Chasing Astrid Malone

14. DATING DISASTER

Cam's POV

Having been to more parties than I can count, this was the first time I can remember being excited.

Astrid let me hold her hand and walk in with me as my date. I wanted to show her off and let everyone know she was mine.

"Beck, over here!" I heard Dan calling me from the kitchen and I dragged Astrid along behind me.

"Hey, dude, what's up! Where were you today? The coach was pissed you missed another practice." That was the last thing I cared about right now. I have skipped out on practice twice this week to spend time with her, but it was worth any punishment Coach can dish out.

I pulled Astrid forward. Seeing her in that tight red dress with her usual shy demeanor was killing me. I wrapped my arm around her waist and pulled her close. MINE.

"You guys know Astrid right? Astrid this is Dan, my best friend." His eyes widened checking her out, if he wasn't my best friend, I would have been pissed with him gawking.

"Hey Astrid, you are far too beautiful to be hanging out with this dude. Why haven't we met before?" She smiled politely. God, she's so cute.

"Fuck off, Dan. She's MY date tonight." I said it louder than necessary, making sure all the guys standing around would hear my claim on her.

"OH SHIT, your dating now bro? I get it, look at her. I just never thought I'd see the day. Let's do a shot to celebrate!" Any other night I would have, but tonight I don't want to risk fucking this up.

"Not tonight Dan, but if Astrid wants to..." Her eyes went wide. Shit, she's probably never even drank alcohol before. This should be interesting.

"One shot will help you relax, I'm starting to think you may need it to get through tonight." I laughed but felt bad for pushing her. That certainly wouldn't earn me any points with her.

"Ok, but just one." I'm surprised she even agreed. I nodded to Dan and he handed her a cup. Astrid inspected it like it was poison and lifted it to her nose. I had to stop her there.

"Don't smell it first, or you won't drink it. Just throw it back real fast and swallow it down quick." She took it like a champ, I couldn't help but feel proud of her.

"That's my girl. Let's go out back and get some air."

We stopped in the yard, the music wasn't as loud out here so we could talk. "You ok?" Her expression looked lighter, she was happy. Astrid responded by pressing herself into my chest and hugging me. She couldn't possibly be drunk after one shot, but I could tell she was feeling good.

"So you're a lightweight then. Got it. No more Vodka for Astrid." I laughed at the way she narrowed her eyes at me. Even annoyed she could take my breath away.

"Hey, Cam, when you're done wasting time on that prude, come find me. Dan's parents have a water bed." Molly took me by surprise.

I've been avoiding her all week. Dan insisted he wouldn't invite her but im sure it was out of his hands. The last thing I want is her giving Astrid the impression we're anything more than friends.

"Go fuck yourself, Molly." I need to get Astrid away from this. I started walking away but Astrid pulled against me staring down Molly.

"If you had even a shred of self-respect, you would see how trashy you just made yourself look. Not to mention pathetic." Oh Damn! My girl is feisty, and she's willing to fight for me. I was grinning until I saw the look on Molly's face as she lunged for Astrid.

Not happening. I stepped forward and pushed Molly back. As far as im concerned, Astrid can say whatever she wants to anyone here and no one will lay a finger on her.