Page 110 of Sweet Temptation

“I’m going to go grab a drink of water. You want anything?” I said to Wes when Cress and Anna started a debate over which school from the regatta had the cutest guys. I was obviously team Weybridge, so I didn’t have much to add to the discussion.

“Nah, I’m good,” he said. “Want me to come with?”

I smiled and jumped from his lap. “I’m not going far. I’ve got this.”

He gave me big, puppy-dog eyes, like he didn’t want to be left in the middle of Anna and Cress’s discussion.

“Stay warm by the fire.” I laughed. “I’ll be back in a minute.”

I turned and headed over to the drinks table. There were huge tubs of drinks on the table and under it, but as I searched through them, I couldn’t see anything other than alcohol.

“After anything in particular?”

I glanced up and found Luther at my side.

“Water or even just a soda. I’m overheating from being so close to the fire.”

“Ah, yes, I’m guessing having an oversized yeti cuddling up to you doesn’t help the situation either.”

I tilted my head at him. “Wes isn’t a yeti.”

“I didn’t say it was a bad thing.” His lips teased a smile. “In fact, if it was snowing, it would probably be a great thing to be snuggled up to.”

“Be nice, Luther.”

He let out a sigh. “You’re right. I’m sorry.”

My eyebrows shot up. Was he actually apologizing?

“And I’m also sorry for being so hard on you in the library. I still think you and Noah belong together, but I guess I have no choice but to accept it’s not going to happen.”

If I thought I was surprised before, it was nothing compared to how I felt now. “Why the sudden change of heart?”

“I guess because you’re finally starting to look happy again, and I know you wouldn’t be if you were waiting for Noah,” he said. “Plus, Noah might have pointed out to me that if he’s had to accept it then so should I. I’m not going to stop hoping that somehow you find your way back to each other, but I can stop being a dick about it. Despite everything, we’re friends. And friends shouldn’t be dicks to each other.”

“Thanks, I think.”

He gave me a crooked smile and nodded to the drinks table. “I haven’t seen any water or soda out here in a while, but there’s always some in the storage shed.”

“The storage shed?”

“You would have passed it on the way here tonight. It’s just behind those trees.” He pointed to the edge of the clearing and the path that led back to the house. I remembered seeing the shed and knew it wasn’t far.

“You know, I’m pretty sure this is how most horror films begin,” I said.

He chuckled. “Do you need an escort? I have a scarily girlish scream, so I can be the sacrificial maiden who gets caught while you escape if you like?”

I laughed. “As much as I’d love to hear this scream, I think I can make it alone.”

“Suit yourself,” he said. “But if you’re not back in five minutes, I’ll warn everyone at the party to run.”

I laughed again. “Glad you’ve got your priorities straight.”

I made my way to the edge of the clearing and started down the path that led through the forest beyond. The storage shed wasn’t far from the party. The flickering glow from the bonfire could still be seen through the trees and the hum of music was only slightly dampened by the distance.

A soft light spilled out the open door as I approached. I walked into the room only to find a couple making out on top of the crates of drinks. The girl’s top was open, and the guy’s hands were roaming everywhere. I let out a surprised squeak as I darted backward, squeezing my eyes shut as I stumbled back into the night.

“Oh my gosh,” I muttered as I tried to erase what I’d just seen from my mind.

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