Page 24 of The Lake of Lost Girls

“Whose room is it then?”

“One of the brothers said the pledges could store their booze in here. I live over at Frankfurt Hall,” he explained, referring to one of the other freshman dormitories. “Just give me a second to get us a decent drink.”

I watched him pull out a see-through bottle of clear liquid with gold flecks on the bottom.

“Goldschläger, huh? Someone’s feelin’ fancy,” I chuckled.

The guy laughed. “I got this on bid day. I’ve been saving it to share with the right person.”

I rolled my eyes. “Man, you’re smooth. Do these lines ever work?”

His grin grew wider and my stomach fluttered. “All the time.” Then he winked at me and my knees threatened to buckle.

While he prepared our drinks, I made my way over to the two-seater sofa beneath the window. I wasn’t sure I wanted to sit on it, but I didn’t want to stand around either. I hesitated, not sure what to do.

“I think it’s safe to sit. There’s nothing toxic on the cushions that I’m aware of,” he joked, handing me my drink then pushing the piles of paper and empty chip bags onto the floor with the rest of the trash.

“I’m not sure I believe you,” I muttered, though I sat down beside him anyway.

The music made the floor shake and I felt the vibrations throughout my body. I took a drink of the cinnamon schnapps. It was better than the warm beer, but still kind of gross. I forced myself to drink most of it in one gulp.

“Whoa, slow down,” he chuckled, filling my cup again.

I sheepishly took a tiny sip. “Sorry. It’s nice drinking something that doesn’t taste like it was left in the sun for four days, ya know.”

“I get it. By all means, drink up, then.” He took a long drink himself. “So, are you having fun?” he asked me, angling his body a little closer. Our knees brushed together as I moved toward him. My eyes lingered on his toned torso, my skin heating.

“Tonight, or at college?”

“Tonight is what matters.” His voice dropped seductively. He was really laying it on thick. I raised an eyebrow and he grimaced. “Sorry, the lines keep coming. It’s like an affliction. Call itbadflirtingitis.”

I laughed. I couldn’t help it. He was ridiculous, but sweet, and I found myself relaxing in his presence. He seemed pleased with himself, his expression delighted.

“The party’s okay, I guess,” I answered noncommittally.

It was his turn to raise an eyebrow. “That’s a lie.”

I took another drink. “Okay, this whole scene is definitely not my thing. But I promised myself I was going to let loose more now that I’m in college. And if I’m going to be a Pi Gam, I need to embrace my inner party girl.”

He was watching me intently as if he could see directly inside me. It was disconcerting, but also strangely comforting. I felt like maybe I could be open with this guy I didn’t know. This stranger with brown eyes and bleach-streaked hair like some kind of NSYNC reject.

“The Pi Gamma Delta ladies definitely like to get their party on,” he observed.

“Yes, they do,” I muttered.

He raised an eyebrow. “Am I sensing you’re less than thrilled with your new sisters?” he asked.

“Not at all, I love being a Pi Gam,” I objected.

The cute guy gave me an I-don’t-believe-you look.

“Okay, so maybe it’s hard keeping up with all the partying. My grades clearly don’t like sharing the spotlight with my social life,” I found myself admitting.

He leaned in closer. So close I could feel the heat of him. “Then why do it at all?”

“Because what else is a girl like me supposed to do?” I asked with a hint of sarcasm, thinking about my mom and all of her expectations.

“Well, if you don’t want to do it, then don’t. You can’t live your whole life worrying about what everyone else wants you to do. You’ll make yourself miserable.” He pushed a strand of hair out of my eyes, but made no move to touch me further.

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