Marco parked his car, and he and Hanna stepped out together. She had dressed simply but stylishly in dark jeans and a fitted black top, with just enough neon paint to fit the theme. Marco, as usual, was confident, his hand resting protectively on her waist as they made their way into the party.
Almost immediately, Hanna’s eyes fell on Finn. He was standing on the other side of the room, leaning against the wall with a girl on his arm—Bella, the so-called “perfect” girl his parents had arranged for him to meet. Bella looked elegant and effortlessly pretty, and Hanna’s stomach twisted slightly. But she forced herself to look away, focusing on Marco, who was grinning as he spotted some of his friends.
“Come on,” he said, steering her toward the dance floor. “We’re here to have fun.”
As they started dancing, Hanna felt her nerves begin to fade. She let herself get lost in the music, laughing as Marco tried to pull off ridiculous dance moves. She was almost enjoying herself—until she caught Finn’s gaze from across the room. Their eyes met for a split second, and she quickly looked away, feeling her cheeks flush. She knew he’d seen her, and the weight of everything unsaid between them made her heart race.
Meanwhile, Ciara had spotted Jacob near the snack table, and she made her way over, flashing him a bright smile. “Hey, stranger,” she said, nudging him playfully. “Enjoying the party?”
He gave her a skeptical look, but his smile was amused. “As much as one can when they’re being relentlessly hunted.”
“Oh, don’t flatter yourself,” she replied, laughing as she casually slipped her arm through his. “I just thought you could use a little excitement. And maybe a friend who gets you.”
He shook his head, smirking. “And that friend is you?”
“Absolutely.” She winked, her voice lowering. “Believe it or not, I actually understand you, Jacob.”
For the first time, he didn’t pull away, letting her linger beside him as they talked. Bit by bit, Ciara’s presence became less of an annoyance and more of an odd comfort, her laughter blending with his as they joked and watched the party unfold.