Love. Lust.

THE PARTY

Nicole rifled through her closet, mulling over options for the frat party tonight. She wanted an outfit that was flattering but not over the top. After trying on multiple tops and skirts, she decided on a fitted black tank top and dark wash jeans that hugged her curves.

Next came the lengthy hair and makeup process. She cringed at the sound of the hairdryer blasting as she styled her long brown locks into loose curls. Mascara and lip gloss finished off her party look. As Nicole examined herself in the mirror, she hoped a certain magnetic senior would finally notice her tonight.

She met up with her friends Nora and Megan to walk to the party together.

"Any special reason for the extra glam look tonight?" Nora asked with a knowing glance.

Nicole felt her cheeks flush. "What? No, just felt like dressing up!"

"Mmhmm, this doesn't have anything to do with a certain football captain we know?" Nora pressed teasingly.

Nicole avoided eye contact, distractedly adjusting her top. Nora wasn't wrong - she had Dave Matthews on the brain tonight.

They arrived at the packed frat house, neon lights flashing. The air smelled of cheap beer and perfume. Making their way through grinding, drunken bodies, Nicole realized finding Dave would be no easy feat.

"I'm going to get a drink!" Nicole shouted to her friends over the pulsing music. She pushed through the crowds to the makeshift bar, craning her neck the entire time for any glimpse of Dave's signature tousled dark hair.

Just then, an arm brushed up against hers as a figure sidled up to the counter. Nicole turned and found herself staring into the piercing blue eyes of Dave Matthews himself.

"Well hello there," Dave said, his eyes trailing appreciatively down her body. "Don't think we've met. I'm Dave."

After Nicole introduced herself, Dave steered them over to a quieter corner. He stood close, his musky cologne enveloping her senses. Their banter came easily, and Dave moved even nearer, his fingers lightly grazing her bare arm. Nicole forgot about everything else, utterly drawn in by his attention.

"Sorry to be a downer, but we've got to talk," Nora said, appearing suddenly and pulling Nicole reluctantly away from Dave's side.

"What's up?" Nicole asked with an impatient sigh.

"I saw you chatting up Dave. Be honest...do you really know anything about him?" Nora asked, her pretty features etched with worry.

Nicole shook her head dismissively. "I appreciate the concern, but we totally hit it off! He's really charming once you actually talk to him."

Nora still looked unconvinced. "I just don't want you getting hurt. His reputation..."

"Enough," Nicole interjected sharply. "This is my decision. I'm going back over there."

She left a distressed-looking Nora behind, feeling a twinge of guilt. But she couldn't let even her best friend's objections distract her from exploring this captivating new connection.

Weaving back through the crowds, Nicole finally spotted Dave again, a thrill coursing through her. Just then, however, she noticed a petite blonde sidling up to him, trailing a hand suggestively down his arm.

Dave leaned in close to the mystery girl, brushing a strand of hair from her face as he whispered something that made her erupt in giggles. They seemed completely absorbed in their private world.

Watching their intimate body language, Nicole felt like she had been plunged into freezing water. The noise and crowds seemed to fade around her. After all her anticipation, here was undeniable evidence that Dave's flirtatious charm wasn't reserved solely for her.

Nicole blinked rapidly to dispel the tears threatening to spill down her cheeks. The image of Dave cozying up to the blonde replayed painfully in her mind. Feeling like a fool, Nicole turned and weaved her way towards the exit, desperate for fresh air.

Outside, hunched on the front steps, head in hands, the muffled music still throbbing behind her, Nicole reprimanded herself for so foolishly thinking one party conversation meant something special. What would Nora think now about this predictable letdown?

As much as Nicole wanted to completely give up on her hopes about Dave, she couldn't deny the electric chemistry between them earlier. There were still unanswered questions. Who was that other girl? Did Dave actually feel a real connection with Nicole or was it all an act?

Wiping her tear-streaked cheeks, Nicole knew one thing for certain - she had to figure out where Dave's heart truly lay before she could fully abandon the possibility of something real developing between them.