I found myself standing awkwardly in the middle of a stranger’s house, clutching a plastic cup of something vaguely sweet and trying not to draw attention to myself.
“Emma!” I turned to see Logan, his grin wide and easy. His leather jacket slung over one shoulder and his dark hair messily perfect. “Told you I’d drag you here if I had to.”.
“You didn’t drag me,” I shouted back over the music. “I came willingly. Sort of.”
That was a lie. I already regretted coming. The place was packed—kids from school crammed into every corner, music pounding so loud it made the floor vibrate. The air was thick with sweat and cheap cologne.
My pulse went haywire as Logan leaned in closer, his scent—something warm and woodsy—wrapping around me.
“Relax, Em,” he said, his lips brushing my ear. “Have some fun.”
I tried to reply, but my voice got caught in my throat when Vanessa appeared, her heels clicking against the floor.
“I was wondering where you were, cutie pie.” Her voice was syrupy sweet.
Vanessa looked like she’d stepped out of a magazine, her perfect waves cascading over her shoulders as she batted her lashes at Logan. Her gaze flicked to me, her smile tightening.
“Emma! Didn’t know you came to parties.”
“Yeah, well,” I muttered.
“Em’s here with me,” Logan said casually, and my heart did a little flip.
Vanessa’s smile faltered for a fraction of a second, but then she looped her arm through Logan’s, pulling him away. “Come on, babe. You have to see this.”
I watched them disappear into the crowd. My stomach twisting from seeing Logan with someone like Vanessa.
I retreated to the kitchen, trying to avoid the pointed stares and whispers from the other girls. My phone was a lifeline, something to focus on while the party buzzed around me. But then, across the room, I felt it—his gaze.
Logan was watching me, his eyes locked on mine from where he stood with Vanessa. For a moment, everything else faded—the music, the crowd, even my own nervous thoughts.
The intensity in his expression made my knees go weak, and I gripped the edge of the counter for support.
“Everyone!” Vanessa’s voice rang out, cutting through the haze. “We’re playing spin the bottle. No exceptions!”
My stomach dropped as her gaze landed on me, her smirk sharp. “Including you, Emma.”