"I'll toss the box when I get home," he says, then slumps back in his seat, rolling his head back to me and gracing me with a tender smile. "I feel like I should say something romantic to thank you for that, but nothing I say will sound right. I guess I do need to ask if you're okay with what we just did?"
I purse my lips. "No, you don't need to ask that. If I were another girl, would you be checking in with her?"
Straightening in his seat, he reaches over and runs his thumb down my cheek. "No, because none of them are you. I want to make sure my girl knows that she's what matters most to me, not what she just did."
Leaning into his hand, I tell him, "I'm fine. I wanted to do that for you, and also for myself. I told you I'm ready for more." I smile seductively at him. "That was insanely hot, by the way."
He laughs and shakes his head. "Watching me lose my mind and go off in under three minutes is not hot. I was humping your hand like a teen with his pillow. I'm a little embarrassed for myself right now."
"I'd like to think it's because I did such a good job," I tease him.
He snickers beside me. "Like a pro. I'm one lucky guy."
"Just think what we'll be like when there's a bed and no clothes in our way." I can't believe I just said that and feel the heat of a blush rush over my face.
Cruz's eyes become serious and full of desire. "We're going to be perfect together. It'll be perfect because I'll be with you. You're my fantasy and fairy tale come true."
It's on the tip of my tongue to tell him what my heart is urging me to confess, but I know this isn't the right moment. Especially with everything I still need to tell him. So instead I just say, "Ditto."
My favorite person in the whole world just smiles at me and says, "Always together."
"Forever," I whisper back, and pray that we slay the dragon and get our happily ever after.
Dressing for a Dream
Thanksgiving was… stressful.
Neither of us wanted to spend time with Victor, and especially on a holiday. He acted like this was a normal and happy occurrence in our house when the opposite is true. He's never been around much for the holidays before and couldn’t care less about celebrating them. Christmas was only made special because of my mom, and I know even though he wouldn't show it, Byron loved her all the more for what she did. Last Christmas was a somber and depressing occasion and one I don't plan to repeat. Regardless of how things go down with Victor, I won't be spending another holiday here with him.
He was thrilled with my fake agreement to his terms, of course.
Asshole.
On a happier note, Cruz still insisted on buying my dress - which was a good thing because I didn't want to ask Victor for the money - but agreed to have me pick what I wanted. Steph, Carla and I all headed to the mall and met Cruz there. We had a blast trying on dresses and striking silly poses for group selfies. I knew which dress I wanted the moment I saw it. Once I had it on, even Steph and Carla agreed that it was made for me. I can't wait to see the expression on Cruz's face when he sees me in it. He had given me his bank card and told me not to worry about the price because I was worth every penny. That may have caused a tear or two.
Steph, being the hussie she is, dragged us all into a lingerie store to buy something sexy for me. She said it was her gift to Cruz for the night of my "deflowering." Her words, not mine. I admit I was feeling brazen and naughty in the matching bra and panties set I was trying on in the changing room and took a picture of my chest, then sent it to Cruz's phone before I chickened out. The look on his face when we emerged from the store with my little bag of purchases was priceless.
Victor has allowed me to attend the Formal since I am going with Steph and Carla. He doesn't need to know that our dates are meeting us there. Cruz wanted to pick me up, but I didn't want to risk anything ruining our night. Carla's dad has paid for a limo to collect us from her house and take us to the school where our million-dollar gymnasium has been transformed into a winter wonderland.
Steph fixes the last curl in my hair, then steps back to admire her work. "You'll do," she says with an air of indifference.
"Thanks, bitch," I mutter and rise from the chair I'm on. We're joking with each other, though.
Carla clasps her hands together and beams my way. "Jolene, you're beautiful. Like a princess. Cruz will be blown away."
"The only blowing being done tonight will be when Jo finally lets her man go where no man's gone before," Steph says with a sarcastic smirk.
"Really? Are you quoting Star Trek now regarding my virginity?" I ask her.
She chuckles. "It's just too much fun and after tonight, I'll just have Carla left to tease."
We both swing our gazes toward our shy and quiet friend; mine in sympathy and Steph's with a glint of evil dancing in her eyes.
Carla blushes a deep shade of pink and looks away while mumbling under her breath. "No, you won't. "
Both Steph and I gape at each other with wide eyes and turn back to Carla. Steph says in a dramatic voice, "You slut! I knew you had it in you. Why haven't we been given all the details? Inquiring minds need to know. How big is he? What noises does he make? How long did he last? Did you get an orgasm out of the deal? Gimme!"
"Steph! Leave her alone, will you? Can't you tell she's embarrassed? No wonder she didn't say anything." I glare at my outspoken friend then turn gentle eyes back to Carla. "Ignore her. You don't have to tell us details, but you can maybe tell us when and where?"
Her cheeks are still flaming, but she smiles and says, "It only happened last weekend. Dean's parents were away for the holidays, but he had hockey practice and stayed here. He was super sweet about it and filled his bedroom with candles and flowers. He said he would wait for me, but I was ready and told him so. It was perfect."
Steph huffs beside me. "Why did you wait until now to say something?"
Carla flicks her eyes to me, then looks down at her hands, and I suddenly know why. "It's because of me, right? Carla, I told you we only shared a few bland kisses. I never felt anything for him and I'm happy for both of you."
"I know, but it still seems a bit weird. I also knew you had tonight planned with Cruz and didn't want to rain on your parade by doing it before you." She's twisting her hands together and refusing to look at me.
I walk over and bend down so she has to look at me. When she lifts her eyes, I make sure she sees the sincerity in my own. "You are important to me, and so is your big moment. I want you to share it with me. Nothing you say is going to ruin my night with Cruz."
Her smile is radiant. "I've been dying to tell you both. You only get your first time once and I wanted to share it with my two best friends."
"Well don't leave us hanging, dish the dirt." Steph flops on the bed beside her and crosses her arms.
Tact, thy name is not Steph.
Carla rolls her eyes, but then they sparkle as she thinks back on her night. "As I said, he had candles and flowers. We took things slow, and he kept checking with me that I was okay. He was so gentle. I'm not going to lie, it hurt, but when the hurt faded, it felt pretty amazing. He was amazing. And before you ask, Steph, his size was impressive, he didn't make any weird noises, and I'm positive I can reach an orgasm with him when I'm not so nervous."
Steph whoops and bounces off the bed. "As happy as I am for both of you, I gotta admit that I'm also a jealous bitch. You both have guys willing to make your first time all romantic and shit. My first time lasted all of three seconds in the back of a truck. It's not something to tell the kids about."
I stand and face my friend, needing to ask something. "By the way, what's up with you and Byron?"
She narrows her eyes and asks me, "What do you mean?"
"You went from ogling him at every opportunity and teasing him that night by the pool, to ignoring him and not answering his texts. What's up with that?"
Her shoulders slump and she gives me a pathetic look. "Your brother has more holes punched in his sex card than I do. I'm not ready to be anothe
r hole in that card. I wanted a bit more of the chase, I guess. Who knew?"
It's my turn to narrow my eyes. "What makes you think he just wants to add you to his card? Maybe he wants more."
She laughs at that. "Right. The biggest manwhore at school wants more than a romp with the easiest chick there. Sell it to someone else, sister."
Anger starts to sizzle under my skin at both those statements. "You are NOT the easiest chick there. That title belongs to Tisha. Byron may be a manwhore, but there's more to him than that and I think he'd surprise you."
I get a raised eyebrow aimed my way. "Look at you defending the brother you hate. Want to explain that one?"
Shit. I haven't told Steph and Carla about the truce. "We may have mended some fences lately."
Both of them yell, "What?" at the same time.
Closing my eyes, I say, "I know. It only happened recently, so don't get all bent that I didn't say anything. I still think he's an idiot, but he's growing on me."
Silence surrounds me, so I open my eyes to see both my friends wearing incredulous looks. Carla breaks the silence first. "I'm happy for you. I know it's been hard for you in that house since your mom died. Now you don't have to feel so alone."
A watery smile shapes my lips and I blink the moisture from my eyes. Carla has always been the sensitive one in our group and her words mean a lot to me.
"I don't have to feel like a traitor for lusting after your brother now. I'll put him back on my list of possible dance partners for tonight. Hey, what time are you and Cruz sneaking out of the Formal? I want you to be there for when I bring that bitch down."
I shrug my shoulders. "I'm not sure. Cruz booked the room and made all the plans. It's a surprise."
"Well, we better get our sexy asses down in that limo so we can make our grand entrance, sending a few hearts racing and dicks throbbing," she says while adjusting her boobs inside the scooped neckline of her silver dress.
Carla gracefully rises from the bed and fixes the material on her fitted lavender dress. Only someone with her figure could wear a mermaid-style dress and look sensational in it.
Both my friends look stunning.
I take one last glance in the mirror. My pale blue dress with the heart-shaped bodice and full skirt shimmers in the light and matches the color of my eyes. My makeup is soft and natural, except for the thick, black eyelashes and shimmery blush that highlights my cheekbones. Steph arranged my hair in layers of curls, and it cascades down my back and around my shoulders, shining like a gold curtain.
I do look like a princess, and I can't wait for my prince to see me.
The limo ride was exciting. I've never been in a limo before. I felt like royalty when we arrived at the school and had the driver help us from the back, with a gloved hand and approving smile.
Dean was waiting just inside the doors for Carla, and the look in his eye when he saw her, was enough to make my eyes water. He looked at her like she was the air he needed to breathe. His eyes glowed when she reached him, and he took in her appearance. It was a beautiful moment.
Steph marched through the doors to the gymnasium like she owned the place and I watched her stand like a celebrity and demand everyone notice her. She then accepted the many compliments thrown her way and took the arm of the teacher who is ushering in the students and held her head high while doing so.
Byron doesn't have a clue what he's up against.
I know Cruz is in there, and it's enough to send my heart racing and cause my palms to sweat. I take a deep breath for courage and approach the open doors of the gymnasium. I gasp when I get my first full view of the transformation.
The students who volunteered their time outdid themselves.
There are soft string lights draped around tables and strung in swags on the walls. White balloons bounce and sway from the weights holding them down on every surface, and white paper flower petals cover the floors along with white carpet runners. Silver accents are gleaming from the centerpieces and snowflakes on the walls.
It's magical.
The music teacher, Mr. Hall, holds his arm out for me and asks which table I'd like to sit at. Before I can reply, the crowd of gathered students seems to part, and my prince emerges.
No boy or man has ever looked more handsome in a tux than my Cruz. His hair has been styled off his gorgeous face and his velvet blue eyes hold me in their heated depths. He walks with confidence and the lines of the tux only emphasize the width and cut of his shoulders, tapering down to his trim waist.
I watch him walk, in a trance. His eyes smolder but soften as he stops before me. Sweeping his gaze over every inch of me, he whispers, "My fairy princess. You look breathtaking, Jo."
A tear escapes my eye and I smile back at him, saying, "Thank you. You look so handsome, Cruz."
My. Hall clears his throat and says, "I'll let Mister Cameron escort you to your table. Enjoy your night, Miss Hamilton."
I can't even respond, too lost in the eyes of the boy who is my whole world. He holds his arm out for me, and I place my hand in his. He turns and guides me through the crowd that seems to be staring at us, so I duck my head. I can understand why the girls would be staring at Cruz, but I don't know why anyone would be staring at me. Besides, the only eyes I want on me tonight are Cruz's.
Our table seats eight, which is perfect for all of us to sit together. Carla and Dean are already there with their heads bent together as they smile and whisper to each other. Classical music is drifting from the speakers set up on the far side of the gymnasium and the makeshift dance floor. Steph is holding court with a group of boys off to the side, but her clutch purse is resting on a chair next to Carla.
I take the seat beside it, which Cruz holds out for me like a gentleman. He bends and whispers in my ear, "Would you like some punch, my lady?"
I giggle and nod my head.
He tucks me into the table, then glides effortlessly through the crowd toward the punch table. I glance around at the other tables and spot Byron at one with his football buddies and a few girls. If looks could kill, Steph would be dead. He's glaring at her and the throng of boys swarming her. I hope she at least dances with him tonight, or I have a feeling things might get heated between those two.
Tisha is holding her own court with a group of admirers and her ever-present trio of ass-licking friends. She must feel my eyes on her because she looks right at me, then gives me a nasty smirk. Leaning into one of the boys, she whispers something in his ear, and I watch his shoulders stiffen as his angry eyes swing in my direction.
What the hell?
What could she have possibly said to get a reaction like that from a kid I barely know? I'm not a violent person, but I wish I did more than give her a few bruises that her makeup has hidden well. I'll be cheering for Steph tonight as she humiliates my enemy.
Men and women in black suits line the back of the room, each with rolling carts laden with silver-domed dishes. Haventeee spared no expense on the catering. I imagine this meal will rival those of five-star restaurants.
I'm saved from my internal musings when Cruz appears, holding two glasses of peach-colored liquid. He places the glasses beside our silver cutlery, then sits beside me while sliding his hand under the table and clasping mine.
He points to the drinks with his free hand. "I'm not sure what's in it, but it smells pretty good."
"I'm sure it's good. Nothing but the best for this school," I say with more sarcasm than I intended.
Cruz grimaces beside me. "Yeah, that's not what I'm used to either. Give me a can of soda and I'm happy."
A smile plays at my lips. "Still a Doctor Pepper junkie?"
He smirks back at me. "Still a Mountain Dew addict?"
We share a laugh together at our remembered drinks of choice.
Another couple asks if they can sit at our table. I recognize the guy as Dean's friend from the party and his date is a girl, I've had a few classes with, Jenna Moore. She's a quiet girl, seeming to keep to herself and a few friend
s. I smile warmly at her and she gives me an equally friendly smile in return. Introductions are made, then Steph finally makes it to her seat - minus a date. I thought for sure she would snag someone for the dinner portion, but she appears to be quite content on her own.
If she could only see the look of longing on my brother's face.
The dinner was incredible. The steaks were so tender, and the lobster seemed to be a huge hit with those that liked it. The salads, buns, and other dishes were equally impressive. Dessert was a delicate Tiramisu that melted in your mouth.
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