"I've heard a lot about you guys, too. You met last semester, right?"
"Last semester's welcome party, to be more exact."
"Aye, aye. Bashes bring people together," the second guy says, and everyone turns to look at him.
"This is Chase," Hazel says. Chase crosses his arms over his chest, a movement that emphasizes his toned arms. He has short, curly blond hair and boyish blue eyes. I can imagine that if he wants to, those eyes can be a weapon to bring any woman to her knees. By the way his eyes drink in Hazel's body, he must know this very well. "Chase, please behave."
"Don't I always?" he says in mock offense. Hazel rolls her eyes at him.
"Hey, I've known Dani for thirty seconds. Usually by that time, I'm already sticking my tongue down a girl's throat. I haven't so much as made one move. I'm on my very best behavior."
My mouth falls open. "Is this the way you usually talk?"
"You haven't seen anything, trust me," Drew adds, shaking his head in amusement. He pulls Kylie closer to him, planting a small kiss on her neck. Hazel and I exchange a furtive glance. She mentioned a few times how, ever since these two hooked up, they can't seem to be able to keep their hands off each other. I think they're cute.
"Enough talking," Chase says, jamming his hands in his pockets. "If we're too late, the line to the bar will be huge. I'll have to flirt with the bartender again so we can get some beers. I’m hoping to avoid that this time. There's only so many times I can do that before he realizes I'm not playing for the other team."
"I thought we were going to a house party," I point out. "There's a designated bartender?"
"There is when the captain of the soccer team is throwing the party," Chase says.
"The bartender is very cute, but not into girls," Kylie explains. "Anyone who thinks you're into anything but girls isn't right in their mind, Chase. But it did get us drinks without waiting, so..."
"Is everyone on campus attending the same party?" I inquire.
"No, the cool kids attend it. Couldn't care less what the others do. Safe to say that everyone is attending a party. It's just the way things work around here, love." Chase puts an arm around my shoulders, drawing me close enough to him that I can inhale the whiff that tells me he's been busy with pre-drinking before he got here. "Study hard, party harder."
"But the classes haven't even started yet," I point out, pushing him gently away so I can inhale some much needed fresh air.
"Oh, that's right." Rubbing his chin, he adds, "Then I guess we should correct the saying: Party hard, study if you have time left."
"That's his mantra, Dani." Hazel looks at the arm Chase is holding around my shoulders. The longing in her gaze makes me squirm. "Please don't listen to him."
"Hey, I had a better GPA than you last semester," Chase retorts. "So far, seems like my way is the way."
"And what's your way, Chase?" Kylie inquires. "Charming poor Ms. Ember and Ms. Lawrence? We all know you’re not above that."
"I’m not, but cougars aren't my thing. I prefer fresh meat. Can't help it if they can't resist my jerk-charm, though."
"You’re disgusting," Hazel tells him.
"Some call me charming. It's a matter of taste."
"Or how much alcohol they've had," Drew points out.
"You're such a borefest since you got into Kylie's pants. Hazel, Dani, please don't get into relationships. It turns perfectly normal people into insufferable bores."
"Let's go, shall we?" I interject. "Or the line to the bar will be so long that even if you offer to do the bartender, we won't get drinks any time tonight."
"Bossy. I like it." Chase puts his other arm around Hazel's shoulders, pulling her so close to him she might get drunk just by inhaling the puffs of alcohol on his breath. I look at her with raised eyebrows, but she doesn't notice me. She's too preoccupied with Chase; her eyes are fixed on him with a yearning I recognize. Yep, my beloved friend has the hots for what looks to be Stanford’s designated man-whore. He seems like good fun, though, and guys can change. My brother proved that by leaving his man-whoring days behind him. Drew and Kylie lead the way, holding hands. The three of us trail behind them, Chase holding both Hazel and I close to him.
The party surprises me. I haven't been to many house parties, but I imagined them to be pretty laid-back and improvised a lot. This one looks planned down to the last detail. No wonder it's popular. One thing becomes painfully clear: the line to the bar is so long, we won't be getting drinks any time soon.
"Chase, you and I are in charge of drinks," Drew says.
"Oh, come on, that's not fair. I'm the one waiting in line every time. Why can't Kylie wait with you?"
"You should learn how to be a gentleman. Besides, no bartender can resist your charm," Kyli