Tag: party

Shannon

I roll my shoulders back and double check my hair as I make my way through the other partiers. I know where I am going. Now is the perfect opportunity and I am not going to waste it. 

Scott is in the hot tub and none of his stupid friends or giggly groupies are with him. If I play it just right I’ll get him to actually notice me and be impressed by how I look in my brand new baby blue sundress. Sitting on a dry spot at the hot tub’s edge I smile over at my high school crush.

“Hey Scott.” I say as I slip my feet into the warm water.

Although it is slightly disappointing when he doesn’t open his eyes to see who I am, he also doesn’t exactly ignore me. I am thrilled to hear his deep ‘hey’ rumble across the water. My love-struck heart grasps hold and holds tight to that treasure of a greeting.

As I am about to launch my full scale charm in drawing him into seeing me as the potential love of his life there is a commotion over in the side yard where the side gate bursts open, letting in a huge horde of guys. Great.

I’ll have to work fast if I am going to have any chance of keeping his attention once all the guys start some sort of game or another that Scott is sure to join in. 

And that’s when I spot him. Dean is in the front of all those guys, already being swarmed by most of the girls at the part which is something I thoroughly do not understand. The guy is a jerk and yet far too popular for his ego. And somehow he has figured out my little crush. If he saw me making my move he would most likely go out of his way just to ruin it.

“How’s the water?” I say to Scott with my best come-hither purr. “I was thinking about getting in but I don’t want to get too hot.”

At that, his eyes slowly blink open and settle on me. Heated chills race down and then back up my spine. His attention is all mine! I revel in my glorified power, watching his eyes skirt along my sundress, taking it all in. Preparing for this party had been an ordeal and now it is suddenly all worth it.

“Come on in.” He holds out his hand to help me in and I blink. I’m not going to get in with my dress on but I certainly can’t stand there and take it off in front of him, nor can I leave and lose my chance. Torn and frozen, my panicked mind frantically searches for a solution. All options are taken from me as I feel two large hands on my shoulders right before I am shoved into the hot tub.

Coming up sputtering for air after my unplanned plunge, I do my best to not look like a drowned rat in front of Scott. Luckily my long hair stays in the bun I had put it in before coming to the party so I wasn’t struggling to get that out of my face. Turning to see who had pushed me in I’m not too surprised to see Dean smiling down at me. Then he turns to Scott and quips, “The girls just can’t help but fall for you Scott.”

Both guys laugh and I hope that my blush is hidden behind the flush from the hot water. And that’s when it hits me; my moment has passed. Scott’s attention is on Dean and the multiple girls that had followed him over.

When Dean pulls off his shirt, I hurriedly look down. I am most definitely not going to be caught staring at the abs of that jerk, even if they are a fantastic view. I don’t look up until the water surges and I have to step back to keep my balance. And I come face to face with Dean and his stupid smile.

“Hey Shan. You need help with that dress or were you going to keep it on in the hot tub?” His slow lazy drawl has a nearby girl twittering.

As quick as I can I peel the wet fabric off and throw it to the side, plopping down as near as I dare to Scott but not close enough for Dean to make some snarky comment that would embarrass me further. I can feel both guys glance down to check out my suit and find my attention snap to Dean’s dropped jaw rather than Scott’s quick almost dismissive glance. Though Dean’s expression is gone a second later, I am glad I chose to wear my cutest suit.

In seconds Dean and Scott are deep in conversation, no room from noticing girls. I deflate just a little. Minutes pass and more girls join the guys, slowly edging me out. I stay in, hoping that maybe Scott will come over and talk to me but the longer I sit there the more I figure it is unlikely he would. As I am trying to pluck up the courage to retreat, my gaze drops to my toes. No one else has said hi to me and I am feeling more and more out of place the longer I sit there.

“Shan.” The low whisper in my ear gives me more chills than it should. I turn to face Dean, discovering that he made his way to sit right next to me and is getting closer. “You weren’t really flirting with Scott again were you?”

“None of your business Dean. Why are you here?” 

“It’s a party! Where else would I be?!” With that he throws his arm around me and pulls me into a fierce hug.

“Somewhere that didn’t involve tormenting me!” I can’t help but huff.

No one else seems to notice or care that Mr Popularity-and-Life-of-the-Party isn’t basking in their attention any longer. Instead he is sucking me into his bright blue eyes, resting his forehead on mine so I can’t see anyone but him.

His voice is so quiet I was sure that no one else could have overheard him even if they tried. “Shannon Caswall. When are you going to open your eyes and see past what you think of as tormenting to see that I’m protecting you from a real jerk?”

I blink rapidly, trying to process what he said. With another blink he is back in the thick of his entourage. He sees me staring and winks.

I flee.

Beth

Beth paused. You aren’t supposed to knock when you’re invited to a party right? She pulled out her phone to text Joey and ask, but stopped herself. Did she want to sound even more like an outdated outcast?

Moving into town last month had been enough of a tough reality check. She was lucky Joey had taken pity on her and invited her to this party at all. With no way to confirm what was ‘cool’ etiquette she stood there debating. Just as she was about to knock, the door opened and four girls tumbled out giggling, laughing, and luckily ignoring Beth. Ignored or not, it solved her dilemma. The door was open and she could go in.

Within minutes she was thick in the crowd and had only recognized one person. The only problem with that, actually two problems were: one, he was a guy and two, he was gorgeous. Living out in the middle of nowhere with only her parents had not prepared her for dealing with guys who looked like him… or any guy for that matter. So instead she stood there looking for a good place to try and blend in or at least not stick out.

The table covered with chips and treats was a good bet, no friends were required to grab some. As she made her way over, Beth was stopped by a black-haired pixie of a girl who looked vaguely familiar but she couldn’t place where she knew her from until the girl spoke.

“Go home newbie.” Rosh glared. 

As easy as that Beth remembered. Rosh was in her english class and had made a point to throw verbal jabs her way any time she was close enough to hear.

“I was invited.” Beth ventured.

Rosh scoffed. “A pity invite is not really an invite. Who would even bother to invite you?” Rosh leaned forward to whisper. “‘Cause I’m going to make sure they regret it.”

Beth silently shook her head and stumbled past. Stunned by the open anger directed her way, Beth puzzled over what she had done to deserve it.

As she moved once more toward the food an arm slipped around her shoulders and Beth was surprised to find her nervousness had instantly morphed to flutters. It was him. Mr. Too-Gorgeous-to-Talk-To. She stared up at his bright smile and dark green eyes.

“Beth!” he exclaimed happily. “Joey told me to keep an eye out for you till he got here. Boy am I glad he’s late.” Almost as if it was an afterthought, he broke eye contact with her to look back Rosh’s way. “See ya Rosh.”

With little prompting Beth stayed nestled in his half embrace as they made their way to a large room off the kitchen. It was decidedly less crowded and more quiet. There were only a handful of people who were all talking but did not have to resort to yelling over each other to be heard.

One linebacker of a guy sitting on a huge oversized red bean bag noticed them first. “Now look who Greg dragged into the inner sanctum. It’s the new girl.”

Beth began to wilt under his open curiosity. Greg gave her a quick comforting shoulder squeeze. “Give her a break Trent. She doesn’t even know you. Joey invited her and you should all give her a chance.”

She watched as that simple comment stopped Trent’s teasing and drew the curious attention of everyone else in the room. Joey must have a lot of influence over this group. How had she not known? It was obvious that she had entered the realm of the popular by stepping into that room with Greg.

“Huh. Well with that ringing endorsement you can sit by me.” chimed in a good looking blonde guy who patted the empty space of the sofa with great exaggeration.

Greg kept his arm wrapped around Beth’s shoulders as he steered her toward the empty sofa away from the blonde. Even if she wanted to go sit there she wouldn’t have been able to.  Beth couldn’t help but feel protected. “How about introductions first, then she can pick where she sits.” Greg suggested as they stood in front of the sofa. He started pointing and saying names. She tried to keep track of the names with their faces as he went but she quickly got lost. “Emma, Josh, Trent, Ria, Chrissy, Brandon, and Courtney. Guys, this is Beth. Her name is not new girl.”

For a half second Beth again worried how she would need to find a seat. Truthfully though, she didn’t want to move away from Greg, yet wouldn’t it be awkward to just stand there like a dunce? She was saved from deciding when Greg leaned over and whispered, “Sit by me.” All she could manage was a nod.

As they sat, Ria started chattering about places to eat and the focus moved away from Beth. She relaxed a little.

Beth happily sat and listened to the conversation without feeling any pressure to say anything to contribute. It wasn’t until Greg spoke up that she realized that she was snuggled in securely next to him, his arm still around her shoulders. It’s not like they had sat down in sync and not broken contact. Yet here she was. Her heart giggled.

Every once in awhile she would catch Greg glancing her way and giving her a soft smile. The tenderness and concern shining through his eyes made her heart sing with a tantalizing heat.

After a half hour of contented semi-snuggling Greg turned to face her directly. “We were going to watch a movie when Joey got here. Do you want to stay and watch with us?” He paused for a moment, quirking his head to the side with a meaningful grin. “With me?”

“Yes please.” Beth smiled. For a second she worried that her ‘please’ would be taken as a weird response but she didn’t have to fret for long.His answering grin lit her insides and any doubts she had vaporized. He settled back in beside her and she tentatively laid her head on his shoulder. His arm over her shoulders changed into a snuggling embrace  What a party! She thought to herself. And thank goodness Joey not only invited her, but had also been late!

Lia

“Excuse me. Excuse me” Lia fought her way through the crowd, simultaneously fighting down her rising panic. She should have never let Casey convince her to come to this stupid party. There was too much noise and too many people. She had to get out. Stumbling, she pushed her way forward, hoping it was the right direction to get to the door. In the chaos she couldn’t tell. When she shouldered her way into a circle of guys, she found herself looking up into a pair of stark blue eyes. 

A blush flamed across her skin. “I’m sorry. Could you excuse me please?” It all came out in a jumbled mess as she moved to continue pressing through the crush of people. A hand shot out and gently caught her arm before she could pass. 

“You look like you could use some help.” Blue Eyes flashed a charming smile her way. “Where you headed?”

“The front door.” She admitted. 

“You’re leaving? The party just started ” He spread his arms, effectively blocking her way with his whole well-built, very toned body. 

With a genuine smile she shrugged. “Came with a friend. Leaving for my sanity.”

“Ahh.” He nodded and sidled in closer. “Your friend a girl or guy?” He asked, his lethal blues piercing her soft green ones. 

“Why?” The question came out before she could think about the implication.

“Well,” He cocked his head to lean in close to her ear. “If your friend’s a guy, there’s probably some romantic type feelings involved since you obviously wouldn’t be here of your own volition. However, if your friend is a girl, most likely she’s a roommate or friend who dragged you here so she could meet guys without feeling guilty for leaving you home alone on a Saturday night.”

He waited and she blushed. 

Lia shrugged, “Casey, my roommate, insisted I come have fun and meet cute guys with her.” Again she shrugged, unsure and uncomfortable.

“Ahh.” He wrapped his arm protectively around her shoulder. “In that case I will be happy to help you get to the door.”

It was Lia’s turn to tilt her head up at him. “And if I had said I came with a guy?”

His grin turned mischievous. “Then I would’ve pointed you in the right direction. Come on, let’s get you to the door.”

He let go of her shoulder and held out his hand for her to take. She tentatively placed her small hand in his. His grin quirked up a notch before he turned and began pushing his way through. It wasn’t fair how easily he could get people to move. His quiet authority had people moving a lot quicker than her desperate pleas had. 

In minutes she could see the open front door and exhaled in relief. Her rescuer faced her as soon as they stepped out onto the porch. 

“You’re really relieved.” He ventured.

Surprise zipped through her. “How could you tell?”

His laid back laugh made her feel warm. “Easy. I could feel the tension leave your hand as soon as we stepped outside. You stopped clenching.”

“Oh” She blushed again. “Well, to say I have a hard time in crowds is a little bit of an understatement.”

She watched as surprise and then anger flashed through his expression of concern. “And your friend chose to bring you to this party?”

Lia nodded and looked back at the party going on inside.  “More for her than for me.”

“Some friend.” He grumbled. “But you should know that I think you handled yourself wonderfully well for someone on the verge of a freak out.” He shrugged. “Let’s just say you had a look that I recognized.”

As she moved to leave she stopped and spun back to face him, sticking out her hand. “I’m Lia. Thank you for helping me out. “

He took her hand and tugged her back to him, giving her a warm hug. For a second she lost herself in a fuzzy happiness.  Then reality slapped her in the face as a pretty girl pranced up the walkway and greeted Lia’s rescuer. “Hi Cole.”

“Hey Jo. See ya inside.”

Embarrassed, Lia stepped back and looked down. She felt absolutely ridiculous for holding onto that hug. She’d known this guy for all of a minute and here she was melting and simpering like a clingy ex girlfriend. 

“Sorry for that.” She stammered out.

“For what?” He tugged her chin up to have her look straight into his all-too-sincere eyes. “I hugged you.” With an exaggerated whisper he leaned forward. She almost didn’t hear what he said because his very kissable lips were kissably close. “And I’d happily help you out again. Anytime Lia. When do I get to see you again?”

“Oh, I. Well.” She blinked, flustered. ” I live at the Abbott house near campus.”
His pleased smile was worth the admission. It was rare for her to even admit that she lived near campus and she had just given this gorgeous guy everything he needed to find her. Her audaciousness had her brain spinning. She stood there frozen, unsure whether she wanted to stop him from getting any closer or lean in to let him kiss her senseless. He whispered against her lips; not a kiss but the ghost of a promise of a kiss. “See you tomorrow then.”

“Tomorrow?” She struggled to process that this guy was going to come find her tomorrow. Less than a day. “Really?”

His chuckle slid deliciously down her spine. “I wouldn’t let you leave my side tonight if I didn’t think it would scare you off.”

“Isn’t…isn’t Jo waiting inside for you?” Lia was not interested in opening herself to have any feelings for a player or a liar.

“Jo?” His confusion was real for a few seconds as he tried to figure out who she was talking about.

“The girl who just went inside a minute ago.” She clarified.

“You must think I’m an idiot for not remembering her. Yeah that’s my best friend’s girl. We hang out all the time.”

“Oh.” 

“Jealous?” His smile never left his face as he slowly inched his hands around her waist. However, he must have been able to tell she was starting to feel uncomfortable because he didn’t press further. Instead, he gently kissed her cheek. “How soon tomorrow can I see you?”

“Do you have to leave at all?” Her eyes widened when her brain caught up to her impulsive outburst.

“You’re the one leaving Lia. Breaking my heart, leaving the party early.” He let her go and stepped back further onto the porch. “Tomorrow. Lia.”

Lia held onto the words like a promise as she slowly waltzed her way home on a cloud.

Sira

“I caught a gorgeous brunette bedecked in full party gear, high heels included, sneaking out of the party before even joining it. That, and I had to find out what you’re hiding under that hoodie.”

Sira tiptoed down the stairs, clutching her oversized hoodie close. Her roommate, Jess, had promised a huge party. Sira’s only hope was to make it out the door before Jess saw her and dragged into the chaos of people invading the house. She had her hand on the door when a low chuckle caught her attention.

With a wince she glanced back, hoping without much hope that maybe one of Jess’ guys was with some clingy party-goer, laughing at something she had said. No such luck. She nearly stumbled as her heart stuttered in response to the sight she was greeted with. Whoever this drop dead handsome man was, he was staring straight at her with a warm smile that looked about ready to burst into one of those full heartbreaking smiles, and she couldn’t move. For a second she even ventured a thought about staying at the party. The more he looked down into her eyes with that melted chocolatey gaze, the more undecided she felt.

“Sneaking off to a party?” He questioned, the laughter barely restrained.

She glanced down self consciously at the half covered sparkly party outfit that Jess had forced her into, which probably looked ridiculous, not usually something she would choose to wear herself. “No, I…” Sira tried to come up with some sort of response but forgot she was needing to finish her sentence as he stepped closer to her, stealing her breath with his closeness. She watched as his eyes made scorching trails all the way down to her bright red stilettos, up her be-glittered skirt, past her drab gray hoodie to her perfectly styled hair and makeup. 

“You…” He prompted.

She shook off the haze of charm he had swirling around him and stood straight. “Jess is probably in the kitchen.” Sira didn’t wait for him to try to sweet talk her into joining the party. 

If she conveniently wasn’t around until midnight when the party should be dying down, the better.

Shoving the door open Sira escaped down the walkway, hoping that the man turning her insides upside down would make his way back into the party. 

She swallowed a shriek when his warm, work-roughened hand softly caught her arm. As she turned to yell at him he dropped his hand away and took a step back. He ran both hands through his short brown hair.

He looked a little sheepish. If it wasn’t so dark Sira was sure she would see him blushing. “I wouldn’t be a gentleman if I didn’t walk you to your car.” 

It was her turn to chuckle as she found herself relaxing a bit. Maybe it was just being out of the house. “I would accept your gentlemanly offer.” She paused, teasing him. “But I don’t even know you.”

His grin shone with delight. “I can remedy that.” He made a mock courtly bow. “I am Mitch, Jess’ older brother. She can come out and vouch for my character if you need any references.” He took a step back toward the house.

“You’re Mitch!” She hooked her hand in his proffered arm. “Why didn’t you say so earlier? I’m Sira.”

“Well it’s nice to meet you Sira. Am I being kidnapped?”

She tried to slow her pace down so she wasn’t dragging him away. “I didn’t make you leave the party. You followed me even though you knew I was trying to sneak out.” 

His attention was transfixed on her. Sira checked her hair to make sure the breeze hadn’t poofed it from its elegant curls into a fro.

Mitch shook his head and held his arm out. “You are fascinating.”

Surprised to find herself tucked in under his arm as they began to walk again she nudged him with her elbow. “Mmm. Try again.”

Again his eyes did that piercing perusal up and down as if trying to figure her out completely in one long look.

“Try what again?”

“I am thinking that you were going for some sort of compliment. So you can try again because that didn’t work. Or you can tell me why you left the party?”

Out came that boyish charm that Sira was beginning to see was not a conscious attempt at being some sort of serial dater, but was just his natural easygoing nature.

“You haven’t been a roommate of Jess and Terra very long, have you?”

“3 weeks.”

“Jess will have so many parties that she will be dragging me to ‘cause she is always complaining about there not being enough guys for all her girl friends.”

“So you’re telling me you left because you are so popular and in high demand for all the parties?” Sira pulled her arm out of his to fold both her arms snugly around her waist.

He put up his hands defensively. “I was stating facts. I followed you out the door because I caught a gorgeous brunette bedecked in full party gear, high heels included, sneaking out of the party before even joining it. That, and I had to find out what you’re hiding under that hoodie.”

She hugged the hoodie close. “No chance of that.”

He laughed. “You are way too easy to tease.”

Sira picked up her pace and tried to leave him behind. Unfortunately, or rather fortunately, he still had a solid hold on her arm and stopped her in her tracks. She tripped as he pulled her back to face him. Stupid Jess heels.

She wanted to go for indignant but ended up a wobbly mess on the grass. Instead of taking advantage of her being on the edge of toppling over to sweep her off her feet, Mitch patiently waited for her to regain her balance, one arm out in front of her in case she needed it. She wasn’t graceful as she took a few steps, and it wasn’t like any epic romance novel where she fell gracefully into the hero’s chest but his valiant support warmed her heart and made her toes tingle.

When she looked up at the strong chiseled planes of his face he looked at her with a odd seriousness. “Sira, I came out after you because of all the people at that party you were the first one I found any interest in talking to.”

Flabbergasted and beyond thrilled Sira smiled and searched for what to say that would not sound completely foolish.

“I wasn’t at the party.”

With a loud bark of a laugh he nodded. “No, you weren’t.”