Beautiful Mess(80)

Bri’s eyes snapped opened as realization crashed down on her. She hadn’t felt like she fit in anywhere since her mom died. She’d always felt lost and out of place. But here, with Cole, she had finally found the place where she belonged, where she would always belong. She was finally home. Her epiphany both thrilled and terrified her.

“I wish this didn’t have to end,” Cole sighed into her shoulder. “I wish we could stay like this all night.”

“Me too,” Bri whispered back, her mind and emotions spinning.

“Want to get out of here for a few minutes?” He trailed soft kisses along her shoulder and up her neck, causing her to shiver. He lifted his head to look at her and she nodded. “Wait a few minutes, and then meet me outside the gym, in the hall with the coaches’ offices.”

“Okay,” she managed to get out.

He smiled at her, his eyes gray pools of desire. “See you in a minute, then.”

Bri’s body protested as Cole reluctantly released her and walked away. Standing there alone, she felt suddenly hollow and empty. She took a deep breath, and willed herself to go find Nick. He was still huddled with his friends and didn’t seem to have noticed Bri dancing with Cole. She walked up and tapped Nick’s shoulder to get his attention.

“Hey. I’m going to go to the ladies room. I’ll be back in a bit.”

“Okay,” he smiled. “But be prepared to light up that dance floor when you get back!”

Bri returned his smile, and then all but ran out of the gym. She turned down the dark hall, her heart beginning to pound, and found Cole waiting for her.

“In here,” Cole opened one of the office doors. “This is Coach Davies office, and luckily for us, he gave me a key.” He closed and locked the door behind them.

“And I’m sure this is just the kind of situation he envisioned when he gave you that key to his office,” Bri teased, backing further into the room.

Cole stalked her with his eyes. “Definitely,” he grinned wolfishly at her.

Bri and Cole stood there, fixed on each other for a moment, before rushing to each other. Their lips met and all the pent up desire and frustration from the evening came pouring out of both of them, taking over. Heat and electricity flickered between them as they devoured each other. Cole moaned as Bri sucked and nipped at his perfectly delicious bottom lip. Cole’s lips then moved to her neck and trailed down her bare shoulder.

“Do you know how beautiful you are?” he asked in between kisses. “I couldn’t take my eyes off you all night.”

“I couldn’t keep my eyes off you either,” Bri replied through kisses of her own.

“I’ve been dying to get you alone all night.” Cole went to work on her earlobe, sucking on her new favorite spot just behind. “It’s killing me, not being able to be near you, not being able to touch you or kiss you.” He recaptured her lips hungrily, making her knees weak. After a few minutes of mind blowing kissing, Cole pulled back and cupped Bri’s face in his hands. “I promise you this won’t last forever. One day, very soon, we’ll be able to come to a dance as a couple, and walk through the halls at school together, and make out in front of everyone,” he smiled.

“This is killing me, too. If I have to watch one more girl try to fondle you, I might just lose it. But,” Bri reached up, cupping his hand with her own, “after watching what Serena did to Alli tonight, I understand why you want us to keep this secret. Not that I want to let Serena run our lives, but, thanks for looking out for me.”

“I’ll always try and protect you.” Cole leaned in and planted a kiss on her lips. “I’d never let anyone hurt you. Now, we don’t have much time, and I haven’t gotten nearly enough of you yet.”

“Well, then, we’d better take care of that,” Bri replied coyly, before turning her full attention back to his lips.

A few blissful minutes later, Bri and Cole managed to tear themselves apart, and Bri snuck back into the gym. She was immensely grateful for the dark room, because she was certain her face was still flushed. She managed to locate Nick, and headed over. But her eyes followed Cole as he entered the room shortly after and strolled over to Alli. His eyes found hers, and he smiled.

After the dance, Nick drove Bri home, walked her to her door, and gave her a hug goodbye. Relieved that the night was finally over, Bri let herself into her dark house, and went straight to her room. As she emptied out her clutch, she noticed that she had missed a text.

I missed you tonight, Beautiful. Meet me for breakfast tomorrow? I still have to give you your b-day present.