“Let’s get drinks.”
I follow her deeper into the house, staying close so we don’t get separated in the crowd.
“Oh, the bar’s over there.” I tug on her arm and cross the room, weaving between people.
“Promise me you won’t get drunk.” Chia curls her fingers around my wrist, halting me in my tracks. “I love parties, but drunk people make me nervous.”
My heart clenches. “I promise.”
“And please don’t leave me alone. I might be way more socially awkward than you remember.”
“Never.” I grasp her hand and squeeze.
I may love the excitement that comes with doing something forbidden, but I’m not one to be reckless, and a party full of people we don’t know definitely runs the risk of reckless.
An hour later,Chia and I are on the dance floor, alongside a cute brunette dressed as Catwoman. The anonymity her mask provides has given Chia a boost of confidence, if the way sheand Catwoman are dancing is any indication. I’ve put a little space between myself and them to give them privacy, but I’m close enough to reach out to my best friend if either of us needs anything.
Eyes closed, hips swaying to the beat, I’m lost in the moment. But as another song begins, a rush of energy goes through me, and I snap my eyes open. Someone is watching me. I turn, still moving to the beat, and instantly lock eyes with a tall guy sitting on the couch. The top half of his face is covered by a black mask, his features indiscernible. There are several guys gathered around him, deep in conversation, but he doesn’t pay them any attention. He’s staring at me.
This isn’t the first time I’ve noticed him tonight, and it’s not the first time I’ve caught him watching me.
With my hands on my stomach, I emphasize my movements, keeping my focus fixed on him. He leans forward, his elbows on his knees. His hair is blond, but that’s the only feature I can make out. I don’t know what it is, but he intrigues me. Though I’m typically on guard around men I don’t know, I can’t muster up even an ounce of caution here. Instead, I lean into the moment, taunting him with each dip of my hips.
The music, the bass vibrating through me, and his rapt attention lull me into a trance. I’m rudely pulled from it by a sharp smack to my ass. Heart lurching, I spin, bringing my hands up defensively. A guy in a Spider-Man costume stands in front of me, wearing a sleazy smile. He angles in, head lowered, and the scent of alcohol envelopes me.
“The way you move your hips? It’s so fucking hot.”
“Thanks, but it wasn’t for you,” I say, folding my arms over my chest.
The music fades, and “Shape of You” starts, turning my frustration into full-on annoyance. I love this song, and now, I can’t even dance because of this guy.
He steps into me. “I’ve been watching you. You’re here alone, blondie.”
With a snort, I tilt my head to the side. “I’m not alone.”
“But—”
“Fuck off.” The deep, guttural tone sends shivers down my spine.
Spider-Man peers over my shoulder and takes a step back.
“I didn’t know she was with you.” He scurries away, pushing through the crowd as if Death is after him.
Turning around, I find myself in front of the guy I’ve been watching. He’s over six feet, with a muscular chest and broad shoulders hidden beneath a black T-shirt. His right arm is covered in black ink, his legs clad in blue jeans. Up close, it’s confirmed: his hair is blond.
“Thanks, but I had it under control,” I say, loud enough to be heard over the music.
“I’m sure you did, but I wanted to help, just in case.” He shrugs, his plump lips twisting into a lopsided grin. “I don’t think we’ve met. Are you new in town?”
My lips involuntarily stretch into a big smile. My plan is working. I’m a stranger here.
“I’m just visiting a friend.” The half-truth slips out of my mouth with ease. “This party sounded fun, so we thought we’d check it out. So far, so good. The music is great. This is one of my favorite songs.”
Focus fixed on my masked face, he takes a step closer. “Wanna go somewhere less crowded?”
A thrill zips up my spine as the idea of hooking up with a stranger in a mask sends adrenaline through me. A one-night stand, without names or plans to see each other again? I could get behind that.
“Sure. I’ve been meaning to look for a bathroom. Will you show me where it is?”
