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“It was sexy,” I affirm. “But this is sexier. Don’t do it again.”

Reid snorts and Axel glares at him, “Why are you even here? We’re here because Nadia’s project partner invited us. Did anyone even invite you?”

“I’m invited everywhere,” he says with absolute conviction. “And it’s New Year’s Eve and I’m single for the first time in a while.”

“Oh, so the thing with Darla is over?”

“Completely.” He shrugs like getting out of a long term relationship isn’t a big deal. “I’m thinking about entering my slut phase. No more monogamy.”

“Maybe you should take a break,” I suggest. “It worked for us.”

“Yeah,” he says, scrunching his nose, “but that feels like I’m limiting myself. I said monogamy, not celibacy.” With that, he vanishes through the front door and into the crowd.

“You think he’ll go full fuck-boy?” I ask.

“He talks a big game, but Reid’s been a one woman man since I met him. He’ll be back in a relationship before the end of the month.”

His phone buzzes and I can tell by the expression on his face it’s not who he wants to hear from.

“No word from Shelby?”

“Just Reese. They’re inside.”

Axel still hasn’t spoken to his father since the night he showed up at his game. He said he told him everything he needed to that night and there was nothing left to say. But he’s been trying to reach out to Shelby with no luck.

“Hopefully you’ll hear something soon.”

Tucking his phone in his pocket, Axel takes my hand and leads us into the party. Bright colored lights reflect off a disco ball hanging from the chandelier in the foyer and a makeshift photo booth is tucked under the stairs. Sorority girlsin nearly identical outfits cluster underneath glittery New Year decorations, taking selfies to post on their social media.

Axel catches me watching them. “What? You want a picture?”

I shake my head. “I used to be jealous of those girls, or I thought I was.”

He grabs my face and kisses me, and yep, I’m good.

It only takes a few minutes to realize that I may have been the one with the official invite to the party, but Axel has friends in every group on campus, and they all come up to say hello, commenting on the game or his cleanly shaven face. During it all, he keeps me tucked into his side, his thumb rubbing little circles on the tattoo I got the day after Christmas on the inside of my wrist.

“Nadia!” I hear. “You made it.”

I twist out of Axel’s grip and see Eric walking over. He’s got a cup in his hand. We haven’t spoken since we found out we got an ‘A’ on our project and texted each other over the break.

“Looks like a good turn out,” I say.

“People are always looking for an excuse to get back on campus after a long break.” Axel stayed with my family for two days after Christmas, then he flew back for practice with the team and the game. Will seemed to believe Axel’s threat about his teeth because I didn’t see him again. “We figured we’d provide everyone with the opportunity.”

“Hey, man,” Axel says, shaking Eric’s hand. “Thanks for the invite.”

“There are drinks in the kitchen and on the back deck. Ball drop will be on the front lawn at midnight.” He explains how a few of his frat brothers are engineering majors and worked up something for the drop. “I think your friends are in the back playing Quarters.”

Axel groans, running his hand through his hair. When Eric makes a questioning face, I say, “Twyler is a Quarters pro. She always wins.”

“A fucking ringer,” Axel adds. “You’ll either lose your money, dignity, or shirt by the time she’s done with you.”

“Thanks for the tip,” Eric says, noticing a couple of girls across the room, gathered around one phone. “See you guys later, Happy New Year.”

Leaving us alone, Axel says, “I’m not in the mood to get my ass kicked by Twyler tonight, especially if I’m not drunk.” Neither of us have started drinking again, but he did bring a bottle of champagne secure in the bag hanging over his shoulder. He grins down at me. “Want to make out instead?”

“Honestly? Yeah.”