I started for the door, but somehow Ollie ended up behind me and the next thing I knew, he had me sitting in an empty recliner, facing the TV. Two shirtless guys in spandex shirts were punching each other in the face.

Hmm.

Tensed, I drank the beer faster than I probably should’ve. Steph’s husky chuckle crawled into my stomach and started clawing at my insides. Over the course of minutes, she was practically in Cam’s lap now, one hand wrapped around his bicep. She leaned in and whispered in his ear. Cam shook his head, and the most perfect pout filled out her lips. What had she said?

Someone—Ollie, maybe?—handed me another shot of Jose that warmed my stomach and washed away Steph’s claws.

“Like the socks.”

Glancing up, I saw one of Cam’s friends. I didn’t know his name or really recognize his face, but he had a nice smile. I stretched my legs out, wiggling my toes in my rainbow colored socks. “Thanks.”

He ran a hand over the close-cut brown hair and clasped the back of his neck. “So you normally watch UFC fights?”

I looked at the screen. A guy was kicked back into the cage. “This is the first time I’ve watched one of these.”

“You don’t sound like you’ll be watching one of these again.”

Opening my mouth, I was surprised to hear a giggle come out. “Yeah, I don’t know if this will be something I watch regularly.”

“Well, that’s a damn shame,” the guy said with a slight grin. “Cam orders this every month and you coming would be something else to look forward to.”

I didn’t say anything to that and turned back to the TV, running my hand over my knee.  The shots and beer were making my muscles warm and my thoughts fuzzy. The guy asked if I wanted another drink and I realized my bottle was empty.

“Sure.” The smile that crossed my face felt overly wide and bright.

Returning with a cold one, he sat on the arm of my chair, and beyond him, I saw Cam look up and his eyes narrow. “Here you go.”

“Thanks.” I took a drink, now to the point where I could easily ignore the nasty after taste that filled my mouth. My gaze collided with Cam’s for a second and I forced myself to look away. I ended up staring up at the guy beside me. “I’m sorry. I didn’t catch your name.”

The guy nudged my shoulder. “I don’t think we’ve meant before. I’m Henry.”

“Avery,” I said.

He repeated my name with a smile. “Like it. It’s different.”

“Like my socks?”

Henry laughed as he glanced at the screen. “Yeah, like your socks. So you going to college, Avery?”

I nodded. “You don’t?”