Free Fate (Choices #2) by Sydney Lane Page A

consider giving him a hard time. But something isn't right. I've been so wrapped up in my own mess that I haven't really noticed that Seth has something going on.
    Just when I decide to ask , we halt, stopping in our tracks. Why have I never noticed this before?             
    Stunned into silence, we simply take in the sight around us. Fall flowers are in full bloom, and the meadow below us is a rainbow of color. I'm not some sentimental girl, but I can certainly appreciate the beauty before us. Seth takes a deep breath and quickly lets it out. "Wow." For once, even Seth is speechless.
    I could stay here forever. It’s almost as if time is standing still.
    A glance at Seth finds him standing with his eyes closed, arms out at his sides, taking deep breaths, as if he's savoring the moment. "This is it, Bro." When he opens his eyes, he's beaming. "This is the moment when you realize that life is too short. No regrets."
    His words stun me. Not only did Seth say something philosophical, but I want to run, jump, and pump my fist in the air. This is what the world has come to. Standing on a hillside, listening to the craziest sonofabitch I know, and believing every word he says. "Yeah, I guess you're right."
    I turn a nd begin the walk back, but I have a renewed sense of myself. I'm going to live with no regrets. They aren't dating. She isn't his. Fair game. I'm going to take what I want. I don't know what I'll do with her once I have her, but this madness is going to stop.
    And I smile, really smile , for the first time in days.
     
     

Chapter 12
     
    People begin arriving early, just as night falls and the alcohol is flowing freely. Standing on the porch of the cabin, I watch as the row of headlights approaches. Threads of laughter and chatter drift up to me, and the fire illuminates the night. As shadows dance across the field, my eyes flit over the crowd. Anticipation builds within me, a low, continuous buzz in the air. I take a long swig of my beer and saunter down the steps. It’s time to get the party started.
    “Hey, Brody!” Some girls I met at Playe rs’ step in front of me. They've already been drinking, and by the looks on their faces, they're on the prowl. One girl steps forward, her breasts grazing my arm. “Thanks for inviting us! This is such a cool place.” She’s cute, but she’s not even on my radar.
    “Yeah, I’m glad you made it. Have fun and don’t forget we have a DD to take people back to town.” I pry the girl’s hand from my arm and take a step back, without her ever noticing what I’ve done. When I walk away, I can almost hear a collective sigh behind me. Easy is not so appealing anymore.
    Joining the party, I quickly get swallowed up by the crowd, the excitement drawing me in. The music is loud, drowning out some of the voices around me and giving me an excuse to ignore people without actually ignoring them.
    I’m not really looking for her, but it’s as if my eyes are drawn to her the minute she arrives. Jenna and Quincy walk into the clearance, and my body goes into overdrive. She has on one of those hot-as-hell dresses she wears, and I swear she does it just to get to me. She is trying to kill me.
    Eric intercepts them before they get too far. That lovesick fool has been waiting for Jenna to get here all day. I didn’t say anything , but his constant texting and checking his phone was pretty pathetic. Watching them kiss might be even worse. Once the reunion is over, Eric leads the girls toward the keg. I know this is a mistake because I’ve figured something out about Little Miss Perfect. She doesn’t drink alcohol. Most of the time, she declines drinks, even if she isn’t driving. If she does accept one, she carries it around all night or throws it away when no one is watching. It’s just something else about her that intrigues me.
    I' m on my way to rescue her when Declan beats me to it. I hear him say, “Here, let me get you a beer.” Always the gentleman.