“No. That’s over.” Adjusting the flower leis draped around her neck, she checked the tape that strategically held them in place. “My numbers are higher than his now. It’s time to move on.”

“What about Lil? Isn’t Adam off-limits?”

“She’s over him.”

“Since when?”

“Since he saved Samantha. That was basically a big F.U. to Lil.” She practiced her wave in the mirror, flowers dangling from her wrist. “Lil was pissed, but I convinced her not to go after Adam, since he said he’s into me. He’s probably too big for her to take down, anyway. She’d risk losing followers. His fans are really loyal.”

“He said he’s into you?” A lump formed in my throat. “Did something happen between you two?”

“No. But it will. I had Quinn run our numbers, and she said together, Adam and I are off the charts. He can’t pass me up—we both need the boost. I just have to take care of Jax first.”

I frowned, relieved that nothing had happened—yet—but irritated she was so certain she’d get her way. “So, you’re dumping Jax tonight?”

“No, he’s dumping me.”

“Does he know that?”

Her eyelashes fluttered. “Of course not, but every party needs drama, Ella. People need something to talk about besides the decorations.”

I shook my head, in awe that she could drop Jax so easily after obsessing over him for months. “Fine. But does his replacement have to be Adam? There’ll be lots of other influential guys here tonight. Can’t you use one of them?” Unable to keep the plea from my voice, I couldn’t stop thinking about how Adam saved Sam. We were still passing notes, but we hadn’t progressed beyond surface-level flirtation, and I wanted to get him alone tonight. If I was brave enough to defy Lil.

A slow smile stretched across her face. “You have a thing for Adam.” Her eyes glittered.

“No.” Avoiding her stare, I pretended to adjust my bikini top.

“You do!” She pounced. “Ella! Why didn’t you tell me?”

“Because there’s nothing to tell.”

Wrapping her arms around me from behind, she rested her head on my shoulder. “If you really like him, Ella, I’ll find someone else.”

“Seriously?” I glanced up at her reflection in the mirror, possibility swelling in my chest.

“You like him, like him?” Turning me toward her, she searched my face.

Thinking I’d glimpsed my old friend, I felt my pulse quicken. “Maybe. I like him more than any other guy I’ve met.”

“Do you think about kissing him?” She grinned. “He could be your first.”

“Dee.” I refused to answer. “I like the way he makes me feel is all.”

“Do you know how dangerous that is?” she whispered.

“Yes.”

“What does it feel like?” She sounded wistful.

“Tingly, excited… Safe. I think about him all the time…” I confided.