Chapter Twenty-Two EVERLEIGH

Chapter Twenty-Two

EVERLEIGH

“Exactly how many people are coming to this party, anyway?” I ask Sienna as we compete for space in front of the full-length mirror that is currently leaning against my wall. I keep meaning to hang it and always forget.

“It’ll be the biggest bash the team has this season, and they rarely throw parties because they’re too busy with football. But you can count on them always having this party every year during their bye week. It’s the one time they can cut loose on a Saturday night with no major consequences. Nothing but fun.” Sienna tugs at the bodice of her black strapless dress, trying to contain her boobs, which currently look like they’re going to pop straight out at any second. “Maybe I shouldn’t wear this.”

“You look stunning,” I tell her, because it’s true. “Wear the dress.”

She smiles, shimmying her shoulders as she watches herself in the mirror. “Coop will probably flip.”

“Don’t let him see you.” I make it sound simple, but the house isn’t that big.

From what I’ve seen, though, the party will spill out into the backyard. There’s a keg stand set up out there ready to roll, and Frank gathered a bunch of folding chairs from somewhere, scattering them all over the yard. We have one of those outdoor firepits that’s full of kindling and newspaper and already lit.

After the long week we all just experienced, I’m ready for it. The entire party is going to be lit, according to Frank. He’s calmed down with all the love bombing, as Sienna calls it. I think he’s found someone else he’s interested in, and I’m so grateful for it. Not that he’s been chasing after me, but he’s been so down the last few weeks because of his shoulder. He even asked me to give him some special shoulder stretches so he could work on strengthening it on his own. I gladly gave him some tips and hope they help.

We shall see.

Frank has turned into a true friend, but he’s definitely seemed preoccupied by someone else over the last week. When asked about it, he’s played coy, which I found odd. He’s not one to hold back his feelings. He’ll always tell you what’s going on and who’s involved. Not this time around, though, which leaves me curious.

Maybe he’ll invite this new friend—woman, whatever he wants to call her—over tonight. That should be interesting.

It’ll also be interesting to watch Sienna and Gavin interact this evening. She’s avoided him for almost a week, which she admits has been difficult for her and she’s had to use tremendous willpower to stay away. I’m proud of her. I’m thinking the more she stays out of his life, the more he’ll want her in it, but who knows?

I can’t figure men out.

I do know the one man who’s been haunting my dreams on a nightly basis seems to be staying away from me, and I’m pretty sure he’s doing it on purpose. After the disastrous kiss in the library bathroom, he’s kept his distance. He doesn’t act annoyed with me or hostile in any way, which I would totally deserve because I completely rejected him.

No, it’s much worse than that. More like he’s polite and almost—indifferent every time we’re around each other. He barely speaks to me beyond a greeting or an excuse me or thank you. That’s it. While I know this is all my fault .?.?.

It kind of sucks. Doesn’t matter that I was the one who said we needed to keep it friends only and then ultimately rejected him—I still can’t help the way I feel. While he acts like he can turn his feelings off and on like a light switch.

Maybe deep down he’s an unfeeling asshole and I dodged a bullet just in time. Then again, maybe it’s a lie I’m telling myself. I don’t know.

I don’t know what to think or how to feel when it comes to this man.

Doesn’t help that I had an over-the-top sexual dream where Nico was featured in a starring role last night. We were in my bed, both of us naked. His mouth was everywhere. His hands. His fingers. I could feel him pressed against me, hot and hard and insistent, and when I woke up, my hand was literally in my panties.

I get a little sweaty just thinking about it.

“You’ll have to help me with that,” Sienna says, interrupting my dirty Nico thoughts. “Avoiding my brother. Like, I’ll need you to distract Coop if he goes in search of me, which I doubt he will. Though I don’t know, he’s been a little tense lately.”

Ever since he found out that his sister has a thing for Gavin, though I don’t remind her of that. There’s no point. Everyone knows what’s going on with everyone else. We’re all kind of twisted up in each other’s business.

“I guess the yoga classes aren’t working for him if you think he’s tense,” I say jokingly.

“For real. I need to come do another session with you guys. I enjoyed it, though all I did was try to get Gavin’s attention.” She rolls her eyes. “Like I’m doing now. When am I going to give this behavior up? I need to find someone new. Focus on another guy, because it feels like I’m wasting my time with this one. Maybe I’ll come to one of your yoga sessions when Gavin isn’t there.”

The problem is Gavin’s always there. He’s been spending a lot of time at our house lately, and I’m not exactly sure why. It’s definitely not because of me. After that tense night over the dinner table—something I never told Sienna about, because what she doesn’t know doesn’t hurt her—things have shifted with my friendship with the guys. Not in a bad way at all, but I do notice that they’re not really hanging out with me.

“You should definitely do yoga with us again soon,” I tell Sienna. “Or just come over and hang out with me one night. I’ve been lonely.”

All my roommates and Gav have kept up gaming every night, and it’s so boring, I usually end up locked away in my room doing my homework—always a good thing—or scrolling mindlessly on social media.

“I will.” Sienna flashes me a quick smile. “I promise.”

I step closer to the mirror, rubbing off some stray mascara from underneath my left eye. “Do I look ridiculous? Please be honest.”

I’m wearing a gold stretchy dress that clings to my body probably a little too much. It’s short and strappy, and while my boobs aren’t spilling out like Sienna’s, they’re definitely on display. The fabric is so tight, I decided not to wear panties tonight, which feels rather bold.

But as I continue staring at my reflection, the doubt trickles in. I thought the dress was flattering when I tried it on in the store, but now I’m second-guessing my every decision.

Typical.

I blame Sienna for convincing me to buy this dress in the first place. It was on sale, so that was a plus because I’m trying to save as much money as possible. But much like the workout set I bought a couple of weeks ago, when Sienna saw me in this dress at the store, she insisted I had to buy it. She is good for my ego but bad for my bank account.

“You look like a goddess,” she gushed as I stood in front of the dressing room mirror, turning this way and that, trying to catch all the angles. “Seriously. They’re all going to lose it.”

“Who exactly are they?”

“The guys. Any guy. Whatever guy you want to attract, you will definitely attract him with this dress. It’s foolproof.”

Was she right? I’m putting it to the test tonight, so we’ll see.

“I already told you it was perfect,” she continues, and I can tell she’s losing patience with me. “You’re stunning.”

“Thank you, so are you,” I tell her, because she is.

“Why thank you.” She waves a hand in front of her as if she’s fanning herself. “Wonder if Gavin will notice.”

“I thought you were going to focus on someone else,” I tease.

Sienna’s expression falls a little, and I feel bad for what I said. “You’re right. I should focus on someone else, but it’s so .?.?. difficult.”

“Try one more time with him. I suppose it can’t hurt.” I haul her into a hug, squeezing her close. I hate seeing her so down, especially because she’s so very rarely sad.

Noise comes from the living room, and I can tell that people are starting to arrive. Nerves eat at my stomach, and I rest my hand against it, reminding myself that whatever happens tonight, I’m going to have fun.

It’s going to be fun.

“You look scared out of your mind,” Sienna says, her wide eyes meeting mine.

A nervous laugh escapes me, and I drop my hand to my side. “It’s the first big party I’ll actually be a part of since arriving here.” We’ve gone to the bars and hung out. Sienna dragged me to a frat party once, but I stayed outside for most of it, too intimidated to talk to anyone.

Her expression turns sincere. “You’re still liking it here, right? Living with the guys? Your job? Your classes?”

“I love it,” I say truthfully. “School’s getting a little harder, but I love a challenge.”

Sienna rolls her eyes. “You would say that, Little Miss Overachiever.”

“Hey, I want to do well in school. And I like my job. The hours are perfect. And the guys are great.”

They really are. They’re respectful of my space, they appreciate my cooking, and they try their best to keep the house tidy. They know I can’t help but pick up after them if they leave their stuff lying around. I don’t like a messy house. I dealt with that living with my mom. I saw it whenever I was at Brad’s house, which was often. I don’t like it when people are sloppy.

“I know I’ve said it before, but I’m so glad we’ve become friends.” Sienna smiles at me. “It’s nice to have someone here who understands what it’s like, being around these guys.”

I’ve come to realize over these last few weeks that it’s almost a privilege that we get to hang out with so many members of the football team. I get why they keep to themselves and don’t let just anyone into their inner circle. There are a lot of fame chasers on campus, both men and women.

But especially the women. I’m guessing we’ll have a house full of them tonight, and most of them will be trying to get the guys’ attention. I understand why they want it. The guys are all handsome. Charming. They command attention wherever they go, and people are drawn to them.

Like me. Especially one in particular. Who I just rejected. Even after he kissed me. And God, what a kiss. The hottest moment in my life took place in a library bathroom of all places.

Sometimes I wonder if I’m a complete idiot.

“Come on, let’s go out there and get drunk.” Sienna takes my hand and drags me toward the door, throwing it open. We’re blasted by loud music and even louder conversation when a deep male voice yells, “Yeah, let’s get it!”

The party has officially begun.

“You’re that girl who lives here, right?” This very tall, very thin woman is swaying on her feet, watching me with glassy eyes as she clutches a red Solo cup in her hand. She’s obviously drunk, and I’m worried she might pass out and fall forward, taking me with her.

We’re outside in the backyard standing near the firepit, which is keeping me warm. I can hear the ocean crash against the shore in the near distance, and the wind coming off the water is cold enough to leave me shivering.

I’m sort of regretting my dress choice. Regretting even more my decision to be outside, but Nico is inside, and just like Sienna is avoiding her brother, I’m avoiding Nico as much as possible.

Not like he’s noticing me anyway. He’s surrounded by an endless throng of girls, all of them clamoring for his attention. Every single one of them hotter than me. Prettier than me. He has his choice of women tonight. Any night.

I remember the look on his face when he told me he couldn’t stop thinking about me. Or right when we first started to kiss in the bathroom, before we got caught by the pissed-off librarian. I’m sure each situation was just a fleeting moment. A symptom of wanting someone he can’t have, because we both know what a mistake it would be, messing around when we live together.

It would turn into an actual, giant mess, and we already know I don’t like messy things.

“I live here, yep.” I nod, glancing around the backyard in search of a familiar face. Even Nico would be a welcome sight so I could escape this very drunk woman.

“You’re so lucky,” the girl says, lurching forward so hard I step out of her way. I knew she was close to falling. “I’d pay to live here just so I could see Nico every day. Talk about a dream come true.”

Seriously? Why does it feel like everything centers around Nico?

“Yeah, you would definitely have to pay rent,” I tell her before I turn and walk away, leaving her by the firepit. With determined steps I march back into the house and spot Coop, who is at the kitchen table, a.k.a. our makeshift bar, pouring himself a drink. I stop right beside him.

“Whatever you’re having, make it a double for me,” I say firmly.

He does a double take at my demand. “Seriously, Ever? You don’t drink much.”

“I do tonight.”

“Better watch it.” He sounds fatherly with the warning. “You’re such a little thing. The liquor will go right to your head.”

“Everyone is a little thing compared to you.” I give him a sharp nudge in the side, making him yelp. “Serve me up, bartender.”

He does as I request, handing me a Solo cup full of some sort of alcoholic concoction that has me feeling brave. I take a massive swig, nearly choking on it when it goes down, but fortunately I swallow it all without spitting it back up like a wimpy little baby.

“Delicious,” I rasp, my eyes watering.

He chuckles. “You’re going to be wasted in like thirty minutes.”

“Good. That’s the goal.”

Coop’s brows shoot up. “You work tomorrow?”

I shake my head and take another drink. “It’s my day off.”

“You’re lucky, because you’re gonna need to sleep off the hangover.”

“Okay, Dad.” I tap my cup against his, and we both drink at the same time. “Where’s your sister?”

“I haven’t seen her all night. Figured she’s wearing some sexy dress that’ll make me want to cover her up.” I gape at him, making him laugh. “Apparently I’m correct.”

“You’re dead on.” I shrug one shoulder. “She’s just trying to have a little fun.”

“I know. And she deserves to, but every one of these guys in here doesn’t deserve her,” he says vehemently, gesturing at the crowd of mostly guys in the house. “God, this is nothing but a sausage party.”

I’m laughing because he’s so right. Nothing but dudes as far as the eye can see. “There are plenty of women outside. I was talking with one of them, and she’s already pretty drunk. She practically fell on me.”

“No thanks. I like my women somewhat sober. I don’t take advantage of drunk girls.” He shakes his head. “Be careful tonight, okay, Ever? I don’t want you to end up with some jackass who tries to hook up with you.”

“Maybe I want to hook up with someone.” I stand up straighter, saluting him with my cup. “That sounds kind of fun.”

“If you say so.” The doubt in his voice is clear, and I’m about to call him Dad again when I feel someone tugging on my arm. I turn to see it’s Sienna, who’s currently wearing an oversize denim jacket that’s actually really cute. And completely hides her scandalous dress. “What’s up, homie?”

She wraps me up in a hug, laughing. “Someone is feeling herself.”

“At least someone is feeling me, even if it’s only you.” I pull away from her to finish off my drink, smacking my lips together. “Another round, bartender!”

I practically shove my cup into Coop’s chest.

“There you are,” he says to Sienna as he takes my cup and sets it on the table. “I haven’t seen you all night.”

“There’s a reason for that.” She tucks the front of her jacket together, hiding the dress. “Are you corrupting my friend with copious amounts of alcohol?”

“She’s the one who asked for a double.” He gets to preparing me another, and I hop up and down with excitement, my head already spinning. “And that’s my roommate you’re referring to.”

“Whatever, she likes me most.” Sienna swings her arm around my shoulders and presses her cheek to mine. “Right, snookums?”

“You know it, babycakes.” I kiss her cheek, which of course has a few of the guys starting to chant, “Kiss her! Kiss her!”

God, men are such pervs.

“Do not kiss her,” Coop says with a grimace as he hands me my drink.

“I would never.” I take a sip. Damn, I think that’s even stronger than the first one. “I’m not here to put on a show for the guys.”

“Good, because they’re all assholes.” He glares at the group of chanters, silencing them just like that. Impressive. “There. They’ll leave you alone. Now go about your business.”

Sienna and I share a look before we hurriedly leave Coop behind at the table and wander around the house together, only stopping to talk to someone she knows, which is often. I continue sipping my drink, going a little slower this time around. I can feel the liquor flowing through my veins, warm and languid and making my bones feel like they could turn to mush at any moment. I’m feeling good.

Beyond good.

It’s definitely the alcohol talking, but I’m feeling pretty freaking great.

Until I spot a beautiful blonde with a nasty expression on her face glaring at me as she enters the house.

Myhouse.

It’s Portia.