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night.” She’s laughing, and my head pounds harder, which I’m guessing is because I’m blushing a deep shade of red. “He’s been really sweet. He carried you two blocks last night and tucked you in bed, and this morning he brought you some breakfast.”
    My heart constricts. She must see the look on my face.
    “Hey,” she says, reaching over and hugging me, “don’t make this something it isn’t. He’s a great guy, and he must like you, but I don’t think he’s going to stalk you or anything crazy.”
    “That’s not it.” The sound of blood beats wildly in my ears.
    “Can I give you some advice?” Her face is full of concern. “Don’t blow him off. I know you’re afraid to get close to anyone, but I think he’s a catch, and good golly, he’s pretty. He couldn’t take his eyes off you all evening even though you were giving him your famous cold shoulder.”
    I press my face into my hand. “I was such a bitch to him last night. Why he’d want to have anything to do with me is—”
    “How can you say that? You’re a gorgeous woman and a brilliant writer. Don’t be so down on yourself. Look, get dressed, and come out and have breakfast with us. I swear the guys won’t give you shit about seeing you naked.”
    Jenna looks like she’s ready to go out there and threaten their lives if they turn her into a liar. I crack a smile.
    “Hey, I’ve been meaning to thank you for the party. You outdid yourself. Did Jax get home okay?”
    She smirks. “Yeah, some model in a cherry-red Mustang picked him up from the club. I think a photo of it got posted on a gossip website.”
    I roll my eyes. “Sounds like my brother.”
    Ten minutes later, when I walk into the living room, everyone stops talking. I planned to be social and eat with my friends, but I can’t. My heart is pounding, and I’m breaking out into a cold sweat. My hands tremble at my side, from the alcohol or nerves, I’m not sure which.
    “I have to go to work,” is all I can muster before Ryan jumps off the couch and grabs me in a giant bear hug.
    “Sorry my stuff tripped you, and you flashed us your goodies, but damn, girl, you’re hot. You have nothing to be embarrassed about.”
    I lean back and look him in the eye. “Are you always such a pig?”
    “Why, yes, yes, I am.” He grins, placing a small peck on my cheek. “And why the fuck am I just now learning that you sing? Jesus Christ, you have some pipes.”
    “Thanks. That’s nice of you to say. And thank you for the party. I had a really good time.”
    “Watching those guys fall over themselves to eat food off your body was more than worth it. How many asked you out?”
    I shrug. Who counts that kind of shit?
    “Please tell me you have at least a dozen dates now.” He grabs my shoulders and starts to shake me, which makes me groan. Does he have any idea what he’s doing to my hangover?
    “C’mon, Ryan, you know me better than that.” I glance over at Gavin.
    “You didn’t give out your number?” Ryan asks incredulously. I shake my head. “To anyone?”
    “Why would I do a thing like that?” I say, grabbing my jacket. My heart is pounding. I need to get out of here. Now.
    As I reach the door, I hear footsteps behind me.
    “Wait up, Clem,” Gavin says. “I’ll walk you out.”

    * * *
    E ach step I take reflects the throbbing in my temple.
    “Here, drink this,” Gavin says as he catches up to me in the stairwell. He hands me a green beverage.
    I eye it skeptically. “I’m pretty sure I threw this up about an hour ago.”
    He laughs, unleashing one of those megawatt smiles, and it ripples through me like a tidal wave. “Trust me, it’ll help the nausea.” God, he has beautiful eyes. They’re green, the color of a dark forest, and rimmed with thick lashes.
    Snap out of it, Clem.
    “Trust you, huh?” I nibble on my lip before I lean in and sniff. It smells fruity, so I take a small sip, and it tastes like apples with the slightest hint of