“You’re a maniac,” she stresses over her shoulder, burning holes through my body.
But do I give a shit that she’s angry? No, because I am too.
“Why the hell are you dancing with another guy?” We come face-to-face, ignoring everyone’s curious glances. “Are you out of your mind?”
She has to be.
Gawking at me, she gestures over her shoulder, and I find the guy she was dancing with in an embrace with another guy.
Oh shit.
“No, you’re the one with your head not screwed on tight. That’s my old friend, and that’s his boyfriend.” She sneers the last word, clutching my black button-down.
Yeah, I see that now.
She turns to her friend. “I’m so sorry, Liam. He’s a bit unhinged.”
He waves her off with a knowing smile. “Don’t worry about it; he cares. That’s a good sign.” He laughs, patting me on my shoulder. “I don’t want her, but if I liked girls, she would totally be mine.”
He gives my shoulder a squeeze, and I picture twisting his arm and breaking it after that last comment. I watch him walk off, and my jaw hurts from how hard I was clenching it.
I don’t know if all the alcohol in here is making me crazy or if it’s the angry girl in front of me, but I’m disoriented. How is it possible to feel angry and confused, happy and sad, all at the same time?
With one last glare, she pushes past me, but I follow close behind. Her long, wavy blonde hair sways as she takes each step. She walks into a quiet hallway, and I see her making her way to the ladies’ restroom.
“Stop walking away from me.” My skin touches hers as she comes to a complete stop.
“What do you want?” she stresses, biting her glossy lips. Her chest heaves with her frantic breaths as the sparkles on her dress make her the center of everyone’s attention.
“You. I just want you.” I deflate, just wanting her in my arms.
“I told you, we can’t—”
“I heard you loud and fucking clear, but I don’t understand why. I don’t believe this is what you want.”
It hurts too much to believe. It makes me feel numb.
She tilts her chin nearly to the sky, acting stubborn. “It is.”
“Really?” I laugh, backing her into the wall and caging her in with my arms. “Then, prove it. Show me you don’t want me.”
Her chest brushes against mine, her nostrils flaring. “I don’t need to prove anything. Just take my word for it.”
“See, this is why I don’t believe you.” My nose touches hers as her eyes flutter closed at the proximity.
“What do you want me to do?” she whispers.
“Don’t think I haven’t noticed that you haven’t had one alcoholic beverage tonight. I know that’s for me. But since you don’t want me and we’re only rivals, why don’t you go take a shot for me? Prove that you hate me by taking a shot.”
Her body tenses, making me regret my words immediately. But if she doesn’t love me and sees no future with me, she shouldn’t care about drinking. This shouldn’t affect her. Why would she care? She’s not an alcoholic or even with one.
“How could you ask me to do that?” she blurts out strongly, still trapped between my body and the wall as she looks heartbroken, sending a wave of pain through me.
Who am I?
Nothing without her.
“It’s not like I’m going to kiss you. Take a shot to show me you’re not in love with me.” The ice in my voice sends shivers down my own back.
