Page 96 of Theodore

Mara blushed as she held up her glass, tapping it with her fingernail.

“I need another drink. I’ll be right back.” Mara smiled, walking towards the punch, her hips swaying as Edward checked her out.

“Mara’s amazing. I don’t know how she’s single, to be honest,” I gushed as I sipped my water.

“She’s lovely. But not as beautiful as you.” Edward shrugged, and I practically choked.

Is he serious?

“Edward—”

“Iknow. You’re with someone. He’s an extremely lucky guy.”

“I’m atrulylucky girl,” I snapped, irritated that he was trying to make a move. “Excuse me, Edward, I’ve got to watch paint dry.”

His eyes grew with disbelief as I strode away, heading in my brother’s direction.

“Hey. Are you Ryan’s sister?” A gruff voice asked at my elbow as I spun to see one of the bodyguard crew eyeing me carefully.

“Yeah, why?”

“If you’re looking for him, he’s outside.” He nodded to the patio doors, and I sent him a grateful smile.

“Thanks.”

I’d finished my bottle of water, and I left it on a table filled with empty glasses—I didn’t feel like drinking, and after Edward’s little show, I just wanted to go home.

I found Ryan, glaring at someone as he had a heated conversation. Stepping closer, I heard him speaking in a surly tone.

“So what, I don’t fall at your feet, so you show up to a party dressed likethat, expecting to get laid? You’re only attractingdickheads.”

My ears pricked up, waiting to hear the response.

It was unmistakably a girl’s voice.

Who is he talking to?

I craned my neck to see if I could glimpse the mystery girl when Ryan spoke again.

“It wouldn’t work. I’mnotthe type of guy you’re looking for,” he muttered.

I frowned.

What does he mean by that?

The girl moved away from him, shaking her head as she did.

Mara?!

I jumped back, hoping she wouldn’t see me.

“Mara, wait,” Ryan called, and Mara stopped, twisting to stare at him.

“What, Ryan? You’ve said it. It wouldn’t work.”

Her voice trembled as he gazed at her, the adoration evident in his eyes.

“You deserve better,” Ryan said, striding toward her. “But don’t think that means I want you any less.”