Beautiful Mess(46)

Bri was stunned. Of all the excuses Cole could’ve given her, this one hadn’t even crossed her mind.

“You were protecting me?” She was still trying to process this.

“Yes,” he let out a breath. “I know you don’t like being the center of attention. I know how hard those first couple of weeks at school were for you, thanks to Trey and his stupid bet. I don’t want to do that to you. So I pretended I didn’t notice you, so I wouldn’t draw any attention to you.”

“Pretended?” Bri was still doubtful.

“Come on, Bri,” he gave her a disbelieving look. “You know I’ve been aware of every move you’ve made since school started. I could never ignore you.”

She gave a small smile. “Yeah, it was pretty hard to ignore you, too. So, you really want us to be friends again?”

“Yes,” he smiled. “I really do.”

Bri thought for a moment. Did she dare to trust Cole again? Was she willing to risk him hurting her again? She did miss his friendship, and he seemed to genuinely care about her, but was it all an act? Should she give Cole a second chance to prove himself? Was it worth it? She looked deep into his eyes, looking very blue thanks to his dark blue t-shirt, and her heart stuttered.

“Okay,” she answered softly.

“Really?” Cole’s eyebrows raised. “Bri, before you decide for sure, you should know that I think it’d be best if we still didn’t talk or hang out at school. I don’t want to sic Serena or Trey on you. But, if you can’t do that, then I understand. If you say no, I’ll leave you alone. I won’t bother you again.”

Bri considered that for a moment, and Cole didn’t seem to breath. The anguish and apprehension in his eyes made her decision for her.

“Okay,” she nodded. “I want us to be friends again, too. It’s been hard not having you around. But I swear, if you are playing me, or if you do anything to ruin this again, I will never forgive you. This is it, do you understand? I’m taking a huge risk on you, Cole. Don’t make me regret it, or I’ll make you regret it.”

“Understood,” he agreed grimly. Then a smile broke out over his face. “Well, since we’re friends again, you’d better start saving me a seat in Ceramics. Because after not talking to you all day, I’m going to need all the time with you I can get!”

“Okay,” she smiled back.

“Oh, and Bri? There was one more thing I wanted to ask you.”

“Okay,” Bri took a deep breath to prepare for whatever else might be coming.

“There’s a party Friday night after the game, kind of a getting into the playoffs celebration thing. Would you come? You could totally bring Layla and your friends. It’s just that... I’d like to spend some time with you, away from school and math,” he smiled at her. “Please Bri?” His eyes pleaded with her to say yes.

Dang it, how could a girl say no to that?

“Oh, alright,” she practically groaned. Football parties were not really her thing. “I’ll come on one condition. I don’t care who is around, you have to talk to me. We are going to behave like friends.”

“Deal!” He beamed at her, his happiness making his eyes sparkle.

Something fluttered in Bri’s stomach, and suddenly Friday night couldn’t come fast enough.





Chapter 11




Bri was lined up in the tunnel with the rest of the Dance Team on Friday night, as she watched the last two minutes of the half. The football team had technically already made the playoffs for the State Championship, due to their undefeated season, but you couldn’t tell that by watching them play. It was the last regular season game, and they were a team possessed tonight.

Bri cheered with the rest of the girls as Cole caught a pass and ran it in for another touchdown. As he ran off to the sideline, Bri heard Natalie murmur behind her.

“Mmm, that is one mouthwatering ass!”

“Careful, Nat,” Erica piped in. “You don’t want Serena to find out you were lusting after her man! She’ll kill you!” She and a few others laughed.

“Whatever, I’m not afraid of Serena,” Natalie retorted, but she kept all other Cole-related thoughts to herself, for which Bri was grateful. She didn’t particularly like Natalie drooling over Cole, either.

The Tigers made the extra point, and the half ended. The girls held up their hands in a line of high-fives as the football team ran through the tunnel to the locker room. Cole gave Bri a quick wink as he slapped her hand, which caused a flutter in her stomach. She was really glad they were friends again, even if they were only secret friends. She hadn’t realized how much she’d missed talking to him, and missed his sense of humor. Even though he still maintained his apathetic, conceited jerk facade during the day at school, in Ceramics he was the old Cole again, and they were able to talk without drawing attention.