Cooper leans forward. “Um, you mind explaining what you’re doing with Karrie?” he asks, turning his head to Matthew.
“Nope. She’s mine.” He sips his water. “She’s just fighting the inevitable.”
“She left you once. What makes you think she won’t try it again?” Cooper asks.
“I handcuffed her to my bed for four days.” He smiles at the memory. “I dare her to try it again.”
“You know that’s kidnapping, right?” Cooper grins.
“Would you let Mom leave?” he asks him, knowing full well that he wouldn’t even let Parker leave for four hours. “Just get on a plane and take off for God knows where?”
“I hope you used comfortable cuffs.” Cooper laughs as he looks back down at his woman.
“Exactly,” Matthew states. “Now, I’m going back down there, because I’ve given her enough space.” He walks down the stairs and onto the dance floor, going straight to her. He moves in right behind her, his hands landing on her hips as he brings her closer to him. She doesn’t move until he whispers something in her ear, then her arms move up his chest and around his neck.
“Austin.” I look to the right and see Serena coming up the stairs. “I’ve been looking everywhere for you.” She kisses me on the cheek and holds onto my arm.
“I’ve been here all night.” I look down at the dance floor. The girls are still going at it, but Matthew has taken off with Karrie.
“Isn’t it fabulous? We did it, we’ve got another hit.” She digs her claws into my arm, while I try to shake them loose. “We could rule the world, in and out of bed,” she purrs. “Don’t you think?”
I shake my head at her audacity and huff out an annoyed laugh as I firmly peel her hand from my arm. “Serena, that’s never going to happen. Ever.” I look down and see that Lauren is heading to the bar.
I walk away from Serena and down the stairs. I head in the direction of the bar, talking to different people on the way down, thanking those who have showed up. I see Noah and Kaleigh walking in.
“This place is insane.” Noah looks around. “Congrats, man.” He shakes my hand.
“Your shirt isn’t even buttoned properly,” I point out to him.
Kaleigh shrugs her shoulders. “I can’t help it if he dresses like a guy on GQ. Where is Lauren?” She looks over my head.
“Oh, shit. Is that Jake and the home wrecker?” She looks toward the bar.
I don’t even wait to hear what she says next. I turn to make my way over to Jake and Lauren when I see her try to walk away as he stops her by grabbing her arm. My blood boils, my hands clench into fists at my sides. “Get your fucking hand off her before I break every single bone in it,” I growl at him, my voice loud and angry, causing the people around us to turn and look.
Lauren jerks her arm away from him. She looks at Camilla and says, “ Good luck, Camilla. You know what they say, once a cheater, always a cheater.” Then she turns and moves through the crowd toward the bathroom.
“I know you’re just playing around with her,” Jake states as he steps in front of me.
“I knew you were stupid. I just didn’t think you were a fucking idiot, too.” I look from him to his girlfriend, who holds his one hand in both of hers. “You not only downgraded, but you got the cheapest knock-off on the shelf.” I turn to Camilla. “I was waiting to see if you remembered me, Camilla. I wasn’t sure if you would. But I’m sure you remember Max?” Her face pales the minute I mention my good friend’s name. “He’s doing well. You know, after you fucked him out of house and home. Made him lose everything, and for what?” I snarl at her and then look back to Jake. “If you think you’re the first student’s father she’s fucked, think again. You’re just this year’s model.” I glance at her in disgust. “I bet she’s already fucking someone else right now. After all, the game is over for her. You gave up everything. The thrill is gone.”
I scan the room, my eyes going to the last place I saw Lauren. “She hides a second cell phone. Max found it in her tampon box.” I leave the fool with that tidbit and head to the bathroom.
I wait outside the bathroom for two minutes, or maybe it is two seconds, before I knock on the door. “Coming in,” I shout, walking in and nodding hello at the girl handing out paper towels. Lauren is at the sink washing her hands. “We need to talk,” I tell her while she looks at me in the mirror, her mouth hanging open.