“Thanks, but I should get home.” I had that final in the morning, and Carla would kill me if I kept her out all night. Besides, Kyle and I didn’t exactly run in the same crowd, and I wouldn’t know anyone at this party other than him and Alexis. And Jared now, but he was dangerous to be around.

“At least stop by for a few minutes,” Jared said, giving me that warm smile again. I practically melted all over the floor, like a chocolate left in the sun. So unfair.

Alexis glanced between me and Jared with an amused smile, like she could tell how he affected me. “Yes, you have to come.”

Kyle nudged me with his elbow. “C’mon. You can check out our studio while you’re there.”

Well… I supposed it wasn’t that late yet, and I had been dying to check out the band’s studio. It would be a good friend-gesture if I made an appearance, and if the party was crowded, I’d probably be able to avoid Jared the entire time. A few minutes couldn’t hurt, right?

CHAPTER TWO

By the time I showed up with Carla and Julie in tow, the house the brothers shared in the Hollywood Hills was completely packed. We squeezed our way inside a room that smelled of pizza and beer while music pounded in the background. I immediately spotted Jared leaning over a stunning blonde in the corner, twirling her hair in his fingers. No surprise there.

I’d never been to Kyle’s place before, and even though he’d hinted about his family having money, it was still a shock to walk through the piece of prime LA real estate the brothers somehow managed to afford. Not that it was fancy or anything—it was actually pretty sparse, a typical bachelor pad with few personal touches. But it was two stories, with a pool and an amazing view of the city sparkling with a billion lights, and that didn’t come cheap.

“We really should head home soon,” Carla said as we stepped into the kitchen, where it was slightly quieter.

Julie grabbed some drinks from a cooler and passed one to each of us. “Relax. Have a beer.”

“Fine. One beer only.” But Carla promptly ignored it and started texting again.

“I’m fine with leaving in a few minutes,” I said. I didn’t know anyone here, the music was super loud, and I had no desire to watch Jared hooking up with one of his groupies. I’d say hi to Kyle, check out his studio, and then we could go. My duty as his friend would be done, and I’d still get enough sleep for my final tomorrow. Win-win.