Ethan Crane has been watching me all night.
I know this, because I can’t take my eyes off of him.
We’re at the first party of the semester…
So I crook a finger in his direction…
Inviting him to join me on the makeshift dance floor.
He walks over without hesitation.
His dark brown eyes are on me the entire way.
I give him a playful smile.
Abby
Want to dance with me, Ethan Crane?
His lips tilt up at the corners.
Ethan
Wait, you already know me?
Ethan
Why don’t I know you?
Everyone knows who he is.
But I keep that thought to myself.
Abby
You’re the president of this frat.
His eyes are still locked on mine.
Ethan
Well, you got one thing right.
Ethan
I am the president.
Ethan
But this isn’t my party, or my house.
Ethan
I live in an apartment off-campus.
I’m so caught up in admiring his handsome face…
In the unexpected electricity I feel just from being near him…
That my next words slip out, unbidden.
Abby
Is that an invitation?
Apparently, I’m still being bold!
I’m just about to take my comment back…
When I catch sight of Ethan’s grin.
It’s as if he knows exactly what’s running through my head.
Ethan
You still haven’t told me your name.
I take a deep breath and smile.
Ethan
It’s nice to meet you, Abby.
His hand moves to grab mine.
And a tingle shoots up my arm at his touch.
Ethan
Now, I think you promised me a dance?
I grab his other hand and pull him towards me.
Abby
But I’m a pretty good dancer.
Abby
Think you can keep up?
He scoffs, his grin widening.
Ethan
Is that a challenge?
Abby
Because this is my favorite song.
Sending warmth oozing through my limbs.
As he wraps his muscled arms around me…
I slide mine around his neck.
Our bodies move in perfect synchronicity to the sensual R&B tune.
Within an instant, it’s clear that Ethan is an incredible dancer.
A seductive rhythm that makes my breath hitch…
Inside the bubble of just the two of us.
Ethan
You’re the most beautiful girl I’ve ever seen.
My body explodes with excitement.
Ethan
And I promise that’s not just a line.
Ethan
I haven’t been able to look away from you all night.
I pull back so I can stare up at him.
Feeling like I have hearts in my eyes.
Ethan
This dance is easily the highlight of my night.
And I rest my chin on his shoulder.
But then somewhere in the kitchen…
And reality comes crashing back.
I don’t mess with frat guys.
Ethan made me forget that too easily.
He pulls me closer, as if he feels me slipping away.
And the way his body is moving…
It makes me want to do away with rules altogether.
Maybe I CAN throw them out.
I’ve never felt this kind of instant attraction in my life.
As Ethan’s eyes drink me in…
And this time, it’s me who whispers in his ear.
Abby
So, how about that invitation?
I pull back to look at him…
Making my intentions abundantly clear.
I can tell he’s about to say something…
But I press a finger to his lips.
Abby
No strings attached.
Wanting answers I won’t give him.
I start to feel twitchy as he hesitates…
So I slide my hand down his chest.
I let it linger over his heart.
Hoping that will move things along.
For a second, I think he’s about to say no.
But then he nods, squeezing my hand.
He runs his other hand up my arm…
And this time, it’s me who knows what HE’S thinking.
That our chemistry is too much to deny.
His dark brown eyes lock with mine.
Ethan
I’ll take what I can get.
Dana
You look like you’re going to a funeral.
I stare down at my outfit…
Then look up at my best friend.
Abby
What are you talking about?
Abby
I’m in jeans and a yellow blouse.
She puts both hands on her hips.
Dana
I’m not talking about your clothes.
Dana
I’m talking about your face.
Dana
You look miserable for someone going on a date.
Dana
I thought you said you liked Ricky?
I met Ricky Stone a few weeks ago in class…
And we’ve been seeing each other ever since.
We’re both theater majors.
And our dates so far have been really…nice.
But I can’t lie to my best friend…
Abby
I just don’t know if I LIKE Ricky, ya know?
Dana
You know what I think?
Dana
That this doesn’t have anything to do with Ricky at all.
Dana
I think you’re still hung up on Ethan.
Abby
We had one night together.
Abby
How could I possibly be hung up on a guy after just one night?
And Dana grins like the Cheshire cat.
Dana
The lady doth protest too much, methinks.
Because that night Ethan and I had together…
And ever since, I haven’t been able to get him out of my head.
The physical attraction between us was unreal.
But one night of attraction is all it can ever be.
Because Ethan’s a frat guy.
And not just any frat guy…
Are the reason I need to stick to safe guys like Ricky.
I straighten and turn to Dana.
Abby
Yes, I had a great night with Ethan.
Abby
And yes, I’m still thinking about him.
Abby
But I’m giving this thing with Ricky a real chance.
Abby
He’s the better choice in the long run.
Abby
I know that in my head.
Abby
I’m just trying to get the rest of me on board.
Dana doesn’t look convinced…
But I’m spared from her lecture when our doorbell rings.
After I answer the door, Ricky tells me I look nice…
And when we get down to the parking lot…
He opens the car door for me.
He tells me he made me a home-cooked dinner.
And I try to act excited about steamed veggies, but…
We walk up to his apartment door…
And Ricky suddenly stops short.
Ricky
I hear voices inside.
Ricky
My roommate told me he’d be out tonight.
He puts the key in the lock…
And swings the door open.
Is the head honcho himself.
