Wanting

Chapter 1

PART I

WANTING

T he June sunset flamed over tall oak trees, arching shadows across my aunt and uncle’s rolling backyard. But “yard” didn’t begin to describe the stretches of land wrapping around the Randolph estate: the tennis courts, the pool, the terraced gardens, the golf range, the deep-rooted trees thickening into dark woods, and the broad patio lit with swaying glass lanterns.

Staff overran the patio: caterers, servers, bartenders and musicians setting up for tonight’s party. My Aunt Rose hustled from end to end, heels clicking on the paving stones, giving orders.

Fanning my flushed face and trying to look like I belonged here, I eyed Rose’s shimmering cascade of champagne-colored hair, her lean calves flashing across the patio, her glossy lips and long lashes.

As a kid, I’d thought Aunt Rose was the most beautiful woman in the world. On family visits, I’d hovered near her, ooh-ing and ah-ing over her gold and diamond jewelry. I’d made the mistake of telling this to my mom, who’d made sure I knew — in more detail than a seven-year-old needed — that every bit of her sister was fake. But fifteen years later, I still thought she was gorgeous. I was still a little in awe.

“Andrea.” My aunt stopped in front of me, mid-bustle. I shifted, balancing on my wedge heels. Without them, I was 5’2” on a good day. “Where have you been? Come say hello. He’s here.”

“He?” I repeated.

“Will, of course. He’s home early. Such a wonderful surprise, and perfect timing with the party.” Aunt Rose swept her hand at the patio. My aunt didn’t look like she was capable of being surprised, but she allowed a slight smile to curve her perfectly glossed mouth. “Now come greet your cousin. He’ll be so happy to see you.”

No, I don’t think he will.

My heart thudded against my chest. “I thought Will wasn’t coming home until next week.” My throat twisted around his name, and I hoped my reddened cheeks didn’t show under the ropes of lanterns. “Isn’t he traveling? He’s supposed to be in Spain.”

A curl of jealousy rolled inside me, knowing my relatives’ wealth enabled my cousin to go anywhere he wanted.

“His plans changed,” Aunt Rose said airily. “And of course Richard will be delighted to have him starting in the office on Monday.”

A year younger than me, Will was going into his senior year of college: Ivy-wrapped, the son of my uncle’s legacy — the Randolph media empire. This summer, he’d be working alongside Uncle Richard.

“Look, there he is now.” Aunt Rose pointed.

The crowd of staff miraculously parted, creating a path as the sun slipped below the horizon.

Longingly, I eyed the bartenders setting up at the far corner of the patio. I needed wine, desperately.

This was foolish. My pounding heart, the heat that spread through me. Four years had passed since I last saw my cousin. We weren’t teenagers anymore. And what happened that night between us –- it was best left forgotten. Surely Will didn’t remember any of it.

There had to be so many girls in his life. Beautiful girls, wealthy girls, probably heartless girls, like him. Girls who weren’t off-limits.

This was what I’d told myself when I arrived a week ago to stay at my aunt and uncle’s estate for the summer. Will would remember nothing from that night, and I should do the same. Because it meant nothing.

Yet I’d been relieved, as I settled into the luxurious Randolph mansion, that Will wasn’t home.

Though the house had seemed very large and very empty.

A tall, lean figure walked through the path that magically opened. His face was all smiles. Heads swiveled to follow him, and my breath caught as the lanterns lit up my cousin’s face.

My fists clenched, nails digging into my palms. I was sweating.

Will was the kind of handsome that didn’t seem real. Brown hair, thick and shiny, waved around his ears and brushed his collar. His body was one lithe line. He wore his Oxford shirt and slacks impossibly well. He looked good in clothes, and the way he walked, he knew it. I wondered how he’d look without them, and dug my nails harder into my palms, pushing the thought away.

He was my cousin. And the last time I’d seen him, he’d gotten under my skin, then betrayed me.

But I couldn’t tear my eyes from him. Bobbing lights caught his high cheekbones, his full lips, and the squared angles of his jaw. I’d remembered Will being pretty. Since then, he’d gone from pretty boy to beautiful man, in a way that was never a good idea.

Aunt Rose embraced him lightly, gushing “Welcome home. You couldn’t have timed this better.”

Will kissed her cheek and smiled at the girl who hurried up with a freshly made mojito for him, like he was accustomed to drinks appearing in his hand.

Turning, his gaze rested on me. I’d tried to forget how intensely green his eyes were. My throat went dry, and I resisted the urge to smooth down my hair.

“Hello, Andie.” His voice and face were pleasant, betraying nothing.

“Hi, Will.” I took a step forward. I’d seen my cousin a handful of times growing up — family visits that I enjoyed, before I sensed the strain among our parents. I’d always hugged him hello, though it seemed to startle him. The two times we’d seen each other as teens, that changed. Now, I had no idea how to greet him. “It’s been awhile.”

“Too long.” He took my bare shoulders in his hands and brushed his lips over my cheek. So that was how it was done. Heat sparked from his mouth on my skin, his big palms on my shoulders. I shifted uncomfortably and gave his cheek a light kiss in return, because he seemed to expect it.

His skin was so smooth, with the faintest scrape of stubble where his jaw was freshly shaven. His scent — light and crisp, woodsy. I quickly took a step back as my heart beat faster.

Aunt Rose had turned away to talk with the staff. “Andrea.” She pivoted abruptly, scrutinizing me. “Are you going to change? The guests are arriving any minute.”

Glancing down at my dress, I took a deep breath. “This is what I’m wearing tonight. I don’t have anything fancier.”

“I see.” My aunt gave me that slight, curving smile. “Well, it’s a lovely dress, dear. Under these lights, it more or less works for the occasion. Though you really should have had Marisol take a look. The hem is wrinkled. We’ll plan a shopping trip for later this week.”

“Thanks, Aunt Rose.” Looking for a distraction, I bent to pick up a flower that had fallen out of an arrangement. The staff had already ordered me not to help. But standing still while people rushed around felt more awkward than I could handle. “It’s really okay.”

Will lounged against the nearest table, sipping his mojito. When I glanced at him, his curious eyes took in my white eyelet dress, traveling over the tiny straps that bared my shoulders, the scoop neck showing a generous sprinkle of freckles, and the tight bodice hugging my small breasts and slim waist before it flared out to a full skirt.

Maybe he had a problem with the hem, too.

I blinked, flushing hot at his frank stare. Crossing my arms over my breasts, I stared right back at him.

But as his clear gaze moved up to my face, all I saw was amusement. Not a trace of embarrassment that I’d caught him checking me out — in front of his mom.

Sweat pooled under my arms. My hair had fallen down from its bun, and my neck felt damp under the long ginger waves. When Will’s perfect teeth flashed at me, the sweat turned to prickles.

“Thursday afternoon?” Aunt Rose was saying. “I’ll have Tony drive me into the city.”

“Thanks.” I’d constantly been saying thank you for the past week, ever since I’d arrived at my relatives’ house for the summer. “I work ’til five at least, sometimes later since I’m just starting, and it’s very nice of you but really not necessary—“

“Just take some time off. And I have to disagree with you, Andrea.” Her gaze swept my cotton dress and fringed sandals. “I’d say it is necessary.”

“Andie said no, Mom,” Will broke in. His voice was a casual command. “Let her be.”

Rose shrugged her slim shoulders. “Sara, can we take care of this table over here?” She turned away, giving orders to the caterer.

Will held up his empty glass and crooked an eyebrow at a uniformed girl hurrying by — the one who’d offered him the cocktail. It wasn’t a finger snap, but it felt like one. Especially when I saw how quickly she took that glass out of his hands.

“Andie, you want a drink?” My cousin gave me a bright smile, coming to my side. His shirt sleeve brushed my arm as he gestured toward the well-stocked bar. I most definitely did want a drink, but I shook my head, feeling dizzy.

“That’s all right,” I murmured. “Thanks, though. For before. I don’t need new clothes. Especially ones your mom picks out.” Will raised dark eyebrows. His silence pushed me to talk. “I mean, she has great taste. I just don’t need to look like her. But…is the dress okay?”

A slow grin spread over his face. When he touched my waist, my breath caught. His hand paused on my hip, then smoothed my long hair back from my face. A warm blush seeped down my chest.

Fingers slipped under my thin cotton straps and centered them on my shoulders, grazing my skin. I was suddenly, painfully aware of my swollen nipples, hard and pressing against the snug bodice. I hadn’t worn a bra.

Quick hands brushed down the eyelet skirt. He briefly stroked my cheek. “You look nice.”

“Thanks,” I managed again.

Right then, the uniformed girl hurried up with a fresh drink and an enticing smile for Will. I turned away to fix a torn streamer, as the first tide of guests surged into the garden.

Aunt Rose reappeared and took my fingers in a grip of delicate steel. Bending my wrist in the air, she led me from one person to another, gushing with introductions:

“This is my niece Andrea…daughter of my sister Selene…just graduated college with honors…working in publishing this summer…we’re so happy to have her with us for a few months.”

Those few months were just beginning. The day after graduation, I’d picked up the phone and heard my aunt’s smooth voice on the other end. Stunned barely described my reaction. She’d heard the “unfortunate” news from my mother. So very sorry for all of us, and so surprised. Divorce took such a toll. Surely my parents had made every effort. And did I have plans? A job all lined up? Not yet? Of course, it could be so challenging if you didn’t have the right connections. She and Uncle Richard wanted to help. Will, too. Would I come for the summer? No, no trouble at all. They had plenty of room. And it would be so nice to have the cousins together.

Twenty-four hours later, I had a summer job in the city, a train ticket, and a packed bag ready to go.

A sharp tug on my hand — Aunt Rose — pulled my attention back to the garden party. The crowd was thickening, getting louder, as the patio overflowed with friends of my aunt and uncle, friends of Will. The garden party split very obviously into two generations, and I was mingling with the older one.

I smiled politely, shook hands, made small talk, and nodded when Aunt Rose whispered in my ear that this or that person was important and I should remember them.

“So you’re in publishing,” one important person said. I’d already forgotten his name. “Not an easy job to get.”

“For the summer.” Because my uncle pulled strings. “I’m hoping it will bring more opportunities.”

“Do you visit your relatives often?”

“We try.” It’s been seven years. And that last visit ended in a fight.

“How generous of your aunt and uncle to host you for the summer. You’re fortunate to be connected to the Randolphs. You must be very close.”

“Yes, I’m very grateful.” And I still don’t know why they decided to talk to me.

When Aunt Rose had said “garden party,” I’d expected a string quartet and fine china. But tonight’s event featured loud music and free-flowing cocktails.

More and more people crowded under the swinging lanterns, laughing and trading stories like they’d known each other forever. They probably had. When Rose let go of my hand to laugh gaily at a comment by one of the important people, I begged off to get a drink and threaded towards the cocktail bar.

Hemmed in on all sides, I watched Will, surrounded by people. Beautiful girls, vying for his attention. He smiled at them all, but he didn’t return the light touches, the giddy side-hugs.

Uncle Richard came up next to him, dropping a heavy hand on his son’s shoulder and rubbing the muscle by his neck. My uncle was broad and solid, stocky to Will’s leanness. Looking from him to my aunt, a tiny glittering pinpoint flashing through the crowd, I wondered where Will’s tall grace had come from.

A couple of the girls beamed at Richard, flirting. He chucked them under the chin and they tossed back thick shiny hair, obviously working for his attention. Will leaned close to say something to his father, and both men laughed. But from where I stood, Will and Richard talked past each other, not to each other.

Relieved to be left alone, I tried a shrimp cocktail from a passing server, the girl who’d scurried to fetch Will a drink. Her eyes still followed him. She looked hopeful, eager, as if one moment with my cousin could change her life.

Unfortunately, I knew how she felt.

That seven-years-ago visit had been at my family’s house. My mom had cleaned all day, cursing and arguing with my dad. I’d baked a cherry pie for dessert, turning up the radio to drown out the sound of maybe you could ask, just ASK your sister to help us out financially…

Aunt Rose and Uncle Richard had brought two bottles of very expensive wine, a driver who stayed in the car, and fourteen-year-old Will. Ten minutes into dinner, as soon as the arguments started about my grandfather’s messy estate, Will had pushed back his chair and left the room. Just like that.

I’d found him in the backyard, sitting on the low stone wall that separated our land from the surrounding woods, smoking and looking at his phone. His clothes were perfectly pressed.

“Hey, cousin.” He gave me a slow smile. “Don’t you think it’s funny how much our parents hate each other?”

“No.” I cleared my throat. “I don’t. And you don’t either. Otherwise you’d be inside, watching, so you could laugh.”

Will focused those unnerving green eyes on me. Then he patted the wall next to him. For a second, I stood still. Then I’d shaken my head and hurried inside.

“Hello, sweetheart.” A handsome face blocked my view of the garden party, interrupting my thoughts. Handsome, unfamiliar, and my age. I blinked at his broad smile, my fingers closing around the frosty glass he handed me. Another boy flanked my other side, edging me in with his navy blazer-clad shoulder. “You wanted this, right? Gin and tonic. I’m Spencer.”

I’d never loved G & Ts. I’d been eyeing the white wine flowing freely at the bar. But caught off-guard, I took a sip. Chilled liquid bit my tongue. “I’m Andrea.”

“Look at that red hair.” Spencer stroked my long russet waves, petting them down to my waist. My skin prickled. I was too crowded by his friend to pull away, too off-balance from Will’s touches earlier to want to. “Natural?”

“Spencer, that is not how you greet a lady.” The other guy, whose name had disappeared in the laughter bubbling through the patio, put a reassuring hand on my back. “Who are you? We haven’t seen you around.”

“I’m Rose and Richard’s niece. Will’s cousin.”

“Oh.” Spencer’s fingers stayed in my hair, but he made more space between us. The other guy leaned closer.

“Oh yeah. We were all just in Spain together. Will said his cousin was coming this summer. He didn’t say you were a beautiful woman.” His bulky body oozed overconfidence.

I cleared my throat. “Probably because I’m his cousin. And we haven’t seen each other in a while.”

Spencer’s eyes suddenly flicked to the side. Casually, he let my hair go, like he’d remembered something he had to do. Following his gaze, I saw Will watching the three of us intently.

The other guy was talking about the boating around here over the summer, squeezing my waist like he had every right to. Spencer coughed and jerked his head toward Will. His friend noticed and dropped his hand.

“I’m going to get some food,” I said quickly.

“Over here—“ Spencer began, but a group swarmed towards us: two girls and a guy, laughing over some joke and ignoring me. I backed away.

It was easy to weave to the edge of the patio, through everyone having the time of their lives. There, I eyed Will, still at the center of things. That white smile was back, dazzling everyone who turned his way, but when the contact dropped, Will looked bored. How many of these parties had he been to, charming all the same people?

Green eyes suddenly locked on mine. I was staring. And this time, Will didn’t look away.

Turning, I knocked back the rest of my drink, trying to do something about my dry throat. The burn of the gin flamed my face and went all the way down my body. I’d had enough garden party. Leaving my empty glass on a table, I slipped off the patio into darkness.

Fresh-mown grass sank under my high-heeled sandals. Walking quickly, I found a quiet patch on the edge of the woods.

For the first time this week, I felt at home. Stately trees rustled overhead. A creek gurgled nearby. Breathing in the fresh scent of sweet grass, I wiped beads of sweat off my forehead, as laughter and clinking glasses sparkled across the lawn.

As I moved closer to the dense line of trees, they brought to mind the woods that bordered the house where I’d grown up. Fragrant, dark, inviting. My home was an old farmhouse my parents fell in love with, but it crumbled along with their marriage. It was isolated, far from town. As a child, my main companions were my books, the trees, and a notebook where I jotted down observations.

Walking along these woods reminded me of that awkward family visit seven years ago. When my parents had fought with Richard and Rose about their inheritances from my grandfather, furious that they were contesting the will when my relatives were already so wealthy.

And it reminded me that I’d gone back outside to Will, after I’d left him there alone.

* * *

“Someone should eat this,” I said, holding out the untouched cherry pie. I couldn’t stand to be indoors while the fighting raged. “I made it.”

Will raised one dark eyebrow. At fourteen, he already looked like he’d stepped off the pages of a preppy catalog. I tried to ignore the fact that he was the best-looking boy I’d ever seen. I expected him to turn up his nose at the pie, or tell me to serve him.

Instead, he cut us each a slice. We ate in silence, the cherry juices dripping onto the pie plate and our clothes. Then we jumped the wall and went into the woods.

Whose idea was it? Mine? I practically lived in those woods, but I wasn’t bold, and everything about Will made me nervous. His? He grimaced every time a thornbush tore at his pressed pants. But we went deeper regardless, the light filtering and darkening through the trees, until he stopped at an overgrown passageway and shook his head.

I held out my hand.

Will looked at my outstretched hand with a smirk. Stung, I snatched it back. When his hand followed and grabbed mine, I shivered.

“Go ahead,” he said with that slow smile. “Take me in.”

I led him through the brush, confused by the sudden slam of my heart against my chest. I’d never felt like this before. “It’s okay. This forest is like a friend. I know it as well as I know myself.”

Will made an amused noise. “Do you have any actual friends?”

“Yes!” I snapped.

“A boyfriend?”

“No.” Why was I blushing? “Do you have a girlfriend?”

“Not right now.”

We stopped in a clearing. I realized we were still holding hands. I tried to get mine free, but Will didn’t let go.

His eyes rested on me, clear as sea glass. My dress suddenly felt too tight, my skin too hot, like someone else’s skin I’d borrowed.

“Ever think about running away?” He cocked his head, his voice casual and curious.

“Sometimes,” I confessed in a burst of honesty.

“Why?”

“Because—” I swallowed, finding it harder to talk. I’d never discussed this with anyone. “I feel like I don’t fit anywhere. If I ran away, maybe I’d find somewhere that I fit.”

Will let my hand go, only to press his palm against my cheek. What was he doing? Confused, I stared at him. Why was he stepping closer, leaning in?

“Want to?” he asked softly.

“Run away?”

“Mm-hm.” He leaned even closer. I was frozen, rooted to the spot.

“Right now?” My eyes darted from his pretty face to his clothes, stained with cherry juice and dirt. “With you?”

“With me.” He sounded so confident, but there was something in his eyes I didn’t understand. It held me in place as he leaned down, his face coming closer, closer…

Oh God. Shocked, I stepped back. It wasn’t possible that my cousin had been about to kiss me, but what else was he doing? Strange and wild things could happen, alone in the woods together.

“We— we can’t,” I said quickly. “Where would we go?”

“Anywhere, Andie.”

“You’re crazy,” I protested. But deep down, I wanted him to convince me. “We’re not even old enough to drive.”

“Don’t worry.” My cousin looked perfectly serious. “I have money.”

I prickled all over, my breath shallow. “You mean it? What will we do?”

“Anything you want,” he said, a smile spreading over his face. “Anything I want. Come on, let’s get out of here.” Leading me by the hand, he strode out of the clearing.

My heart thumped wildly. I’d barely traveled, and the offer was seductive. Anywhere and anything with Will, who made me sweat and prickle and have trouble breathing.

Who’d almost kissed me.

Who was my cousin.

I pulled back, trying to stop him. “Richard will find you.”

I could have said our parents will find us, or your parents will find you, but what came out of my mouth was focused on Will and his father.

Will swallowed.

“Andie? Will?” My mother’s voice came faintly through the thick trees. “Andie! Are you back there?”

* * *

We didn’t run away that day. We came out of the woods, where Aunt Rose looked astonished at Will’s dirty pants and our stained clothes, and my father told me, tight-mouthed, that I was too old to go traipsing around back there. Will dropped my hand before we emerged, leaving my fingers tingling. He treated the entire encounter like a joke. But for a few minutes, deep in the woods, I’d believed him.

The driver took my relatives away in their beautiful car, after which they successfully contested my grandfather’s will, and my mother stopped speaking to Aunt Rose for a few years.

A hand on my back made me jump.

“Looking for something?” My cousin stood close to me, tall and grown, in the shadow of an oak.

A flush spread over my cheeks. “A little peace and quiet.”

“You don’t like parties?” He shook his head. “This one’s tame.”

“That must be why you escaped,” I retorted. I could barely see the lighted patio from here. Will and I were alone in the darkness, putting an edge to my voice. “How was Spain? Too tame for you also?”

Will’s full lips crooked upward in a dazzling smile. He tilted his head, the moonlight setting his face aglow. “Spain was fun.”

“Fun,” I repeated. That probably meant orgies. Drugs. Ridiculous displays of wealth. I knew what Will considered fun. “That’s all you have to say? Not amazing? Incredible? Stupendous? ”

Will’s eyes flickered, and he laughed softly. “When I heard you were here, I came home. You need entertainment. Can’t have you being bored…” He leaned close enough to whisper the next words. “…Little cousin.”

My stomach lurched. I couldn’t believe he’d call me that, after all this time. “If you think that’s funny—”

Will stepped behind me. His hands closed onto my shoulders and moved over my coiled muscles, massaging firmly. “You’re tense, Andie.”

My throat closed up. My last relationship had ended almost a year ago, and I wasn’t overly affectionate with my friends. No one had touched me in a long time, unless you counted hugging my mom during visits home. I wanted to lean into Will’s hands, but I resisted the urge.

“You don’t have to— Really, it’s okay,” I stammered.

“No, it isn’t.” He expertly rubbed further and further down my back. When he found my hips and squeezed, I stifled a gasp. “Relax,” he murmured. “Were Spence and Pax bothering you?”

“Not for long.” I tried to catch my breath. “Fortunately.”

When I glanced back, his smile gleamed. A frog croaked. Fireflies lit the air in tiny bursts. “Aren’t you here for an experience? Something you can’t get at home?”

Will’s exploring touch felt intimate. Too intimate. I should tell him to stop. I should go back to the party, or better yet, to the stack of books on my nightstand. But as he kneaded my petite waist and hips, tingling warmth spread over my skin and concentrated in my crotch.

“I’m here because your parents invited me,” I muttered.

“Mm,” was all Will said.

“Do you remember when we were kids and we talked about running away?” I asked quickly. “That was crazy. I thought you actually meant it—”

Will let go of my back and stepped in front of me. “Did you, now.”

His glazed green eyes moved over me lazily. He leaned in, and I caught a faint whiff of rum. One hand cupped my chin.

“What…what are you doing?” I whispered, my voice shaky.

“Let’s have a nice time, Andie.” He caressed my chin. “We’ve got three months together. We can have a lot of fun.”

“Wait, I—”

“Sshhh.” He put his finger over my lips. Suddenly, I couldn’t breathe. “Just let it happen.”

His head blotted out the moonlight. Warm lips met mine in a kiss.

“Will!” I gasped into his mouth. He tasted like mint and lime. Electricity raced through me. He pulled me closer, one arm snaking around my back. His tongue — hot, wet, thick — parted my lips. “Will—” I protested, stunned, before he kissed me again.

“Mmm, little cousin.” His fingers were wrapped in my hair. His other hand trailed down to toy with the scoop neck of my dress. My hands found his shoulders, confused and squeezing the swells of muscle.

I didn’t know whether to shove him away or pull him closer. He felt good, too good, but this was so wrong. And the way he was touching me — like a fruit he’d plucked off a tree because he felt like taking it. Selfish, for his own pleasure.

“You were worried about what to wear,” he whispered. One finger slipped inside the cotton neckline to tease my cleavage. Shocked, I grabbed his hand. “Worried you wouldn’t fit in. Just like always.”

“I’ll never fit in here. It’s fine. I don’t want to.” My voice ended on another gasp as Will stroked my breast. His hand easily twisted free of mine. His fingers were so warm — and so intrusive, roaming over the soft flesh. “Will, you have to stop.”

“No.” His fingers kept exploring the curve of my breast. Shameful pleasure washed over my body.

“Please,” I begged.

“Let’s see…” He paused as if thinking. “No.”

A finger tilted up my chin. His mouth closed over mine again. I tried to bite back a moan and nipped his lower lip instead. Our tongues kept brushing. I cursed the arousal that bloomed between my legs and compelled my mouth to open to him. Will grunted softly, pressing his firm leanness against my body.

Slowly but surely, I was being backed against one of the stately old trees. Will’s fist tangled in my long hair, pulling my head back so he could kiss me more deeply. His hand was inside my dress, cupping my breast. I gripped his shoulders and pulled on his tie. Bark, rough and solid, pressed against my bare back.

“What are you doing?” I panted.

Will flashed a smile, white in the darkness. “Feeling you up.”

A thumb found my nipple, tender and pointing, rubbing it until the little peak ached with need. I jerked against his sudden pinch, my hands sliding down rolled-up shirtsleeves and bare forearms. Will’s skin was warm and a little sticky from the night air, his muscles wiry. Need radiated out from his touch on my breast. My panties were damp.

“Stop,” I breathed into his mouth.

“Cute,” he muttered, his gaze on my cleavage and his large hand fondling my small breast. “Such a hard little nipple, as soon as I touched you.”

“Will!” Shouts, distant shouts from the circle of lanterns. “Hey man, where are you? We need you!”

Relief flooded my body. “They need you,” I whispered.

“They always do.” He stepped back and tucked my hair behind my ears. Shivers tightened my skin at his casual touches. “Let’s go.”

A warm hand wrapped around mine, leading me back to the party. But when we entered the pool of light, Will was swallowed up by the crowd, and I slipped back to the shadows.