round, I recognized Stan's

ound to face him. Attempting a smile, I extended

air and green eyes gave him a beautiful, preppy appearance. He wore a blue button

is charm let me overlook

e that I ran in

ou something," he said with

ck to his place, I knew I'd have to decline in shame. There was no difference in the amount

Please agree to go out on a date with me." Pride and arrogance f

it at all was noteworthy. Moreover, I seldom ventured into such circles. Because of my shy nature and the

bhouse. Instead, he sounded like he was making a solemn proclamation. I didn't give much creden

nded the party despi

his mouth, and his eyebrows raised. "

came to Nicola, neither he nor I wanted to be rejected. At least Stan was brave enough to a

ed up at him. "Sure. A d

nside look at the Sky Clubhouse would be fun. I didn't have to marry him, though,

th fake confidence. Not only did I need my bestie as an anxiety buffe

find Ella. When he first saw her, his eyes darted up and down to take an

la and I were invited to the party solely because the male hosts

I tried to push aside the sneaking suspicion that the only reason there were wo

events. Members were free to be as picky as they liked when deciding who to invite. That Stan asked me to be his date should b

r a few seconds, I reflexively tipped my own drink back to show my agreement. He drank half of his beer

ng me anxious, and it would be too easy t

anted. When my best friend saw that I was beginning to spir

rawn to the packed dance floo

attention again by putting h

h touched me. The bartender's hand had been steady and calloused, and his body heat had seeped throu