Page 5 of Shattered Dreams
"You're new," he says, tilting his head. "I haven't seen you before."
New? I'm a senior, pal.
I sip my soda, trying to control my body's reaction. "Then maybe you weren't looking."
He laughs, teeth flashing. "Oh, sweetheart, I'malwayslooking."
I arch a brow. "And always finding, apparently." I gesture toward the kitchen, where the blonde and brunette notice his absence, their smiles fading into scowls, their arms crossed.
Wonderful.
He glances back, then shrugs, grin widening. "They'll live."
"Lucky them."
He steps closer, and my back brushes the wall. He doesn't touch me, but it feels like he might, like the air between us has grown heavier, thicker. My heart betrays me, thudding hard against my ribs.
"What's your name?" he asks, voice softer now, still threaded with that infuriating confidence.
I hesitate, wondering if giving this player my name is wise. He notices, and his grin turns smug.
"Come on," he coaxes. "Don't make me guess."
I meet his gaze, steady, willing my pulse to calm. "Ava."
He rolls the name on his tongue like he's tasting it. "Ava." A slow nod. "Yeah. Fits."
Jesus, the sound of my name on his lips…
"Fits what?"
"You." His smile turns slow, satisfied.
"Great," I reply flatly. "I'm just here because my best friend dragged me."
He glances around. "Where is she?"
A smile tugs at my lips. It’s amusing that he assumes I'm with agirlbestie.
"Bathroom."
He hums, eyes glinting. "So it's just you and me right now."
I press my lips together. I should shut this down—I really should. But I don’t.
Because despite knowingexactlywhat kind of guy he is, despite the girls still glaring from across the room—something about the way he looks at me makes it hard to move.
Those fucking eyes.
He leans closer, head tilted. "Let me take you out."
He’s direct, I’ll give him that.
I scoff. "Aren't you going to try to stick your tongue down my throat like you did with those girls?"
"I can if you want." He smirks while I stare at him like I'm bored even though my pulse skips at the idea.
I wave my hand to dismiss him.
