"She's nothing," he said, reaching for me. "She's a friend who asked me to come with her because her ex would be here and…"

"Don't." I stepped back, avoiding his touch. "Don't you dare try to explain this away."

"Explain what? I'm not with her, Evie. I don't want to be with her. I want to be with you, but you won't even talk to me!"

"Because I can't!" The words exploded out of me, loud enough that a few other party-goers turned to stare. "Don't you understand? Being with you is dangerous. ...