Page 18 of Hard Rock Love

“Just admiring the outfit,” Seth said smoothly. “Good choice. A nice twist on the little black dress. Classic.”

“Since when do you know anything about women’s clothes?” Everly asked.

“I know enough to know when someone looks like a mega fox,” Seth grinned with an exaggerated wink in my direction, having recovered from being flustered.

“You touch my baby sister, you die.” Everly’s tone was wry, but there was steel behind her words.

Seth paled.

“Let’s go get some drinks,” he said quickly.

“You can keep your awful brews to yourself,” Everly said. “I’ll stick to vodka and cranberry. And you,” she said, turning to me. “Don’t overdo it. I don’t want you getting drunk or sick or worse.”

“I’ll stick to a drink or two,” I promised.

Even at my last house party, I hadn’t gotten drunk. Of course, it had also been my first house party.

It had also been the beginning of the end of my reputation on campus.

Pressing my lips together, I refused to dwell on those thoughts. Tonight was supposed to be about fun and friends.

Although, aside from my sister and her fiancé, I only really had one friend here. A friend who couldn’t seem to keep his tongue in his mouth whenever he looked at me.

I silently thanked Everly for lending me this dress.

I hadn’t thought Seth would be interested in someone like me. Not when he was so cool and famous, and had his pick of girls.

I didn’t want to start the party feeling down on myself, though, so I shook off my thoughts and followed Seth and Everly to the kitchen. It was vast, with marble countertops, shiny appliances, and an island counter full of colorful bottles.

“Alcohol’s over here,” Seth nodded his chin to the counter. “Beer and coolers are in the fridge. Any preference?” he asked me.

“Got anything light that doesn’t taste gross?” I asked.

“You like strawberry?” he asked.

“Love it.”

He pulled a bottle from a fridge and popped off the metal screw top lid.

“You’ll like this,” he promised.

I took a sip. It tasted like juice.

“This is dangerous,” I said. “I could probably drink a dozen of these.”

“Please don’t,” Everly said. “I don’t want to drag your drunk ass home.”

“I’ll keep an eye on her,” Seth said.

“I don’t need a babysitter,” I interjected.

Everly raised an eyebrow at Seth.

“You’re the last person I’d trust to watch my sister,” she said.

“Hey!” Seth protested in offense.

She pointed her finger at his nose.