Chasing Forever (The Forever Series #1)(4)

Lost in her thoughts, she flinched when a warm body brushed hers. Looking up, her gaze landed on a familiar pair of amber eyes. She froze, completely at a loss for words. A thrill of alarm shot through her as he leaned against the wall inches from her. It was him, the guy who’d been sitting in the brown leather chair she’d been caught ogling earlier, Mr. I’m-Too-Sexy-For Words.

“Kind of pathetic,” the guy said in a lazy drawl, cocking his head toward hers.

“Excuse me,” she replied, her voice uncertain. She couldn’t believe he would actually bring up her attempt to hide in a corner at a party all by herself. Yes, admittedly it was pathetic, but stating the obvious to her face seemed beyond outrageous.

He nodded in the direction of the girls dancing on the kitchen counter. She blinked at them until it finally clicked in her mind that he was talking about their cheesy exhibition and not her. The scene had morphed into total chaos as the girls rubbed against each other while the guys chanted in the background.

“Oh, them,” she said noncommittally.

He laughed, and his deep voice traveled the length of her spine like a light caress.

“Yes, them. Who did you think I was talking about?”

She shrugged in response, not wanting to share her thoughts or expose exactly how uneasy she felt being at this party.

“I’m Lucas,” he said, putting his hand out to shake hers.

“Regan,” she replied, taking hold of his hand.

The gesture seemed a little formal for a frat party, but what did she know. She’d never been to one of these parties before. As his warm hand slid around hers, she looked up at his face.

Wow.

It took all of her willpower not to stare at him. He was even better looking up close with all his mesmerizing beauty focused on her. He had one of those flawless angular faces that were made for the cover of a magazine. A hint of stubble dusted his jaw line. Thick, wavy brown hair just brushed the collar of his black t-shirt that was stretched to perfection across his toned chest and stomach. His dark jeans rode low on his narrow hips, making her want to sneak a peek at the abdominals hidden from view.

Realizing he was still holding her hand as her eyes traveled the length of his body, she quickly snatched it back, and looked at his face again hoping he hadn’t noticed her blatant examination. Seeing the corner of his lips twitching, she nearly groaned out loud. It clearly hadn’t gone unnoticed. Undoubtedly, he received the same reaction from most girls, and she hated being like most girls.

“So, I haven’t seen you at our frat house before,” he commented, leaning against the wall.

“Yeah.” She paused to clear her dry throat as she scanned the room. “This is my first time here. Actually, this is my first time at a fraternity party.” She sipped her beer, trying to avoid his eyes. She could get lost in those eyes.

His gaze landed on her mouth. “A virgin, huh?”

She coughed, nearly choking on her warm beer. “What?”

He laughed again, and the sound wrapped around her like a warm fuzzy blanket making her feel faint. “I meant you’re new to these types of parties. This is your first time at a fraternity house. I wasn’t talking about the actual state of your virtue, but we can discuss that if you prefer.”

She tugged on the bottom of her sweater feeling heat burning up her cheeks. “No, I think I’ll pass. I prefer superficial conversation.”

He took a long drink from the bottle in his hand. His gaze floated around the room. “So, are you alone?”

“No, I’m standing next to you.”

His smile widened if that were possible, and she was sorry she noticed. He really did have the most mind-blowing smile she had ever seen. Watching that mouth could be addictive.

“I meant, did you come here alone?”

“Yes.”

“It probably isn’t a good idea to come to your first frat party all by yourself. You know, the buddy system and all that. You never know what sort of person could be lurking in the corner bent on leading you astray.”

“Is that a general warning or are you telling me you intend to lead me astray?”

“It could be arranged.”

Feeling blindsided by the banter she purposely redirected the conversation. “I’m meeting my friends here. They said they would be here an hour ago, but I still haven’t seen them.”

“Who are your friends? Are they in the sorority?”

“Erica and Ava. This is their first year in the sorority. We’re freshman.”

“Ah,” he commented, tilting his chin up as if that explained everything.

“What about you? What year are you?”

“Senior. I graduate this spring.” He sighed. “I only have a semester and a half of freedom until I join the real world.”

Her phone vibrated alerting her of an incoming text from Ava.



BRT. Don’t even think about leaving!!!



Without looking up at Lucas, she typed a quick reply.



You have 5 mins b4 I’m gone.



As she finished texting Ava, she sensed Lucas leaning over her shoulder reading her messages, and she inhaled his spicy scent. “Spy much?” she commented as she slid the phone back into the front pocket of her skinny jeans.

He laughed. “Just when I want information. You didn’t want to come to this party?”