“Don’t care.” She snuggles into Thor’s chest, and he tightens his hold, staring at her like she hung the moon in the sky. Those two are crazy about one another, and I love how cute they are together.
I look away when they start kissing to give them privacy. Heat from Callan’s thigh seeps into my skin through my jeans, warming me all over. His spicy cologne tickles my nostrils, and his comforting arm around my shoulders lulls me into an altered reality. One where this is real and we’re into one another.
“You don’t drink?” Callan asks, staring deep into my eyes.
“I do sometimes, but I’m being good tonight because I told your mom I’d help with the porch in the morning, and I have a shift at the resort in the afternoon. I have zero desire to feel like I’ve been run over by a bus tomorrow.” I wet my lips, and Callan’s greedy gaze homes in on my mouth. Desire coils low in my stomach, and I discreetly squeeze my thighs together. This right here is the exact reason why I should say no to fake dating, why I probably will.
Callan chuckles. “I don’t mind letting loose sometimes, but I agree with you. Hangovers are harsh.”
“I’m guessing you don’t drink alcohol during the soccer season.” It would fit his MO.
“I don’t drink much at all, even off-season, because I’m always training and working out.”
I feel the evidence of his gym dedication pressed all up against me. “You’re very disciplined and focused.” I’m sure my admiration rings out in my tone, but it’s the truth. I’m only finding more ways to like this guy, which is why fake dating has disaster written all over it.
“I could say the same for you.”
“You’re perfect for each other,” Lyn says when she reappears, catching the end of our convo. She flops down on the couch beside me, handing over two bottles of water. “I don’t know anyone in the whole of senior year more goal-oriented than you two.” She winks at me before taking a sip from her beer.
“Lyn isn’t wrong,” Thor pipes up, sporting a smirk. Renee’s eyes are closed, and her head is resting against her boyfriend’s chest. Scooping her into his arms, Thor rises. “I’m going to put my Sleeping Beauty to bed. I’ll be back in a few.”
They walk off just as Gwen shows up holding Scott’s hand and grinning. She’s tried to tame her freshly fucked hair, but the sleek, glossy waves are no more. Her face is flushed, and she looks happy. Scott looks smitten, and I’m giddy with excitement for my friend.
Gwen pushes Scott down into the empty space on Lyn’s other side and sinks onto his lap, draping herself all over him. Scott beams at her, snaking his arms around her waist and holding her close.
“Ow, Gwen.” Lyn protests as Gwen accidentally elbows her, causing beer to spill down the front of Lyn’s dress.
“Sorry.” Gwen giggles, snuggling against Scott.
“Can’t you sit over there?” Lyn points to the space on the other couch beside Nikki and Riley.
“Thor’s coming back,” Gwen snaps, squirming on Scott’s lap. Her movement pushes her dress farther up her thighs, and she’s flashing a lot of bare skin. Scott’s eyes are out on stalks as his gaze trails up her legs.
A scowl forms on Lyn’s face. “You’re squashing me,” she fumes, barely avoiding an elbow to the face.
Callan grips my waist, lifting me onto his lap, and I almost forget how to breathe. “There.” He flashes Lyn a smile. “Problem solved.” His lips brush against my ear, sending a flurry of tremors cascading across my skin. “Relax, beautiful.”
Easy for him to say. He’s clearly not struggling to fight growing feelings for me. His hands land lightly on my waist as he slouches a little, sinking farther into the couch and getting more comfortable. I loosen my muscles and just go with it.
Scott and Gwen are kissing now, and his hand is possessive on her upper thigh. The dress has risen so high the slightest movement will flash her panties to the room. Lyn’s mouth purses in disgust as she watches them, and I’d really love to know what the hell happened between two of my best friends while I was in Sweden because I’m not immune to the tension that’s been evident every time they’re together. This is more than their usual bickering. I’d bet money on it.
I look up at Callan, expecting to see him watching the amorous couple, but his gaze is solely focused on me. I blush, and his lips kick up at the corner. “By the way,” he whispers. “You look gorgeous tonight. Prettiest girl in the room by a mile.”
His compliment mushrooms in my chest, swelling my heart and flooding me with warmth. “Thank you. I was feeling a little underdressed when I got here.”
“You don’t need a tight dress or tons of makeup to look beautiful,” he murmurs. “You just are.”
If I’m not mistaken, that’s a blush stealing across his cheeks. He laughs to hide his embarrassment. “I’m not coming on to you, I swear. Friends compliment friends, right?”
I nod as confusion swirls inside me. Is he giving me mixed signals, or am I reading too much into things? “You shouldn’t feel less than any other girl just because you’re wearing jeans and they’re trying too hard in a skimpy dress. You’re perfect exactly the way you are.”
“Gwen! For fuck’s sake,” Lyn barks, and I whip my head around. “I can see your goddamn thong! Get a room or quit dry-fucking one another in public. Everyone can see.”
Gwen tears her lips from Scott, looking over her shoulder at Callan and me. Lyn isn’t wrong. Gwen’s left butt cheek is visible because her dress is basically bunched at her crotch by now. I dart forward, leaning over Lyn, tugging Gwen’s dress down over her thighs. Gwen swings her gaze to Lyn. “You’re so uptight, Lyn. Stop acting like a virginal prude and go get laid.”
“Gwen!” That is way out of line. “That’s mean. Lyn is only looking out for you.”
“That’s what you think.” Gwen’s eyes roll a little, and her speech is slurred. I didn’t realize she was so drunk, but I’m not surprised. Gwen is a mean drunk, and she often says things she regrets the next day. I really wish she wouldn’t drink alcohol so much.
