That Crazy Kind of Love

We got out of his car and headed toward the front door. There were so many people outside, the music blasting from the open doorway and windows, that my ears were already ringing. I moved out of the way as a couple guys played—no doubt drunken—football, even had to walk over a guy passed out on the lawn. A couple were on the porch making out, or hell, maybe even having sex, judging by the motions I caught before I quickly looked away.

I glanced at him, assuming he’d be looking at the sexing-it-up couple, but instead he had his focus right on me.

“You good?” He sounded so worried, as if he wanted to make sure I was fine.

I smiled and nodded. “I’m good. Are you?”

He grinned and gave me a wink, and I felt my body instantly heat.

Once inside, he pushed a couple guys to the side so we could walk in.

“Show me your tits,” a drunk yelled at a girl passing by, and she gave him this saucy little smile, her eyes red-rimmed, and lifted her shirt to show him what he wanted. Everyone started cheering, and I felt my face heat.

Yeah, this wasn’t my scene.

I looked at Aiden and saw he wore a controlled expression. He had some stubble across his cheeks and jaw, making him seem even older than he was. He might only be nineteen, but his maturity level surpassed all these guys.

He looked at me, and I mouthed, I’m sorry. Actually speaking right now would have been drowned out by the noise.

He didn’t say anything, didn’t even tear his gaze from mine; instead, he reached out and took my hand in his. My heart did this little hiccup thing, and the emotions I felt in that moment couldn’t be called anything but elated.

He leaned in close and said against the shell of my ear, “I don’t want you getting lost in a sea of dirty fuckers.” He tightened his hand in mine, and when he pulled back, I felt his cheek brush against mine. My breath caught.

I knew a party like this would be a testosterone free-for-all with everyone drinking and partying, with almost-sex going on in every corner, but God, I was glad I’d brought him as I felt him hold my hand and weave us through the people. He pushed guys out of his way, and I swore they parted for him, as if they were afraid.

I couldn’t blame them. Aiden definitely had a dangerous air about him.

The house was crammed with people, the music loud and vibrating the very walls. I could smell beer and I swore vomit. The latter had my stomach clenching in distaste. Maybe being drunk was the only way to stand these things?

Aiden squeezed my hand and looked over his shoulder at me. I had a feeling it was to make sure I was still here. I gave him an answering smile, and he faced forward once more as he pulled me through the house. I didn’t think he knew where we were going, because I sure as hell didn’t, but before I knew it, we found ourselves in the kitchen.

We stopped and just stood there a moment, and I glanced around for Pixie. She’d sent me a text saying she was already here, but it would be impossible to find her with how many people were gathered around. I had no doubt half these people were from other schools.

I glanced at Aiden several times. He looked so masculine, and once again, I couldn’t help but think of how much older he seemed than all the other guys here.

And I sure as hell felt feminine when I was with him.

“Should we do something, get a drink or something?” I felt out of place here and felt even weirder asking what the hell to do at a party of this magnitude. It seemed people were either drinking or having almost-sex.

The smirk Aiden gave me had my entire body tightening in awareness, had my lips tingling, had me wanting to rise up on my toes and kiss him again.

Aiden led us farther into the room, his hand still wrapped around mine. Once in the state-of-the-art kitchen with granite counters, stainless steel appliances, and the stench of money pouring from every corner, we stopped. I spied several kegs set up off to the side, guys loitering around them with red plastic cups in their hands. Those same cups were on the counters and even a few on the floors, as the trashcans set up were overflowing.

More people started coming into the kitchen, my body being pushed around like a Ping-Pong ball. Aiden tightened his hold on my hand and pulled me closer. Even over the rumble of music and conversation, I heard the low, threatening growl that left him, heard him mumble “fucking assholes” under his breath.