Beautiful Mess(26)

“You’re always thinking of me,” he said, happily amazed.

Busted, Bri felt her cheeks redden, and she dropped her eyes. Moving on, she asked, “So, are you going to leave me here in the car, or can I come in for a minute?”

Cole, looking uncomfortable, ran his hand through his hair.

“Um, now’s not a great time.”

“Oh.” Bri’s face, and her heart, fell.

“Oh, Bri, don’t. It’s just... a few of the guys from the team are here. It’s kind of like an unofficial meeting to figure out how to fix what’s going wrong at practice. If you really want to come in you can, but given your dislike of all football players everywhere,” he flashed her a teasing smile, “I’m thinking you may want to pass.”

“Yeah, probably a good idea.” She felt a little better. “Maybe another time.”

“Definitely another time,” Cole smiled genuinely. He looked into to bag she had given him. Shaking his head, he pulled out the Icy Hot. “Ambria, you always seem to know just what I need.” He reached in, pulled her closer, and kissed her temple.

A jolt shot through her as his lips touched her skin. A wonderful, warm sensation spread through her as his lips lingered for a moment, before he pulled away.

“Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.” Needing to get out of there before she did something crazy, Bri started the car. Her body was responding to Cole’s kiss, wanting to find out what those soft, luscious lips would feel like on hers. It was about to highjack her brain and take over. But what really shocked and scared Bri was the fact that her brain wasn’t putting up much resistance. She had to escape, and fast.

“Bye, Cole. See you Saturday.”

“I’m looking forward to it,” he smiled as he stepped away from the car. Bri practically spun out in her attempt to get away. Looking in her rearview mirror, she saw Cole laugh as he walked back inside.

As she drove home, Bri had a terrifying revelation.

She was falling for Cole Marra.

She was in serious trouble.





Saturday came, and Bri was a nervous wreck. Not only were her emotions all jumbled and confused, but she wasn’t sure how to act around Cole, or what to say to him. Worst of all, she had no idea what to wear. Nothing in her closet seemed right, so she headed off to the mall.

After spending the afternoon shopping, she settled on a flowy, pale yellow dress and a gray cardigan, and a pair of gray velvet pumps. She curled her thick auburn hair, and applied some smoky eye shadow and liner. Looking at herself in the mirror, she was impressed with the results.

She and Cole had decided that he would come pick her up. Having Cole finally meet her dad was another factor in her overall nervousness. The doorbell rang and her pulse quickened. She dabbed on some perfume, threw on her jewelry, and went out to meet Cole.

Her dad had just let him in, and Cole was standing in the entryway, looking a bit nervous himself. His mouth dropped open when he saw her.

Her reaction was about the same. He was looking particularly hot in a pair of dark jeans, a black, body hugging t-shirt, and a black leather jacket. His gray eyes took her in and she felt herself flush.

Connor looked between the two gaping teenagers and cleared his throat.

“Well,” he turned to Bri, “are you going to introduce me?”

Snapping out of her daze, she blinked. “Yes, of course. Dad, this is Cole Marra. Cole, this is my dad, Connor.”

“Mr. Donnelly,” Cole shook Connor’s hand. “It’s nice to meet you.”

“Likewise, Cole.” Connor scrutinized the boy in front of him. “So, where are you kids off to tonight?”

“Dinner, and maybe a movie or something after,” Cole replied, shoving his hands in his pockets.

“Oh, so is this a date then?”

Cole’s eyes widened, and he didn’t seem to know how to respond.

“Because, I thought you said you’d decided to just be friends?” Connor eyed his daughter meaningfully.

“Dad!” Bri hissed, completely embarrassed. Shaking her head, she moved past her dad and out the door. “I’ll be home by midnight,” was all the reply she gave before marching off to Cole’s truck.

“It was nice meeting you, Mr. Donnelly,” Cole smiled before following Bri. He had to jog to catch up to her, and barely beat her to the truck. He opened the door for her, and they were both very conscious of Connor’s eyes watching them from the doorway. Cole climbed in and pulled away.

“So,” he hedged, “your dad seems nice.”

“I’m sorry if he made you uncomfortable or embarrassed you. Sometimes I think he takes pleasure in making my dates squirm.”