“I came alone,” I admit, and her mouth forms a small ‘o.’ “You know it’s you I want.”
“But all those girls?” She chews her bottom lip.
“Because I can’t have you.” Not that it excuses my behavior, but it is the only one I have.
“Max …”
“No, wait.” She gives me a slight nod to tell me to carry on.
I set my beer down and take her hand. “When do you leave?”
“Tomorrow.”
“Tomorrow? Fuck.” I push a hand through my hair in frustration. “Why so soon?”
She shrugs. “It’s time.”
“What the fuck?” I growl and step closer. But a hand takes my elbow and I turn to see Nina, a girl who hangs around the quarter mile. “What?” I don’t disguise the fact her interruption annoys the hell out of me.
“I didn’t think I’d see you tonight.” She gives me a seductive smile; her lids lower, and she places a hand on my chest. I fight the need to swat her hand away, not wanting her to touch me, but I grit my teeth.
“You’re interrupting,” I lower my voice until it’s almost a snarl, and her eyes widen with shock.
“Don’t worry on my account.” Leigh smiles sweetly when Nina glowers at me. “I was just leaving.”
“Leigh.” I try to stop her, but it’s too late; she slips past me, heading toward the living room.
Exasperated, I turn to Nina. “What is it?”
“I need a ride home.” She flutters fake eyelashes at me.
“And … Get someone else.”
“They’re all trashed. You’re the only one not drinking.” Great. Just my fucking luck that I’ve set my beer down.
“Fine, let’s go.” I shoo her out the kitchen and pass Leigh sitting on the sofa with Beth. Leaning down to her level while staring down her top, I mutter, “This discussion isn’t over.” I promise and notice the way her breath hitches. “I’m coming right back.”
“I’ll be here.” She smiles. “For a little while.” And then nods toward the door to where Nina is standing watching us, arms crossed over her chest and a scowl on her face. Shit, I need to be quick. I pass Ryder on the way to the door and grab his arm.
“Don’t let her leave,” I order, jabbing my finger in his chest for emphasis.
“No worries.” He slaps me on the back, but I don’t feel reassured at entrusting him to stop her. Especially when he slurs ‘see ya’ as I’m leaving. He’s trashed.
Crap, I need to ditch Nina quick and get back before Leigh leaves.
“Max,” Nina whines from the door, and with one last look at Leigh I catch the amused smirk on her face. Glad she finds my situation amusing. I roll my eyes at her and turn back to rush Nina out to the car.
Chapter Twenty
I make the ride to Nina’s in record time and in complete silence. I’m not in the mood for conversation, as I’m too eager to get back to the party. When I pull up outside her parents’, I keep the engine running.
“This is you.” I nod toward the house and confusion creases her brow.
“Are you not coming in?”
“No.”
“You’re going back to Aaron’s party, aren’t you?” She turns to me, arms folded over her chest and pouts.
“Yup.” There is no point in denying it; I want her out of my car, and I figure being truthful is the best way to go. It will be over quicker. She’ll get mad and storm off, which means I can get back to the party.
“Why?”
Jeez, I sigh. “Aaron’s my friend, and you wanted a ride home. Well, you’re home.” I shrug at how easy it is.
“What’s with you and Leigh Storm?” Her lip curls with distaste.
“You wouldn’t understand,” I snap, not liking the tone in her voice.
“Are you going back because of her?”
“What’s with all the questions?” I glare at her, past caring if I piss her off. I want her to get the fuck out my car.
“You’re a dick, Max Morgan.” She throws open the door and hastily climbs out before slamming the door and storms up the path without a backward glance.
“So I’ve been told,” I mutter under my breath. Thank fuck for that, she took her time. I throw the car into gear and speed back the way I came. I couldn’t have been gone long, half hour at most?
The party is still going strong when I arrive back. It’s reached the point in the night where people have started to pair up. Aaron and Beth are making out on the sofa; she’s in his lap with his hand up her top. Should they not get a room, it’s his party after all. Not paying them any more attention, I go in search of Leigh, but she’s not in the kitchen or the living room. But I do find Ryder, trashed and scoring some blonde.