“I’m not that drunk.” She folds her arms over her chest in a defensive gesture. I hate that I make her feel as if she has to protect herself from me. Emily is always on guard when I’m around. She has those walls up as high as she can get them. I don’t respond to her. Instead, I do the one thing I shouldn’t. I drive back toward my place in the city.

It’s not until I’m parking out front of the building that she asks where the hell we are. “I’ve got her door,” I tell the bellhop before he can try to open it for her. I toss him the keys and open the door for her. She glares up at me, so I lean in and unclick her seatbelt. “You’ll get out of the car, or I’ll make a scene.”

“Make a scene?”

“Yes, make a scene. I’ll toss you over my shoulder and carry you inside.”

“You can’t do that.” Her face turns to an adorable scrunch.

“You think someone will stop me?” She rolls her eyes. Emily is a Score; her family name holds weight, but I don’t think many know her from her face alone. She’s still too young to be drifting across the socialite scene. As for me, people know who I am with only a glance.

“You probably own the stupid building.” She ignores my offered hand and gets out on her own. “It’s ugly, by the way.” She drops her head back to look up at it. I snort a laugh.

“I don’t own the building. Only my unit. It is an eyesore,” I admit. It’s flashy and overdone, but for me, it’s in a good location, and my new place wasn’t ready yet. I take her hand and lead her inside.

“You live here?”

“Most of the time. Sometimes I crash at the parents’. You know how my mom can be.” I go over to the private elevator and slide my key in. It’s another reason I picked this place. It gives me some security and privacy.

“No, I don’t know how your mom is anymore. I haven't seen her in a while.” I can hear the hurt and anger in her voice. The elevator doors slide open. Emily turns her face away from me so that I can’t see it.

As soon as the doors close, I gently grip her chin, turning her beautiful face toward me. Her hair is still damp from swimming, and her face is free of makeup. The sprinkles of freckles that cross her cheeks and nose are on full display. I’ve always loved them, but for some reason, she covers them up. She’s the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen.