Maybe it’s the alcohol, or maybe it’s the practice with Austin, but the contact isn’t scary. It isn’t anything. I wish it felt nice. Hell, I would take mediocre. I wish I felt anything other than regret for coming to this stupid party tonight.

“Yeah. I’m okay. Thanks. I got a bit dizzy there for a second.” I try, unsuccessfully, not to slur my words.

“Elizabeth?”

And then I learn what regret really feels like. I catch Austin’s blue eyes piercing into me as he stalks over to us in a few purposeful strides. I cling a little more desperately to this complete stranger. I can’t read Austin’s expression, but he definitely isn’t happy to see me.

“What are you wearing?”

Damn you, Jackie!

“Nice to see you too, Austin,” I reply with as much indignation as a drunk party-crasher can manage. He ignores my snark and exchanges glances with my stranger. The stranger pulls away, glancing between me and Austin. He’s probably intimidated staring up at Austin, who has a few inches and more than a few pounds on him.

Austin looks aggravated. I try to defuse the tension by introducing them.

“Complete Stranger, this is Austin Jacobs. Austin Jacobs, this is Complete Stranger.” Just as I finish my pleasantries, I spy Barbie over Austin’s shoulder. Not wanting to be rude, I introduce her too. “And this is College Barbie.”

Really, under the circumstances, I think I did quite well. My mother would’ve been proud of my attention to etiquette despite my inebriation. Of course, Barbie didn’t seem to appreciate it. Although, I swear there was a flash of a smile on Austin’s lips.

“Tommy.” Complete Stranger holds his hand out to Austin, who shakes it with a mix of confusion and irritation.

“Elizabeth Wilde.” Loosening my grip around Tommy’s neck, I introduce myself too, giving him an over-enthusiastic shake before the world starts to spin again. I tighten my grasp on what I think is Tommy, but to be honest could also be the curtains again. A pair of large warm hands grabs my waist from behind with a familiar touch.

I lean back into him. “Austin, that feels nice. Did I say that out loud?” I ask nobody in particular.

Austin chuckles. The rumble in his chest against my back makes me moan. A wave of heat rushes over my body. The pleasure is short-lived as I have to shut my eyes to keep the world from spinning. Austin’s touch is the only thing anchoring me. I hear the three of them talking.

“Do you know her?” Tommy asks.

“Yeah, I’ve got her. Thanks for the help.”