When the Heart Falls(28)

"You're writing a romance, right? Well, what better way to find inspiration than by meeting a hot guy at a party in Paris?"

I shake my head. "Not looking for a relationship, but thanks."

"Who said anything about a relationship? I'm talking about hooking up." She wiggles her hips salaciously. "That's what you really need. Now come on, try on the dress."

Crossing my arms over my chest, I refuse to budge as she attempts to pull me out of my seat.

She huffs and gives up. "You know what your problem is? I've been thinking about this. You're not blocked, you're uninspired. You need some life experience to write this stuff, not just head knowledge. Soak up some real life, and your book will be a cinch to write!"

I hesitate. Her words parrot what Mr. Posthumus told me. Maybe she's not totally wrong. Going to the museum helped. Being out in the real world, watching people interact, feeling the emotion and energy swirling around me, might be what I need to take my writing to the next level.

As if she could sense my weakening resolve, she gets on her knees, hands clasped as if in prayer. "Pleeeeease. For me?"

Kicking myself for what I'm sure will end up being another mistake, I glare at her. "This won't be like our last party, right?"

She holds up two fingers. "No. Never again. Scout's honor."

"You were never a scout, but okay, fine, I'll go. But no hooking up. I'm just going for you."

She launches herself at me and squeals in my ear as she hugs me. I'm sure I'll be deaf for most of the party, but I hug her back before peeling her off of me. "Okay, okay. Personal space, Jen. Can't breathe."

Releasing me, she smiles. "Sorry. Just so excited. Okay, let's get ready. Oh my God, this is going to be the best!"

While I don't share her enthusiasm, I accept the dress. I first change my bra and panties so that my bra line won't stick out of the spaghetti strap dress and my pantie line won't show. Then I slip the silky dress on. It conforms to my body like a second skin, and I shift self-consciously as I slip into the matching shoes and run a brush through my hair. "Should I wear my hair up or down?"

Jenifer watches as I show her both options. "Down. Definitely. It's sexy."

I leave it down, apply a light layer of makeup and lipstick and examine the results in the mirror.

A sexy woman stares back at me, shoulders bare, neckline revealing, enough cleavage to be evocative without being over-exposed. I have to admit I look pretty amazing—like a different person.

"Guys are gonna want a piece of that ass." Jenifer says as she adds the final touches to her own outfit. "You'll have to be careful." She flicks her hair. "Or not."

"You be careful," I tell her. "No more one night stands."

Jenifer waves me off as she adds more curl to her blond hair. "Sure. Sure."

I hold out my pinky, unwilling to let her get away with a flippant response. "Pinky swear. No more one night stands."

Jenifer finishes her hair and turns to me, her face more serious. She locks pinkies with mine, and I can tell she's thinking of the same night I am, the night her 'no' wasn't enough to keep her safe. "No more one night stands."

"For me anyway," she says as she locks our door. "You should totally do someone tonight."

My eyes wander to Cade's door and I wonder if he's there, just a few feet away, and what he'll be doing tonight.



This party is an actual party, rather than a club. It's outdoors, which I wasn't expecting, and I hope it doesn't rain or get too cold since I didn't bring a jacket. Rather than carrying a purse, I slipped my identification, money and lipstick into the small pocket of my dress, grateful that Jenifer picked one with pockets. It makes me look clunky, but I don't care.

It's late when we arrive, and the party is in full swing with dancing, drinking and some couples making out in corners, or right there on the dance floor.

There's even an open bar. "Who invited you to this?" I have to shout into Jenifer's ear to be heard over the music.

"A guy at school. Don't remember his name. I'm getting a drink. Want anything?"

I'm stuck, unsure of how to answer. I'm definitely not drinking alcohol, but can I trust her to keep her word and not spike my drink?

Her face drops when she realizes why I've hesitated. "Never again. I swear, Winter. I'm so sorry."

The regret is clear on her face, and I believe her. "Okay, sure, I'll take a soda."

Normally she'd argue, insist on something with more of a kick to help me loosen up, but this time she just smiles brightly and saunters off to the bar.

She brings back two plastic cups. I take the one with soda and sip it, relieved that it does in fact taste like plain soda, albeit lukewarm. They don't seem to believe in icing drinks in France.

Jenifer drains her cup in one long swig and burps. "Oh my God, I can't believe I just did that in public."

No one else heard, but we both laugh so hard I nearly snort soda up my nose.

She takes deep breaths to stop laughing. "So, we need to find a good one night stand for you and a good boyfriend for me."

Here we go. "Why do I feel like we've switched bodies?"

Jenifer laughs. "Who do you like?" She sweeps her arm in a wide gesture to include all the men at the party, but they are indistinguishable from each other in my eyes.