I’m ready for Holly.

HOLLY

Ben and Annabelle definitely aren’t over. They disappeared upstairs twenty minutes ago, which I know because I keep checking the clock on the wall. Before, I was happy to sidestep spending more time around her, but now, even Jasper’s constant stream of dry humor can’t keep me distracted from the fact that the guy I’ve been silently stuck on is likely sticking it to another girl at this very moment.

Why did Ben even invite me? I get that we came as friends, but does that make it okay for him to go hook up with his ex after only being here for five minutes?

Silly me got excited about the invite. Thought I’d have some college-aged fun with my new friend. And, yeah, maybe the back chunk of my brain that always ignores reason developed a few different hopes. There might have been a fantasy or two about finding a dark corner, pressing myself against Ben as he ran his hands along the curves of my body.

Instead, I’m still here, dancing with Jasper. Not that he isn’t a great-looking, fun guy. But, for some reason, his fingers wrapped around my waist are less arousing than the gentle brush of Ben’s against the back of my hand.

Stupid hormones.

Embarrassment grows hot in my chest as I realize how ridiculous my unconscious expectations for the night were. Luckily, Jasper utters a naughty joke at that moment, so the heat rising in my cheeks can be explained away by his vulgar mouth.

“I doubt they’re doing anything up there.”

I pull my eyes away from the stairs where they strayed to yet again to find Jasper watching me with a sly curve to his mouth.

I shrug in a lame attempt to play off my vigilance. “Ben’s his own person. If he wants to get back together with his ex, that’s none of my business.”

“Do you want it to be your business?”

Jasper isn’t someone who chooses politeness over discomfort. It was a trait that made me gravitate toward him in class, knowing he’d make an honest classmate. Now, I wish I could just stuff his prying question back down his throat, so I don’t have to admit my crush out loud to yet another person. Instead, I’m stuck, standing here, with his piercing gaze boring into my evasive one.

“I want to be Ben’s friend.” And I also want to make out with him. But I don’t need to articulate that fact. “That’s a good relationship to aim for. With our kidney exchange and all.”

“So, because you’re giving him your kidney means you can’t be anything more than friends?” Jasper slips the hand on my waist up to clasp the one I have resting on his shoulder and proceeds to direct another intricate spin move.

I’m not sure if he just had the inspiration to step up our display or if he’s giving me time to consider my answer. While unraveling from his arm, I notice we’re not the only ones swaying to the music anymore. A few more couples have found the liquid courage to join us.