“I don’t need your help.” She picks up her pace and hurries past me, bumping my shoulder with hers as she does.
I reach out and snatch her wrist gently. “Sure seemed like you needed it back there.” I cock my head behind us.
Her forehead wrinkles, and her face twists as she jerks out of my hold. “I’ve seen people make out before. Hell, I’ve seen more than that tonight thanks toyou.” She jabs a finger at my chest, and I almost want to puff it. Just so I can feel her touch. “I’ll decide when I’m ready. Leave me alone and go find your groupie.” She flips her hair over her shoulder and struts away, leaving me a little chubbed up and a lot intrigued.
Well, shit.
4
OLIVIA
How long is this hallway?I swear I’ve been running for miles. My heart hammers against my ribs as I struggle to take a full breath.
I’m not sure if he’s still watching me. I’m too afraid to check. So, I keep walking, trying to sustain a normal pace, when really I want to run until I’m no longer in this shitty bar. I wish I were home in my cozy bed with a ball of yarn, working on my latest crochet project. I’d even take studying over this. In fact, I’d prefer it.
I rush into the bathroom, giving myself a minute to regain my composure. My skin is heated, and a light sheen of sweat coats my neck. I can’t believe I let Ellie drag me here. Okay, yes, I can, because it’s Ellie. She always gets her way.
But I hadn’t expected it to go like this. I thought we’d see a cool band and leave as soon as it was over. I did not expect to witness some guy getting a BJ, or another couple dry hump each other to smithereens right in front of me. Those things were not on my bucket list. Ellie’s maybe.
I splash cold water onto my face, but it does little to cool theburning feeling running through me. It’s scorching in this place. Must be all the people in such a small space. Yeah, that has to be it.
I make my way to the front to find Ellie. She may joke about being a groupie and chasing bands all summer, but I know her well enough to know she’s not off somewhere in this bar hooking up with that Travis guy. Making out? Maybe—probably—but she has a three-date minimum rule for anything under the clothes. Something that actually appalled me when she told me. She topped it off with ‘but if I’m feeling it, I say, fuck it.’ I think I gasped at that, and she laughed.
Sex is intimate and…scary, but Ellie is undoubtedly more comfortable in her skin than I am. I live by a three-month rule. I need to get to know them on a deeper level before I can even think about sharing my body with them. She was horrified when I shared that bit of information with her, claiming she could never hold out that long, but it hasn’t been hard for me. Sex isn’t something I crave like she does.
I weave through the thinning crowd. The bar’s half empty now. No energy pulsing through it, shuddering the walls like there was minutes ago.
I spot her near the back. She and Travis are sitting in a small booth in the corner, sharing a pizza.
Ellie waves when she sees me approaching. “Hey, there you are.”
“Want some pizza?” Travis asks, pushing the box toward me as I take a seat.
“No, thank you.” I can sense Ellie trying to read my mood, so I do my best to appear casual.
“Do you want something to drink? Sprite?” she asks carefully.
“I’m fine. Just wanted to check on you.” I give her a fake smile, and she nods. I don’t want to crash her alone time withTravis, but I had to get away from Penn and the other couple. It was getting too…heated.
“I was telling Travis we have finals this week, so after this, we should go.”
I nod, hoping it’s not too eager.
“You should come out next week. We have another gig. We can hang out after,” Travis says.
I glance at Ellie. Her chin is resting on her hand, and she’s staring at him with stars in her eyes. A look I’ve never seen my best friend give anyone else. Donuts, maybe, but not guys.
“Totally,” Ellie says.
“Sure.” I agree, even though I’m absolutelynotsure.
They exchange phones, adding each other’s numbers, when movement at the table across from ours draws my attention. Penn is leaning back against the seat, his eyes on the hot blonde girl from earlier as she sits on his lap, smiling down at him. A sinking feeling rolls through my stomach. Did they finish what they started? Is that why she’s smiling?
I shake my head. It’s none of my business.
My gaze dances over him again, skating down his arm, where ink covers every inch of his skin. I never thought tattoos were attractive before, but I can’t deny that he’s good-looking even if he’s not my type.At all.
I realize I’m still staring when his head turns my way. His chin lifts slightly, and he smirks, letting me know I’ve been caught.Ugh, dammit.My face grows hot again, and I quickly look away.
