“You’re not driving home,” I warn her.I know the girl, she’ll sneak alcohol, and unless I play babysitter all night, she’ll end up toasted.“You’ll stay here.”
Her eyes light up, and I imagine she’s doing a little dance in her head, getting exactly what she wanted.My jaw is tight, and I clear my throat.“You can stay in my room.I’ll take the couch.”
“You’re the best!”Nova squeals, delighted with my offer.
“Next time, call before you just show up.”I’m not happy that she’s here, but I also don’t feel like mingling anymore with the girls downstairs.Besides, I’m not leaving Nova alone tonight, and I don’t exactly have a bed for a random hookup, which puts me in a bit of a tight spot.
“I promise,” Nova says with a grin and links her pinky with mine.
I grab her arm, hidden behind her back, her fingers crossed.“You’re such a brat.”Rolling my eyes, I open my bedroom door and gesture for her to head back downstairs.
Heading for the stairs, my gaze locks on Harper as she’s standing there talking to Ashton.She glances up at me and bites her bottom lip before excusing herself as she heads for the front door.
I curse under my breath, brushing past Nova.
“What the hell just happened?”I growl at Ashton, grabbing his arm.“I invited Harper tonight.Were you hitting on her?”
Ashton’s brow furrows.“What are you talking about?That’s the girl I told you about earlier.Hot.Am I right?”
It’s not possible.
Ashton’s crush cannot be Harper McKenna.
Absolutely not.
Sighing, I shake my head, chasing after Harper.She’s already outside, and the air is frigid without a coat or long sleeves, but I don’t care.I’d freeze for her.
“Harper, where are you going?”I call after her.
She laughs under her breath, wraps her arms around herself and keeps walking.The street lights illuminate the road as she hurries away from the apartment.
“Away from you,” she says a little too loudly.
Maybe she wants me to hear her?“What did I do wrong?”I ask.She’s clearly mad.Is it because Ashton was hitting on her, or something else?
Harper stops walking and spins around to face me.It gives me a few seconds to catch up, closing the distance between us.“You really have to ask?”she scoffs at me.
She can barely meet my stare, her gaze everywhere but on me.And I could be wrong, but her eyes almost look like they’re glistening, as if she’s holding back tears.
I reach out, my fingers guiding her chin up, staring into her dark gaze that captivates me and lures me in.My breath catches in my throat.“You’re mad.”
“Did you get all that from me leaving the party?You must really be a genius,” she seethes.
I bite down on my tongue.She’s got a mouth on her.I glance at her lips and then back up to her dark eyes.“Spell it out for me,” I say.
Her gaze tightens, and she sucks in a breath.“I shouldn’t have to.We’re just friends.Barely even that.”
She pulls out of my embrace, and the air is even colder than before.
“If we’re less than friends, why are you running away?”I ask.
It’s obvious she’s upset.I’m just not quite sure what I did wrong, and by the look on her face, I’m to blame.
Her tongue darts out, swiping across her top lip.I can’t stop myself; I lean in, taking a taste, desiring to silence her anger.
I expect her to pull away, to smack me across the face, yell, scream.I’m waiting for her reaction, but it isn’t what I’m anticipating.
Her lips melt into mine, and she leans closer, her fingers trembling against my chest as I wrap my arms around her waist, pulling her tighter.The kiss starts out simple yet passionate, but when she doesn’t back off, I drag my tongue across her bottom lip.
