Letting My Brother's Best Friend Take My V-Card (Jessie and Luke)

DATE NIGHT LAURA

Friday evening came quicker than I expected, and now I was standing in Jess's room, staring at myself in her mirror while she curled the ends of my hair.

"Hold still," Jess scolded, waving the hot iron at me.

"Sorry," I muttered, trying not to fidget. My palms were clammy, and my stomach twisted in knots.

"Why are you so nervous? It's just a date," Sam chimed in from the bed, where she was scrolling on her phone.

"Because," I said, sighing. "It's not just a date. It's... a first date."

Jess smirked, releasing another curl and fluffing it out. "And with an art guy, no less. I still can't believe you managed to find someone who shares your... passion for brushes and stuff."

I bit back a groan. They had no idea this whole date was almost a lie and that this guy came out of nowhere to save my ass.

Sam threw her phone down and grinned. "Relax, you'll be fine. Besides, you're totally pulling off that dress."

I glanced down at the pale green sundress Jess had practically forced me into. The fitted waist and flowy skirt were flattering, sure, but the neckline dipped a little lower than I was used to. "Maybe I should wear something else," I mumbled, tugging at

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the hem.

Jess rolled her eyes.

noou're not changing again. Trust me, you

look hot. Tim's going to love it."

A chorus of laughter echoed from the backyard, breaking our focus. I glanced toward the window, my heart sinking when I saw the familiar figures splashing in the pool below.

Josh. Luke. And a gaggle of cheerleaders.

"Ugh," I groaned, leaning against the window frame. "They're still here?"

"Apparently, Friday night is pool party night," Jess said with a shrug just as irritated about it as am.

I

Sam peeked out the window and snorted. "Look at them. All biceps and egos."

My eyes flicked to Josh without meaning to. He was leaning against the edge of the pool, water dripping from his hair as one of the cheerleaders-Madison, of course-laughed too loudly at something he said. A familiar swirl of emotions rose in my chest. Annoyance. Frustration. Something else I didn't want to name.

"Do they ever get tired of being... them?" I asked, trying to sound indifferent.

Jess laughed. "Probably not. But who cares? You have a date, Laura. Focus on that, not whatever nonsense is happening down there."

She was right. I needed to focus. Tonight wasn't about Josh or

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his cheerleader fan club. It was about proving to myself-and everyone else that I could have a normal, drama-free life.

Even if it was built on a tiny web of lies.

this way!

"Okay, fine," I said, stepping back from the window. "Let's finish this. Tim's picking me up in an hour."

Sam raised an eyebrow. "You sure you're ready?"

I nodded, forcing a smile. "Absolutely."

But as I glanced back out the window one last time, catching Josh's gaze for the briefest of moments, I couldn't shake the feeling that this night wasn't going to go the way I hoped.

Tim pulled up in front of Jess's house right on time, his pickup truck gleaming under the porch light. The faint hum of the engine was the only sound as I stepped out onto the driveway, my heart thudding in my chest.

"Hey," he said, hopping out and circling the truck to open the door for me. "You look... wow."

I ducked my head, my cheeks warming. "Thanks. You clean up pretty well yourself. No more paint."

He grinned, running a hand through his slightly tousled hair. "Ready for tonight?"

I nodded, climbing into the passenger seat. The interior smelled faintly of pine and leather, and as Tim started the truck, I noticed a worn plaid blanket folded neatly in the back.

"Where are we headed?" I asked, curious.

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"You'll see," he said, his eyes sparkling with mystery.

We drove out of town, the radio playing softly in the

background. The sun had just started to set, painting the sky in shades of orange and pink. I leaned against the window, letting the cool evening air calm my nerves.

After about fifteen minutes, Tim turned onto a gravel road that led to an open field. A large inflatable screen was set up in the distance, surrounded by rows of cars and trucks. Fairy lights hung between poles, casting a warm glow over the scene. "An outdoor movie?" I said, surprised.

"Figured it'd be something different," Tim replied, parking near the back.

"I love it," I admitted, smiling as I stepped out of the truck. Maybe, just maybe, this wasn't such a bad idea after all.