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I’d kissed Samson hoping it would drive Noah out of my mind, but it had backfired. Because now all I could think about was how Noah had tasted in comparison. How much more alive I’d felt in his arms, and how much I wanted to experience that high again.

“Is it working?” Samson murmured.

I startled. His voice slashed through the string, and I finally summoned the will to break eye contact. I angled my chin up to meet Samson’s gaze, confused. “What is?”

“You trying to make Noah jealous.” His laugh was low and laced with good-natured self-deprecation. “Come on, Cece. I have pretty high self-esteem, but it’s not so high that I think you kissed me the minute you saw me because I look so good. Or because you like me so much. Besides, you haven’t stopped staring at him since we started dancing. That’s a dead giveaway.”

A flush decorated my neck and chest. I’d been so lost in our little bubble that I hadn’t thought about how obvious we might be to onlookers. “I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to use you⁠—”

“Nah, don’t worry about it. I like being used. Sometimes.” Samson lowered his mouth to my ear. “I think it’s working. He hasn’t taken his eyes off you all night.”

I hated how that observation made my chest flutter.

“But if you’d like to be certain…” Samson spun me around again, bringing us face to face. His eyes gleamed with mischief. “Follow my lead.”

I swallowed when he slid one hand up my back and rested it gently against my nape. My entire side tingled—not from his touch, but from the heat of Noah’s stare burning into my skin.

“This is what we’re going to do,” Samson said, his voice just loud enough to be heard over the music. “We’ll wait until the song finishes. Then I’m going to pretend to whisper something suggestive in your ear. You’ll look at me, smile shyly, and nod. I’ll take your hand and lead you into the house. His imagination can fill out the rest.”

Despite my inner turmoil, amusement kindled. “You sound like you’ve done this before.”

“More or less. I’ve played many roles for many people.”

I huffed out a laugh. I really did like Samson. I didn’t feel a romantic spark with him, but he made a great friend.

I managed to keep my eyes away from Noah’s side of the dance floor for the remainder of the song. Once it ended, I followed Samson’s instructions to a T. I didn’t particularly enjoy playing these types of games, but Noah had a way of making me behave out of character. My reason and logic went haywire when it came to him, and it was deeply annoying.

Samson took my hand and led me back into the house. The intensity of Noah’s stare seared into my back as I stepped through the open door. Then we turned the corner, and the weight was gone, but its phantom heat persisted.

After a few minutes of twists and turns, we arrived at the lounge. It was empty and hushed, far enough away from the main party to seem like it belonged in a completely different house.

I inhaled deeply and reveled in the silence. It was easier to think when I was away from the noise. And from Noah.

“I figured you could use a little peace and quiet before getting back out there,” Samson said. “There’s a fridge with snacks and drinks behind the bar. Feel free to hang out and take whatever you’d like.”

“Thanks for being so cool about this,” I said, half embarrassed and half grateful. “I’m really sorry again for leading you on.”

“Stop apologizing. I told you I’m fine with it. It’s a nice distraction from the fact that we came in second in the Premier League this season.” He tossed out a crooked smile. “Besides, I don’t get the chance to fuck with Wilson often. It’s fun.”

I snorted. “Regardless, I appreciate it. I’ll even sign off on you calling me Cece from now on.”

“Did that nickname really bother you?”

“Not really. It could’ve been worse.”

Samson laughed. “On that note, will you be upset if I head back to the party solo? Happy to be your date for the night like I promised, but…”

I shook my head. “Go. Have fun. I’ll figure everything out.”

“You’re the best.” He kissed me on the cheek. “Oh, and if you and Wilson end up getting married one day? I expect a special shout-out at the reception.”

Now that was laughable.

Once Samson was gone, I leaned against the wall and drew in another breath. The room was beautiful. Expensive wood paneling and plush carpet. Cozy, brightly colored seating dominated the center of the space.

I eyed the bar but decided against drinking. I wanted a clear head so I could figure out what to do next. Scarlett and Brooklyn weren’t here yet. They’d said they were coming, but knowing them, they’d gotten “distracted” by their partners and were busy having the time of their lives at home.

That being said, I could have fun by myself. I was a functioning adult; I didn’t need a date or friends to enjoy a party. And if I ran into Noah while I was on my own, so what? I wasn’t going to let him ruin the night for me.