"Hell no."

"Carter! Get out of your color pallet!" Lacey reprimands me shaking the silky pink top at me. I make a face at her turning back around to my mirror. There's no way in hell I am wearing that too. If it was in any other color I would but pink is not my color. Never has been and never will be.

"C'mon the top is hot, C," Tori says looking at me through the mirror. I make a face at her turning back around in my desk chair. Lacey is still smiling at me like the cheshire cat wiggling the stupid top at me.

"You wear it then," I tell Tori pointing my mascara brush at the top. Lacey has been trying to beg my suitemates and I to wear this pink silk top that's cross crossed tied in the back. She ordered it and thought it made her boobs look weird since she is definitely more gifted than I am in the boob department. But it looks damn good on her even if she won't admit it.

"Absolutely not, I am wearing my lucky top tonight," Tori states pointing to the sequined covered spaghetti strapped top. I groan loudly turning around to finish off my mascara.

"Carter, you and your tan skin will look amazing in this," Lacey says hopping up onto my bed setting the pink top down against my comforter. I glare at her before resuming my mascara. Usually when I go out I throw on mascara and maybe some eyeshadow if I am feeling spicy but I seriously don't have the makeup skills to be looking like Tori and Lacey. Rae usually gets dolled up as well because she knows makeup like the back of her hand.

I swipe a couple rounds of mascara onto my upper lashes. I listen absentmindedly to Tori and Lacey discuss the plans as Doja Cat plays in the background out of Tori's speaker. I look back at myself in the mirror and make sure the mascara is even enough.

"Y'all! Does my outfit look okay?" Rae asks scurrying into Tori and I's room. I watch through the mirror as she comes into frame and Tori turns around. Rae is wearing a deep scoop necked tight white cropped top with cutoff black sleeves paired with black ripped shorts. She looks hot.

"Damn okay, Raelynn! I fucking see you," Lacey yells hopping off of my bed. I turn around laughing as Rae rolls her eyes at Lacey but a smirk pulls on her face.

"Shut up, Lace. You look just as fucking hot," Rae states bumping her hip with Lacey.

"Robbie will for sure eat that up," I comment shooting her a wink. Rae gasps loudly at my comment as I put my mascara wand back in the tube. She smacks my shoulder lightly jaw still dropped. Tori cackles at my statement shaking her head at the two of us.

"Asher Fletcher ring a bell?" Tori asks sliding off of her desk chair to our shared closet. My own jaw drops and I reach for something to chuck at her. I opt for the eyeliner laying next to my mascara and chuck it at her.

"Unfair," I state as it hits her shoulder. She laughs even harder Rae and Lacey joining in. Asher Fletcher and I shared one singular kiss in a bar. That doesn't even mean anything. Especially not to someone like Asher Fletcher.

"How is that unfair? You two practically undressed each other at McKennly's," Lacey states hopping up onto my bed. I chuck the tube of mascara at her shooting her a glare. To much of my surprise, no backlash has hit me about my kiss with Asher. Especially from psycho Kristen Davidson but I've heard that she might be onto the next. Who knows though.

"Okay, okay, whatever. I'm still not wearing that top," I state standing up from my desk chair to look at my closet. I need something super hot tonight. Not to just impress Asher but basketball parties, especially Asher Fletcher's, are big. All athletes go. So, who knows maybe Asher won't be the one to get all my attention tonight.

"Why not! Dude, it will look so good on you!" Rae says picking it up. Julie slides into my desk chair next to finish off her own makeup.

"I agree, you should just try it on," she suggests turning around. I sigh looking at the top hanging from Rae's outstretched hand. I grab it from her with an annoyed look.

"Fine."

Lacey claps her hands happily together as I peel off my sports bra and throw the shirt over my head. I turn around and allow her to tie the back of the shirt. Once she's done I turn back around and pose for my friends jokingly.

"You're wearing that," Julie says nodding her head excitedly. I glance down at the pink top and make a face. Pink is definitely not something I ever wear. So, it looks rather odd on me. A chorus of 'yes'' come from all the girls and I turn around to look at myself in the full length mirror hanging behind my door. I glance at myself and am pleasantly surprised with the way I look.

"If you don't I'll literally kill you," Tori states grabbing the bottle of vodka. I glance at myself one last time before deciding life instead of death. Cause I know Tori would kill me if I didn't wear it.

"Let's take some shots!" I state clapping my hands together. We have to call the uber soonish so it's time to start pregaming before we have to head to the basketball house. Which is only causing me immense stomach pains so maybe alcohol will help a girl out.

______

The party is packed. We managed to make our way out from the dance floor and to the kitchen to grab drinks. Rae and Julie found some girl from their econ class so we lost them awhile back. I currently have a blue type of jungle juice in my hand while I sit on the counter next to Lacey. Surprisingly she hasn't run off with Michael or Braden. The doorway is right in front of us so the two of us have been picking out random people and saying what they might be doing. I take a long swig from my cup as Tori hands over a bottle of Crown Russe.

I flick my eyes over the party and a smile involuntarily forms on my face. I see Asher's tall frame moving across the party. Lacey nudges me and I grab the bottle to take a shot.

"Jesus, Car," Lacey laughs as I take a big chug. I move it away from my mouth laughing loudly. The juice and the multiple shots have been hitting me for awhile now. But not enough for me to not have my stomach flipping when I see Asher. I glance back at him and my smile drops. I roll my eyes when Kristen cuts in front of him. Lacey gulps a large amount of the bottle in her hand again. I snatch the bottle from her again and chug.

"Ew," Lacey says making a face as I bring the bottle away from my lips to inspect it. I make a face realizing that is not the same bottle of vodka I just drank from. The Fireball logo is plastered on the front and I make a face. Of course Lacey found Fireball. It's her go to.

"Who cares," I say crossing my leg over my other. Tori hops up onto the counter next to me holding a red cup with blue liquid in it. Probably the jungle juice that was made for the night. Usually we don't drink it but since Jeremy assured us that it was safe we decided to drink it.

"Oh come on you care," Tori says rolling her eyes at me. I make a face at her and hand the bottle back to Lacey. I don't care about Kristen Davidson and her tallness and bleach blonde hair. She just gives me bad vibes.

"Carter definitely doesn't care because Carter is hotter than her anyways," Lacey says flipping her blonde hair over her shoulder. Her eyes are scanning over the party probably looking for Braden or Michael. Whichever one she picks tonight I'm sure she'll be happy by the end of it. As for me, who the fuck knows what page Asher is on. Friends, not friends? Friends who kiss?

Asher only knows.

"I second that but that doesn't mean she isn't pissed. I would be pissed if she was all up on my man," Tori comments bringing the cup to her lips. I give her a "really?" look and grab my own cup from beside me.

"Are you crazy? Asher Fletcher is not my man. Chill," I say tipping my cup in her direction. She holds her hands up in mock defense shaking her curly hair at me. I catch Rae making her way over to us with Trey and Jeremy in tow behind her.

"She wishes," Lacey laughs into her bottle of Fireball. I groan in annoyance sliding off of the counter and onto my feet. I turn around to face them and they both are giggling to themselves.

"As if." I roll my eyes at them. I cross my arms over my chest. I don't want Asher as my man. Fuck that. Lacey makes an "mhmm okay" face while Tori throws back another shot. I bring my cup to my lips letting the liquid cover my taste buds. The juice tonight is actually rather good and not as strong as I expected. Well, let's get through this cup and see how I feel.

I glance over the counter top to the kitchen sink to see Jeremy and I think, Trey, pouring themselves some of the jungle juice. Jeremy turns my way with the cup in his mouth and a pretzel bag in the other. He waves the bag at me and I laugh.

"Hi!" I say waving back at him. He grabs the cup from his mouth and gestures for Trey to come to me. They make their way around the counter to my friends and I.

"My favorite study partner," Jeremy says wrapping an arm around my shoulder. I chuckle at him giving him a mini side hug. Trey raises his eyebrows giving me a look. This kid is big hot. His snapback sits on his curly head of hair and his blue eyes are way too noticeable.

"I'm your only study partner," I state laughing a little. I pull away from him as Tori slides next to Trey. I make a face at her and she ignores me but I'm sure I'm smirking like there's no tomorrow.

"Ah the famous Carter Miller. Statistics genius," Trey states glancing up and down at Tori. Her tall frame and his mesh so well together. I don't know if it's cause I'm feeling the juice or what but I like it.

"Oh god no," I state shaking my head at him drinking from my cup. "I suck at it."

"Not from what I've heard," Trey states but now I'm starting to think he is meaning something else. I leave it at that and turn to look for Lacey. She has disappeared along with Rae and Julie. I glance towards the dance floor and see all of them. I relax a little and look to the next entrance. I see Asher slide into the kitchen paying no attention to us in the corner.

"Fletcher, fucking finally!" Jeremy yells loudly from the corner. He turns to look at us and I expect to see his laid back look but he has something else written across his face. He's still in his button up and dress pants clearly he didn't have time to change. Which is odd but who cares. He looks too hot right now for me to care.

"Chatting up Kristen Davidson's ear, ay?" Trey says with a raised eyebrow. Asher shoots Trey a glare but I stand up straighter. I did not like that comment so I turn to Tori.

"Let's party," I say nodding to the dance floor. She nods her head eagerly shooting Trey a glare. I ignore Asher and look back at Jeremy. "See you later?"

"Yeah. Have fun," he states nodding his head at me. I smile back and exit out the closest exit holding onto Tori. I don't know why but Trey seemed to know a little too much than I'd like. While he was at the bar, his comment and semi dig was weird. Julie spots us and opens her arms out wide. I meet her halfway and hug her back.

"Holy- finally! Guys I've been dancing for twenty minutes!" Rae yells pointing behind her. I am about to say something but notice Robbie standing behind her. She makes a face and then gives me a thumbs up. I throw my head back laughing loudly making sure not to dump my cup on the floor. I need to start throwing this back. Liquid courage is very real and I'm definitely going to need it tonight.

"We were preoccupied," Tori yells subtly nodding her head in the direction of the kitchen. Rae moves to go up on her tippy toes and realization crosses her face. She glances at me and I mouth 'explain later.' She nods her head in understanding before resuming her dancing with Robbie.

"C'mon dance with me," Lacey says pulling my hand. Julie, Tori, Lacey and I forming a small circle to dance and sing songs to each other in. I chug the rest of my drink and discard the cup onto the resting pong table near us. Pursuit of Happiness by Kid Cudi plays through the speakers as I hold onto Julie's hand. I laugh loudly as I spin her around and the four of us dance probably like idiots. I turn around to sing to Rae who is on some next grinding level with Robbie. Who has this goofy grin on his chiseled face.

I gasp when someone tugs on my belt loops. I spin around to smack the fuck out of whoever just did that. I drop my hand when I meet Asher's chocolate brown eyes.

"You are always walking away from me," he states lowly in my ear. I roll my eyes at him and swing my hips away from him.

"Maybe there's a reason for it," I state loudly with narrowed eyes. He laughs rolling his eyes at me. I wish he didn't look so damn hot right about now and frustrating at the same time. The entire basketball team claims they hate Kristen Davidson. So what gives?

"C'mon, Carter."

"Don't c'mon me. Go to Kristen," I bite out. Oh God now I sound crazy. Great this is all just great. I need to leave. Definitely need to leave. His shoulders tense at the mention and he takes a step forward.

"Fuck her," he states. I begin to move my hips to the next song playing. He drags his eyes along my hips watching them move. He keeps his hands to himself but by the way he is clenching his fists, I can tell he's trying not to grab me.

"I'm sure you already did," I state finally stopping my movements. I am over this conversation and I need another drink. I don't wanna hear all about Kristen. Nor do I want to hear the pathetic way he tries to defend the fact that he says one thing and does another. It's his turn to narrow his eyes at me and clench his jaw. From so close I can see his stubble and freckles that cross his face. His pale skin really does suit him well with his dark thick hair.

"Enough. I shouldn't have to have this conversation with you," he states sternly. I make a 'really' face at him before turning around quickly. I need a minute. I feel like we just talk in circles with him.

"I'll be back!" I yell to my friends before moving through the mounds of people. I remember where the bathroom is from when I came over for studying. Past the stairs and right before the sliding screen doors in the back. I turn into the open door and flip the light on. I am about to close the door but a hand stops it. I groan knowing exactly who it is.

"Asher, I got it for the love of god," I say walking fully into the bathroom. I turn around crossing my arms over my chest as he shuts and locks the door behind him.

"You are jumping to conclusions," he says shaking his head at me. I give him an unimpressed look.

"Your team hates her and you claim that you do too. Looks a little sketchy if you ask me. So, I'm confused. That's it. I'm not jumping to conclusions that's just how it looks," I state straight up. I don't get why I am beating around the bush when he doesn't deserve sugar coating. I lean my back against the counter as he takes a step in front of me.

"I do hate her," he says crossing his own arms over his chest. "It's complicated."

I try to move past him but he stops me clamping a hand onto my hip. I sigh again and move back to my spot leaning against the counter.

"What's it like then?" I ask him leaning my back against the counter. He studies me almost like I asked him a trick question. Which I didn't. It's simple to explain to me that Kristen and you aren't exclusively talking. That's it.

"It's nothing. I hooked up with her occasionally and that's it. She should know that's it," he states putting emphasis on that last part. I raise an eyebrow at him before rolling my eyes again and lean my hands against the bathroom counter. He looks over my face gauging my reaction and even though I'm rather drunk, I keep my face neutral. Or try.

"Okay," I state no matter how much it annoys me. I am not his girlfriend. I need to chill with my dramatics and focus on the fact that he's here right now with me. And not her. He looks taken back by my short answer.

"Just okay?" he asks stepping back enough for me to pull myself onto the countertop. I nod my head at him with a shrug.

"Yup."

He steps away from me completely crossing his arms over his chest. He looks displeased with my answer as he adjusts his button up shaking his head. His curly dark locks look soft and definitely like it would be a good time to run my hands through it. I am so over talking about Kristen and blah blah blah.

"You are one confusing girl," he states shaking his head at me. I make a face at him glancing at the door. I'm surprised no one has barged in to puke or do whatever.

"Says you," I hum leaning against the mirror. He takes a step forward with a raised eyebrow. He rests a hand beside my thigh and clamps the other down on my waist.

"What is with all this sass today?" he asks pushing me to the edge of the counter. I sit up straighter trying to collect my thoughts. His hand being on my bare skin is not helping me. I shrug my shoulders, resting my hands on his shoulders. I feel his muscles tense and then relax under my touch. As he moves his other hand to my hip.

"No witty comeback?" he asks trying again. He draws a pattern across the top of my jeans with his index finger. I lull my head back a little. The touch feels surprisingly good and by the look on his face I can tell he knows.

"Nope," I mange to get out. He smirks knowingly at me as I pull him closer to me running my hands down his muscular back. I can feel all the muscles right under my hands and holy shit is he ripped.

"Hmm," he hums plucking me off of the counter in one swift motion. I gasp gripping his shoulders to make sure I don't die. I wrap my legs around his waist as he holds me up by my butt. I bite down on my lip and he looks over my face. Making sure he's okay to continue.

"Kiss me or I'll do it for you," I state. I know he wants this just as bad as I do. Without another word his lips meet mine. I almost sigh at how much I needed this. I miss the way his lips felt on mine. His calloused hands grip my butt tightly as I finally run my hands through his soft hair. He groans a little into the kiss making me smirk. His tongue slips past my lips and into my mouth. He sets me down onto the counter again as I pull him closer. If that's even possible. He pulls away looking me over while I catch my breath. Both of us are breathing heavily as his hand trails up my side to my cheek.

He brushes his thumb over my cheek, "That kiss wasn't telling me to stop."

The alcohol in my body makes my head spin even more as I lean into his touch. It's almost like my body is comfortable with him which is really fucking weird and nice at the same time.

"Maybe I don't want you to," I state looking up at him his eyes dark. I drop my hand from his shoulder to the buttons on his shirt.

"Don't say shit like that if you don't mean it," he states as I pop open another button on his shirt. He lays a hand flat against my back and pushes me closer to him.

"I do mean it." He raises a eyebrow at me with a sigh. I feel him tug against the bow tied on the back of top. I let him loosen the back and I pull it over my head.