Wrong For Me

I shift deeper into the shadow and let my eyes rake over every inch of her body, a body that’s far too fit and firm to not stand out in this crowd.

Her jeans are too tight and her shirt form fitting, but she doesn’t feel the need to share her skin with all these assholes to feel good about herself. Bettin’ she spent fifteen minutes tops getting ready. Yet, low maintenance as hell and wearing more clothes than every girl in this place, she’s still the one every motherfucker seems to notice first.

The way that long blonde hair of hers teases her waistline and falls to the side when she tips her head, twisting to the music like a damn video vixen is making my fingers hum with the need to touch what isn’t quite mine, but damn well should be.

Thing is, she’s not his either.

I thought for sure Rowan and her would have made it official by now, but they graduated this week and still, he hasn’t claimed her for himself, something she thinks she wants. Most people assume they’re a secret couple based on how they act around each other, but that wasn’t good enough for me.

I pay attention to everything, observe with a critical eye and I can guaran-damn-tee, it’s crickets in that department. Not sure what’s holding him back, but he hasn’t made a move.

So, I’m going to.

I waited long enough, gave the two of them more time than I ever planned to work through the teenage nerves and hormones, just in case that’s what was stopping them, and still, nothing’s come of their friendship.

Rowan knows I’ve wanted her since we were just a bunch of kids running around the neighborhood, but he never would let her down so she could see who else was standing right in front of her.

I plan to open her eyes.

When Havannah, Oakley’s friend, starts to pull her off the dance floor, I walk along the wall to keep her in sight.

She’s handed another shot and she throws it back, making me frown.

I almost told the bouncer outside they were only eighteen, but when I saw him let them straight in without even checking I realized what type of place this was – not one she’d normally be in.

When Havannah tries to pull her back on the floor, Oakley shakes her head, her fingers moving to her temple.

She’s done.

I head straight for her.

As soon as my feet plant in front of her, she glares.

“What in the hell are you doing here?!”

“Taking you home.”

Her brows jump. “That doesn’t answer me.”

“Let’s go.”

“No! We came with Rowan. I don’t need-”

I get in her face and she clamps that mouth of hers shut. “Rowan and his buddies left an hour ago.”

“I-” she cuts herself off, licking her lips as she looks away.

“Don’t act so surprised, Oakley. You know as well as I do, you’ve never been priority number one in his eyes.”

“That’s fucked up,” Havannah snaps and I glare her way before looking back to Oakley.

Her glossy eyes come back to mine and I grimace.

Fuck.

“I’m not a child, Alec. I can get home on my own.”

“Walk your ass out willingly, or I carry you.”

“I’ll go when I’m ready, not when you say!”

I lift an eyebrow. “Did you not just tell her you were ready to go?”

She scowls. “Were you watching me this entire time?”

“Every move.”

Her mouth drops open.

When I smirk, her cheeks turn red, but not in embarrassment. She’s getting pissy.

Love when that happens.

“Let’s fucking go.”

“Hey, hi!” Havannah buts in. “How about—”

“Quiet.”

Oakley’s eyes flash and she steps forward but stumbles over her own damn feet. I catch her as she falls into me and she chuckles to herself, shaking her head.

“Whatever you say, Alec. You always get your way as it is.”

I hold her up by her waist as her muscles start to give, my stare locked on hers. “Not even close, but we are leaving. Now.”

“You want me to leave?” she slurs, tipping her face closer to mine. “Make me.”

I grip Havanah’s wrist while bending to toss Oakley over my shoulder and we’re out.

She tries to growl, but it comes out as a raspy sigh. “Is this necessary? Put me down.”

“Say it without sounding sloshed and I will.”

“I can...” she scoffs, flopping against my back. “Don’t want to.”

“Right.”

“Uh...” Havannah tries to jerk her hand from my grasp. “You can let me go, you know. I’m cool with heading home.”

I ignore her and both girls sigh.

When we get to my truck, I open the door for Havannah to jump in and move around to the driver side, setting Oakley between us.

Her head drops back on the seat and not two minutes down the road, her eyes are closing.

Havannah laughs. “She’s wasted.”

No fucking shit.

Ten minutes down the road and I’m pulling up in front of Havannah’s house.