It fell silent for a moment and the crowd chattered and laughed. The sky quickly darkened and the smell of barbecue and smoke hung heavy in the air.
“Come grab a cheeseburger and beer before it’s all gone,” she said, strolling toward the house. “Denver’s been barbecuing out back and people didn’t waste time fixing their plates. Not everyone here knows each other, so just mingle and have a good time. If you need anything, scream. Literally. I have no idea where I’ll be.” She laughed and Austin appeared, scooping her into his arms and planting a kiss on the curve of her neck.
“Missed you, Ladybug.”
“I was only gone for a minute.”
“A minute too long,” he said, inviting her lips into a sultry kiss.
Suddenly, a Kings of Leon song came on. Austin gave her a wolfish grin and swaggered off.
“Austin Cole!” She flounced after him with quick steps.
Trevor’s palm was sweaty and I glanced up at him. “Are you sure this is okay? We can go if you want.”
“I’m here to have a good time, babe. Don’t worry about me.”
He bent over a metal tub filled with ice and beer and grabbed a couple of bottles. I waved away his offer, so he tucked one under his arm and cracked open the other, downing half the bottle in one swig. I scanned the lively crowd and noticed a disproportionate ratio of men to women. What seemed odd was how none of the women had formed their own separate groups like I’d usually seen go on at parties.
“April?”
I looked over my shoulder and recognized a pretty brunette with a long braid coming my way. Ivy lived with Lexi and had helped me with a situation we had at the shop many months ago during a power outage. She was a thoughtful girl who was probably my age but seemed wise beyond her years. Ivy carried herself in an elegant manner with radiant, sun-kissed skin and earthy-brown eyes. She had to be part Native American or Spanish, but not full-blooded.
“I love your outfit,” I said, admiring her turquoise earrings and the chocolate-brown dress that fell to her ankles. It made me wish I hadn’t gone overboard—sometimes simple was classy.
“Thank you,” she said, smiling at my dress. “You look like a delicate flower that some of these men would like to pluck the petals from. Come with me and we can put your purse in a safe place so you don’t have to lug it around.”
“Trevor?” I asked, turning around. “Are you okay on your own?”
He glanced at Ivy and then back at me. “Go have fun. I’ll catch up with you in two shakes.”
I leaned up and kissed his cheek. “Be good. I’ll be inside if you need me.”
Ivy led me up the wooden steps and through the main door. Several men looked me over as I passed them and Ivy grabbed my hand. I grinned because it was flattering to receive warm smiles of admiration. We climbed the staircase on the left side of the room and reached the second floor. One hall went toward the back of the house, and another to the right.
We walked toward the back. “This is my room,” she said, opening a door on the right. She took my purse and set it near the door. “Your things will be safe in here. Closed rooms are off-limits; everyone here knows the rules.”
“And how are you going to monitor that?”
She closed the door and leaned against it. “No need to. If anyone breaks the rules, we’ll find out. That wouldn’t go over well. Are you feeling okay? You look nervous.”
Loud voices boomed from downstairs and the outside music seeped through the walls.
I shrugged and swiped a strand of hair away from my eyes. “I don’t go to many parties—not as big as this one. I’ve never seen this many people gathered in one place.”
“Austin has a lot of friends,” she replied, touching the end of her braid. I caught the strange way in which she said it. Like there was a hidden subtext. “Are you hungry?”
“Famished.”
“Great! How’s a cheeseburger sound with some potato chips?”
“Um, I think I’d like some of that pasta salad we brought over instead of chips.”
“Oh, that’s already gone.”
My mouth hung open. “Already? Jeez, I guess we didn’t buy enough.”
She snickered. “Oh, you bought plenty. But these are hungry men who know a good thing when they see it. Everything you suggested has been a hit with the crowd. Don’t worry; we have a backup plan if the food runs out. Denver volunteered to pick up a couple dozen pizzas from an Italian place up the road. He’s a bit of a Nazi on the grill and was hoarding some of the meat in a futile attempt to make it last. Austin chewed his ear off, so the burgers are on the fire again. Austin is the kind of Pack—person who doesn’t care about cost. He wants to make sure all his guests are fed and taken care of. The game room’s a few doors down to the right if you want to relax and have a drink. Denver just bought a new pool table and they’re practically glued to that thing. I’ll go downstairs and fix you a plate with something cold to drink.”
“No beer,” I said adamantly. “I’m the designated driver.”