Page 102 of Rock Me All Night
Okay. Past verging and all the way into drunk. It's her birthday. Not the time for a lecture.
"Maybe later. Right now, I need my costume," I say.
"Right!" She bounces to her purse, digs through it, and hands me her car keys. "Knock 'em dead."
I change in the backseat of her car, stuff my clothes into a backpack, and dump it on the patio furniture. No matter how many times I adjust the costume, I feel uncomfortable. This thing is tiny. Gold bikini Princess Leia seemed like a good idea this morning. At the moment, I'm stuck on how many inches of skin I'm exposing.
I take a deep breath and check my reflection in the window. I look good. Nerdy but sexy.
I'm in control. I'm going to affect Miles.
After three more deep breaths, I make my way inside. The party isn't quite as crowded as the last one was. It's more college students than beautiful people. Nice of the band to let Kara invite all her friends to their place.
I fight my desire to hide from the action. Big smile, shoulders back, I'm confident. I may not love parties but I love having Miles under my thumb.
Tonight, I'm the casual, cool, effortless one.
Drew spots me and waves. I wave back, my bestnice to see you, but please God leave me here on this couch alonewave.
It doesn't work. He strolls over and plops down next to me. He's dressed as a police officer. It suits him.
His tone is serious. "Can I ask you something personal?"
My heart thuds against my chest. Please don't let it involve Miles. "Sure."
"You miserable because you hate parties or because of Miles?"
Dammit. No luck today. "I'm not miserable."
"I barely know you and I still know that's bullshit."
"I'm not. I'm not happy but I'm… It's hard to explain."
He raises a brow. "Don't think you have to explain your intentions in that outfit."
I shrug like I wear this every Halloween.
He scans the crowd. I can’t make out the expression on his face. Drew is unreadable.
"I meant what I said about Miles—I'll kick his ass if he hurts you."
"That seems extreme."
"I've been around extreme too long to notice."
"Can I ask you something?"
He nods. "Fair is fair."
"Do you want to be with Kara? As her boyfriend?"
He holds a poker face. "Kara's amazing. She smart, funny, sweet. I'd have to be blind not to realize she's fucking gorgeous. But I'm not about to throw away what I have with Kara for a relationship that's doomed to fail."
"What if it's not doomed to fail?"
"Not worth the risk."
A month ago, I'd have nodded in agreement. Relationships suck. They always fail. Look at Rosie and Jared.
