She strolls in, completely disregarding the lack of invitation, and flops down on our unmade bed with a dramatic sigh.
“Ugh, this mattress is way better than the brick I’ve been sleeping on all week.”
Hudson grits his teeth, nostrils flaring at her intrusion. “Ella, I didn’t say you could come in. Please leave so I can getdressed. I’ll be down in a few.” His jaw is tight, molars grinding, trying not to yell at her.
He’s always had this big brother-type relationship with Ella, and he feels obligated to make sure she is included and having fun. But right now, it looks like he regrets every bit of it.
“Just let me hang for a few minutes,” she says, picking up a sweaty t-shirt from the bed and tossing it on the floor, her nose scrunched. Pretty sure that has old cum on it. I smirk.
“It’s awkward down there. Hadley’s sweet, but the rest of the girls are still the same twats they’ve always been, and the guys are ignoring me like I’m invisible.” She looks up at him with big, pleading eyes.
I already know he’s going to cave before he even opens his mouth. “Fine. But stay put and don’t go snooping.”
She smiles wide and sprawls out across the bed.
I don’t want to stay and be forced into an awkward conversation with Ella, so I decide to head down.
“I’m gonna go on down, see if everything’s ready.”
Hudson doesn’t answer. He just grabs the clothes he picked out before I mauled him and stalks into the bathroom, slamming the door shut behind him.
I turn to leave, but Ella’s voice cuts through the air behind me.
“Hadley’s really excited about that guy coming to the party. She’s bragging about getting laid by a college guy tonight.”
I stop cold and turn on my heel. “Why the hell would I want to know that?”
She shrugs, picking at the chipped pink polish on her fingers like we’re talking about the weather. “Just thought you’d want to know she’s moved on. I heard that girl Heather was eyeing you up earlier, maybe you should do the same. There’s no one else here for you, Cullen.”
“I’m good, thanks.”
She just hums and continues chipping away at her nails. I turn on my heel and walk out the door.
The thumping music grows from the surround sound speakers as I make my way down to the living room. The smell of greasy pizza hits me next, then the sight of liquor bottles lined up on the counter. Katie’s cousin hooked us up with enough alcohol to drown a small army.
Speaking of Katie, she and Matt are fully dry-humping on the couch like no one else is here. I walk over and knock Matt’s foot off the coffee table, which causes Katie to tumble off his lap and onto the floor.Oops.
“Yo, take it behind closed doors.”
Matt hops up and grinds his teeth, before plastering on a smile. He adjusts his boner, and shoots me a wink. “Sorry, bro. Got carried away.” He reaches down to help Katie up, who glares at me. I roll my eyes and head to the kitchen.
I don’t know what’s got me so on edge tonight, but something feels off. Maybe inviting strangers we’ve known for all of twenty-four hours wasn’t our best idea.
Grabbing the first open liquor bottle I see, I take a long pull straight from it without even checking the label. The hairspray burn that hits my throat confirms it’s cheap vodka, but it does its job, loosening the tension in my chest instantly.
“No shot glass?”
I fumble the bottle as a sing-song voice materializes in the kitchen. I glance up to see one of the girls we invited smiling wide in a vampire red, skintight mini dress. Her light brown hair is pulled into a tight ponytail, with minimal makeup except for a bold red lip. She’s pretty, and in another life, I’d be interested.
But the only person I want is upstairs.
Doesn’t mean I can’t be polite, though.
I smile, then look down at the vodka bottle still in my hand. “Just taking one shot. Didn’t want to mess up a glass for that.”
I offer her the bottle and nudge a clean glass in her direction. Her hazel eyes sparkle as she drinks straight from the bottle like I just did.
“No need to mess up a glass, right?” She lifts a flirty eyebrow.
