My eyes drop to their tight, short dresses, before moving to my own outfit.I went a little daring with a tight black denim skirt and a top tucked into it, matched with a pair of black boots.I do feel like this outfit is serving me well at the party.I’m trying not to let self-conscious thoughts rule my life, but it’s hard not to when insecurity is embedded in me, and has been from a very early age.
Peering back up at Zayden, a little zing ofsomethinginches down my spine when I find his eyes already on me.They travel slowly down, making the flush in my cheeks deepen impossiblymore.The way he looks at me makes me squirm.When his eyes find mine, his cheek twitches.
‘You look good,’ Zayden comments.‘Like, really good.’
My heart trips in my chest.Again, I try not to let this get to me, because I know Zayden has been a bit of a player since his break-up.I’m assuming that I’ve captured his attention simply because I’m here, and that he’s just looking for a night of fun.If he’s even considering that with me.I could be totally off and that would be even more embarrassing, but the way he’s looking at me now is undeniable.I’ve noticed his eyes on me a few times when we’ve been at the same events.Cami’s also pointed it out, making me wonder if there maybe is something more here.
‘You look good too, Zayden.’
Reaching towards me, he wraps a strand of my hair around his finger.He rubs it between his thumb and pointer finger, staring at it for a moment, before looking back at me.
‘I’m glad you came to the party with me.’His voice is deep and a little hoarse.I lean closer to him, trying to hear him better over the loud, thumping music.His warm breath spills over my face, and goosebumps prickle across my skin at the feel of it.
‘Me too,’ I breathe.
Slowly, he lets go of my hair but remains close.Close enough for me to smell the alcohol on his breath.A reminder that neither of us is sober or thinking clearly.So close that I can see the light dusting of freckles across his cheeks.
There’s a crash and the sound of breaking glass, all the heads around us, including ours, whip to the side of the house where two boys are throwing punches at each other.
‘Fight!’A deep voice bellows, and suddenly everyone is gravitating towards them, trying to get a better view of what’s happening.Zayden steps forward, placing his arm in front of me, as if worried I might get too close to the altercation.
I peer around Zayden’s shoulder, and the sounds of grunts and huffs grow louder as one of the guys tackles the other to the ground.Zayden rushes forward and yanks the guy on top off the other with the back of his shirt, who I then recognise as Andy, a footy player on the team with Mason and Zayden.Andy stumbles, hardly catching his footing in time to stop himself from tumbling over.Someone else jumps in front of the other guy, who managed to leap to his feet faster than I thought he would be able to, considering the amount of blood on his face.
Zayden pushes Andy back and he shakes his head, walking away, not looking very impressed that the fight was interrupted, but he doesn’t make any attempts to continue it.He flexes his hand open and shut as he storms away, muttering under his breath.
The other guy winces, gingerly touching his face, blood streaming down his skin in ribbons of red.Zayden wipes his hands on his legs as he strolls back towards me, not looking fazed that he just intervened in a fight that could have definitely ended the night on a sour note.He doesn’t seem riled up at all, and he grins at the look on my face.
‘What?’he asks.
I shake my head.‘Good to know you’re calm in a crisis.’
‘I’ve been around a fight or two in my time.That was Andy and Maverick.Mav plays for Summit University.’
‘Can’t relate.’
‘That’s a good thing,’ he murmurs.He reaches out, touching the ends of my hair, and this time, I’m not sure he’s even aware of it as he looks deep in thought, studying me.
‘What?’I ask, my brows pinching together.‘Is there something on my face?’
He smiles softly, shaking his head, dropping his hand.‘Nah.You’re good.’
Giving him an odd look, I brush off the moment and take a step back, needing to create a little distance between us.He makes my head feel fuzzy when we’re in close proximity.Or maybe it’s the alcohol.The two together could be a dangerous combination.Especially if he keeps looking at me like that.
‘A drink?’Zayden asks.
‘Sure.’
‘I’ll be right back.’He disappears through the crowd and I stare after him a little awkwardly, seeing as I don’t know anyone else around me.I relax my shoulders and attempt to look casual as I wait.One of the girls shrugs out of the arm around her and wanders over to me.
‘Hey!’she smiles.‘I’m Avery.’She touches her fingers to my top in a friendly manner.‘Love this top!’
‘Oh,’ I murmur, cheeks reddening at the compliment.I’ve never been able to accept one without making it weird.‘Thanks!I’m Nora.’
‘You’re here with Zayden?’she asks, studying me carefully, making me wonder whether her kindness is an act or whether she’s just curious and interested in getting to know me.I used to be someone who thought the best of people, undeservingly so, and it’s led to me being blindsided and betrayed.Nowadays I question people’s true intentions.
She’s a natural redhead.Her long hair tumbles down her shoulders in bouncy waves, and it’s paired with a broad smile that would catch anyone’s attention from across the room.She also stands much taller than me, with long, tanned legs that seem to go on forever.
‘Yeah, I’m good friends with his sister,’ I explain.
