Page 48 (1/2)

Surprise flitted over his features "You sure? We can just hang out in the room, if you want?"

I shook my head "No way You were the MVP That party is for you I’irlfriend who pulls you away"

"You sure?" He was grinning

"Yes I’ll be with " He leaned over, his lips finding mine for a quick second "It’s just nice to hear you call yourself irlfriend"

I knehat heas we headed inside the house We were hand in hand, but instead of going through the back door, I led Shay to the front It was his ht The place was filled with people His teairls, and other friends all cheered for Shay He was grabbed up by the guys, being literally pulled away He flashed an apologetic s my phone out when Linde appeared next to me He handedit The alcohol was strong enough to kill a fly in the general proxihed "Last party before we all head hoht?" He draped his ar to where Shay had been taken A group for contest "Thinking it’s going to be a roughfor both of you toave him the cup back "I need to text my friends"

Thirty minutes later, Kristina and Casey both walked in Their eyes were huge The otten louder, and I had to shout into Kristina’s ear "Thanks for co around the rooes of herto be okay for her?"

Kristina put her , but she’s okay She isn’t going to drink, and she’ll stay with you or uys That asshole wasn’t partying with other football players when it happened He was at a fraternity"

"Okay" I reached over to tap Casey on the ar forward to better hearhere?"

She nodded, giving me two thuet uncomfortable"

"Me, too!" Kristina joined in, then we heard a nearby shriek and someone launched themselves at us Two skinny arms wrapped around us, followed by another pair of equally thin ar and both looking flushed in the faces "You guys are here! We weren’t sure We’re all partying together"

They were so excited, but the shared look between Kristina and Casey told me they weren’t Both were cautious and wary

"Yeah" Casey untangled their aran clapping, turning, and looking around Then, "Kreigerson! Get over here Look who’s here!" She looped an elbow through Casey’s

A guy ventured over, holding a drink in each hand His dark hair was slicked back, and he had a baby face with round cheeks, sood-looking, and I saw the lurking arrogance He knew it, too "Hey! Winchem! It’s been forever" He handed her one of the drinks "Fuck yeah"

She shook her head "No, thank you"

"Ah Come on"

"No Really No, thank you"

Sarah was the closest toup and down The flushed coloring was fading, and she was no longer s She leaned to me "It was his party where it happened" She shook her head "What is Laura thinking?"

But she didn’t wait for my response She waded in and took the drink that he was offering Casey Fir herself between the two, she held it up to his face "Are you kidding ave her"

"Hey--" His persuasive sht "If you’re saying I drugged her--"

"No, but he gave you the cup and you gave it to her It could’ve been Laura orher another one?"

"I said--" he started to bark back

She flung the liquid in his face

"HEY!" he roared, swiping the alcohol out of his eyes "What the fuck, Sarah?"