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Chapter One

FALLON

“Why is it so big?!” In the center of my living room, I watched Drea struggle to set up the inflatable photo booth.

“That’s what she said!” Drea shouted over her shoulder, laughing and slapping her knee as if she had told the funniest joke.

“Oh my God, nobody says that anymore.” Rolling my eyes at my best friend, I threw myself onto the couch. “Maybe this isn’t a good idea.”

My other best friend, Penelope, took the spot next to me, placing a comforting arm on my shoulder. “Fallon, sweetie, this party is a great idea. This is your first chance at freedom since Bec?—”

“Yes, I know,” I replied sharply. “I don’t need a reminder, thank you.” The last person I wanted to think about was my ex-girlfriend.

For the past two years, I’d lived in Portland with my mom, stepdad, Brandon, and my five-year-old brother, Caleb, but ever since I could remember, I had dreamed of living in Seattle. A few months ago, I finally took the big step and left Portland.

Before everything fell apart, my ex convinced me that we should move in together. At that point, we had been dating for two years and the timing felt right. She traveled a lot for work and constantly had to fly to Seattle, and sometimes I would fly out to meet her. When she suggested moving, there were no hesitations. I thought I was in love and I wanted to spend every possible minute together.

Clearly, it didn’t work out and I was forced to move back home. I felt like such a failure, but after two years of healing, I was ready to get back out there and do my own thing.

Penelope smiled sympathetically, as if she read my thoughts. “Stop being so hard on yourself. You deserve this party. You deserve to get drunk and have a good time.”

I chuckled. “You just want an excuse to party.”

“True, but you know I’m right.” She giggled as she playfully punched my arm.

“Ouch, Pen! I’m going to tell Drea you’re hurting me!” I joked.

“Oh, please. I know you liked it. Enough stalling, let’s go!” She patted my leg and stood, extending her hand to help me up. “Come on, let’s finish before people start showing up.”

I groaned on my way back over to Drea, who looked like she was about to curl into the fetal position in a corner.

Eventually, we got the damn photo booth set up. We had to move some things around to make it fit, but everything worked out. I had to admit, I thought the place looked fantastic.

I moved in only a few weeks ago, so there wasn’t much furniture, but that meant fewer things getting broken during the party, right?

When we finished setting up, I checked the time. “Shit. It’s already six?”

The party wouldn’t start for another few hours, but I needed to finish getting ready and I still had no clue what to wear.

The shower water rained down on me as I wondered whether having the party was a good idea. I doubted it would get out of hand, but I didn’t want to cause issues with my neighbors. The party would be good for me, though. That much was true. I deserved a night to celebrate my new independence, and I sure as shit deserved a fresh start.

“Oh, shit.” As I was leaving the bathroom, I’d forgotten about the tornado that barreled through my room earlier that night, and when I saw it again, I wanted to cry.

Before my friends called for my help, I was failing miserably at choosing an outfit, and as I stood there again, preparing for the same battle, I seriously contemplated canceling the whole thing.

I searched the clothes I had scattered across my room. They were thrown on almost every surface, but nothing was catching my eye. Then I walked to my closet, where the remaining outfits resided, and took a deep breath. “Okay, relax.”

After another thirty minutes of picking up the same clothes a dozen times, I finally landed on one and if I did say so myself, I think I looked pretty damn good.

I slipped into a green, off-the-shoulder, long-sleeved dress. It was short, stopping at the center of my thighs. It was also extremely low cut, but it fit like a second skin. It was probably over-the-top for a house party, but you never knew what could happen.

I heard a knock on the front door as I finished my makeup. Music was already filling the room, and a few people had started to arrive by the time I made my way down the hall.

I looked around the living room and grinned at Drea and Penelope, who were chatting with their dates. Penelope had been helping with set-up all afternoon, and her husband, Gregory, just showed up.

Drea brought her… well, I didn’t exactly know what to call them. Drea brought Skylar, her long-time on-again, off-again partner.

Skylar was tall, tanned, and too sweet. Her hair was a rich, deep, sleek black bob, and her eyes were a sparkling emerald green.

Drea was gorgeous, and she had the sexiest English accent. Her skin was a beautiful shade of caramel, and she had stunning brown eyes. She was originally from Brighton, England, but moved to Portland when she was ten years old, and we had been best friends ever since.

Drea turned from the DJ station over by the bay window. “Damn, you look hot!”

The “DJ station” was technically a table with a large speaker and a tablet, but it still counted to me.

“What? This old thing?” I spun around and laughed. “Thanks.” I had only worn the dress once at a birthday party three years ago.

“I agree,” Penelope chimed in. She was pouring herself and Gregory a drink.

I looked around, taking everything in, and not only at the party set up, which was wild!

An inflatable photo booth in a one-bedroom apartment? What was I thinking? I had to admit, it was different, and that’s what I wanted.

The kitchen counters were covered with various bags of chips, finger foods, and different types of alcohol, while the rest of the apartment was decorated with black and gold balloons.

The apartment was perfect for me. It was cozy and decently priced, but I picked up a part-time job to hold me over until I started working at the hospital. I was transferring as a nurse from the Emergency Department at a hospital in Portland, and I wasn’t scheduled to start for another few weeks.

Drea and Penelope had been my best friends for over ten years. They used to live in Portland until a few years ago, when they both moved to Seattle for work. Drea was only a year older than me, and Penelope was five years older. She worked as an underwriter for a major insurance company outside of Seattle, and Drea owned a queer bookstore in town. When I first moved here, she offered me a spot at the store for as long as I wanted it.

Over the next hour or so, more people filled my apartment until it became too small, and I desperately needed a drink. After a few shots of Fireball, the worries from earlier seemed to have disappeared.

I’d been dancing alone for an hour when Drea’s friend, Cara, walked in. They met when she was opening the bookstore three years ago. She was a publisher who worked with some of the authors Drea hosted for book signings.

After about twenty more minutes of dancing, I was heading for the kitchen when Cara approached me. I’d seen her at the bookstore a few times, and occasionally when I was out with Drea, but we’ve never said more than a few words to each other.

“Mind if I join you?” She handed me a drink and smiled. “Drea said you might need a refill. Don’t worry, she poured it and watched me bring it over here, so it’s been safe with me the entire time.”

I wasn’t concerned, but her comment made me a little cautious. Or it could have been the alcohol. Either way, I stared skeptically at the drink before I took the cup, returning her smile. “Thanks, Cara.”

I sent Drea a threatening glare, who lifted her drink with a playful wink and a nod in response.

I loved my best friend, but she always tried to pair me off with someone. She thought everyone should have a person to share their bed with.

Cara was gorgeous with her blonde hair and blue eyes. She wore white skinny jeans and a red crop top that made her boobs look incredible. Her hair was in a high ponytail, and she was a few inches taller than me. The problem? I didn’t know her that well, and I wasn’t the type of person to jump into bed with someone I didn’t know.

“How are you enjoying your party?” She took a sip and licked the remaining drops off her lips.

I raised my glass and grinned. “It’s been pretty good so far. No one has gotten arrested or hurt yet.”

She laughed. “Well, that’s a good sign, I think. I see Drea and Skylar are getting along—for now.”

I glanced over and saw Skylar straddling Drea while they were making out. I chuckled at my insatiable best friend. “Yeah, for now.”

“So, how do you like Seattle so far? I know you just moved here.” She shifted on her feet and leaned back against the counter.

Something in my chest warmed at the mention of the move, and I couldn’t hide the sparkle in my eyes. “I love it. It has its similarities to Portland, but it’s nice to breathe fresh air, you know? I needed a change.”

“I agree, and I hope you find whatever you’re looking for.” She gently placed her hand on my arm.

I gave her a soft smile and leaned into the contact. “Thanks, me too.”

I didn’t know what I was searching for, but I knew I needed something else— something I couldn’t find in Portland, not when I saw my ex and our life together around every corner. The trust and love we shared disappeared within minutes.

“So, can I get you another drink?” Cara asked, shaking me from my thoughts.

My cup of the j uice Penelope and Skylar made was almost empty. They were always making new drinks, turning it into a competition to see who could make the strongest one. It was a wonder they hadn’t thought of every possible combination yet.

“I would love one, thank you.” I finished my drink and held it out to her.

More alcohol wasn’t my best idea, honestly. I was starting to feel like I was on a carousel at an amusement park and would most likely have to be carried to bed, but I told myself to stop overthinking for one night and just have a good time.

She took my cup and walked it over to the punch bowl. I looked over to where Skylar and Drea had come up for air. They were going out to the patio, but on the way there, they turned back and winked at me in unison.

“Weirdos,” I muttered, but I couldn’t hide my smile.

“Here you go,” Cara said when she returned with a refilled cup.

I accepted it with a playful grin. “Thank you.”

We stood in the kitchen, drinking and talking for a little longer. We didn’t talk about anything of substance, which was nice. It felt good to have a relaxing conversation and not have to think too much about anything.

I was almost finished with my drink when a new song started to play. Cara beamed at me over the rim of her cup. “Would you like to dance?”

Warmth spread through me at her offer, and I nodded. “I would love to.”

She slipped her hand into mine and led me to the living room.

Between the sensually slow song and the alcohol, I was feeling maybe a little too good. By the time the song was halfway done, we were both sweaty. We were facing each other, staring into one another’s eyes as our bodies ground together. It looked like we were fucking with our clothes on in the middle of the living room. It was kind of hot, to be honest.

When the song was done, I was a little more than tipsy and a little horny, which was not a winning combination.

Cara put her hand on my arm and whispered in my ear, “Do you want to go somewhere a little more private and talk?”

Heat rushed to my face as I replied, “Lead the way.”

With our hands intertwined together, she led me down the quiet hallway toward my bedroom.

We stopped next to the door, and I propped my leg against the wall with my head tilted back.

“This is better. It’s not as loud back here, and I can hear myself think.” I chuckled. It was rare for me to have any sort of party, and the loud music mixed in with the various conversations was making my head hurt. Okay, so maybe the alcohol was contributing to that headache as well.

“I agree, it’s more… intimate. Every time we see each other, it’s usually out with a group. We don’t get the chance to talk alone very often.” She leaned against the wall with one hand over her head. “I’m glad Drea invited me. It’s a great party.”

“Thanks.” I gave her a soft smile as I played with a loose strand of my hair. “I’m glad you could make it.”

“I don’t know if anyone has told you tonight, but you look incredible.” She grinned and took a sip of her drink.

I blushed and cleared my throat. “Thanks, Cara. So do you.”

She pushed off against the wall and placed one hand above my head, essentially boxing me in. The alcohol, mixed with her close proximity, was making my body temperature rise.

“I was thinking… maybe we could go somewhere sometime? You know, just the two of us.”

I couldn’t hide my playful grin. “Is that your way of asking me out?”

Cara let out a soft chuckle. “Yes, Fallon, I would really like to take you out sometime.” She brushed her knuckles against my arm and I barely suppressed a shiver.

Heat pressed against my face, and goosebumps formed where her knuckles traced along my skin. “Well…”

It was nice to be approached by someone, even if she was drunk. It had been a while. I wasn’t sure she’d follow through with her offer, but I agreed anyway. It couldn’t hurt.

“I think we can arrange that,” I said.

She smiled and inched closer. “Great.”

I was never one to make the first move, so it had to have been the alcohol that controlled my next actions, because I leaned up and kissed her.

She took her hand and placed it on my waist. Our tongues danced together, and our hands went from being tangled in hair, to wrapping around hips.

After several intoxicating minutes, she released us. “I’ve been wondering what that would be like.”

I smiled at her, using the pad of my thumb to fix the lipstick that was undoubtedly smeared all over my lips. “Yeah, and what’s the verdict?”

She grinned as she fixed her own lipstick. “It didn’t disappoint. I would recommend you to a friend.” She winked.

“Well, I’m glad I have your letter of recommendation, should I ever need it,” I teased, adjusting my dress and kissing her cheek.

As I walked back to the living room, I looked over my shoulder and smiled. “Enjoy the rest of the party, Cara.”

She was right, the kiss didn’t disappoint, but I wasn’t interested in anything else, at least not tonight.

“Well, welcome back little miss hoe-stess ,” Drea mused when she saw me returning from the hall. She was standing in the kitchen with Skylar nuzzled up behind her.

Penelope and Gregory were out on the patio talking with a group of people. She caught my eye, lifting her drink in a silent greeting.

I did the same before I turned to Drea and frowned. “I needed a refill? What was that?”

She put her hands up in surrender. “Hey, she offered. I just happened to mention that you looked lonely dancing all by yourself.”

“Drea, please stop trying to sell me off,” I pleaded.

She laughed. “I’m not trying to sell you off! I only want you to enjoy yourself, love. Which it looks like you have. Is there a particular reason why you look all hot and bothered, coming out of a dark hallway?”

I rolled my eyes. “I didn’t hook up with her if that’s what you’re getting at.”

“No, but something happened. I can see it all over your face, and I saw the way you two were fuck-dancing in the living room. Honestly, I’m surprised you’re not pregnant already.” She grinned stupidly on the other side of her cup.

I couldn’t help but laugh. “First, you’re drunk. I’m pretty sure that’s not how it works, and fuck-dancing is not a thing. Second, I don’t kiss and tell, sorry.” I turned to join Penelope outside on the patio.

“Well, you should!” she yelled. “I’m your best friend. Where is your loyalty?!” I chuckled and flipped her off.

The hours sped by in a blur of dancing and laughing. After our hallway conversation, Cara met up with a group of people and started chatting with them before they all left.

I regrouped with Drea and Penelope, who were cozied up with their partners on the couch. Aside from feeling left out from being the fifth wheel, I was enjoying myself for the first time in a long time.