It takes a lot to make me speechless, so when I say I have no words I absolutely mean it.

Despite Vienna's reassurance I was still expecting a sloppy house party, but this is next level. I'm standing in the foyer of a huge penthouse with a wide open plan and floor to ceiling windows showcasing the entire city in all its glittering glory. But that's not what has me gawking, my mouth agape.

The party is literally a circus.

There are actual wild animals in cages including but not limited to tigers, lions, and leopards. Exotic dances twirl from huge rings attached to the ceiling and stuntmen perform tricks such as swinging through flaming hoops. Crazy multi-colored lights come down from the ceiling and form a sort of chandelier formation in the center of the room. Waiters and waitresses dressed as ringmasters walk  around with trays serving finger foods. There's even a huge carnival tent set up as a makeshift bar.

"Didn't I tell you!" Vienna yells to be heard over the music while nudging me. "I told you! This is thee party!"

I turn to her. "There's no way anyone at our school is capable of throwing a party of this caliber."

"You're right. But I know this guy- hey, there he is!"

She starts waving wildly to someone and I follow her movement with my eyes. A guy approaches us, wearing red plaid pants, a black blazer, and no shirt underneath with Doc Martens. I notice he has a lip piercing with a thin silver chain connected to his ear, and even though I absolutely hate the look it somehow suits him. He has messy light brown hair, blue eyes, and an easy going yet mischievous smile. Overall he gives me serious grunge vibes.

I glance at Vienna from my peripheral vision, then nudge her playfully. She turns to look at me.

"He looks like your dream guy."

Vienna blushes. "Shut up."

"How come you've never mentioned him before?"

"Because. It's new and my parents would shit their pants if they saw him. Now shut up. He's coming over."

"Fine, but you owe me details later."

I paste a smile on my face just as he nears us. He leans in to give Vienna a hug and she reciprocates. I can practically see the hearts in her eyes.

"Glad you could make it," he says pulling back. "And this is..." his eyes flicker over to me.

"This is my best friend Kennedy," Vienna introduces me. "Kennedy, this is Danny."

I automatically reach up to give Danny a handshake, then realize he doesn't look like a handshake type of guy. So I lower my hand and settle for a nod instead.

"Hey. Really awesome party."

"Thanks, but I can't take any credit," he grins. "It's not my party."

"Oh?" I raise a brow. "Then whose is it?"

"My friend- there's the man of the hour!" Danny exclaims, looking behind us. Vienna and I both turn around and I freeze.

That's Danny's friend?

He looks like he belongs on the cover of GQ. He's tall, at least six foot two. His face is perfectly cut and chiseled, with high cheekbones, light stubble, honey brown eyes, and blonde hair slicked back with some strands rebelling and falling to the side. He has on an all black fitted suit with a gold sequined bow tie and black sequined jacket that does nothing to hide his lean, fit frame. On anyone else it would look ridiculous.

Danny and his friend do that handshake hug thing guys do before introducing us.

"Vienna and Kennedy, this is Winston. Winston, this is Vienna and Kennedy. It's this fools twenty second  birthday," Danny claps him on the back and Winston rolls his eyes.

"What?" Vienna frowns. "Why didn't you tell me it was a birthday party? Now I feel bad I didn't bring a gift!"

Winston shakes his head. "No need. I've already gotten enough gifts to give a small country."

Meanwhile I stare mutely. Winston is exactly my type down to a t. He's obviously rich, sexy as sin, older, and holy shit I want him to bend me over a desk and-

"Kennedy?" This time it's Vienna who nudges me, effectively snapping me out of my dirty fantasy. I realize they're all staring at me, waiting for me to say something. I clear my throat.

"Happy birthday," I mange to smile.

Winston doesn't say anything at first. Instead his eyes trail down my body slowly, and I do my best to stay perfectly still and not squirm. Twice I have to remind myself to breathe. Finally his eyes find mine again and he smirks.

"Thanks."

I can feel Vienna's gaze swinging back and forth between the two of us and I discreetly elbow her. She shoots me a look before speaking.

"So how do you two know each other?" She asks.

"From a rave," Winston replies. "I was coerced into going by a couple of my buddies one night. Not my scene by the way. Anyway this guy here got so lit that he almost set the building on fire," he points at Danny. "Long story short but the building was evacuated, the cops were called, and he was almost arrested, but I intervened. Made a few calls and he was let off with just a warning."

"How lit do you have to be to set a building on fire?" I ask incredulously. "I mean seriously?"

"Pretty fucking lit," Danny chuckles.

"I kinda wanna see that," Vienna admits.

Danny just shrugs as if it were no big deal. "Unfortunately you never will."

Vienna pouts in disappointment. "Well can we at least get drinks? That bar looks majorly cool."

"I'm afraid I'll have to card you," Winston says gravely, looking at Danny. He nods in agreement.

Vienna and I both turn to look at each other at the same time. Then she sighs.

"If you must," she reaches into her fanny pack and pulls out our fake IDs.

"I thought we weren't gonna need those tonight?" I ask pointedly.

"Well you should always travel with your ID anyway."

She hands the cards to Danny who examines them along with Winston.

"Charlotte Butane," he looks up at me and chuckles. I roll my eyes but smile.

"At least I'm not Olivia Fondue."

"I'm not ever gonna live that one down am I?" Vienna asks.

"Nope."

Danny hands her back our IDs. "Looks legit."

"Right this way ladies," Winston personally escorts us to the bar. "Tonight's special is the fireball."

Vienna and I watch with childlike eyes as the bartender whips up several concoctions, topping them off at the end with huge flames before blowing it all out.

"Is that safe to drink?" I ask, concern lacing my tone.

"Yeah," Winston replies. My skin prickles as he pulls out the barstool next to mine and sits down, leaning in until his face hovers next to mine. His eyes meet mine and my breath catches. "Do a birthday shot with me?"

I will my heart to stop racing in my chest. "Sure."

He smiles and motions for the bartender. A second later two shots are delivered to us. Before I can pick mine up Winston slides it away from me.

"How old are you really? From what Danny's told me about Vienna I know she's still in high school, so I assume you are too."

I narrow my eyes. "I'm a senior. And I'm eighteen." Then before I can stop the words from coming out I find myself adding: "So I'm legal."

Now why the hell did I go and say that?

I think you know why, my subconscious whispers to me.

"Good to know," Winston replies, the corner of his mouth turning up before he hands me back my glass. "Bottoms up."

Pinching the bridge of my nose I knock mine back then make a sour face. Looked cool while being made, but tasted terrible. I suppose it was one of those drinks that once you had enough, the taste became unnoticeable.

Vienna convinces me to do two more shots before I shake my head. "No more, or I won't be able to walk."

"Party pooper!" She boos me and I slap a hand over her mouth. She licks my palm and instead of freaking out I wipe it down her cheek.

"Touché. Let's dance!"

I absolutely hate dancing, and she knows this. If she wants me to dance, I'll have to be seriously drunk. So I order two more fireballs, then top it off with a third for good measure.

"We're going to dance!" She yells to the guys before dragging me toward the dance floor. I stumble after her, laughing uncontrollably. Yep. I'm drunk.

Fire Burning by Sean Kingston plays through the sound system as Nova twirls me around. She wraps her arms around my neck and pulls me closer, grinding against me. I use a hand to push my hair back while moving my body in sync with hers. I turn around and she drapes her arms across my shoulder as we continue to dance. My body feels loose and limber as for one of the few times in my life I let loose and just live in the moment. I feel good. I feel sexy. And I am having a great time.

As I'm dancing I catch Winston's eyes across the room. Vienna's hands slide down to my waist and I feel heat pool in my belly as Winston's eyes follow the movement before returning my gaze. He tilts his head and I bite my lip, trailing my hands down my body all while he watches.

"Holy shit!" Vienna yells in my ear. "I'm pretty sure Winston is eye fucking you!"

"I know," I reply, still staring. Why can't I look away? He smirks and raises a glass to me, as if making a toast. To what, I have no idea. Vienna spins me around.

"You know it's not too late to give him a birthday gift," she says.

I furrow my brows. "Uh, I'm pretty sure it is."

"I'm sure he wouldn't mind receiving you all wrapped up with a pretty red bow," Vienna winks and I slap her playfully.

"Very funny. Just shut up and dance."

And so we do. Maybe for seconds, maybe for minutes, maybe for hours. There's really no sense of time. A while later I start yelling over the music again.

"I have to pee!"

"What!" Vienna yells back.

"I said I have to pee!"

"Okay! I'll be right here!"

With that I take off in search of a bathroom. It takes me a good minute to make my way through the throngs of people. Finally I find one and skip the line, ignoring the protests of partygoers outside. Relief floods through me as I empty my bladder. Once I'm finished I flush and wash my hands. Then I reapply another coating of lipgloss before exiting.

I try to find Vienna again on the dance floor but somehow it's even more packed than earlier. I stand on the edge, suddenly feeling dizzy from the music, lights, and all the alcohol I consumed. I'm swaying on my feet when a hand touches my shoulder.

"Hey. You okay?" I whirl around and relax when I see it's just Winston.

"I'm fine. Just a little dizzy."

"Not much of a drinker?"

"Don't make fun of me," I respond weakly. "I just need some air or something. It's way too stuffy in here."

Winston seems to think for a moment. "Wanna go outside?"

"God yes."

I follow him through the party as he leads us out to the balcony. Stepping outside is a huge relief. I hadn't realized how hot it was inside until the cool night air settles over my skin. I take a deep breath and release it. There's a glass fire pit, the flames shooting out and licking the dark sky. Polished white tables, beige couches, and tall plants decorate the space, giving it a modern outdoor feel. Winston and I sit on one of the couches closest to the fire.

"So," I start. "How does it feel to be twenty-two?"

He shrugs. "No different that it was being twenty-one."

"Well this is a very extravagant party for someone who doesn't seem to care that much about his birthday."

He chuckles. "You got me there. But I didn't exactly plan this party. My over the top sister did."

"Oh? And where is she?"

"Probably somewhere smhoozing," he rolls his eyes.

I undo my heels and slip them off, letting out a blissful sigh. That feels amazing. After wiggling out my toes I turn back to Winston.

"So? Is this your sisters penthouse too?"

He shakes his head. "Nope. It's mine."

I whistle. "Impressive."

"You wanna know how I can afford it don't you?" He gives me a knowing smile. I blink innocently.

"I never said that."

But I do. Wanna know, that is. And a second later I get my answer.

"My father owns King Hotels."

I choke on my spit. King Hotels is one of the worlds leading luxury hotels. They have over 5,987 locations around the world and an estimated 1.4 million rooms making their hotel chain among the largest in the world. Norman King is known to be ruthless, buying out dying hotel chains and rebranding them into five star resorts. He practically rules New York.

And Winston is his son.

I inhale, then blow out a breath. "I imagine that's a lot of pressure on you," I finally say.

Winston studies me. "You know, I've gotten a lot of varying reactions when I tell people that, but no ones ever said that to me before."

I shrug. "What can I say? I guess in a way, I understand that sort of pressure. My father named me after John F. Kennedy."

He chuckles. "No way. Seriously?"

"Dead serious. I feel like I need to live up to that. To be worthy of it," I shake my head and laugh. "Stupid right? Trying to be worthy of my own name?"

"No. Not stupid," Winston moves closer and brushes a hair from my face, gently tucking it behind my ear. His touch is soft and I find myself sucked into his gaze one again, heart galloping at a hundred miles per hour.

"It's almost midnight," he murmurs.

"Yeah," I swallow. "Your birthday is almost over."

He searches my face. "I changed my mind. I think I'll take one more gift after all."

For a brief second, I'm confused. "But I don't have anything to give you?"

"Yes you do."

Before I can respond he presses his lips against mine. I'm shocked still for one split second before I respond, moving my lips against his. His lips are soft and he tastes like cherries and cola. He slides his hands down my waist and pulls me closer. I don't know what to do with my hands, so I place them on his chest. His heart beats beneath my fingertips, strong and steady while mine is spazzing out like crazy. I part my lips, allowing him to deepen the kiss and he slides his tongue into my mouth. When one of his hands leave my waist and trail down to my exposed thigh before squeezing, I moan into his mouth.

It's the most perfect kiss I've ever experienced.

"Yo Winston, I've been looking for you everywhere and your sister is losing her shi-"

I break away from him and spin around just as Danny and Vienna step out onto the balcony. My first instinct is to act like nothing happened, but it's so obvious. My chest is heaving up and down, I'm sure my eyes are slightly glazed, and my lips are definitely swollen.

Vienna's eyes widen and Danny smirks. "Whoops. Didn't mean to interrupt. But we really need you inside before Cecilia goes apeshit. She's threatening to sue some guy who broke a vase or something."

Behind me Winston sighs. I assume this is typical behavior from his sister.

"She's the one who wanted to throw this stupid party," he mutters.

"I'm tired," Vienna announces. She indeed looks like she might pass out at any moment. "I think Kennedy and I are gonna head out."

Winston stands and helps me up. "How are you two getting home?"

"Probably take a cab."

He frowns. "No. I'll have my driver drop you two off."

I open my mouth to argue but he beats me to the punch. "And don't even try to convince me otherwise."

"Okay bossy," I reply and Winston's mouth quirks up. Then he turns back to Danny.

"I'll be inside in a minute."

"Okay!" Vienna answers quickly before grabbing Danny's arm and dragging him away. Once they're gone I face Winston and hold up my phone.

"Twelve oh one. Your birthday is officially over."

He blows out a breath. "Yeah. And so is this party. Time to clear out the masses."

"I had a good time."

Winston smirks. "Me too. I'll walk you out."

"What about your sister?"

"She can wait." He bends down to pick up my heels and hands them to me. Then placing his hand on the small of my back, he begins leading me out.

And just like that, the night is over.

...