Page 95 of Theodore

“Han? What are you doing here?” he asked.

“I was going to ask you the same thing.”

“Ricky’s little cousin is throwing the party. She asked us to come to make sure there’s no trouble,” Ryan mumbled, lifting a bottle of water to his lips.

I glanced over at the guy beside him, who was scanning the crowds with an air of authority.

“Ah...makes sense.” I grinned, stealing the water from him. “Sorry, but the alcohol tastes like shit,” I offered as a way of explanation.

“Keep it.”

He waved at me as he searched the room.

“I’m here with Mara,” I said, observing his reaction.

“Mm.”

“I figured you liked her.” I pressed as he shrugged, giving nothing away. “Ry!”

“Han, I’ve gotta take care of the dicks at this party. If anyone offers you anything, let me know straight away. Okay?”

“Fine.” I huffed, striding back to where I’d left Mara.

“No news. Other than Ryan is here as some sort of bodyguard.”

Mara sighed as she gazed at him, knocking back more of the vile drink in her hands.

“I bet he only goes for Instagram models or some shit,” she remarked sadly, as I sighed with irritation.

“Well,forgetabout him. If he’s dumb enough to not see how gorgeous you are, then he doesn’t deserve a chance with you. Let’s find you someone else.”

I scanned the crowd, my eyes falling on a familiar mop of dark hair and crystal-clear grey eyes. My heart fluttered in my chest as I bit my lip before turning to Mara.

“Jax is here.”

“Oh yeah, like I’ve got a chance with him.Nope.”

I continued to sweep the room, finding another familiar face. Edward was striding over to us, his eyes locked onto mine as I cleared my throat.

“What about this one?” I murmured.

“Yes. Hell yes.” Mara beamed, gulping down her booze.

“Youfinallymade it to a party.” Edward smirked at me.

“Edward, meet Mara. Mara, this is Edward. He’s in my program.”

His eyes flickered over to her with interest as she smiled flirtatiously.

“Hi,” Mara said, and he gave her a small smile.

“Hello, there. I don’t think I’ve seen you at college.”

“Ha, you have. I go by you most mornings.”

I stepped back slightly as he smiled at her, an amused expression on his face.

“Nah, I’d have remembered you.”