The party was already loud when I stepped through the door.

Ethan’s voice boomed from somewhere inside, laughing, shouting over the bass-heavy music pumping from the speakers. Beer bottles littered the kitchen island. Half the guests looked drunk. The other half looked horny.

I hadn’t planned on staying long. Just a quick appearance for my younger brother’s birthday bash, show face, smile, and head back to the hotel.

But then I saw her.

Maya.

She stood by the patio door, ...