Page 1 of Face Me Off

CHAPTER ONE

MADISON

Summer Break

“Whoa, you okay?”I catch the girl stumbling before me. Her arms grab mine a moment before she face-plants on the concrete. I help steady her on her feet, doing all this without spilling the drink in my hand—an impressive feat, if I say so myself. However, the girl’s watermelon cocktail doesn’t fair out so well. I’m currently wearing it.

“Thanks. Gotta watch those rugs,” the girl says, slurring her words, oblivious to the red coloring soaking into my sarong. Glad I grabbed the black wrap instead of the white one.

My gaze drops to the patio, where the nonexistent rug exists, and back to her. Recognition sets in. She’s Rosie Belington, a shy, quiet girl from my graduating class, often hanging out with the academic crowd. How did she end up at Becky’s summer bash?

“Yeah, maybe slow down on those?” I point to her nearly empty cup.

“Pfft, I don’t remember you being so … stiff.” She pats my arm and ambles to the other side of the patio, mumbling something about the need to loosen up.

Wow. Rosie isn’t that shy, quiet girl anymore. She must’ve gotten tired of being good.

A feeling I know all too well.

I close my eyes for a moment. The blasting loud music, the free-flowing alcohol, and the meaningless conversations make me want to escape to the bedroom reserved for me. I want to be anywhere but here in my hometown, partying with my old high school friends. Though calling them friends is a stretch. All of them, including Becky, are more like old acquaintances my parents forced upon me. The only common denominator between us is family wealth.

I don’t even know why I came tonight.

Yet, I do. I just don’t want to think about it.

“Two more years, baby! Then it’s graduation.” Becky shimmies up beside me with her glass raised for a toast.

“Two more years.” I clink my tumbler against hers, ignoring the annoyance simmering beneath my skin. Becky knows I’m on track to become a dentist and have a lot longer than two years left. On the other hand, I shouldn’t fault her for being excited. She got to choose her career path—marrying wealth.

Me? I get to play in people’s mouths and smell bad breath for the rest of my life. Go me!

I sip my drink and shake off my jealousy. It’s not Becky’s fault she gets to study what she wants. It’s also not her fault I loathe summer break and can’t wait to return to my apartment off campus.

Back to the one true friend. Amanda.

I’d stay there for the summer if I were allowed.

“Thanks for letting me crash over tonight,” I say. Though I don’t want to be here, I want to be home even less.

“You know it.” She bumps my hip, and then her eyes grow large. “Do you think Blake will show?”

My stomach clenches. Not that I care if Blake Morton, captain of the Cessna U. Wildcats hockey team, makes an appearance. He’s always welcomed wherever. My issue is with his off-and-on-the-ice wingman, Ryan Sorenson.

“I’m not sure. I don’t keep up with the hockey players,” I lie.

“It’d be great if he showed. The party could use more hotties.” She shakes her head as she scans the crowd. “Oh, have you heard the latest? Blake’s mother keeps trying to nab girls from the country club to date him.” She scoffs. “As if he can’t get his own date. He has zero problems getting girls around campus.”

“Wouldn’t she be looking for more than a hookup?”

“Yeah, but between him and Ryan, please. They get more action than a frat house during rush week.”

My jaw clenches at the mention of Ryan’s name. “I fucking hate Ryan. He screwed me over.”

“I bet,” Becky says, her tone all-knowing.

“Come again?”

“I’m kidding,” she grins. “He’s got a reputation. You know what guys like that are like. You’re probably better off.”

---