Beautiful Mess(70)

“So, what, you’re going to let Serena dictate what we do?” She sat up to face him. “How is that fair to me? To us?”

“See, this is why I’m afraid things won’t work between us.” Cole shook his head, frustrated. “I know this isn’t fair to you, but I’m asking you to trust me on this. Dating me comes with some complications, one of which being a very jealous, very territorial ex who can be downright vicious when she wants to be. If that’s too much for you, I’ll understand. But if you want me, you have to take all of me,” he finished quietly.

Bri thought about that for a moment.

“So, what is it you’re asking of me? What is it you want me to do?”

“I just want us to keep things quiet for a while, that’s all. We don’t have to keep our relationship secret forever, just a few weeks until I can get Serena used to the fact that I’ve moved on.”

“And what exactly would our relationship be?” she asked softly.

“I want you. I want to be with you. You’re it for me. You’re everything I’ve ever wanted, and more. You’ve ruined me, Bri.” He looked deep into her eyes. “There will never be anyone else for me but you.”

As Bri gazed back at him, a hint of doubt crept into her. She knew Cole was sincere about how he felt. He really cared about her. But, would he want all of her?

“Are you sure, Cole? Because I’m not without my own baggage and complications, too. I’m a mess,” she almost sobbed. “A big emotional mess, full of issues and insecurities. Are you sure you want to deal with that? Are you sure you really want all of me?” She looked at him desperately.

“Baby, if you’re a mess, then I’m a certified disaster,” he chuckled. He cupped her cheeks with his hands, forcing her to look at him. “You may be a mess, but you’re a beautiful mess. And I wouldn’t want you any other way.” He smiled warmly.

Bri felt her heart melting. “I wouldn’t want you any other way, either,” she returned his smile. Cole leaned in and placed a soft kiss on her lips.

“So, does this mean...?” he trailed off.

“Yes.” She hated that she was the one forced to define things for them. “We are unofficially, officially together. And I agree to keep this quiet for now. But,” she leveled Cole with a firm look, “I am not going to spend the rest of this year hiding from Serena Blake. Do you understand?”

“Completely. It’ll only be a few weeks, tops. And in the meantime,” he grinned wickedly, “we’ll just have to be sneaky and creative. Because not even Serena’s wrath could keep me away from you.”

“It better not.” Bri reached her arms up around his neck.

“Well, now that we’ve cleared things up, can we get back to the fun stuff?” His arms drew her closer.

“Please,” Bri breathed as her mouth eagerly found his. They didn’t say another word for a very long time.





Chapter 16




December arrived, and with it came the beginning of competition season for Bri and basketball season for Cole. Bri’s dance practices were grueling, and her night practices had been extended to four hours. Cole also had long practices every day after school, and games on Fridays. Between their hectic and conflicting schedules, it was hard for them to find a lot of time to spend together. Even their Tuesday night study sessions had been put on hold until things calmed down a little. They would talk every night, and sneak a few texts during the day, but it wasn’t enough. Life at school was painful, and if they didn’t find some time to be together soon, they were both going to go crazy.

Bri was in hell. Having to watch Cole being fawned all over by Serena was killing her. To his credit, though, Cole never returned any of Serena’s affections, and was actually pretty aloof with her. But still, having to watch them together at lunch and in the halls really sucked. Things were made even worse when Maddie started dating a guy Layla had set her up with, Corbin Albright, and Bri was now the very awkward seventh wheel in her circle of friends. It was hard being sandwiched in between all the happy couples at lunch, knowing that the other half of her happy couple was across the lunchroom with Serena, pretending he didn’t notice Bri at all. Things really sucked.

And finally, to top everything off, Layla, bolstered by her success with Maddie and Corbin, decided she needed to find a guy for Bri. She began trying to set Bri up with some of Devon’s friends, and didn’t understand why Bri so vehemently refused. Finally, to shut Layla up and give herself a reprieve, Bri gave in and agreed to go to the upcoming Winter Formal with one of Devon’s friends from the football team. She felt guilty about it, but she and Cole had already discussed the dance, and decided that going together wouldn’t be the best way to stay under Serena’s radar. So she figured Cole would understand, even if he wouldn’t be happy about it. Heck, Bri wasn’t happy about it, but she knew there wasn’t much to be done about the situation. Who knew, maybe her going with another boy would precipitate Cole’s let-her-down-easy plan, and force him to confront Serena, and tell her to back the hell off. Because it was obvious that Serena still claimed Cole as hers, even though he’d broken up with her. It was beginning to feel like a hopeless situation.