“Was. I just graduated.”
“UW?”
“No. Tori is finishing up there, though.” She nodded toward the goddess, once again back in the corner surrounded by men. “I went to University of Nevada. I’m just out here for vacation before I start looking for a job.”
Another puzzle piece slid into place. She was coming out swinging with the flirting. Maybe looking for a vacation hookup?
He moved his hand lower on her back, fanning his fingers out so they settled on the up curve of her ass.
She tensed just the tiniest bit.
Interesting.
He traced his fingers back up to the small of her back where she seemed more comfortable.
“So, you left Las Vegas to spend your vacation in Seattle?” He gave a slow smile. “Sounds a little backward.”
She relaxed again with a soft grunt. “I live in Vegas. Partying got old fast. So, spending my vacation hiking Rattlesnake Ridge with friends had more appeal than getting lit at a crowded nightclub.”
Burned out of partying at around twenty-two? Seemed pretty rare. And she knew the local hiking spots, so clearly she’d been up to the Pacific Northwest before.
“What kind of job are you looking for?”
“I’m a social worker. Child and family specialist.”
“That’s impressive.”
“Is it?” She gave him a searching glance, as if she weren’t quite sure he was actually impressed or just blowing smoke up her ass.
“I think so.”
“Some call me crazy to go into this field.” She gave a slight smile and then glanced away. “So, what brings you to this party? Are you friends with the birthday guy?”
“Yeah.” He took a slow breath in and admitted, “We were in the same fraternity for a while.”
Her lips parted, and she gave a small nod. “Ah, so you were a frat boy.”
Memories slammed into him, leaving his throat tight, but he forced a slight smile. “That was a long time ago.”
“Well, I won’t hold it against you.” Her eyes sparkled with blatant flirtation now. “One of my brothers joined one for a while back in the day.”
The song ended, and an upbeat dance song came on. What was with the ’80s music? With a grimace, Blake came to a standstill. “Sorry, I can barely manage the slow stuff. I’m out when this type of shit comes on.”
She laughed and met his gaze.
Damn, she had great eyes. And that laugh. Husky and feminine. Sexy. It made him want to make her laugh more.
“Maybe we should try the game room?” she suggested. “Have you been in there yet?”
“Didn’t even know there was one.”
“Well now, that’s your downfall. If it’s offered, a cutthroat game of Mario Party is usually where you’ll find me at these things. I have my gamer moments.”
Kristen was somewhat of a gamer? He suspected this girl had more layers than a snowboarder on Snoqualmie Pass.
“And I’m not much for dancing either,” she confessed while leading him toward another room, “but I’ve gotta say you made it kind of enjoyable.”
*