“Yeah,” he repeats, softer now. “Your eyes are... damn. And your hair—” He lifts a hand, running a lock through his fingers. “I didn’t realize it was so long.”
My natural curls only fall halfway down to my waist. Straightened, it hits just above my butt.
“Straightening it just felt... witchier.”
He grins, crooked and genuine. “Well, you nailed it. You look amazing.”
I tuck the compliment away, warmth blooming in my chest. It's not just what he said… it's how he said it. Like he meant it. Which might be the scariest part of Halloween so far.
“You look…” My words trail off as my eyes skim down Axel’s body, appreciatively.
“Handsome? Badass?Edible?” He supplies, helpfully, waggling his eyebrows.
“Uh huh,” I hide a smile. “Let’s go.”
We jog downstairs together, boots thudding on the steps.
“Damn…” Johnny’s voice is low and rough, stopping me dead on the landing.
Axel keeps walking, clapping him on the shoulder as he passes. “That’s what I said! Our little stepsister cleans up nice, huh?” he teases, disappearing out the front door.
Johnny’s hazel eyes sweep over me, slow and unreadable. I use the moment to take him in too. He’s in all black like Axel, wearing a hoodie, Converse, and tapered joggers that hug his thighs in a way that should be illegal. My stomach flips. When I finally drag my gaze back up, his eyes are fixed on my mouth, and I realize, too late, I’ve been biting my bottom lip.
Johnny’s nostrils flare. “Time to go,” he says abruptly, spinning on his heel.
Flustered, I follow him to the car. Axel’s already claimed shotgun, so I slide into the backseat.
“I didn’t know you were coming. Figured you were too cool for a high school party,” I say, latching my seatbelt.
Johnny glances at me in the rearview mirror, lips twitching. “Iamtoo cool for a high school party. Caleb’s older brother invited some people from my campus. That’s my excuse.”
“So, it’s not just a high school party then,” I clarify.
“Correct.”
They slip into an easy rhythm talking as we drive. I try to calm the thrum of nerves in my chest, but it only amps up when we pull onto Caleb’s long paved driveway. Cars are crammed along both sides, and music thumps faintly in the distance. My pulse quickens.
We finally find a spot, and Johnny parallel parks like a damn pro. “That was impressive.”
He shrugs, “One of my many talents.”
I wonder what else he’s talented at before pulling my mind out of the gutter.
Bad, Lina. Bad.
As we exit the car, I almost shut my door before remembering I’m still in my coat. “Oh! Wait.” I unbutton it and toss it in the backseat, using the window to fluff my hair and double check my lipstick. When I turn back, both Axel and Johnny are staring.
I begin to panic. “What? Am I not dressed okay? Jessie helped me pick it out.”
Looking down, I tug self-consciously at my skirt. MaybeJessiedidset me up. She’s friends with Rachel, after all.
“No,” Johnny says quickly, stepping forward to take my hand gently. “We’re just… surprised.”
“Yeah,” Axel agrees. “Surprised by how smokin’ you look!”
“What?!” I squeak.
Johnny steps in closer. His voice is low, respectful. “You always look good. But tonight… you look sexy as hell. Just be prepared for people to notice, honey.”
