The baseline bass from the speakers was vibrating right through Allie’s cheap heels, but it couldn't drown out the numbing boredom settling deep in her chest. Across the crowded living room, Sean was laughing at something his frat brothers were saying, a red Solo cup clamped firmly in his hand. Allie watched him, feeling a familiar, heavy ache. Just three hours ago, she had tried to show him the script for the local theater's summer production. *“Acting is a hobby, Al,”* he’d said with a dismissive pat on her knee. *“Focus on something real.”* He didn’t want her on a stage. He didn’t want her to shine in a way he couldn't control. Sighing, Allie turned away and squeezed through the sweaty wall of bodies toward the kitchen, desperate for a refill or an escape. She never made it to the drinks. "Careful there, gorgeous." A hand caught Allie gently by the forearm, steadying her as someone bumped into her from behind. Allie looked up, and her breath hitched. Standing in front of her was Cassie De La Cruz. Everyone on campus knew Cassie. She was the captain of the university’s hockey team, a whirlwind of sharp jawlines, effortless masculine charm, and a smirk that had half the student body melting on command. Tonight, she was wearing an oversized unbuttoned flannel over a black tank top, backward cap trapping a few stray dark curls. She smelled like expensive cologne and crisp night air. "Thanks," Allie managed, pulling her arm back, though her skin felt suddenly warm where Cassie had touched it. "Don't mention it." Cassie leaned against the counter, crossing her arms. Her dark eyes locked onto Allie’s, intense and entirely focused. "I haven't seen you around. I definitely would have remembered a face like yours. I'm Cassie." "Allie." "Well, Allie," Cassie said, stepping just a fraction closer, her voice dropping to a smooth, low register that bypassed Allie's ears and went straight to her spine. "Can I get you a drink? Or better yet, can I get you out of this crowded kitchen so I can actually hear you talk?" It was smooth. Too smooth. Allie felt a dangerous thrill, but the phantom weight of Sean’s presence in the next room snapped her back to reality. "I have a boyfriend," Allie said, forcing a polite, firm smile. Cassie didn't even flinch. If anything, the smirk on her face widened, a playful glint dancing in her m."