for the hockey guys.
Mikayla seems to relax when she greets Casey and Liam. Asher gives her a smile that makes my skin crawl because I know he’s loving the fact that she looks freaking edible tonight. He can feel my pain and suffering, and I know I’m gonna get it later.
Shit. Why did I do this to myself?
Riley slides up a few seconds later. “Mick!” He raises his arms like seeing her has just made his day.
“Hey, Riley.” She high-fives him with a laugh.
“You guys want a drink?” He points around the table, an enthusiastic waiter who has obviously had a few already. Yep, the drink turns him into an animated kid. It’s pretty fucking funny.
Liam tracks our young teammate as he makes his way to the keg and starts grabbing Solo cups to fill, before turning to Mikayla.
“You don’t have to drink if you don’t want to.” Liam tips his cup at her. “I never do.”
“Really?” Her face bunches with surprise. “Why not?”
He shrugs. “Don’t like it.”
I clench my jaw the way I always do when Liam is confronted with that question. Maybe he doesn’t like it. But I know that’s not the reason he doesn’t drink. I’ve told him a million times that if he wants to, he should, but he’s convinced that if he lets loose with a bottle, he’s gonna turn into his old man, so he doesn’t touch a drop.
I guess it kind of works out well that we always have a DD in our group. Just as long as Liam feels like he’s not missing out.
“You’re underage. No one’s gonna judge you for following the rules and staying sharp at a party like this.” Liam’s lips curl into a closed-mouth grin.
I lean down to assure her, “But if you do want a drink, go for it. I’ll keep an eye on you.”
