Page 59 of Racing Hearts

“I much prefer the quietness of my garage, especially when you’re bent over my car,” I flirt, and he throws his head back as he laughs. When he looks at me again, his eyes are sparkling.

“Let me let you in on a secret, princess. I prefer that too. I also like that you’re a grumpy, antisocial bastard but still came just because I asked.” His lips brush my ear. “I’ll make it up to you later.”

“You better,” I grouch, especially when a stream of shirtless guys run outside, chanting. Dear fucking god, what have I gotten myself into?

His laughter at my reaction is contagious, however, and I find myself relaxing.

For him, I remind myself again.

If I didn’t know frat parties were for me, I would now.

Lally’s “no way” only works so much. It seems like every time I go to the bathroom or to get Evan a drink, they home in on me. They must think my big build means I’m an athlete, and it’s tiresome. The bass pounds in my head, and I’m sweaty from winding through the crowd, but Evan is having a good time, and that’s all that matters.

He’s a little drunk and getting super touchy, which I wouldn’t normally mind, but the crowd that formed around him, as if drawn to him like a magnet, is starting to notice and giving me knowing looks. I’m not ready for questions, not yet, so I keep my distance as much as I can without being obvious. Besides, I’m sober and getting grumpier by the minute, and I don’t want to ruin his night. It’s not his fault this isn’t my thing, and I’m really trying for him, but I just don’t get it.

He’s flourishing as the center of attention. Hell, even with me, his laughter is contagious, and the stories he tells has everyone on the edges of their seats. He’s good, but I can tell he’s getting tired of keeping it up, of trying to be the life and soul of the party. If I didn’t know Evan as well as I do, I might not have noticed.

When I hand him his drink, his hand lingers on mine before I step back. “So, Alek, right?” one of his many adoring fans says.

I nod, meeting their eyes as they lean in. “You’re Evan’s friend?”

I rub my neck as I nod again, and he waits for me to say something. “It seems he has a lot of friends.” I shrug, and I feel Evan’s disappointment, but he soon perks up.

“Alek is amazing with cars, aren’t you?” He turns his hopeful gaze to me, and I can’t say no.

“I’m okay.” It’s clear they are waiting for more, so I rack my brain. “Um, I rebuilt a Skyline from scratch.”

“Like from Fast and Furious?” one of the girls asks. “That’s so hot. Are you single?”

My eyes widen, but Lally slides in. “You’re such a car whore, Heather. Aren’t the eight cars your daddy bought you enough?”

The girl laughs, flipping her hair over her shoulder as she replies to Lally. “Why? Want to try one out?”

“You wish.” Lally grins and winks at me.

“Can you hold this for a sec?” Evan asks, passing me his drink.

“Sure, bro.” I hold it as he stands, and he blinks at the word “bro.”

“Um, okay, bro?” he responds, shaking his head. “I’m heading to the bathroom.”

I go to follow him, but he points at me and the chair. “Sit, bro, I’ll be right back. Friends don’t need an escort.”

Shit, I’m going to pay for that one later. I watch him storm off as I groan.

Lally flops down next to me, leaning in so our conversation is quiet and not overheard.

“So are you looking after my Evvie well?” she asks, sipping her drink as she watches me with hard eyes. Lally is a force of nature. Hell, I’ve seen guys less intimidating than her, and they are ex-criminals.

“Uh-uh, your Evvie has a bad temper and likes to square up to me. I don’t think he needs protection from me, maybe the other way around,” I point out.

“Very true.” She laughs. “Just don’t hurt him, okay?” she says protectively. “We get it. We’ve all been where you are, and you’re figuring shit out. That’s fine, but don’t hurt him in the process. He’s been hurt enough, and it’s obvious he really likes you.”

“Baby,” the girl from earlier whines, trying to get Lally’s attention.

“Wait your turn, sweetheart,” Lally replies before turning back to me, and I can’t help but laugh. Oh yeah, she’s trouble. It seems all of Evan’s friends are wild cards. I process her words as I watch her.

“How do you know?” I ask, not reacting to her anger or barb. She’s protective of him. I get it.

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