Beautiful Mess(114)

“Devon’s got a football scholarship at the University of Utah. He’s asked me to go with him.”

“And... are you?” Layla’s answer was suddenly absurdly important to Bri.

“I have a couple of applications at some other schools, but yes, I think I’m going to go with him.”

“Really?” Sadness hit her again as Bri realized she’d be losing her best friend, too.

“Well, Salt Lake has a strong dance community. And the U has a good dance program. But mostly... I just want to be with Devon. I know that most high school relationships don’t last, but I want to give it a chance.”

“Wow,” Bri marveled. “I knew you really liked him, but I didn’t know you were getting that serious.”

“I’m in love with him,” Layla smiled. “And I’m just not willing to give up on that.” She wiped a finger under her eyes. “Okay, enough of this sad, serious talk. We have a dance to get to.” She pulled Bri back in front of the mirror, where they both made their final adjustments. “Look at us, we are seriously hot! And we have some damn sexy boys who are waiting to be dazzled by our fabulousness.”

Bri laughed and hugged Layla. “Love you, Lay.”

“Love you, too. Now, let’s go have one hell of a great night!”





Chapter 24




Layla’s dad had agreed to let her take his new Maserati Quattroporte for the dance. Bri instantly fell in love with the sleek, black, dangerous looking sedan the minute the engine roared to life. Layla went in to get Devon, and returned a few minutes later with a very handsome boy on her arm. Bri noticed the way Devon’s light gray suit set off Layla’s silver dress, and wondered if they’d planned that.

They pulled up to Cole’s house, and Bri rang the doorbell, feeling unusually nervous. Cole answered the door and she heard his sharp intake of breath. His eyes started at her face and worked their way down and back up again, slowly taking her in with a hungry smile.

“Cole, are you going to make Bri stand out there all night, or are you going to invite her in?” Jimmy laughed from inside.

“Sorry,” Cole ushered her in.

“Hi, Barracuda,” Jimmy winked. “You look particularly stunning this evening.” He snapped a few pictures. “Have fun, you two!”

Cole offered her his arm and led her out to the waiting car.

“You look beautiful,” Cole said, awed. “More than beautiful.”

“Thanks,” Bri blushed. “You look amazing, too.”

And he did. Cole wore a pair of dark charcoal slacks with a slightly lighter, fitted, dark gray dress shirt. No jacket, but he wore a royal blue tie, that matched Bri’s dress. His black hair was styled into a super-sexy mess, and his gray eyes were sparkling. He threw her is signature cocky smirk, and helped her into the car. The Maserati growled as Layla pulled onto the street.

Cole sighed at the sound. “Okay, I am definitely getting one of these someday.”

“Isn’t that the best sound ever,” Bri agreed, as they prowled their way onto the freeway.

They met the rest of their group at the fancy steak house they had agreed on. Jess and Ethan, Maddie and Corbin were there, along with a few other girls from the Dance Team and their dates. One of them had brought Nick Jacobs, much to Bri’s surprise. Since they’d gone to Winter Formal together, Bri and Nick had remained friendly.

“Hi, Bri,” Nick smiled at her. “Nice to see you again.” Nick’s eyes roamed down her dress, and Cole practically growled beside her.

“Nice to see you, too, Nick,” Cole gave him a pointed look, before leading Bri to the opposite end of the table. Nick apparently got the hint, and his eyes returned to his own date.

Dinner was delicious and relaxing, as they all talked and laughed. Cole found any excuse he could to touch her, and Bri found it difficult to keep her hands from wandering to him as well. After finishing dessert, the group headed off to the dance.

Valentine’s Day had been that Thursday, and the theme of the dance was predictably Valentine’s. Pink, red, and white lights twinkled around the gym, and the tables had bowls with floating heart candles in them. Flowers were scattered all throughout the room, making the normally musty gym smell like a garden.

Since they were coming to the dance, Bri and Cole had decided there wasn’t any need for Valentine’s Day presents. But the dozen red roses that were waiting for her after school that day, prompted her to rush out and put together a basket of Cole’s favorite snacks and things for after his basketball practice.

As they walked into the gym, a slow song was playing. Bri was surprised when Cole immediately led her out to the dance floor and pulled her in close.