Hooked on the Game (The Sterling Shore Series #1) by C.M. Owens Page A

there," she giggles, bubbling over with excitement .
    "Already?"
    I'd heard the music, but I thought Kade was just setting the mood right for all the partiers on their way.  I guess I've been in here longer than I thought, battling my indecisiveness.
    "You seriously look like sex in heels.  I really wish Kade had bulldozed my house."
    I let a laugh out, which is something I really needed.  Considering how nervous I am, I'm surprised I'm able to laugh at all.
    "Kade didn't bulldoze my house; some frat boys from his party did."
    "But he's the one you're living with?"
    I shrug and open the door.  "I had to live somewhere, and Mr. Colton volunteered his son's house."
    "And Kade is cool with all this?" she asks.
    "I... I think he is now," I stammer unsurely.
    She gives a goofy grin when she sees the lights flickering below.  It looks almost like a club.
    "This is going to be so awesome," she gushes, and then she loops her arm through mine.
    These heels make the stairs a little precarious, but I cautiously make my way down.  My long hair isn't balled up on my head or swept back in a ponytail.  Tonight I'm letting it hang free with some loose curls.  Maybe no one will even recognize me.
    Ember giggles more once we rich the thick of the party.  It's not too crowded, surprisingly enough.  I don't have to press against sweaty bodies to make my way over to the keg.
    My breath almost leaves me when Kade steps in from the dining room.  No.  No. No.  He's not supposed to make it hard to breathe, damn it.  I have to live with him.
    "Hey," he says, grinning when he sees me.  His eyes scale up and down my dress, making me flood with a tingle of excitement.  "Need one?" he asks, holding up his cup.
    "I need two."
    I motion to Ember, and he offers her his best I'm-too-sexy-to-be-real grin.  She shivers beside me, letting her grip tighten on my arm.  I don't like that.  I don't want Ember eye-fucking him right now.
    "Here," he says, handing me my cup first.  Then he fills up another and hands it to Ember.
    She takes it while twirling her hair like a little girl with a crush.  I tug free from her as she drools, but Kade either doesn't notice or doesn't care.  Thankfully.  Crap.  I shouldn't be thankful.
    "Feel like introductions?" Kade asks, sidling up next to me.
    I sigh out heavily.  "Yeah, sure.  Ember, this is Kade.  Kade, Ember."
    He chuckles beside me and places his hand on the small of my back.  "I've already met Ember when she came in to find you. I was asking if you wanted me to introduce you to everyone.  Let you get a feel for the crowd."
    Ember is almost forgotten as I stare into the endless pools of blue that suddenly carry such a meaningful depth instead of a guise of shallowness.  "Not right now.  I think I'll stick to nursing a beer and observing."
    I glance over to see Ember has moved on to a preppy polo-shirt-wearing guy.  My eyes return to Kade and his tight black T-shirt and dark denim jeans.  He looks too good.
    A guy has fortunately started talking to him, keeping him distracted as I shamelessly ogle him for the first real time.  He doesn't look like a business-suit in training; he looks like forbidden fruit I desperately want to taste.
    "You good?" Kade asks, acting as if he's about to leave me stranded.
    "Um... yeah.  Go have fun."
    "Business," he says, offering me a wink.  " You go have fun.  It'll be loud, so call me if you need me for anything.  My number is programmed in your phone."
    The speck of silver in his mouth intrigues me again, but I dare not stare at those perfect lips too long.  I can only see a glimpse of the secretive thing when his mouth opens, so it has to be a piercing.  Gah, I wish I hadn't thought about it.
    He gives me a quick wave before walking away.  I don't have my phone.  I was so busy gawking at him that the words never left my mouth.  I hope I don't need him for anything.
    I turn around, seeing Ember still giggling in that guy's arms.  Whew.  At