Cassie
I learn quickly that Halloween in a sorority house is an explosion of glitter, spandex, and makeup.
Adjusting my boobs in the too-small purple shell top the girls talked me into, I look around at all the costumes.
Bo is a sexy ninja and Ashlei is a go-go dancer.
They’re both giggling in the corner of Skyler and Jess’s room as they apply the last of their fake eyelashes in the full length mirror.
Bo’s outfit is a two-piece and hugs her tight body, accentuating the lean muscle that stretches all the way from her collarbone to her ankles.
Ashlei’s neon green dress cuts off just below her ass, but it pairs well with the white go-go boots that end at the top of her knee caps.
It feels good to see Ashlei laughing again.
She’s been distant the past two weeks and I know I’m not the only one who’s been worried.
“Are you sure I look okay?” I ask, picking at the sequin green skirt hugging my waistline. “I feel a little cliché going as the only redheaded princess.”
“You look fucking hot,” Jess says, smacking my ass as she saunters over to her closet.
She’s dressed as a sexy cowgirl, complete with a tight, short jean skirt and plaid top that ties off right beneath her chest. Her cleavage is accentuated by the open buttons at the top of the shirt and she tops it all off with a straw cowgirl hat and matching brown boots.
“She’s right, Little. Just watch out for nip slips.
” Skyler winks and pops her lips after applying a final coat of lip gloss.
Of all the costumes, I love Skyler’s the most. She’s the only one of us who didn’t openly go for sexy but landed there anyway.
Dressed as the black swan complete with black spandex one-piece and tutu, she’s not just sexy – she’s intriguing.
In fact, she’s almost scary – especially with the contacts she’s wearing that color her eyes red just like Natalie Portman’s in the movie.
When Erin blows the whistle that came with her bedroom referee costume, we all jump. “Let’s get the hell out of here. I need a drink!”
We all cheer before following her through the house and out into the yard. Several cabs are lined up and down Greek row waiting to pick up fares, so we climb in the first van we see and the cabbie takes off without even asking where to.
“You look great tonight,” Ashlei says to Bo quietly. The three of us are sandwiched in the very back of the van and I adjust our air conditioning vents, trying to keep my hair from frizzing out in the hot October air. I swear it never gets cold in South Florida.
“Thanks,” Bo replies, offering Jess a glittering smile. Her hand reaches out for Ashlei’s knee and she squeezes it lightly. “Although, I think we both know I look a little more than just great.”
She says the last part as a whisper, but I still hear her, and I can’t help but notice she doesn’t move her hand from Ashlei’s leg. I don’t have time to overthink it as Skyler thrusts a flask into my hand. “Drink up, Little Nug.”
Ralph’s is always packed, being that it’s the closest bar to campus, but tonight it’s on an entirely new level.
The entire parking lot is sealed off by a makeshift fence for the block party and there are laser lights bouncing in time with the music thumping from the large speakers by the entrance to the main bar.
Fog machines, cobwebs, mechanical monsters and mummies bring the Halloween theme to life and I finally understand what all the fuss is about.
Jess, Ashlei and Bo immediately sprint to the makeshift dance floor and start grinding on each other and every guy around them while Erin scampers off to find the rest of our family. Skyler and I just make a beeline for the bar.
Priorities.
Just as we down a lemon drop shot and chase it with our fresh drinks, large hands wrap around my waist. “I was right.” The butterflies that have been lying dormant in my stomach since the IM football game Monday night suddenly burst to life and flutter around manically.
Adam sidles up beside me, one of his hands still lingering on my hip as he throws me a wide smile.
“You do look cute in a little purple shell bra.”
He looks absolutely delicious. His dark hair is gelled in a 50s style twist and black-framed Ray Bans hide his eyes but accentuate his strong jaw.
The white shirt he’s wearing blazes against his tan skin and stretches across his hard chest muscles.
Paired with a black leather jacket and tight dark jeans, he’s the entire Danny Zuko package and I imagine him giving young John Travolta a run for his money.
“Almost as cute as you in your little leather jacket,” I retort, cringing once the words leave my lips. Really? Did I really just call him cute?
Adam just grins wider.
Suddenly, Skyler bursts into a fit of laughter and both of our heads snap in her direction. “I’m sorry,” she says, trying to control herself.
I’m still confused but Adam seems to catch on to the joke because he lets out a loud spurt of laughter, too. “Well shit. I guess I picked the wrong costume, huh?”
Skyler nods. “Yeah. I mean, unless we’re doing a really terrifying mashup of Black Swan and Grease.”
Adam grabs his chin between his finger and thumb and looks up at the ceiling. “You know, that might not be half bad.”
Clearly, I missed out on the joke.
“Dance with me?” Skyler asks, but it doesn’t really sound like much of a question as she grabs Adam’s hand and leads him toward where Jess and Bo are still dancing wildly.
As soon as they reach the floor, Skyler runs her hands up through Adam’s hair and grinds her body against his.
He bites his lip and pushes his sunglasses up onto the top of his head so he has a better view and my stomach flutters again, but in a completely different way.
Quickly, I drain the rest of my drink and order another one.
“Hey you.” Clay appears right behind me and wraps his arms around my middle, pulling me flush against his chest. It’s a bold move for having only met me a couple of days ago. “I can’t find room at this damn bar. Order me a drink?” he whispers.
I peek over my shoulder at him. “What’s your drink of choice?”
“Hmm…” he thinks, still holding me tight. “How about whiskey on the rocks. That always gets me in the mood.” I gulp at his suggestion, but he just chuckles in my ear. “To party, that is.”
I smile nervously and order his drink before turning to face him.
His hands stay on my hips as I swivel around.
When I notice he’s dressed as a lifeguard, I swallow.
His abs are on full display. Every single freaking ripple of his body is on display, actually, in the tiny red board shorts he’s donning.
His dirty blonde hair is wavy and messy and the bright blue hues of his eyes contrast with the bronzer he’s clearly applied to pull off the beachy look.
I didn’t realize how tall he was on the field Monday, but the way he’s towering over me now makes me feel six inches tall.
The corners of his mouth curl into a devilish grin as my eyes wander across his skin. “You think a mermaid could dance with a lifeguard?” he asks, quirking a brow.
“Well, I did pass over the part where I have a tail and skipped straight to the legs.”
“And what incredible legs they are,” he husks, allowing his own eyes to devour my body now.
Clay grabs my hand and pulls me out onto the dance floor before I have the chance to say anything further.
As I turn away from him and we grind our bodies to the beat, I catch Adam staring at me from where Skyler and the girls are gathered.
His brows are furrowed, his mouth pursed, and he looks like he wants to either kill me or save me.
Suddenly, the butterflies are back.