Page 16 of Always You

“Yeah, but you definitely need some more, because fighter boy over there keeps staring at you. So chop-chop, bottoms up with that liquid spunk, because chances are—you’re going to need it.”

“What?” I quickly follow her gaze, until it collides with a set of eyes that has my heart jumping in a fight-or-flight way.

Shit.

I hadn’t spotted him yet, and my nerves were convinced it was for the best. That he really wasn’t that interested in me and going with the most likely assumption that he was buried in some chick behind the tree line. It would make so much sense to think I was nothing more than a little blip on the radar for twenty-four hours than to actually believe he wants to spend more time with me.

But our gazes connect, and another wink crushes my senses to pulp.

Maybe not a blip.

My lips lift, an awkward look probably plastered on my face, before moving my attention back to Julie.

“He likes you.”

“He really doesn’t.”

Julie sputters something with her eyes moving to the back of her head as she loops her arm through mine.

“That look he’s giving you? That’s want, girlfriend. Desire. Maybe even possession. You know that wholetouch-and-die-vibe.”

She joins me on the log, a leg on each side, and I mirror her stance.

“He doesn’t even know me,” I cry out incredulously, swirling the beer around in my cup. Touch-and-die-vibe, puh-lease. I might have caught his attention, but it doesn’t mean he’ll get all homicidal like in some kind of mafia romance novel.

“Well, clearly, he wants to change that.”

When my attention is ripped his way again, my stomach turns. “Then why is he talking to that cheerleader right now?”

Julie glances over her shoulder, then switches her attention back to me.

“It looks to me like she's talking tohim. His eyes are still glued to you.” Her eyebrows knit together in an accusing frown.

“That’s not the point,” I say, brushing it off. “Look, we just talked. He got into a fight with his mom, and I told him I was here if he ever wanted to talk. I’m sure that’s all. Besides, I bet he already has his hands full anyway.”

I keep glancing at the blonde who is now gluing herself to his side. The sight drops a brick in my stomach before I pull myself back and straighten my spine. I don’t want to make this a bigger deal than it is. But I still meant what I said. Unlike the act he plays in school, I saw the trouble in his eyes when he mentioned his mom.

I know what it’s like to not want to be that kid who has issues at home, to be known for just your shitty situation. But it doesn’t mean you don’t still need someone to talk to. We all need that one friend who just listens and doesn’t try to fix it all.

I can be that friend for him. That is... if he wants me to be.

“True,” she says. “So what’s the plan then?”

My heartbeat stutters when his eyes lock with mine again from across the clearing, trailing a chill down my body that has nothing to do with the descending temperature of the night.

“There is no plan.” I twist my focus to my best friend.

“So, what are you going to do when I ditch your ass in a minute? Because he can’t keep his eyes off you, and I’m pretty sure he’ll save you when he sees I’m basically letting you flounder like a guppy, leaving you on your own.”

“Wait, what?!” My eyes widen, hoping I haven’t heard her correctly. “You’re kidding, right?”

“Hardly, because Jacob just arrived, so I’m going to be exploring some of that fine body real soon. Like—now.” She gets up with a beaming smile, my eyes narrowing at her.

“You’re a bitch.”

“You already know this. How do I look?” She runs a hand through her blonde strands, looking at me in anticipation.

“Like a bitch,” I point out, sulking like a little kid. I’m not shy, but leaving me riding solo at a high school event is definitely not in my comfort zone.

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