Ethan's POV (Bonus Book)

Chapter 58

It was only about a couple hours later that I found myself standing outside the doors to April's house. Mia, Lucas, May, Chloe, and I had stopped for a bite to eat, and I'd now reluctantly driven everyone to April's house for the afterparty.

Reluctantly being the word since I wasn't all too fond of April and her pushiness. I couldn't for the life of me understand why the girl couldn't get it through her head I wasn't interested.

Not wanting to ruin the mood, or anyone's fun, I pushed my frustrations aside, refusing to let her ruin my team's celebrations.

As everybody headed up the path towards the house, I followed behind Mia closely, hearing the heavy beats of the music get progressively louder as we approached.

Eyeing Mia, I watched with a smile as she adjusted the neckline of my jersey which had been caught up in her hair. It was the hottest thing ever that she was still wearing it. Fuck, did I mean it when I said I couldn't wait until this party was over because I was in desperate need of some alone time with her.

Lucas or someone must have knocked on the door when I was busy checking out Mia because soon enough the door swung open.

I stepped in line beside Mia as April stepped out wearing a short and tight two-piece red dress. April looked at me and smiled, and I immediately noticed Mia stiffen before glancing down at her body with a slight downturn of her lips. I immediately grew annoyed, pissed at how Mia could look down at a body like hers and frown. She was perfect. I didn't have reoccurring dreams about her for damn nothing.

I immediately stepped a little closer to Mia than necessary, feeling protective.

April appeared to laugh for no reason and finally stopped looking me up and down so she could survey her eyes quickly around the rest of the group. "Hey guys, great to see you could make it," she cheered with a bubbly smile on her face before returning her eyes back to mine.

Irritation flashed through me, and I acknowledged her with nothing but a simple nod and vague attempt at a smile.

I noticed May and Chloe in particular greet her with very stiffened tones as well. I furrowed my brows, noticing clear tension between all the girls. I thought Chloe was vaguely friends with April. What had happened?

I eyed Mia once again carefully and saw the tension in her face, that she was desperately trying to keep at bay.

Okay, it was official – we all fucking hated her. Excellent.

Finally entering the house, people immediately started to cheer and held up their cups. A few guys thumped Lucas and me on the backs in congratulation as they made their way past.

As the rest of our group filtered into the party, Mia stepped closer to me an amused smile to her lips.

"Wow, everyone's making my congratulations look like shit."

I laughed heavily. "That's because it was shit, Chubs," I said, shaking my head at her with fake disappointment.

Mia gasped. "That's mean," she laughed, pouting slightly.

This immediately drew my attention to her lips. Deciding I'd followed enough restraint for the day, I stepped closer to her and cupped her cheek before tracing my thumb softly against the curve of her lower lip.

Mia was immediately silenced, and I watched in satisfaction as she swallowed.

"I can think of a few ways you could improve your congratulations," I whispered as I moved my mouth towards her.

"Ethan, come celebrate with the boys," I heard one of the guys call out, interrupting us.

I let out a deep and frustrated sigh, before once again stepping away from Mia. You'd think the attention-sucking fuckers who'd thrown me a damn surprise party about getting together with my girlfriend would give me one damn second alone with her.