AllFreeNovel
Share Us
His face is like a piece of art. Sharp cheekbones and sexy jawline. Square chin offset by full, lush lips. He’s not as pretty as he used to be, but that’s not a bad thing.
He’s gorgeous. It’s almost intimidating, how handsome he is.
“I was right. He’s even better looking now,” Rachel whispers in my ear. “And he can’t stop staring at you.”
“Please. He’spaidto stare at me,” I remind her out of the side of my mouth, never tearing my gaze from his. Despite knowing this is all a facade thanks to the million-dollar payment my father made, I’m swaying to the beat, unable to help myself.
A new song starts, and it’s my absolute favorite. Their biggest hit of all.
“Lonely for You.”
A small smile forms on my lips when he sings a particular couple of lines from the chorus.
She’s a beautiful girl, with a beautiful smile
One I haven’t seen in a while
I finally tear my gaze from his, grinning at Rachel, who offers a little shoulder shimmy as her response. Being with her helps me forget my worry over Ian, and I let the music take over, cheering when Tate doesn’t miss a beat while slipping into the next song.
And the next one.
Yet another one after that.
The crowd feels like it’s grown. I glance around, confused by all the unfamiliar faces surrounding me. Are there people here who weren’t invited? Maybe they heard him singing from the corridor and decided to peek inside, and now they’re caught up in Tate’s voice, dancing to the songs that are familiar Five Car Pileup hits.
I genuinely forgot they had so many.
When the music stops and Tate is chatting up the crowd, I hear a familiar voice from behind.
“Hey.”
I whirl around to find Ian standing so close I can feel his body heat radiating toward me, an unfamiliar expression on his face. I break out into a huge smile and throw my arms out, wrapping him up in a hug, but he disentangles himself from me quickly.
“I should go,” he says tersely.
I’m frowning, confusion swirling. “What? You’re already leaving? The party has barely started!”
He leans his head toward mine, and I hold my breath, anticipation curling through me at all the possible things he might say. “You know I don’t do well in crowds.”
The anticipation fizzles away, replaced by crushing disappointment. He doesn’t do well in crowds? I’ve never heard him say that before in his life. He sounds like an old man.
“But they haven’t sung ‘Happy Birthday’ to me yet,” I practically shout in his ear. I’m sure he can’t really hear me thanks to how loud Tate Ramsey is now singing. The chanting crowd doesn’t help matters either.
“I’ll take you to lunch later this week. Just the two of us.” That promise, accompanied by the small smile, is enough to relight the hope that flickers deep within me.
We didn’t talk tonight, but lunch alone? Just the two of us? That’s filled with infinite promise.
“Okay.” I try not to sound too eager, desperate to play it cool.
“Happy birthday, Scarlett.” Ian glances over to where Rachel is lurking just behind me. “Goodbye, Rachel.”
“See ya, Ian,” she tosses out at him, rolling her eyes the minute he turns his back on us and walks away.
“We’re having lunch later this week,” I announce triumphantly.
“Big deal.” She waves a hand, being dismissive, and while I hate it, I also understand why. “He’s just going to lead you on like usual.”
I pull her away from the crowd so I can hear her better. “You really think so?”
