“Cuz you were bored tonight.” Nick replied as he pulled her into the house, ducking between two people stumbling out.
She surveyed the crowded, noisy room. “Yeah, but I really didn’t mind being bored.”
Nick wrapped an arm protectively around her shoulders. “I minded. Besides, you might have a little fun.”
“Um…yeah.” She stammered as a girl stumbled into her, obviously drunk.
“Oops, sorry.” She giggled, then moved off.
Celeste shook her arm. “Looks like some people are already having a little fun.”
Nick nodded in agreement. “Yeah, it looks that way.”
“Nick! Who is this hottie?” A voice called out from behind them.
Nick and Celeste turned to see AJ McLean approaching, drink in hand. He lifted his sunglasses up off his eyes.
Nick pulled Celeste closer to him. “Hey Bone. Meet Celeste. Celeste, the infamous AJ McLean.”
“Hello there.” AJ rested his glasses atop his head and held out his hand. He smiled warmly at her.
“Hi.” Celeste greeted him, allowing him to take her hand in his. “It’s nice to meet you.”
AJ raised her hand to his lips. “The pleasure is all mine.” He placed a small, tender kiss to the back of it before lowering it. His eyes quickly scanned up and down her body.
Celeste felt a warm blush rise over her. She glanced down at her hand still enclosed in his.
Nick cleared his throat and AJ released her hand.
“And why have you never informed me of this beautiful woman?” He questioned, his eyes sweeping to Nick.
Nick rolled his eyes. “Because she’s my friend and I want to keep her safe.”
AJ held a hand to himself as a mock shocked expression flitted over his face. “Safe? From me?” He sounded appalled that Nick would even suggest that.
Nick nodded. “Yes, safe from you.”
AJ sighed. “Ok, I see how it is.” He slid his glasses back down on his face. He turned back to Celeste. “It was a pleasure meeting you. I hope you enjoy the party. Maybe I’ll catch up with you later.”
Celeste nodded, a bit confused by the exchange that had taken place between him and Nick. “Yeah, I will, maybe.”
AJ smiled and headed off.
She turned to Nick. “This is AJ’s house, right?”
Nick nodded as he took Celeste’s hand and led her through the crowd. “Yeah, he tends to throw some pretty wild parties.”
Celeste nodded and took in the drinking contest going on in the corner of the room. They were playing the game, cups. And loosing quite a bit. “I can tell.”
“Yeah, but let’s not hang in here, too crowded.” He led her through the house and finally ended up in a smaller, quieter room. “This is better.”
Celeste gazed around. A few people were scattered on random furniture. Some watching a television, others were playing Nintendos or Playstations. “Should have known you’d bring me in here.” She murmured to him.
Nick just gave her a goofy grin. “Would you rather be out there with all the drunkards?”
She poked his side. “You’re the one that brought me here.”
He nodded. “Exactly, so this is fine.” He pulled her over and down onto a sofa. “Hey B-Rok.” He greeted a sandy haired man.
The guy glanced over as a grin spread over his face. “Hey Nick, you made it.” Then his gaze fell on Celeste, and he sent Nick a questioning look.
Nick pulled Celeste closer. “Brian, this is Celeste. Celeste, Brian. He’s a Backstreet Boy too.”
Celeste nodded and accepted the hand Brian was holding out towards her. “Hey, nice to meet you.” She smiled at him.
“You too.” Brian smiled back.
Nick removed his hand from around Celeste’s waist and sank down onto the floor. “What are you playing?”
Brain pointed his controller to the screen. “Madden 2001, wanna play?”
Nick nodded and grabbed a stray controller. “Yeah.”
Brian nodded and soon the two of them were wrapped up in their game.
Celeste perched on the edge of the sofa and watched for a little while. But one could only watch animated football players run back and forth on the screen before they grew bored. Which happened.
Giving a sigh, she stood up. Time to go find something else to do. And myabe get a drink, she was thirsty. “Nick, I’m gonna go get something to drink.” She informed him.
He just nodded and continued his bantering about how he was going to kick Brian’s ass. She doubted he even heard her. Brian sent her a smile though. She ruffled Nick’s hair and headed out of the room.