“Oliver!” a familiar voice shouted.
I searched, finally finding Chauncey in the middle of the makeshift dance floor, waving his hands to get my attention. I gave him a nod and then pointed to the kitchen with my free hand.
I bent down close to Adelaide. “Can I get you a drink?” She nodded, allowing me to lead her to the sleek kitchen with its shining appliances. Adelaide paused by the metal tubs filled with beer on the massive stone island; I shook my head and, with a cheeky grin, led her to the glass-front refrigerator where I knew I’d find the good stuff hidden behind a bin of fresh broccoli and beets.
“Hey, man!” Vince called, slipping into the kitchen from the balcony as I popped open two bottles of my favorite craft beer. “Oh hey, Adelaide. I’m glad you could come!” he added with a warm smile.
“Thanks! This is quite the party.” She waved the neck ofthe bottle I had just handed her vaguely at the crowd of people.
Vince’s grin turned sheepish, though I knew he was quite pleased with himself. “Yeah, this one got a little crazy. I think everyone is just happy to have the semester over with.”
“I know that’s right.” I laughed and clinked bottles with him.
I had never minded school, but I was glad to be done with university and moving on to the next chapter. I wasn’t sure exactly what the future held, but I would be happy to settle in back in Altborn, travel, and do some good work for our country.
“Oh yeah? You didn’t enjoy this semester?” Adelaide gave me a sassy grin.
“There were parts.” I winked and didn’t miss the slight blush that ran across her cheeks.
“Vince, you’re up!” A girl with bright red hair and freckles called from the beer-pong table.
Vince finished his beer, tossing the bottle in the recycling. “Do you guys want to play some beer pong with Angela and me?”
I looked to Adelaide, ready to follow her lead, and she shrugged her shoulders. “Why not. It’s been a while since I’ve played.”
After making our way to the table with Vince and his latest flame, we helped reset the game for our round.
“Do you remember the rules?” I asked Adelaide.
“Yeah, it’s pretty easy. Not quite neurosurgery. Or Spanish,” she answered with a wink.
Vince called to me from across the table, “Are we playing Xavier rules?”
I couldn’t help but laugh. “Um, no.”
“What are Xavier’s rules?” Adelaide asked, her mouth quirked in amusement.
“Xavier’s version includes removing an article of clothing every time you miss the cup,” Vince deadpanned.
Adelaide burst out laughing. “Yeah, I’d need a few more drinks before I was ready for those rules.” I quickly talked my dick down as the thought of her naked body flitted through my mind.
We played a few rounds while the party went on around us. Eventually, Vince and Angela had almost their whole triangle left, while Adelaide and I were down to only three cups.
“I’msosorry. I suck at this,” Adelaide grumbled as she prepared for her next turn.
“Here.” I handed her the small white ball and then stepped behind her. “Let me help you.”
I wrapped my hand around her delicate wrist and guided her hand up. “On the count of three, just flick your wrist, okay?” I whispered into her ear. She nodded. “One, two, three.” She flicked her wrist and let go of the ball. As the ball sailed through the air and bounced once on the table, I felt her body tighten in anticipation. I rested my hands on her hips and gave a little squeeze as we watched the ball land right in the cup.
“Yes!” Her hands shot above her head in victory and then she spun around and wrapped them around my neck in a tight hug.
“Good job, Laidie,” I praised, the nickname rolling off my tongue unbidden. I inhaled an intoxicating blend of strawberries and something floral as I pressed my face against the crook of her neck.
“Yeah, yeah. It was just one cup, we’re still kicking your asses,” Vince yelled above the bumping music.
My knees almost buckled while my dick hardened at the sound of Adelaide’s responding giggle. We continued playing, sinking the ball in only one other cup before Vince and Angela cleared the table.
I turned to Adelaide. “Do you want to go dance?”
