Blocked (Boston Terriers Hockey #3) - Jacob Chance Page 0,3
always thought our colonial was on the large side, but it would probably only take up one quarter of this place.
“Yeah, and Daphne said her parents were heading right from graduation to the airport. They’re leaving for California and will be gone for a week. Hopefully, this won’t be the last party she has.”
“You’re on your own for any more parties. I’m not being dragged around all summer. I don’t care how much I missed you guys.” I finally put my foot down.
Marshall smirks challengingly at me. “We’ll see about that.” He opens the front door and jumps into the middle of the chaos, pumping his fist in time with the music playing.
The crowd swallows him up with shouts of celebration. There’s not an awkward bone in my brother’s body. He’s comfortable in every situation, which only makes me feel more hesitant around the popular crowd he hangs with. And being here with him and Shaw makes me feel like an unwanted chaperone.
“After you.” Shaw gestures for me to step inside, but I look around. I’m tempted to find a cozy spot on this awesome front porch and read a book on my phone. The white wicker couch with the plaid cushions might work just fine. Shaw taps the back of my hand with his. “Come on. It won’t be that bad.”
My head turns and I meet his brown eyes. “Are you sure about that? Because I’d rather be just about anywhere else but here.”
He leans closer to me, sending my heart skipping like a happy little girl, and my gaze lowers to the wooden boards under my feet. “I promise,” he says, his warm breath wafting over my cheek.
I release a large sigh. “Let’s get this over with.”
He laughs. “Keep an open mind. Maybe this will be the best night of your life.”
“Pfft, doubtful. I’ll be happy if I can find a quiet corner to disappear into. Maybe I’ll get lucky and no one will notice I’m here.”
Shaw catches my chin between his thumb and forefinger, his chocolate orbs studying my face. “You’re crazy if you think you could ever disappear into the background.”
I don’t know how to reply. Shaw’s never said anything like this to me before. Most of the time, we barely talk, and when we do it’s about inconsequential stuff. We never delve into deeper topics.
As soon as his grip loosens, I panic and step inside the house. The music is so loud it feels like a violent assault on my ears. I forget about Shaw behind me as I take in all the people. The entire graduating class might be here.
Okay, I’m ready to go now.
Shaw’s firm hand on my back is the only thing that stops me from turning and walking out the door. “Come on. Give it a chance. You need to get ready for the college lifestyle,” he yells over the music. “Let’s find a drink for you.”
I shake my head. “I don’t want a drink.”
He lowers his mouth to my ear. “I meant a soda, Maddie.”
“Oh.”
He grins. “When have I ever handed you a beer or any other alcoholic beverage?”
“You haven’t. I don’t know what I was thinking.”
“It’s overwhelming being here. I get it.” He grabs my arm, leading me through the crowd until we find the kitchen. He hands me a soda and takes one for himself, surprising me. “I can’t be drinking if I’m your ride home.”
“I thought I was taking an Uber?”
“Maddie, I told your parents I’d bring you home and that’s what I plan to do.”
I smile. “ Thanks. I wasn’t looking forward to taking an Uber. There’s something creepy about riding with someone I don’t know, especially late at night.”
“Well, you don’t need to worry about it because it’s not happening.”
“Who invited you?” Angel, one of the cheerleaders sneers at me.
“Knock it off, Angel. I invited her, not that it’s any of your business,” Shaw replies with a scowl twisting his handsome visage.
I stare down at the floor in humiliation and wish I could melt into the wood. And this is a perfect example of why I hate these parties.
“What do you want to do now?” he questions once Angel walks away.
Wait. He’s asking me what I want to do, like we really are here together? I mean I know technically we are, but we’re not here together.
“Honestly, I think I’m going to find a spot to read.” He shakes his head. “I’m not?” I question.
“No way. I bet we can find something fun to do