Lizzie

We all had a great time at the beach, it was fun just chilling, chatting and reading. Denver had a message to say that one of the guys on the team, Lucian, I think his name is, has invited people over to his house for a party.

Tammy has declined. I can see why. To be honest, the whole thing that happened with her has put Lilly and I on red alert. We've decided to go. I did offer to spend time with Tammy at home tonight instead, but she mentioned that her parents are still there. This is a first. Usually, they just stop off and then do a quick turnaround. However, for once, they may actually be putting Tammy and her little sister, Willow, first. Fingers crossed.

So, it was settled that Tammy would spend time with her folks later this evening and little Willow. I am sure hoping this is a turnaround for them all and that some family bonding will take place. It'd be amazing for them both if their folks come to realize just how special Tammy and Willow are and that they deserve their parents to be around more than they actually are.

"What are you going to wear?" Lilly asks now that we're back at mine. I dropped Brandon off at his house since he'd had a couple of beers so he could get some dinner and get ready for tonight. Lilly opted not to have a couple of beers on the beach and drove Denver and Tobias home. Well, she took Tobias to Denver's, who said he could eat at his house, then they'd get a cab over later.

I will drive again tonight and pick Brandon up on the way in his truck, I'm hoping he doesn't get wasted and start chatting shit like he sometimes does. Honestly, as much as I have these strong feelings for him, there is nothing worse than seeing someone you care for getting wasted.

"I have no idea. It's just a house party and I'm not out to impress anyone. Probably my skinny black jeans, the ones with tears in them and a crop top and some flat ballet pumps." I throw my beach towel in my laundry basket and slip my flip flops off and launch myself on my bed. The sun has drained me a bit and all I want to do is have a quick nap.

"What are you planning on wearing? Do you even know this Lucian guy?" I ask her, my eyes threatening to close. Lilly is sitting on my bed with her legs crossed, scrolling through her mobile.

"Nope, not really. I've seen him on the field a few times. You must know which one he is. He's got ice blonde hair and some serious green eyes." I think and furrow my brow. To be honest, I don't hang with the football guys a lot, only Brandon and Denver. The six of us are a group, and we do so much together that I rarely hang out with Brandon when he goes off to the guys' things. Probably because I know he'll hook up with a footie-bunny. You know, the type of girl who just wants to be seen with a player and to be gratified. They don't give a damn about relationships or feelings either. Although one did try to stalk Brandon for a while. Jeez, it was so bad. The girl kept sexting him; she'd turn up at his house and wouldn't leave him alone in school. In the end, he had to be upfront and brutal with her.

It wasn't Brandon's fault. I know for a fact he tells the girls straight off: it's just a hook-up. He doesn't do dating.

This is why I can't breathe a word of how I feel for him. He's made it plain and clear on so many occasions that girls are for hookups only. He has no interest in being distracted from getting to the NFL and not getting his grades in school. He needs them for college too.

"Here." Lilly holds her mobile out to my face and I peer at the screen.

"Oh, wow. He's kind of hot, right?" She giggles as she sits cross-legged on my bed.

"He is kind of cute. But he isn't Denver." She sighs. It's adorable how much she loves Denver; truly, they'll be engaged, I reckon, first year into college. It's what she wants. Denver, too, you can tell he is totally smitten with her and adores everything about it. And who would have guessed that someone like Denver, who could have a dozen girls at once, would settle with just one girl? Lilly is special, though; she's smart, fierce, and so damn pretty that you just melt when you look at her.

"I'll go for jeans too. But it's going to be hot and humid later." I'm guessing she's now on the weather app. I forgot to mention, Lilly is our meteorologist; she is constantly on the weather app.

I shrug. "I'm not wearing anything short; you know what football guys can be like. They're only in it for a quick fuck, and I don't want to be looked at like I'm the next plaything." She sighs and points out.

"They're not all like that. Look at Denver." I purse my lips together.

"Maybe not Denver; he is an exception, but most of them are, Lilly. Jeans it is. You can wear something cute; I mean, you will be with Denver, so you're gonna want to look pretty and all." Her smile beams; I swear, just the mention of his name makes her entire face light up.

Half an hour later, she leaves to go home and get ready. My mom shouts up to check if I want dinner before I go or if I'm eating at the party. I tell her I will snack at the party; there's always food and free drinks. Only after what happened to Tammy a few nights ago, I am definitely not drinking; besides, I am driving Brandon home later.

I shower, apply my favorite Marc Jacobs Daisy body lotion to my skin and spritz some perfume. Tying my hair up in a high ponytail, I slip into my comfy black jeans and white crop top, and slip on my Chanel ballet pumps. There ready.

"Thanks for driving," Brandon says as he gets into his truck.

"Sure, no problem." God, he smells heavenly. All citrus and cinnamon. It's intoxicating; I want to lean further towards him and smell him some more. Pack it in, I tell myself.

"You look pretty." His eyes look me up and down. I squirm in the driver's seat; his electric-blue eyes roam over my body. Since when has Brandon ever checked me out? I feel a bit uncomfortable, but I like it at the same time. Is that even possible? Only, well, I do.

"Thanks. You look good yourself." And he does, in his standard attire of black jeans that hug those damn long, toned legs and another one of his V-tees, this time it is Dior. He sure loves his labels, does Brandon. I don't mind them, but I'd rather go thrift shopping with Lilly. We love getting bargains, rummaging through racks and racks of clothing and picking out some vintage clothes. It's one of my favorite things to do, aside from buying books. It's part of my self-care programme.

"Let's rock it, Lizzie-Baby." He turns his stereo on, and Drake floods the speakers. It's a bit loud, but I'm guessing Brandon has smoked a joint and had another beer and is in full buzz mode. I leave it loud. If it makes him happy, then it makes me happy.

When we arrive at Lucian's sprawling house, I mean it is massive; the party is in full throng. Lilly has messaged to say she'll be a bit late, as she checked in on Denver before going home to get ready. Denver apparently decided to have a nap, and she had to wake him up. So, she is running behind. No big drama, Brandon and I can meet up with them and Tobias when they arrive.

I feel a bit out of place the moment I step in. Most of the girls are wearing practically nothing. Short skirts that barely cover their butts, tops that their tits practically fall out of. A few couples are grinding against each other in the hallway; it's so crammed it must be a fucking fire hazard.

Brandon grabs my hand and pulls me through the entrance, past the sweeping staircase where more couples are sitting around, and girls are vying for guys' attention, then into the kitchen.

Boy, I've never seen so many huge guys all standing in one place. They are so tall and so well built that it's kind of intimidating. Brandon is tall at six feet and sure he's got broad shoulders, but these guys are gigantic. I feel like a dwarf in comparison.

"Hey, Brandon. Glad you could make it." Some guy shouts out across the blasting music. He's got chocolate colored hair and brown eyes. He pulls Brandon to him and gives him a manly slap on the back. I stand around like a spare part.

"This is Lizzie," Brandon says, introducing me. The big fella's hand swallows mine.

"Pleased to meet you, Lizzie. Graham. I play offence," he says his teeth are so pearly white they're dazzling.

"Nice to meet you," I say. Brandon reaches for two beers from the counter. I shake my head because I'm driving.

"You with Brandon then? He's kept you a little secret, hasn't he?" Brandon laughs; it's throaty and so sexy.

"Nah, she's my bestie, mate." That brings a look of interest to Graham's face as his eyebrows wiggle. It makes me chuckle. "But she's off limits." I glance at Brandon. Since when did I become off-limits? Is he for real? Not that I want to jump Graham or anything, but that isn't the point. Is it?

"Ignore him," I say, glaring at Brandon.

"I'm going to mingle." He says and takes off after adding, "don't hook up with anyone. They just want a quickie. Got it." Like, he needs to tell me. Honestly, doesn't he realize I've been hanging with him ever since way back and know what these guys are like?

Graham is accosted by a raven-haired beauty with stunning violet-blue eyes. I am transfixed as I look at her. She's tall, I'd say easily five nine or something and slender. He wraps an arm around her minuscule waist and pulls her to him. Okay, so now they're sticking their tongues in each other's mouths. Time for me to move on.

I turn and instantly bump into something very hard. I look up and meet the greenest, most impossible eyes I have ever seen.

My hands are still resting on the person's chest. "Hi." This God drawls, a smile on his face.

"Er, hi. Sorry for bumping into you." I feel a sensation in my stomach. It's not quite like it is when I am with Brandon, but nonetheless It takes me by complete surprise.

"Lucian." He offers me his hand.

"Lizzie."

"Nice to meet you, Lizzie." I bet this guy is dangerous. Standing behind him were three girls, whom I recognized from the cheerleading squad. They're playing with their hair and trying to touch him. Jeez-us.

"You want to grab a beer and have a dance?" He is so smooth. I should say no, I'm here with Brandon, who has disappeared off somewhere.

"I'm not really drinking. I'm DD." I tell him. Lucian nods and instead places an arm around my shoulder, guiding me back away from the kitchen and into a large open space where all the furniture looks like it has been moved out. I'm guessing it is the lounge area, but now it's just filled with bodies, people chatting, dancing and making out. Don't they have bedrooms for that?

"So, Lizzie. How come I haven't seen you around before?" He says, and I giggle because it's so damn corny. I hope Lilly and Denver turn up soon.

"I don't get out much to be honest. Too busy studying." I don't tell him I'd rather be in with my fantasy world of books, tucked up on my bed.

"Shame, you're so pretty." He whispers into my ear. Right, this guy only wants a hookup, and I'm not open to that. Even though both Tammy and Lilly say I need to get laid. But you know what, for my first time, personally I'd rather it meant something.

Not a hook-up with a hulking jock.

"Whoa." I hear Brandon's voice behind me. "She's off limits, Lucian," he says. I swing round faster than you can blink.

"Why the fuck do you keep saying that?" I snap at him.

"Because you are." Lucian is standing with his hands on his narrow hips. I have to confess, he is seriously good-looking. He has an amused look on his face.

"Is she your hookup?" he asks. Seriously? WTF?

"I'm standing right here, guys. Thanks." I fold my arms in front of my chest.

"No, Lucian, she isn't. But she's not about to become yours either. Go find some other girl to fuck."

"I may want more than just a fuck, Brandon. Are you off limits?" His green eyes are intense. I don't know. Am I? I just stand rooted to the spot. Please God, open a hole up in the ground so I can fall into it and be lost forever.

"Yes, she is, c'mon, Lizzie. Let's go." I'm in total shock, and right now I could easily punch Brandon in the damn face.