The Bad Boy Next Room (Charlie and Taylor)

"Woah! Woah there! You look hot, Charlie!" Mia remarked, eyeing her from head

to toe. "And the heels? They complete your look. You look like a model or a Hollywood star!"

Charlie took a deep breath, studying herself in the mirror. She said, "This is really okay, right?"

"Absolutely," Mia responded. "You look gorgeous in that swimsuit. Every guy out there is going to drool over you! I had no idea you had such a great body! Why have you been hiding it for so long?"

Mia and Charlie were in the Luxford City Sports Club bathroom, where the party was taking place. From what Charlie gathered, Mia's cousin was acquainted with the party host, and she had come as a plus one.

Instead of wearing a T-shirt, Charlie was now in a two-piece bikini, the same one Taylor didn't want her to wear.

The top was a classic triangle halter style with thin straps tied around her. The bikini bottoms were low-rise with adjustable side ties. Over her frame, Charlie wore a long, sheer white robe. The translucent fabric made the bikini underneath visible while adding a sophisticated touch. Paired with black strappy high-heeled sandals, she looked even more elegant, even without a touch of makeup.

"I'm nervous," Charlie admitted, turning around to check her back. "I've never worn this around so many people."

"Girl, shake off those nerves because plenty of women out there-" Mia gestured toward the door, then continued, "are trying to seduce your man. Are you two fighting, by the way? Why didn't you come with Taylor?"

"Um, no," Charlie said, frowning. 'But it's not my business because we aren't a couple!'

"But he didn't tell me he was going to a party," Charlie looked down, contemplating. "Well, maybe I kind of disappointed him last night. I'm not sure."

"Well, Charlie Rae." Mia snapped her fingers. "Go ahead and patch things up with Mr. West."

Mia grabbed Charlie's backpack. "I'll take care of your bag and clothes."

Charlie and Mia headed toward the party. As soon as they reached the pool entrance, they ran into Mia's cousin, but the latter had to attend to other guests, leaving the two ladies on their own.

Nevertheless, Charlie didn't miss the piercing gazes of most men. Some smiled at her, others winked and checked her out.

Charlie, on the other hand, tried to be as confident as she could, blending in like she belonged at the party.

Technically, she was a plus one... of a plus one... which basically made her a party crasher.

A waiter passed by, offering champagne. Charlie took a glass and so did Mia. Charlie sipped her drink fazily, knowing her poor tolerance. Mia, on the other hand, downed her drink in one gulp.

"I think I need another,” Mia said, looking around. She spotted a champagne

tower and exclaimed, "There it is!"

Mia ran off to get more drinks, making Charlie giggle at her friend. Charlie didn't see Taylor, so she wandered around, holding her

wineglass leisurely. Men contiol

to wink at her, and some boldly whistled in her direction.

Charlie ignored them until... her heel got stuck in one of the pool drains!noveldrama

"Shit!" Charlie hissed, looking down at her shoe. She tried to free it, but it wouldn't budge!

"Need help, beautiful?" a guy asked behind her.

"Um, yeah, actually-" Charlie lifted her head to see a tall man with dark hair

smiling at her. She badly needed his help, but at the same time, she noticed something else: a death glare!

Her heart skipped a beat.

A few feet away stood a tall,

handsome, familiar man with blond

hair. His eyes were locked on her, piercing and intense. His jaw was clenched so tight it looked painful, and he gripped a beer bottle so hard it seemed like it could shatter at any second.

Yep. It was Taylor West. And from the look on his face, Charlie knew she was in trouble.

'Run, Charlie. Run!'

***

Earlier that day, Taylor received a call from his old friend Drew Wilder, a former high school senior who had returned to town after attempting a career in the NBA.