A Recipe for Disaster

good 4 u

Xavier's house was even more massive inside than it looked from the outside.

Maybe it only felt that way because of the endless array of beer bottles scattered across counters, tables, and even the floor. The packed living room buzzed with bodies pressed close together—some dancing wildly, others making out, and a few just lost in conversation. The whole place had an energy that reminded me of a ballroom, pulsing with life. Which I got to admit, was a little fun to see, but not to be in. The music was breaking my eardrums, making me half deaf.

"Okay," Ryder said, grabbing my hand with a smirk playing on his face, "the plan starts now."

And I already hate this, I thought as Ryder dragged me over to his group of friends.

"Hey!" Ryder greeted them, releasing my hand to do a quick series of daps to each and everyone of his friends. "What's up?"

"We were just about to see how many shots Aiden here can take," Tyrone said, as he patted Aiden on the back, but not before eyeing me with a mischievous grin. "And this must be the famous Amy, right?"

I gave a little nod, feeling awkward as I flash him my signature smile. "Yep, that's me."

He nodded, but his gaze drifted down to the hem of my dress, lingering in a way that made my skin crawl. "Love the dress," he flirted, finally looking up to meet my eyes, making me immediately look away .

"Thanks," I mumbled, trying to brush it off, hoping Tyrone will stop the flirting.

"Back off, Tyrone," Ryder said, his voice sharp, and not to be awkward with. his grip tightening on my hand in a way that was just a little too forceful.

Ow.

"My bad," Tyrone chuckled, taking a swig from his beer. "Didn't expect you here tonight, Ryder. Thought you'd be avoiding... well, you know." He shot a quick look over at Matilda, who was across the room, wearing jeans and a tight crop top, which really compleymented her breast as she laughed at something her friend said.

Ryder's jaw tensed, but he shrugged it off. "I don't care if she's here. I'm with Omelet," he teased, using that annoying nickname I couldn't stand.

Tyrone laughed as Lucas McKinney bounded over, practically shouting, "Hey! Who wants to play truth or dare, alcohol edition?"

Just then, I spotted Graham walking into the party, dressed in a loose brown shirt and dark blue baggy jean shorts that hung just past his knees. My breath caught for a moment.

Damn, he looks good.

"You in?" Ryder asked, snapping me out of my daze.

"Not really. You go ahead, though." I said, hoping he'll let me go, so I could talk to Graham.

He shook his head, as he glared at me, his eyes saying 'no-don't-do-it.' "Nah, I'll stick with you."

"No, really, you should go," I insisted, trying to push him off without making it too obvious.

"It's fine," he said, flashing one of his annoyingly confident smiles as he gripped my hand a little tighter, making me practically fall into his chest.

"Ryder," I said with a sigh, trying again to pry my hand from his, "go hang out with your friends." I managed to release my hand from his grip, pretending it was no big deal.

Ryder shot me a glare as he watched me slip away, making my way over to Graham.

"Hey, Graham!" I greeted, waving my hands with a hopeful smile, as I secretly wished he'd notice and compliment my dress.