Run Away With Me

All Hail The Queen

Music poured through the speakers, from whose playlist, I have no idea. But it was a good one. We all danced together, jumping with the bass, singing a long at the tops of our lungs. I was thoroughly drunk. And it was glorious.

I was surrounded by Jack and other people I didn't recognize, but I felt like I was among my people. For every person that joined us on the dance floor we were greeted with a "Hey Stella!" or a "Hey Jack!"

These people knew us now as party animals, summer saviors, the king and queen of oceanfront. We had heard it all tonight. Apparently in the few parties we had thrown, word had spread. And we went from thirty to forty people at our first party to over one hundred at this one. And everyone stopped to talk to us. We didn't know any of them. But for every person that came up to us, we were as good as best friends from that moment on.

With a cup in my hand, I swayed to the heavy bass music pumping through the living room. I felt a hand rub against my shoulders, another against my hip, and fingers graze my own. Between my drunken haze and the music, I welcomed the touch. It was like fire and electricity coursing through my veins. Every new touch like my nerves had been zapped to attention for the first time in my life, it was euphoric. I wanted to revel in it. To let the music seep into my skin and the touching to keep my heart beating.

I was glad now that I changed after the game this afternoon. I was in more revealing clothes; a little crochet bralette and jean shorts had my stomach, chest and legs on full display for our guests. Old Maddie would have felt self-conscious, but New Maddie didn't even second guess the outfit. It had to be my favorite so far and tonight was the perfect night to wear it.

Jacks hands landed on my bare hips, swaying them back and forth with the music seductively, and all other touch melted away as my body pressed tight against his. I laid my arms on his shoulders, threading my fingers into his hair. I could feel the heavy beat of the bass in my chest, my eyes closing. My head fell back, exposing my neck to Jack's lips. My heart jumped with each lick he left across my collarbone, nip to my neck, and nuzzle against my ear. After last night, we weren't holding back. No more private kisses before people arrived. It was like everything but sex was an option at all times.

I lifted my head back up to say something but was distracted by a bright green pair of gauges framed by a beautiful boy in my doorway.

Jack followed my eyeline, looking over his shoulder and catching what I had my focus on. He jerked his head and said, "Go. Don't forget my wedding invite."

I grinned devilishly and grabbed his cheeks in my hands, planting a quick kiss on his lips and waving my fingers in a goodbye.

Weaving through the crowd, and the numerous hands that begged for a touch, I found Alec at the front door, barely even inside. "Hey," I touched his arm and he seemed surprised to see me. I smiled sweetly but my eyes were pouring out sex appeal. "Fancy meeting you here."

"A friend invited me, said it was at this house that's been throwing killer parties. I don't know, it's not really my scene but it seemed like something to do. What are you doing here?"

"It's my killer-party. This is my house. At least for now."

"Props, Emma." He seemed impressed as he looked around the packed and overflowing party. I was proud of myself. I find myself wanting his collegiate stamp of approval. "Since you're the party host, can I ask for the grand tour?"

"Of course." I took his hand in mine, the booze making me bold. His hand was warm and rough, callouses all over his palm and fingers. I made a mental note to ask him why, but even in my drunken stupor, I knew I wouldn't.