Page 2 of Face Me Off

“Excuse me? What’s that supposed to mean?”

“You’re a nice girl, Madison. You don’t hook up with guys like him.”

“That’s … not nice,” I guffaw. “I still don’t get what you even mean.”

I don’t know if it’s the three gin and tonics or the fact that I haven’t gotten laid in far too long, but Becky is grinding on my last nerve right now.

A loud commotion draws our attention to the French doors across the patio. Fucking hell. As luck would have it, Ryan walks outside, and of course, he’s got a hot blonde hanging off him—someone I don’t recognize.

Becky sighs. “Do I have to spell it out? He’s huge, Maddy. Down there. And with your inexperience…”

My adrenaline spikes as she lets that tidbit of information hang. “Yeah, right. That’s just a rumor.” One that my supposed friend, Jade, started after prom. I give my friend a side-eye. “You didn’t … hook up with him, did you?”

“Not me, no. Unfortunately…”

I release the breath I was holding. At least one of my so-called friends didn’t betray me. Though it sounds like she would’ve if given the chance.

God, who am I kidding? Ryan made it clear he didn’t want me when he screwed me over. Besides, if the rumors are true, I’m not sure I can handle him. I’ve never even gone down on a guy.

Yet.

I make a vow right here and now that I’m going to be more promiscuous this year. No matter what anyone thinks.

Bringing the glass to my mouth, I take a drink but find it empty. A quick scan of the patio tells me the path to the kitchen is clear of Ryan and the blonde. I point to the glass and yell above the music. “I’m going to get another drink.”

Becky raises her eyebrows, but I shake her judgment off. This is why I have a room here tonight—to drink away overbearing parents.

I veer from the pool house, where most drinks are kept, and head toward the central kitchen, where we store our personal stash. Once I step through the French doors, I pad across the slate-tiled floor and come to a halt. There he is. Ryan Sorenson with his back leaning against the counter, scowling at his phone.

I tip my head and march toward the kitchen island. “What’s the matter? Having a hard time replacing your date already?”

His gray eyes catch mine, and I swear the room dials up a few degrees. Ryan’s gaze is steady, his face unreadable.

“Maddy,” he greets in his low, gravelly voice. And damn if that deep tenor doesn’t stir things below, just as it did back when we were friends.

Damn it. I can’t let his hotness level suck me in. There’s a reason why I hate him. But fuck. With his tall, athletic build filling out his fitted T-shirt and jeans in all the right ways, Ryan commands attention without even trying. His light brown hair is perfectly styled but in a sexy way, while his eyes seem to hint at something hidden beneath their surface.

“Ryan.” I manage to keep my voice steady despite the sudden urge to punch him for being so hot.

“My phone died. You wouldn’t happen to have a charger, would you?”

Without saying a word, I reach for a bottle of gin and pour myself another drink. The liquid burns as it slides down my throat, and I welcome it, relishing the brief distraction from his intense stare.

“Surprised you’re drinking. Wouldn’t that be considered unhealthy?” he asks.

My gaze drops to the liquid in my glass. “Just because you’re friends with my roommate doesn’t mean you know me.”Anymore.Though he’s right. I am a health nut, but I do indulge once in a while.

“Fair point.” He flashes his phone, eyebrows raised. “Charger?”

I grab the glass tighter and muster whatever willpower I have inside me to answer. “Why don’t you check with your date?”

“I don’t have a date.”

“Cut the shit. I saw the blonde on your arms.” I cringe the moment the words slip from my mouth. The last thing I want him to think is?—

“Checking me out, Grimes?”

And there it is, him thinking he has the upper hand. The arrogance rings loud in his voice.

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