Beautiful Mess(121)

Unfortunately for the home team, the lack of fans had no effect on Cole’s greatness, and the Tigers ended up winning by twenty-five points. After receiving her victory kiss, and making plans to meet up with Layla and Devon at the party, Bri rushed home to change.

Opting for something “super-hot”, Bri picked out a deep red, lace trimmed tank under a black leather jacket, with a pair of dark jeggings and red and black strappy heels. Why bother trying to blend in, right? She curled her hair and put on some smoky eye shadow and liner. She had just finished putting on her jewelry when Cole rang the doorbell. He looked like he had opted for “super-hot” as well, in a fitted dark blue button down with the sleeves rolled up, and a pair of dark jeans that highlighted his butt. His eyes looked a deep blue, thanks to his shirt, and Bri felt her pulse pick up.

They had dinner at their favorite Mexican place, trying to act as normally as possible. They talked about Bri’s upcoming four day trip to Sacramento for State, and the basketball playoffs that started the next Friday. Bri was having a fabulous time, until they pulled up in front of Alex’s house. The place was packed, with people spilling outside, enjoying the mild February night. Dread filled Bri, carving a pit in her stomach.

Cole killed the motorcycle and looked back at her.

“Hey, you okay back there?” he asked lightly. He offered her a hand and helped her off the bike.

Bri stared at the house a moment and turned towards him.

“I don’t think I can do this. I don’t want to go in there, Cole. I can’t deal with all of these people, the angry glares, the names...”

“Bri, it’ll be alright,” he pulled her into his arms. “You can do this, I know you can. You’re stronger than they give you credit for. Go in and prove it to them.”

While his words made her feel a bit better, she was still a nervous wreck.

“I need a distraction,” she said. “Something to calm me down.”

“What kind of distraction?” Cole’s eyebrows drew together in confusion, and looking at him, Bri knew exactly what kind of distraction she needed.

“This kind,” she whispered, and drew his lips down to hers.

Cole was momentarily taken by surprise, but he recovered quickly and was more than happy to oblige her. As they kissed, Bri’s nerves vanished and were replaced by a warm pool of desire. Cole’s expert mouth wiped every doubt and worry from her mind as he pretty much kissed her senseless. When they were able to finally disentangle themselves, Bri was proud to see that she had pretty much kissed him senseless, too. They walked up to the door, hand in hand, with grins on their faces.

Alex answered the door, and when he saw them his smile turned a little sheepish.

“Oh, Cole. I, uh, wasn’t sure if you were still coming tonight.” Alex looked uncomfortable, and it made Bri sad. He and Cole had been friends before, and now they hadn’t talked for a week. Damn Serena.

“Yeah man, I wouldn’t miss it for the world.” Cole slapped Alex on the back and walked in like nothing at all was wrong.

Alex looked slightly guilty before hurrying away from them.

“Ready to make the rounds?” Cole yelled over the music.

“Definitely,” Bri yelled back, and followed Cole through the house.

Everywhere they went conversations stopped and people turned to stare. Cole smiled and greeted everyone he passed. They spotted Serena snuggling up to Trey on the couch. They purposely walked right past her.

“Serena,” Cole greeted her coldly as he passed.

“Serena.” Bri smiled sweetly at her as she followed Cole out of the room. She was gratified to see a flash of fury mar Serena’s perfect face.

They found Layla and Devon sitting with Jess and Ethan. The two couples made room for them and they sat and talked for a while. They all ignored the rest of the room, that was glaring at them and talking about them, and laughed and joked like they were the only ones there. After deciding they’d been there long enough to prove their point, Bri and Cole decided to go.

Finding Alex before they left, Cole pulled him aside to say goodbye.

“Hey, great party! Thanks for letting us crash it,” he smiled.

Alex ducked his head, looking a little ashamed.

“Hey Cole, I’m sorry, man. I’ve been a total asshat this week. You don’t deserve to be treated like this.” Alex looked up, the sincerity plain on his face. Cole stood there, shocked for a moment.

“No, dude, don’t worry about it. I know how Serena gets. It’s okay.”

“No, it’s not. But I’ll try to make it okay.” Alex nodded to himself and then slapped Cole on the arm. “Thanks for coming. See you Monday. Bye, Bri.”