Page 107 of Sweet Temptation

“Oh, thank God,” Anna said as we arrived at the party. “They’ve set up a bonfire tonight.” She didn’t hesitate as she grabbed Cress’s hand and pulled her toward the center of the clearing where the large flames crackled.

Despite the fact there were far more people at the party tonight than usual, the atmosphere seemed more relaxed. The music was mellower, and there was no raving dance floor like there had been at the last party I attended. Even the drinks station was a simpler affair with no lavish cocktails or expensive bottles of champagne anywhere to be seen.

I looked at the other side of the clearing, to the slightly elevated rocks where I’d seen Noah hanging out at my first party here. Kaden was sitting there, a group of guys and girls surrounding him, but there was no sign of Luther or Noah.

“There you are.” Wes looked handsome as he walked toward me under the warm glow of the fire and fairy lights that lit up the clearing. He was wearing a pair of jeans and a knitted sweater. He had far better taste than I did when it came to clothes, and he wore them all too well. “I just passed Anna and Cress; they looked like they were on a mission.”

I smiled. “They kind of tore off toward the fire when they saw it. I barely had a chance to go after them.”

He laughed. “Yeah, those two are hopeless at reading a weather forecast.”

“And they both really like to wear dresses.”

“That too.” He smiled before holding out a hand. “You going to come join the rest of the party or hang out at the entrance all night? Either way, I’m in.”

I smiled and took his hand. “I think I can handle joining the party.”

We walked through the crowded clearing together. It felt right holding hands with Wes. Like I had finally reached a place where I could feel happy again.

“How are you feeling after your big win today?” I asked. I hadn’t seen him since we parted ways at the lake, and given the slightly dopey look in his eyes, he’d been celebrating already. Clearly not as hard as some of his other teammates, a few of whom I could see swaying unsteadily on their feet.

“Pretty good,” he replied with a sly smile. “I’m not sure I’d call getting you to be my girlfriend a big win, but it definitely feels like one.”

I shoved my shoulder against his and laughed. “I wasn’t talking about that.”

“It’s the only win that really matters to me today.”

I shook my head but smiled. Wes was far too good for me. I still couldn’t understand how Sarah ever could have let him go.

We made our way through the crowd until we found Cress and Anna sitting near the bonfire on a bench seat positioned as close to the flames as possible. They’d be lucky if their boots didn’t catch on fire.

“Isobel, Wes, come sit!” Cress called.

The two girls shuffled down, making room for us on the bench. There was barely enough space for one of us to sit, let alone both Wes and I.

Wes placed his hand on my lower back and leaned in close. “I’ll go grab us some drinks,” he murmured before starting toward the drinks table.

“We turned around when we got to the fire, and you weren’t there.” Cress wrapped an arm around my shoulders and hugged me as I sat beside her. She’d had a few drinks before coming tonight and was currently in what Anna called Cress’s fun and flirty stage of drunkenness. It was probably the best stage Cress had when she was drinking, but Anna far preferred it when she leveled up and entered her “can’t stop dancing” stage. I kind of thought Cress rarely stopped dancing even when she hadn’t been drinking.

“Kaden’s looking hot tonight,” Cress continued, letting out a deep sigh. She was gazing over at him, a dreamy look in her eyes. “Then again, he always looks hot.”

“Why don’t you go chat with him?” I asked.

She blushed and shook her head. “I wouldn’t know what to say. He’s so smart. Anything I said would sound dumb.”

“But he’s so nice. I doubt he would ever think you were dumb.” Every interaction I’d ever had with Kaden, he’d been sweet and kind. I really couldn’t picture him judging someone because they weren’t as smart as him. He was so clever, if that were the case, he’d have to look down on absolutely everyone.

“Heisreally nice. Isn’t he?” Cress sighed. “And he’s pretty to look at.”

“You’re not just looking,” Anna said. “You’re practically undressing him with your eyes.”

Cress quickly glanced away from Kaden, her cheeks growing pink. “I’m not undressing him. I’m admiring.”

“And picturing him naked.”

“Oh my gosh, Anna. I’m not!” Cress insisted.

“Well, you probably weren’t, but I bet you are now.” Anna gave an evil laugh as Cress glared at her.

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