Beautiful Mess(41)

“Why?” Layla asked slyly. “Is someone interested in Cole Marra?” She wagged her eyebrows at Bri.

“Not even remotely,” Bri scoffed. Layla didn’t look like she bought it, though. Bri had never told Layla about meeting Cole that summer, and what happened when school started. That was something she’d take to her grave. But she still didn’t want Layla any ideas. So she quickly changed the subject, and they spent the rest of lunch talking about other, much more pleasant things.

Given Cole’s arrogant and dismissive behavior, Bri was surprised when he tried to sit next to her in Ceramics that afternoon.

“This seat taken?” He flashed his most charming smile.

“Yes,” she replied curtly and turned away. Much to her chagrin, he sat down anyway.

“So, we still on for tomorrow?”

“Yeah fine, whatever.” Bri was still in a sour mood after watching him and Serena cuddling at lunch.

“Okay,” Cole hedged. “Anything special you want me to bring?”

“Nope. Just your math book and your assignment.” Bri continued to focus on the clay in front of her, not sparing Cole a glance. After a few minutes of silence, he finally got the hint.

“Um, okay, I guess I’ll see you tomorrow.” He walked away.

Bri let out a breath she hadn’t realized she’d been holding. What was with that guy? One minute he was pretending she didn’t exist and didn’t matter, and the next he was trying to be all buddy-buddy? It was driving her insane. He was driving her insane.

In fact, Bri was still thinking about his hot and cold, back and forth behavior as she lay in bed that night. And it finally hit her. Cole would only talk to her when he was alone, when none of his friends were around to see him. But if anyone he knew was around, he was cocky and aloof. The realization had her fuming. She wasn’t good enough to associate with in public, but she was adequate enough when he needed something. Well, he had another thing coming if he thought she’d just play along.

So, the next day, it was back to ignoring Cole’s existence as usual. Two could play at this game. She refused to look at him, or acknowledge him in any way. She didn’t even stop to make sure he was going to show up that night. In fact, she was really hoping he would bail on her, so she would have an excuse to get out of this whole tutoring thing. She was a little disappointed, then, when her doorbell rang at 5:25. Dang it, he was even early. Bri plastered a neutral expression on her face and opened the door.

“You can sit at the dining room table,” she answered the door, all business, not even sparing him a greeting. “Did you bring everything?” She led the way to the dining room.

“Yep,” Cole lifted his backpack. He seemed unsure of what to make of her curtness.

“Good, let’s get started then.” They sat down and Cole pulled out his book. Bri noticed his hair was still wet from his shower. Crap, she did not want to think about him in the shower. As she leaned in to take a look at his math book, she caught the scent of his shampoo, and almost groaned. It was not fair that he smelled so good, it made it much more difficult to stay mad at him. Angry at her reaction to him, Bri shook her head, attempting to clear it and focus.

“So, what are your questions? What aren’t you getting?” she demanded bluntly.

Taken aback by her abruptness, Cole tried to explain what he was struggling with. Bri began quickly going over some problems with him, hoping to be done with this as quickly as possible. Halfway through her explanation, he stopped her.

“You know, this might be a little easier to grasp if you weren’t being so snippy and hostile with me.” He crossed his arms over his chest, perturbed.

“Oh, I’m sorry Cole,” she replied sarcastically. “I didn’t realize you needed to be babied.”

“Hey,” Cole looked right into her eyes. “I know you don’t like me much right now, but I’m here because I need your help. The least you could do is not make me feel like a loser because I need it! And could you quit being so damn condescending?”

Bri opened her mouth for a retort, but snapped it closed again. Cole was right. He had asked for her help, and she’d agreed to give it. No matter what she felt about him, she could at least be civil while she helped him. She took a deep breath to calm herself.

“Okay, you’re right. I’m sorry I’m being snippy and hostile. I’ll try to be nicer,” she managed to get out.

“Thank you. Want to tell me what’s bothering you?”

“Nope. The only thing you and I will be discussing is math. That’s it. Understand?” When Cole nodded, she continued. “Good. Now let’s get back to this.”