ASHLEY’S POV
I slip back inside Kathy’s house. The music hits me hard as I enter. The bass is louder and wilder than before. People are dancing harder on the dancefloor, laughing louder, like the energy doubled while I was gone.
And then, Melissa finds me instantly.
“There you are!” she says dramatically. She grabs my wrist and drags me to the side. “Girl, where were you?”
I give her a half-smile. “I just… needed some air.”
Melissa narrows her eyes then her lips twitch into a grin. “Don’t play with me. I saw you.”
I freeze. “Saw me what?”
“With Lucas. Outside. Talking.” Her grin widens into a knowing smirk. “So… are we calling him your mystery brooder now? Or should I coin another nickname?”
My face flames. “Melissa, it’s not like that,” I whisper.
“Mm-hm,” she teases, wiggling h
