Page 36 of Not Just Gal Pals

I cleared my throat. “Would you like a drink? I think I’ll try some of the punch.”

“I’m all good, thanks.” Blake’s voice was hoarse.

I stared at the mask, which didn’t give me anything back. “Okay, then…well, I’ll just go grab some.”

Relieved to have some space from Blake, I made my way over to the drinks table. The enormous punch bowl was nearly empty, but I managed to fill a red plastic cup. Looking around the lively room, I wished again that Amanda was here to confide in.

I couldn’t see Blake anymore. Maybe she’d run out the front door again. I wouldn’t blame her.

Not feeling my usual social self, I walked over to a display of books, pretending to admire them while I tried to get a handle on my feelings. There was no denying there was a strong attraction between us. Or that my plan for Saturday night’s kiss to be a one-off hadn’t gone so well.

Maybe after tonight things would get easier. With Amanda’s wedding over and the Halloween party almost done, there wouldn’t be any reason to see Blake. But who was I kidding? I’d inevitably run into Blake at Novel Gossip, at the general store, or walking down Main Street. And if I was being honest with myself, I didn’t love the idea of not seeing Blake. In fact, I wanted to see her. To touch her. To kiss her…

I slammed the book I was holding shut, trying to break my line of thought. I picked up another book and stared blankly at its blurb.

Maybe I’d been too hasty in dismissing the whole casual-relationship option.

I’d sworn off casual relationships because I wanted a serious one. I didn’t want to be distracted from that goal by relationships that had no future. But it wasn’t like I’d be missing out on the love of my life if I dated Blake during my short stay here. The chances of finding any eligible candidates in Sapphire Springs who’d be willing to move to LA with me was extremely low, if not zero.

I also hated getting hurt. The number of times I had ended up falling way too quickly was getting ridiculous, and the recent disappointments with Jeremy and Sarah made me even more cautious about putting myself out there. But I couldn’t see that happening here. Yes, Blake was extremely hot. And yes, Blake and I had been getting along better in the past week. But surely with our history, with the red flags I was all too aware of, I’d never be head over heels for her.

While all this rationalizing was going on, I kept remembering the way Blake looked at me just before she kissed me. Her soft lips, her body pressed against mine, and the feel of her firm hands on my waist.

Maybe exploring our attraction would help us get it out of our system. Surely sleeping with Blake couldn’t be as good as I’d fantasized about, right? And if it wasn’t, well, that would pour cold water all over my horny mind, and I could return to focusing on reviving my career. And things were already going to be awkward between us, so did we really have anything to lose?

Decision made, I took a big gulp of punch, placed the book back on the table, and looked around to see if Blake had reappeared. I spotted her sitting on one of the chairs George had pushed against the wall and walked over to join her.

Taking a seat, I took a deep breath and turned to her. I didn’t ask her to remove her mask this time. I’d learned my lesson. I opened my mouth, and then shut it again, and then swallowed.

“So, I was thinking... We’re clearly attracted to each other. Maybe we should just enjoy each other’s company and see where this attraction takes us while I’m here?” I paused, but Blake didn’t say anything. Maybe I hadn’t been clear? “You know, like date casually, knowing there’s an expiration date on this whole thing?”

There was a long pause. What the hell was going on behind that mask of hers?

“Well, um…look, I’m flattered, Jenny, but I’m actually seeing someone at the moment,” said someone in a deep voice. Someone who was most definitely not Blake.

Heat rushed up my face.

Oh god.

Who have I just accidentally propositioned for casual sex?

“Here you go, babe.” Maya appeared in front of me, holding two glasses of wine, one of which she handed to the Ghostface-who-was-not-Blake sitting next to me. Ghostface pulled down his mask, revealing a pink-cheeked Jasper.

Maya registered that it was me sitting in her seat. “Oh! Hi, Jenny. Cute outfit!”

I scrambled to my feet, hoping the white make-up was hiding the blush burning my face. “Oh shit, I thought you were someone else. Sorry about that, Jasper! And sorry for stealing your seat, Maya. Enjoy your evening!”

Now was probably a good time to call it a night before I embarrassed myself any further. Even if Blake did reappear, after the Jasper incident, I’d lost motivation to repeat the awkward conversation all over again. It was probably better I sleep on it before making any rash decisions, anyway, especially given I’d drunk George’s potent punch.

I wove my way through the crowd of increasingly tipsy, happy guests, grabbed my coat from the coat rack, and walked up to George, who was chatting to Harley Quinn and Batman.

“I’m going to head out. Thanks for having me!” I gave George a quick hug, waved goodbye to Olivia, and beelined for the front door.

The cold night air hit me in the face, cooling my flushed cheeks and calming me slightly.

I’d taken three steps along the sidewalk, my eyes still adjusting to the dark, when I walked right into a hooded figure and nearly screamed.

It was another Ghostface. Good lord, how many Scream aficionados are there at this damn party?