I can’t speak. My mouth won’t move. The only thing I can do is burn red as I stand inside Hunter’s closet. The moment his door shuts, I break out into a little dance.
I can’t believe this is happening. Holy hell. This is actually going to happen. Freaking out, I reach for my phone.
My fingers fly over the keys until I realize that neither of them responded to my other message. There’s not even a Read receipt. Crap, I must not get service in here.
Walking out of the closet, I give myself a once-over in the standing mirror before heading out of Hunter’s room. I make my way back the way we came, taking the stairs slowly, using the height to scour the open spaces for my friends. But I don’t see them.
As I reach the bottom, I bump shoulders with a girl, offering a passing “Sorry” as I keep searching the crowd for Aubrey and Piper. But the girl I recognize as Tiffany Astor huffs while glaring at me, so I stare back.
She doesn’t even go to St. Simeon. Guess the parties at Madison are no fun—but no surprise there. All-girls schools aren’t known for their party atmosphere.
Tiffany’s friend whispers into her ear, and Tiffany grins, but something about it makes me feel momentarily self-conscious.
Only briefly because it’s obvious they’re talking shit about me. And frankly, that’s none of my business. I adjust the baggy shirt on my shoulders, and they laugh, glancing over at me again. Yep, over it.
I push past, hearing, “Nice souvenir,” making lines form between my eyes before I turn around and smile because I realize that she thinks I fucked Hunter. Not yet, Tiff.
“Thanks. I really earned it. My knees are a wreck.”
They stare at me, shocked and probably a little surprised, so I add, “I know. This isn’t how the mean girl dynamics are supposed to work. But I’m a smart girl. So that bullshit doesn’t work on me. In the meantime, don’t worry, Tiff. I’m sure Hunter will let you know when you get called up to the big leagues. But…it’ll be when I’m done with him.”
I hear a familiar laugh, making me smile, so I turn and walk away.
Piper sounds like a hyena. It’s unmistakable. But her blonde pixie cut and perfectly winged eyeliner paired with a waifish stature give her a Natalie Portman look, so no boy could ever hold her laugh against her.
I work my way toward the front, where I saw the pool tables earlier. I’m looking down, rolling up my sleeves, as a pool stick drops in front of me, blocking the way, making me jerk back.
“Excuse me?” I frown before lifting my face.
Piper grins, reaching her hand out for me. “Shephard, quit. Stop being a dick.”
He lifts the stick and turns, smacking her ass and making her jump as she yelps. My eyes pop open as I dramatically blink.
“Um, I’ve been gone for like, what? Twenty minutes. How did this happen? When? Where’s Aubrey?”
She shakes her shoulder and lifts a shot. “I forgot how to pace myself. And Shep’s so cute.”
Her cough is muffled by the back of her hand before she blows out, smiling at me again. Oh, man. Piper’s tipsy.
“But Shephard? Really?”
My nose scrunches. It’s not that Shephard isn’t hot. He completely is. But he’s just so frat boy to Piper’s indie rock. Then again, I’m about to do it with the possible future president of Alpha Beat-off Pi.
Aubrey throws her arm over my shoulder, coming out of nowhere, and presses a kiss to my cheek. “So? Spill it. Was it the best five seconds of your life?”
I look between them, my smile already beaming. “We’re meeting in a cabana. Hunter said he wanted me all to himself, tonight and every night after.” They quietly squeal. “But—”
Aubrey’s finger comes to my lips, quieting me. “No.”
Piper covers Aubrey’s finger on my mouth with hers, shaking her head. “Absolutely no. No matter what you’re going to say, the answer is no.”
I nod, and they narrow their eyes but take their hands away, glaring at me, so I shrug as I’m handed a shot by Shephard.
“Okay. Fine. No buts. I’m nervous though.” Piper pushes the shot glass toward my mouth, so I throw the liquid back, feeling the burn in my throat.
Shephard comes up behind me, putting his arms around us. “Can I join? We can braid each other’s hair, practice kissing…you know, wherever you want me to french you.”
“Eww,” we groan simultaneously, all shrugging him off as I add, “Get off…alone.”
“Sorry.” He laughs, tickling Piper. “I forgot you’ve been claimed. And Aubrey’s just a bitch.”
“True,” she answers, putting her hands on my shoulders. “Are you ready?”
Piper comes up behind me, wrapping her arms around my waist, her head on my shoulder.
“This is your choice, Sut. No means no, even to us, and to our dumb list.”
“Shot me,” I say to Aubrey. Her eyebrows rise as she hands me another. “I’ll see you in a bit. I have plans in a cabana.”
Aubrey reaches across and gives Piper a high five as I let the liquid slide down my throat with ease.
“’Kay, I’m going before I lose my nerve.”
They’re nodding, smoothing my shirt and my hair. I let out a harsh breath and smile goofily before spinning around and heading directly to the last place my virginity will ever be a reality again.
6
Sutton
A shaky breath leaves my lips as my feet hit the steps outside and pad down slowly toward the cabanas.
Three white tents, drowning in the shadows, sit between the edge of the deck and the bonfire that’s illuminating the debauchery happening on the beach.
The crowd is way bigger out here. There’s a mix of faces I recognize and others that I don’t. The lit rectangular lap pool also seems to have attracted a following. Because while it was empty when we first got here, there are now people playfully splashing around in makeshift bathing suits.
And, oh, even some couples making out.
“Electric Love” by BØRNS beats in the background, setting the mood under conversation and laughter as I slip between people, trying to keep my eye on the cabana prize.
Despite my bravery, my eyes flick over each person I pass, wondering if anyone can tell what’s about to happen to me. But nope. Of course they can’t.
I’m carrying the secret of all secrets while hiding in plain sight. It’s kind of exciting. Like I’m getting away with something I shouldn’t. My fingers find the ends of my hair as I walk, playing with it as I hide my smile, but the closer I get, the more the butterflies erupt in my stomach.
Sliding around a group of cute college-age guys—they must be Tag’s friends—I offer a quiet “Excuse me.” Their eyes roam over me as one of them raises his beer, giving me a small, appreciative salute. It makes the smirk I’m hiding harder to keep hidden.
I really have been missing out by not coming to more parties.
A few more feet and a few more people navigated, and I’m standing at the top of the three cedar stairs that lead to the sand—and out to the cabanas.
Wait. Which one did Hunter say to go to? Shit. I forgot.
I toe off my checkered pink Vans, bending down to hold them in my hand before walking toward the nearest one. There are only three, so if I have to Goldilocks it, I will.