Page 3 of Finding My Charming

His words broke the spell, and I shook my head. “No, I just heard shouting and wanted to make sure nothing was destroyed, and no one was dying.”

He chuckled and looked to his group of friends who were watching the flat screen. “That was just a few of those guys getting upset over the score.”

I smiled. “Sounds intense. I’m just glad everyone’s okay.”

Once again, when I turned to leave, he caught my arm. “Can I get you a drink?” He reached across the counter and grabbed a can.

It took me a second to realize he was being serious, and I burst out laughing before accepting it.

His face twisted in confusion. “Is that funny?”

I quickly pulled myself together and nodded. “This is my best friend’s house. I practically live here, so it’s a little odd to have someone offer me a drink. I feel like it should be the other way around.”

He chuckled with me and shrugged. “Well, you’re more than welcome to.”

I smiled and took a mental snapshot of his eyes while he was laughing. I wished I had Ari’s confidence around guys. A whole conversation had passed without me embarrassing myself, but I knew my luck would run out soon.

“Maybe later. I should find my friend.” I backed away with one last smile before turning around.

The last direction I’d seen Ari head had been this way, but she wasn’t in the kitchen, so that meant she’d probably gone out to the backyard. Great. If I couldn’t find her in the house, I doubted I’d find her out there. The back lawn had a pool, fire pit, and basketball court before ending at the lake. To say it was large would be a gross understatement.

I blew out a sigh and headed toward the back doors. I’d only made it another few steps when an arm wrapped around my waist. Before I could turn to see who had grabbed me, he leaned in and whispered in my ear.

“Hey, beautiful. Come dance with me.”

He tried dragging me in the direction of the living room, but I pulled out of his grasp.

Unfortunately, I wasn’t as lucky as the last time. This guy had a slimy vibe about him, and his polo and cargo shorts weren’t helping his case. I smelled alcohol on his breath, and that was a definite no in my books.

His hand grabbed mine, and I almost gagged as his sweaty palm grazed mine. No way.

“Sorry, I’m looking for someone.” I quickly turned and walked away before he could respond.

I knocked into a wannabe male made who stood in front of me and quickly apologized. He was wearing a baby-blue button-up tucked into baby-pink shorts. The preppy look was completed with hair more precisely styled than mine. I apologized again before walking away laughing. These parties definitely drew in a wide variety.

The back doors were within sight. I just had to snake my way through one more hallway stuffed with people. I gently pushed against the crowd, keeping a smile on my face like I wasn’t completely annoyed. A small path cleared, so I hurried through. At the opening, was another guy wearing a blue hat. He was smirking down at me.

“Excuse us.” His voice was deep and smooth.

I nearly stopped, but I was so close to getting outside. I simply smiled and walked past.

I made it to the doors just as another guy decided to stand in front of them. I stepped to the side hoping to slide past him, but he leaned in the same direction. I cleared my throat, but he didn’t budge.

When I looked around, I noticed a guy leaning against the wall acting strange and mysterious with a dark shirt and beanie pulled low over his face. He was watching my struggle with a small smile. I grinned back and rolled my eyes to show my annoyance at the situation.

This time when I stepped around the guy blocking my path, I was able to see his face. He was staring at the floor, slightly bobbing his head. He had headphones around his neck, and he was pressing them against his ears. The hood of his jacket had hidden them from behind, but at least I knew that he wasn’t ignoring me on purpose.

I waved my hand in his line of vision. His head jerked up, and he looked surprised to see me. Maybe if he took off his stupid headphones, he’d notice the world around him. I gestured toward the doors and smiled politely. He nodded and took a step back. Before he could block me again, I opened the door and slid outside and let out a huge sigh.

I scanned the area quickly, looking for Ari’s blond waves. I didn’t see her right away, but the majority of people were grouped around the fire pit, so I headed that way. About thirty people sat or stood around the fire. Someone had brought a guitar and was strumming popular songs on the far side from me. No one appeared to have noticed me walk up to the group, so I took the opportunity to study them. A few people I recognized from past parties, but nobody from my school and definitely no Ari.

“Hey!”

I turned to the call and sighed when I met the eyes of another guy. He looked like the typical jock, enormous and wearing a jersey of some professional team. When our eyes locked, he smiled. “Are you looking for a seat? There’s room right here!” He rubbed his hands on his legs and smirked.

I cringed and didn’t bother hiding my disgust. His buddies burst out laughing and began yelling insults at him as I turned and walked away.

I was ready to go home, but I felt bad leaving without telling Ari bye. A few more people were out on the basketball court, but I doubted she’d be all the way out there. I blew out a sigh and headed back to the house.