Page 24 of Hard Rock Love

“A lot,” I said. “I’ve never really had many friends. Just her. It’s been hard. We said we’d stay in touch, that we’d have weekly video chats, but we both got busy with school, and she’s made all these new friends and…” I shrugged helplessly.

I hadn’t even told Rachel about that frat party, or about the rumors. I knew she would have tried to console me and reassure me over video, but she wouldn’t have been able to give me a hug or hold me while I cried. It would only have made her feel worse to know I was going through something like this and she couldn't do a thing to help.

I didn’t want her to feel bad or guilty. She was off living her exciting new life. I didn’t want to put a damper on that.

“So I’m sorry,” I said. “I understand how it must kind of suck, your friends all ditching you.”

I put a hand on Seth’s arm, making him look at me. Despite his smile, his green eyes were glassy. He blinked a few times, clearing them, giving me his full attention.

Being under that man’s gaze was like being under a microscope. It felt like he could see through every layer of me, like he could see every embarrassing thought I’d ever had about him.

I dropped my hand quickly.

“I’m not jealous or anything,” Seth said. “I’m actually really excited for them. They all deserve the happiness they’ve found.”

His tone was so heartfelt, I believed him.

But I was sure it still sucked to know they’d found that happiness and you were left out in the cold.

“If my friends are all doing okay, then I’ve just got to find a new group of sad sacks to drink with.” Seth perked up with a grin. “I’m sure there’s a bunch of people at this party who could benefit from one of my games.”

“What are you going to do, go around to everyone and ask if they need some cheering up by drinking your awful concoctions?”

“What are you talking about?” he said. “I’m not going to warn them first. That ruins the fun.”

Seth chuckled darkly.

“This is going be great,” he said.

“I think I’ll pass,” I told him. It was one thing to drink with Seth and Everly’s friends and bandmates. It was another to approach complete strangers. The shy little bookworm in me squirmed with discomfort at the thought.

“Maybe I’ll go see what Everly and Julian are doing,” I continued.

Seth cocked his head at me.

“You going to be okay without me?” he asked.

“I’ll be perfectly fine,” I said. “I don’t need a chaperone.”

Seth rested his hand on my shoulder. The warmth of his skin seeped into mine through the lace. My insides turned over on themselves.

“You don’t go to parties like this very often, do you?” He ducked his head down to meet my eyes.

“It’s only my second.” I hoped he didn’t ask about the first. “But don’t worry about me. If some guy tries something, I’ll kick him in the nuts.”

A fond smile crossed his lips. He brushed a thumb back and forth along my collarbone.

“I have no doubt you can take care of yourself,” he said.

I looked into his eyes, trying to determine if he was humoring me, but he looked sincere.

Our gazes locked. I could feel myself falling into the green depths. My body felt light, as if I was floating a few feet off the ground. My head was fuzzy. I’d never felt like this before. It was exhilarating and scary and wonderful.

The same look of wonder was on Seth’s face.

“Abby…” His lips parted as he took a breath, about to continue.

A voice cut through the party noise.

“Hey guys, what’s up?” Everly called out.