as if he was going to do just that, but Grace beat him to the punch. "Of course not, Rafe. Come on!" She grabbed his arm to lead him out the door.
"Um, should I change? Is this okay for a beach party?"
She appraised him from head to toe. "You look great. Don't worry about it."
Brad grumbled something, as he followed them outside, and Rafe felt jubilant.
Chapter Eight
Brad was quiet most of the way to the party, and Grace knew it was because he was mad that Rafe was with them. Well, that's too damn bad , she thought to herself. He needs to just get over himself. It's not like we're serious or anything. She propped her leg on the dashboard and drummed along with the song playing, trying to get in the mood to party. Truth was, she'd prefer to stay home with Rafe, but that would probably make Brad even snittier.
She liked Rafe. Right now, with Brad pouting like he was, she liked him better than her own boyfriend. Grace couldn't deny he was definitely good looking. Earlier today, when she'd run into him on the way out of the bathroom, she'd thought some inappropriate thoughts about him. His eyes were so green, and his chest was so muscly, and his sweat smelled so good.
And he had a nice smile. He was always smiling, and Grace had to admit she liked that, even if she didn't quite trust it. Someone who smiled that much must be hiding something, right? But his smile made her feel all warm and mushy inside.
And she liked that.
The party had been going on for a while by the time they got there and threw themselves into it. There was a radio playing loud dance music from the speakers of a car and a bonfire was roaring. Lots of people were dancing with glow sticks and necklaces, while others stood in clumps in the periphery, watching the dancers and talking. Brad brought Grace a beer from the keg, Rafe declining, going off in search of water somewhere.
"That guy never drinks? Weird." Brad made the off-handed comment with scorn in his voice.
"I think it's nice to stick to your principles. I'm not sure if it's that, though. I think he's just a health-nut."
"So, what's he like to live with?" His voice was cool, testing her.
She wasn't playing his games. "He's alright. He's a good cook, quiet at night, doesn't get in the way, funny. Today, he helped Nicole throw some high punks out of Yaga's."
"Fucking hero."
"What's your problem? He's just a guy who moved in with us. We've been needing a roommate, and now we have one. No big deal, Brad."
"Whatever." Brad emptied his cup quickly, going back for more, leaving Grace alone on the beach.
She watched him move through the crowd around the fire and wondered if he'd been drinking before he picked her up. She hadn't noticed him being unsteady before, but he sure was now. He staggered on his feet, stumbling into people as he made his way back to the keg.
Grace sighed and sat on a log, watching him. He was nice and all, but what in the world was she doing with him? Having fun? He was being snarky about Rafe, which was rude, and she didn't like rudeness. He was still her friend though, maybe she could talk to Brad and make him stop being an ass.
Or maybe it was time to break up with him.
She watched him talk to a group of girls by the keg, laughing at something one of them said, laying his hand on one girl's back. She rolled her eyes. Was he trying to make her jealous now? Irritation roiled in her gut, as she fought the urge to walk over to him and tell him to go ahead and fuck other girls, she was done. But she realized that she didn't really even care that much.
So what if he cheated? She wasn't emotionally invested in Brad. She made it a point to not do that with guys, and she hadn't done it with him. He was fun to be around, most of the time. Now, if the fun was gone, it was time to move on.
Drinking deeply from her cup, she sat on a log to watch him. He was attractive,
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