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  Copyright © 2019 Tess and Saundra Keeler

  All rights reserved.

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  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places,

  events, locales, and incidents are either products of the

  author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any

  resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is

  purely coincidental.

  More to This

  CHAPTER ONE

  Everly

  “Mason Thomas, can you please remind me why you insisted that I go with you to this… rambunctious social gathering slash mating ritual?” Everly’s chocolate brown eyes lifted to her best friend’s thick curls falling over his forehead. His eyelids were heavily hanging over his eyes as he laughed at her question.

  “Bloody hell, Eve. Is it really that difficult for you to let loose?” His soft tone was thick with his British accent. He shook his head, taking a drag from the cigarette between his fingers as they stood on the sidewalk in front of the house hosting the St. Patrick’s Day party.

  Everly sighed, her full lips pursed as she watched her lanky best friend toss the rest of his cigarette on the ground before putting it out with his boot. His worn down oversized tank top hung off of his thin frame, and his skinny jeans made his legs seem much longer than they were. They stood the same height at five foot eight, but the tight nature of his black denim seemingly stretched his appearance out. The shaved portion of his hair was visible as he flipped it back to the opposite side.

  Her own long brown hair cascaded over her shoulders and on her chest in big curls. She had decorated her deep brown eyes with thick liner and dark eyeshadow as she always did if she went out. Her going out usually consisted of making sure Mason stayed out of trouble and to drive him home when he had too much to drink or smoke.

  The loud music was apparent but slightly muffled, even as they walked up to the door.

  “Whose party is this again?” Everly asked as Mason rang the doorbell with no reservations.

  “This girl I met earlier today.” Mason waved his hand in Everly’s direction, accompanied by his most charming smile. She blew out a sigh and felt the slight shift as the door opened and made the noise more audible.

  There was no real greeting, just access to the cloudy, loud blur that they were allowed to step into.

  Mason leaned toward her, his voice elevated so she could hear him over the music. “Come on, let’s find out where the kitchen is in this place.”

  Everly felt lucky that she had known Mason for most of their lives, or she wouldn’t have been able to understand him more often than not. Even though he lived in the States a majority of the time, his visits to London just reemphasized his true heritage.

  Her eyes were wide as she took in the wall to wall sea of bodies, gyrating and bouncing to the music. All of them had some sort of drink, hidden by their red solo cup. There were groups huddled together, and she knew they were partaking in a more herbal escape. There were some holiday themed green decorations strung randomly on the walls, but mostly it was like any other party. A deep breath blew out from her full lips as she tried to keep up with Mason for as long as she could. She knew that before long, he would drift away and find someone to keep him company for the night—and that night only— and she would be on her own.

  They finally found the location of the kitchen, equipped with a keg and copious amounts of booze— whatever you could possibly want was there, lined up in front of them. She chewed her lip, watching Mason proceed to help himself. He wasn’t super picky when it came to liquor, but she knew if there was gin, that’s where he’d be.

  “Ah ha!” She heard her best friend exclaim before mixing his gin and tonic. “This should get the party started.” He grinned his toothy grin, lifting his brown eyes in her direction.

  Everly leaned back against the counter, watching him carefully. “Please just.. Don’t get into too much trouble tonight. Just because I’m here doesn’t mean you can be extra mischievous, Mason William.”

  “Ooh, pulling out the middle name. Now I know how serious you are,” he teased, taking a drink then swiping his lips with his tongue to get the remnants of his gin infusion concoction lingering on them. “I’ll try my best, but no promises.”

  He lifted his cup in her direction, and she shook her head. At least he was unabashedly honest.

  “Do you want anything before I mingle?” He presented all of the options to her, and she scrunched her face.

  “Uh, surprise me?” She couldn’t believe she said it. Before she could retract her statement, her best friend was already mixing her something. “Nothing too strong. One of us has to drive.”

  Mason chuckled at her, spending a couple of minutes hovering over her drink before handing it to her. “Try that.”

  Everly hesitantly lifted the red cup to her lips, the smell already off-putting. Still, she took a small sip and cringed. “Mason, I- ugh.” She shook her head, taking a deep breath.

  “Parker, don’t be a wuss.” He nudged her before something stole away his attention. A voluptuous redhead was making eyes at him from across the room, and Everly knew it was enough to steal him away for most the evening.

  “That’s my cue, Eve. Don’t sit your cup down anywhere. Don’t trust anyone. I’ll find you when I’m ready to bail.” He pat her shoulder and smiled at her. “Have some fun tonight. One night won’t hurt you.”

  With those last few words, she watched him wander off in the direction of the auburn-haired woman and she chewed her lip.

  Lifting off from her spot against the counter, she decided to explore. Maybe she would recognize someone here. With a laugh to herself, she knew that she wasn’t exactly the most social person. It wasn’t that she wasn’t friendly, but she had no intention of accumulating fake friends or people who weren’t worth her time.

  The house was huge, and she hadn’t even gone up the large flight of stairs leading to the second floor yet. The soft glow of white twinkling lights drew her outside, and she was glad to be there. The deck was massive, and while there were still people out there partaking in party favors of all varieties, she still felt less on edge than she had inside. The fresh Colorado air helped, no doubt. Large, thick trees encased the backyard and the night sky was still beautiful and clear even with the greenery surrounding them. Slowly, she made her way over the railing, leaning and taking in the perfect weather.

  Without thinking, she took another drink from the cup she was carrying and she scrunched her face in displeasure. It burned as she forced it down, and she looked into the tan liquid staring back at her.

  Silently, she was cursing her best friend when she felt someone close to her. To her left, a dark-haired boy had taken advantage of the railing next to her, a cigarette resting between his lips. His black hair was long in the front and parted to the right. It was naturally disheveled and rested in a slight curl. The rest of it was brushed back to the left side. He had to be a good four inches taller than her, at least, but she didn’t let her gaze linger long enough to really measure it. She felt herself clench to prepare herself for him to speak.

  It was quiet for a few moments, and she felt a little silly at being so uptight at the presence next to her. She wanted to slap herself for being full of it. Not every guy that got close to her had the intentions of hitting on her.

  That’s when a throaty voice filled the small distance between them. “Would you like one?”

  She turned to look at him, her eyebrow going up. “Excuse me?”

  “A cigarette.” He shifted enough so that his elbow was rested against the wooden surface, his body squared with hers.

  “Oh.” She shook her head.
“No thanks. I don’t smoke.”

  Keeping her eyes from staying on him too long, she expected that to be it. She was wrong.

  “Then how about I get you a drink you’ll actually like?”

  That got her attention. She turned to face him, and she tilted her head. “What makes you think that I don’t like this drink?”

  “You’ve barely drank any of it,” he stated, matter of factly. It was easier to see the details of his features once he faced her. His lips were wide and full, his nose came down to a point, and his long, dark eyelashes framed his light eyes. There were beauty marks decorating his face and neck, as far as she could see to the collar of his black and white striped long-sleeved shirt and black jacket. His lips were pulled together at the moment, the curves of his mouth providing dimples doing so.

  “Maybe I’m a slow drinker.” She lifted her eyebrow at him, pulling her lips into a line. “Or, maybe I just got this drink.”

  He laughed a little before taking a drag of his cigarette. After blowing the smoke away from them, he finally responded. “You’re a little too tense to have had more than one drink.”

  She felt her eyebrows furrow at him, and she leaned against the railing. “I never said I’ve had more than one.”

  The smile that played over his lips was one of amusement. “What is it anyway?”

  “I don’t know,” she said, looking into her cup. “My lothario of a best friend made it. It’s god awful.”

  His laugh was kind of cute, she noticed. A smile tried to pull at her lips, but she fought it. Would it be the worst thing if she seemed to enjoy his company?

  “I could make you something better.” His eyes were shining, and she chewed her bottom lip a moment before responding.

  “My best friend told me not to take drinks from strangers.”

  He nodded as he put his cigarette out under his foot. “Well then, I’m Henley.” He looked up through his hair. “But, I do feel like that advice is a bit hypocritical considering they’re out enjoying themselves and left you all alone with no one to keep you entertained.”

  “I don’t need anyone to enjoy myself. What if I’m alone by choice?” He had her curious now. Surely, not all people needed someone to have fun.

  “I’m a bit of a loner myself, so I respect that.” He shrugged, his eyes always drifting back to hers.

  “Then why did you come to this massive party with all of these people?”

  “It would be rude of me to decline an invitation.”

  She lifted her hand, scoffing slightly. “Ah, so you are here because of someone. Why are you talking to me then?”

  Taking a moment before responding, he stepped closer to her. “I’m not the type to waste someone’s time.”

  “And you’re not wasting mine?” She tilted her head again, lifting her eyebrows in his direction. The smile was threatening to pull at her lips again.

  “I wasn’t aware that was an option.” His voice became more breathy with his response, and she felt herself shiver. Was it the cool temperature or the alluring boy in front of her?

  She stood her ground, clenching her jaw. “It’s not.”

  “Are you sure?” The smile he gave her showed off his perfect teeth a moment before disappearing again to show off his dimples.

  “Positive. What kind of girl do you take me for?” The playfulness was coming out in her words, and she couldn’t stop it. Why was it so easy to talk to him?

  “I thought maybe you were here for the same reason.”

  She pulled her head back slightly, wrapping her arms around herself to maintain what little warmth she had from being so close to him. “What reason might that be?”

  There was no response as their eyes stayed locked on each other. She felt her throat tighten as the tension between them became more obvious.

  “You’re cold,” he whispered finally, pulling off his black denim jacket and wrapped it around her shoulders. She could smell a hint of sage envelope her, and it made butterflies erupt in her stomach.

  “You don’t-“ She wanted to tell him she didn’t need his jacket, that he didn’t need to worry about her in the least. But her best friend interjected, and she jumped at his contact.

  “Everly! There you are!” Mason greeted, grabbing her hand. “Will you please drive me to get some smokes? I’m out and need one desperately.”

  Everly looked between Mason and the boy in front of her before sputtering out a few words.

  “Sure, but…” She began, only to be tugged on by her intoxicated best friend.

  “Brilliant! Let’s go. I’m feening.”

  As Mason drug her away, she glanced back at Henley and smiled apologetically. Why? She didn’t know. Either way, she wasn’t entirely sure she wasn’t enjoying their conversation.

  They maneuvered through the house until they got to the front door, and Mason unknowingly slammed it behind him.

  “Mace! Just because you’re shit faced, doesn’t mean you can be rude!” she scolded, and he laughed at her in response.

  They climbed into her blue Mini Cooper, and buckled up.

  “I have to know— are you still a virgin?” Mason blurted out as she started the car.

  Her eyes were wide when she turned to look at him. “Why the hell wouldn’t I be?”

  “I saw you with that guy— Henley Moore. He’s got a bit of a reputation.”

  Everly swallowed hard, trying to ignore the warmth that spread over her at the remark.

  “So do you, and here I am. Alone. In a car with you.” She teased, shifting into drive. “We were just talking.”

  Mason clicked his tongue, amused by the conversation. “Aye, but you are wearing his coat, are you not?”

  1

  More to This

  CHAPTER TWO

  Henley

  Henley tapped the white lid of his Starbucks cappuccino and raised his eyebrow at his twin brother, Pierson. He was lifting his uncapped black coffee to his lips, his long blonde hair falling around his shoulders, completely unfazed by Henley’s expression. It was their normal dynamic, though—his brother didn’t express his emotions well. They both went to the same college in Boulder, Colorado, and they were pretty close despite their differences. They would meet through the day between classes. Starbucks was a common meeting place. What college student didn’t need caffeine to get through the day?

  Henley had more free time than Pierson, but Pierson had a more consistent group of friends to chill with.

  “Maybe you should get your mind off of school. I’ve got a list of girls that could give you a good time,” Henley spoke matter-of-fact, his hair falling in his eyes as he watched his brother react to him.

  Pierson’s voice was deeper than his, and he always looked so serious. It further reiterated his point as Pierson scoffed at him. “I think you party too much, Hen. How are your grades?”

  Henley narrowed his eyes and tightened his grip on his coffee, “Alright, mom.”

  A familiar voice caught his attention as he parted his lips to add to his original retort, but he turned his head instead to look in the girl’s direction. Everly, he remembered. His eyes started with her small black boots, and he tried to recall what she had worn below the waist that night. He couldn’t remember. She seemed closer to his height than most girls. Her tight black jeans accented the beautiful curves of her lean legs, and the ripped portion on her thighs gave a peek of her porcelain skin. She finished off her look with a form-fitting Spiderman shirt, and Henley couldn’t believe how different this girl was than any of the other girls he had ever met.

  “Who are you staring at?” Pierson gruffed.

  “I know her,” Henley whispered, meeting his brother’s gaze.

  “Henley, you know a lot of girls.”

  “No, no. This is the girl I was telling you about. The one that has my favorite jacket.” Henley was trying to keep his tone hushed, unsure of how to proceed. Everly had been interested enough to stick around for the conversation but didn’t give away much. She wa
s as reserved as Henley. A major difference seemed to be Henley’s initiative to resolve the physical tension between them. It was strong, and he would have normally made a move if it weren’t for Mason’s interruption.

  Mason and Henley had probably shared many partners, their similar reputations to blame. They were also constantly in the same territory. How did he become best friends with someone like Everly, obviously turned off by the idea of parties in general?

  “Go talk to her,” Pierson nudged, bringing Henley back to the sound of the coffee grinder rattling and Thursday morning chatter. She was walking toward them, her large dark eyes looking down at her phone.

  “I don’t know. I’m not sure what she thought of me,” Henley hesitated.

  Pierson laughed a little too loudly, and Henley glared again. “When have you ever had trouble getting a girl?”

  “I didn’t say I had trouble. I didn’t have enough time,” Henley stated, his eyes looking between his brother and Everly.

  “You’re going to miss your chance.” Pierson motioned toward her, his light blue-green eyes shifting as well.

  Henley stood with his cup as she walked past him with her fancy iced drink. He chewed on his lip, hoping she would just notice him. She didn’t.

  After clearing his throat, he finally spoke, “Everly, right?”

  She jumped a little, her long chestnut hair bouncing as she stopped in her tracks. She turned to face him, awkwardly peering up as she greeted him, “Oh… hey.”

  After placing his free hand on his chest, he restated his name. “Henley. Remember?” He felt pathetic as she stared up at him, looking so damn lost and uncomfortable.

  He chewed back on his lip as she parted her lips to respond. “Yes, I do. I still have your jacket.”

  “That’s why I stopped you. I was hoping to get it back, if you don’t mind. I can give you my number.”

  She wasn’t looking at him, but she was definitely thinking. Her brown eyebrows were lifted toward the ceiling, and Henley wasn’t sure what she might say. She was unpredictable.