Page 40 of Stroke of Fate

One of my biggest fears when transferring was not having a friend group to call my own. We might still be getting to know each other, but these girls have made the transition less scary. And I couldn’t be more grateful to have found them.

“Bear, we’re happy you’re here,” Elise says sincerely over a hiccup.

“Okay, okay, let’s not get all emotional,” Macy interjects. “How about we forget beer pong and go dance instead?”

“Yes! I’m in! Ohh, maybe we can find some hot guys to dance with,” Elsie exclaims, shaking her butt.

I laugh with them, but only one face flashes through my mind at the mention of the opposite sex.

A face I find myself hoping I’ll see again before the night is over.

14 | LEVI

I stretch my legs out in front of me, stifling another yawn. I’m ready to call it a night. The allure of the party has long since worn off, and after a week of solid practices, I’m knackered.

Sam and Austin are off doing who knows what, and Mack disappeared with some girl not long ago, so I probably won’t see him for the rest of the night.

“I think I’m going to head out, man,” I tell Brock, pushing off the wall we’ve been leaning on for the last thirty minutes.

Brock is on the swim team with us and is one of the few sober people left at the party, from the looks of it. Since I drove tonight, I haven’t had a drop of alcohol either.

“All right, dude. See you Monday at practice.”

We do the one-arm hug and slap on the back thing, and then I quickly text the group chat on my way through the house to let the guys know I’m leaving.

As I bypass the makeshift dance floor, something stops me. Bear sways her hips to the music, and the sight goes straight to my dick. I haven’t seen her since our conversation earlier—easily the highlight of my night.

Upstairs, it felt like something had shifted between us. A crack in her walls. A long-overdue apology from me. And that damn smile she gave me. I could have spent the rest of the evening with her and been perfectly content.

From across the room, I watch as a petite brunette leans in and whispers something to her, making Bear giggle behind her hand. It’s cute as hell. But I don’t miss how she sways a little too much on her feet.

When a guy weaves his way behind her with a knowing smirk, my jaw tightens, and I’m on the move.

There’s no way I’m letting him take advantage of her when she’s been drinking. I've barely taken four steps when a familiar face blocks my path, forcing me to stop.

Seriously, can I not catch a goddamn break?

“Hey, Levi.” Sadie’s voice is sugary sweet, and I bite my tongue to not say something rude like fuck off.

She reaches out to touch me, but I sidestep her. “I’m on my way out,” I say, not bothering with pleasantries.

I can practically feel her eyes burning a hole in my back, but right now, my only priority is Bear.

The guy hovering behind her must sense my approach because he turns just as I reach them.

“You should leave.” The sharpness in my voice leaves no room for argument.

His hands shoot up in surrender as he backs away. “Shit, sorry, my bad. I didn’t know she was your girl.”

I don’t bother to correct him. He’s not wrong. When he finds someone else to bother, I step up behind Bear, my hands settling lightly on her hips.

Leaning down, I whisper in her ear. “Hey, Teddy Bear.”

Bear spins in my arms, and when she sees it’s me, her lips curve into a smile.

“Levi! You found me!”

The look of pure happiness on her face catches me off guard, and suddenly, I'm the unsteady one. She’s always beautiful, but even more so with her flushed cheeks and open expression. Her guard is down, and it hits me just how much I want to see this side of her when alcohol isn’t involved.

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