Addicted to Green

CHAPTER 8

NAVINA

CADEN: You ready, Green? Or are you one of those girls who takes forever to get ready?

ME: Dream on, Wonder Boy. I'm ready.

I smirk at the phone screen, typing quickly. It's true; I do take a while to get ready, but he doesn't need to know that. I glance in the mirror one last time, checking my outfit: black jeans that fit well, a white cropped t-shirt, and black combat boots. It's not flashy, but it works.

I spray some perfume, checking the time—7:00 PM. I grab my phone and gum, heading downstairs. My mom's out working late at the bakery, which means I get to go to the party without any worries.

Outside, I see Caden waiting on the sidewalk, his eyes glued to his phone. I call out to him with a grin, "Wonder Boy."

He looks up, scrunching his features in mock annoyance. "You're kidding. Sweetheart, you better not make that a thing."

I shrug, grinning. "Maybe."

He rolls his eyes but smiles slightly as we start walking toward Dean's house. The walk isn't too long—about fifteen minutes. I notice his eyebrow cut is still bloody and looks painful. It's almost hidden by his hair, but it's clear it must hurt.

"It's fine," he says, sighing as he catches me staring.

"It's not," I respond, my cheeks heating up as I realize he noticed my gaze.

"Promise me you won't ghost me again," I add, trying to hide the worry in my voice.

"I won't," he replies.

"Promise?"

"Promise, Green."

I nod, feeling a little reassured. The kiss we shared is still on my mind, and I'm not sure how to bring it up or why it feels so significant. It's just a kiss, right?

I notice he's walking normally now and isn't limping or clutching his side like he was earlier. "Did you take something for the pain?" I ask, struggling to keep up with his quick pace.

He shrugs. "Just ibuprofen."

I fall back a bit, catching my breath. "Boy Wonder, slow down."

He chuckles deeply, clearly amused by my struggle.

"It's not funny," I pout, finally catching up. I grab his hand, feeling his warmth flow through me. It's electrifying, a sensation that makes my heart race and my stomach flutter.

His gaze shifts to our linked hands, but he doesn't say anything as we continue walking.

When we reach the party, it's already packed. Music blares from every direction, and people are dancing and drinking. I'm greeted by a tall girl with brown hair and light brown eyes, who stumbles toward me with a drink in hand. Her breath reeks of alcohol.

"Hey Nav! How are you?" she slurs, pulling me into a hug.

"Who are you?" I ask, a bit confused.

"Don't you remember? I'm Evie, Thara's cousin!" She laughs, though it's a bit unsteady. "Gosh, I miss her so much."

I frown, "How do you know Thara?"

She shrugs, "Secrets are meant to be kept." She leans in closer, her breath heavy with booze. "You wanna drink?"

"No thanks," I say, glancing around for Caden. I spot him easily, but my heart sinks when I see him in the corner with a blonde girl draped over him. She hands him a drink, which he knocks away.

The girl doesn't get the hint and wraps her arm around him, smiling flirtatiously. Evie squeals, "Oh my gosh! You like Caden West!"

"No," I reply quickly, though I'm starting to get a bit annoyed. "How do you know him?"