“Do you need a pep talk? It feels like you need a pep talk.”
I smile despite myself. Rowan is good at getting me out of my head, but I highly doubt I’m going to find a lot of wisdom from him in this particular situation.
“Lacey is one of the coolest chicks I know, and you…” He trails off like maybe he doesn’t know how to categorize me. I try not to be offended by that.
“I feel better already,” I say dryly.
“I wasn’t done.” He glares playfully at me. “You are a good guy. You deserve to have a little fun. Be wild and spontaneous for once.”
Of course that’s his answer. Rowan is the definition of fun. He never misses a party and takes very little seriously.
His words aren’t inspirational, but I do appreciate them nonetheless.
“Thanks, man,” I tell him with a grateful nod.
“Yeah? You’re all fired up and ready to get the girl?”
It’s my turn to laugh. “Something like that.”
Giving him my back, I head toward the stairs, then take them two at a time to the second level. The line for the bathroom is all the way down the hall. I weave through people looking for Lacey. I’m all the way to the front and I still haven’t found her when a flash of silver catches my eye.
Standing next to Mark, Lacey stares up at him smiling and nodding like she’s completely enraptured with whatever he’s saying. He’s in his full hockey gear as a costume. How original.
He leans one arm on the wall above her head and peers down at her. A surge of jealousy hits me so hard it surprises me. All I can think is,mine.
I push my way to them, ignoring a few people who tryto get my attention. When I’m close enough to take in her whole alien costume, Lacey’s gaze slides to me.
She does a double take, then a slow smile pulls at her lips.
Mark turns to see what’s captured her attention.
“Oh, hey man.” He gives me a chin nod and then a once-over of my outfit.
“Hey,” I say back to him without taking my eyes off Lacey. The pleased, slightly shocked expression on her face fills me with hope. She wanted me to show up tonight, and as much as this may not be my scene, I want to be wherever she is.
The three of us stand there, no one speaking until Mark clears his throat.
“Okay, I’m going to grab something to drink. Catch you later, Lacey?” he asks her, then waits for her reply.
She blinks a few times as if just remembering he’s there. She gives him her usual polite, friendly smile. “Yeah, I’ll see you later.”
Mark backs away and I don’t waste any time taking his place.
“I wasn’t sure if you were really coming,” she says.
“Me either.”
“You didn’t dress up.” She doesn’t sound or look the least bit surprised.
“And you went all out.”
“Of course. I love Halloween.” That isn’t surprising either. “What do you think?” she asks. “Out of this world?”
I finally let myself take her in. The silver dress is so tight I wonder how she’s able to breathe. Her eyes are big and outlined in silver and rhinestones. Even her shoes, some sort of silver platform boot, are sexy as hell.
Someone bumps into me from behind. I turn and glare.
The guy, a freshman, hunkers down. “Sorry.”
