She doesn't realize I'm standing here, and I open my mouth to say something, but it snaps closed when her fingers work her leggings over her hips.
A knot tightens in my gut as I catch a glimpse of her, and suddenly I break free, spinning away.
If only I had eyes in the back of my head. Then I’d see her eyes flick to my reflection and the sly smirk curling her lips.
A breeze ghosts over my bare skin, cooling the heat that’s just flared up.
I pace outside Rianna’s building, one hand raking through my hair, the other squeezing my damp shirt over and over.
Oh god. What the hell did I just do? Why did I freeze and stare instead of turning away? Why the fuck did something inside me spark?
It's impossible.
I love Charlie. Fuck, I love her so much. The idea of telling her what just happened makes my eyes sting. Lunch with Rianna churns sour in my gut.
I need...fuck. I need my girl. My butterfly. I need my Charlie girl.
Maybe she's right. Maybe this friendship isn't a great idea.
I pat my pocket for my phone, and panic tries to steal my senses.
"Here, goof. You left this on the couch," Rianna chirps, holding my phone out.
I snatch it from her hand, searching her face for any sign she knows what I saw. Relief loosens my shoulders when she just beams, carefree.
"Come on. Let's get to David's so we can jump in his pool to cool off."
My eyes jerk back to her, but she stands there staring at me guilelessly.
Right. It's all in my fucking head.
Blowing out a breath, I shake out my shirt and pull it over my head, ignoring the big, damp spot. "Let's go."
We climb into my car, and I toss my phone in the cup holder before I pull out.
We reach David’s place fast, and I circle for parking. Should’ve left my car at home. Getting out of here later will be hell.
Rianna’s flowery scent clings in the cramped car, and I bolt out, desperate for fresh air.
Hands shoved deep in my pockets, I let the wild noise of the party wash over me, trying to shake off the tension from Rianna’s place.
Something’s happening that scares me, threatening to wreck everything I have with Charlie. The only way to stop it is to end things with Rianna, and that thought stings. She’s been my best friend outside of Charlie. But Charlie is my world, my future, and I have to protect that.
I march over to the alcohol station David has set up and grab the bottle of whiskey and a shot glass. After I down the fourth one, my body finally relaxes, and my brain goes... numb.
Everything turns dark and fuzzy, the sharp edges of my thoughts finally dulled.
I've always had a high tolerance for alcohol, so while the shots gave me the calm I was looking for, they didn't really mess with my equilibrium.
I grab a beer and finally take in the party. The pool teems with half-naked bodies, and the house’s sides are plastered with so much skin I’m surprised they don’t leave imprints.
"There you are. You ran off," Rianna says as she comes to a stop in front of me.
I keep my gaze fixed on her face, forcing a smile as I lift my bottle. “Needed a drink.”
She says something else, but the music chooses that moment to get louder, so I lean down close enough to hear her. "What did you say?"
Rianna steadies herself with a hand on my hip, and I grit my teeth. The wall pins me in place, keeping me from stepping away like I want to.
