“Oh, alright,” Bri sighed, giving in. She didn’t want to ruin Layla’s night, which seemed to be going extremely well, with her own drama. “I’ll send Layla a text and let her know I got a ride home.”
Cole held out his hand to her. “Let’s get you out of here, then.” His eyes begged her to take it.
“Please!” Another tear escaped, as Bri hesitantly took Cole’s hand. As her skin touched his, a little shiver went through her. His hand was warm and strong, and oddly comforting. He led her out the front door and to his familiar, old pickup truck. He opened the door and Bri climbed in. She sent a quick text to Layla as Cole pulled out of Trey’s neighborhood.
“So,” Cole cast a worried glance at her. “You want to tell me what happened?”
Bri felt her tears well up again, but forced them back. She was not going to waste another tear on Trey Woods.
“Not yet. I need something sweet and fattening first.” Cole looked confused. “You know, soul soothing comfort food. Preferably something chocolate.”
He shook his head and grinned. “Girls are so weird. You’re upset, and you want chocolate?” Bri nodded, and then closed her eyes and leaned her head back against the seat. “Okay, chocolate it is.”
After a few minutes of silence, Bri decided to ask something that had been bothering her for a while.
Keeping her eyes closed, she asked, “So, are you and Serena together?” She tried to sound casual, but failed. Her stupid emotions were still too close to the surface.
Cole’s eyes darted sideways to her, but he kept his head forward.
“No, we’re not together.”
“But you’re dating?” Bri remembered all the kissing she’d witnessed.
“Um, not technically,” he sighed.
“But you two are attached at the lips half the time,” she looked at him incredulously. “So what, are you just using her?” Her stomach clenched.
“No more than she’s using me,” Cole ran a frustrated hand through his hair. He obviously wasn’t comfortable with the conversation. “Look Bri, Serena and I... it’s complicated. We are not dating, and I’ve made it very clear I’m not interested in a relationship. But Serena doesn’t seem to care. And we do not kiss that often”
“Right,” Bri rolled her eyes. This conversation was a bit painful, but now that she was here, she might as well get it all out. “Do you like her?”
“Serena?” She nodded, and Cole thought a minute before answering. “You know, I don’t think I’ve thought about that for a long time. I liked her when we started dating the first time. But, honestly, I don’t think I’ve really liked her since we broke up.” Cole seemed surprised at this revelation. “I definitely don’t like like her anymore.”
Bri was incredulous. “You don’t like Serena?”
“Not really. I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but she’s kind of a self-absorbed snob,” he winked at her.
“Yes, and just like Carly, she’s also psychotic and a total bitch.” This caused Cole to laugh, and Bri couldn’t help her grin. Dang, he had a great laugh.
“But seriously,” she continued. “You don’t really even like her, yet you had no problem making out with her not ten minutes ago?”
“Well,” Cole flashed her a wicked grin. “She is hot!”
“This isn’t funny,” Bri protested as a giggle escaped her. “It’s demented! You guys really will put up with anything for a pretty face and a hot body!” She shook her head.
“Only if she puts out!” he laughed, and Bri whacked him on the arm.
“Guys are all the same,” she sighed, half teasing, half serious.
Cole parked in front of a frozen yogurt shop.
“So, does this work? Sweet and fattening enough for you?”
“It’s perfect! Ice cream, or yogurt, makes everything better,” she smiled.
Bri and Cole ordered their frozen yogurt, and then Cole drove them to the beach, where they parked and ate in the truck. After a few quiet minutes, and a contented sigh from Bri, Cole broached the topic again.
“Alright, Bri, time to spill. What happened tonight that had you in tears?” He paused and asked hesitantly. “It wasn’t you catching me and Serena making out, was it?”
Bri gave him an insulted look and scoffed.
“No, Cole. Unfortunately, I’ve witnessed enough tongue swapping between the two of you to have built up quite the tolerance to it. You kissing Serena did not upset me,” she rolled her eyes.
“Okay, okay,” he held up his hand in surrender. “What was it then? I’m not letting you out of this truck until you tell me,” he pressed, taking a smug bite of his yogurt.
Bri shook her head at him before answering. “Fine, you want to know what happened? Your buddy, Trey, happened.” She felt her anger rising as she thought about it. “He pinned me with his freakishly strong arms and assaulted me with his mouth!”
“He what!” Cole was shocked and outraged. “Is that all that happened? He didn’t try anything else, did he?” His voice shook with anger.
“No. I’m not dumb enough to put myself into that kind of situation. We were out back on the patio, and he tried to kiss me a second time. But I punched him, and he finally got the message.”
“You punched him?” Cole took her hands, checking her fingers and knuckles. “Are you okay?” he asked, worried.
“Yes, I’m okay, just angry. My hand’s a little sore, but I’m good.”
Still examining her knuckles, Cole asked quietly, “He didn’t... he didn’t try to hurt you, did he?” He looked up into her eyes.
Understanding what he was asking, Bri replied, “No, he didn’t hit me back or anything. He was pretty pissed, but he didn’t try to retaliate.”
“Thank goodness,” he let out a breath. “Are you sure he didn’t hurt you? Because I’ll go back there right now, and kick his ass if he did.” He was completely serious.
“No, he didn’t hurt me. I wouldn’t let him.”
“Good,” Cole raised her hand to his lips and softly kissed her knuckles. “But I may just kick his ass anyway. I can’t believe he treated you like that. I know he’s a cocky prick sometimes, but I didn’t think he’d do something like this. I’m sorry.”
“It’s not your fault.” She was surprised how much the whole incident bothered Cole. She wasn’t sure why he was so upset. She looked down at her hand that still tingled from his kiss. Feeling the desire to cry again, Bri decided it was time to get home. “Um, Cole, do you think you could take me back to Layla’s now?”
“Will you be okay by yourself? I could hang out for a while? We could watch a movie until Layla gets home?”
“No, that’s okay. I just really want to climb into a hot shower, scour my mouth with Listerine, and forget this whole night ever happened. But thanks, though. It’s nice of you to be worried.”
“That’s what friends do,” Cole shrugged. “They take care of each other.”
“Isn’t anyone home?” He asked as he pulled up in front of Layla’s dark house. “Maybe I should stay.” He looked at the house apprehensively.
“Layla’s parents will be home a little later. I’ll be fine, I promise,” she smiled, touched by his concern. “Thanks for taking me home tonight, Cole. I really appreciate it. And thanks for the yogurt, I owe you one!”
“Just glad I could help,” Cole smiled warmly at her. Bri stepped out the door, but Cole’s voice stopped her.
“Oh, Bri?”
She turned back to look at him.
“I just want you to know that I’m here, if you need anything. Tonight, or anytime. I promise I’ll always be here for you.” He gave her a sad smile.
She nodded, and headed into Layla’s house. As Cole drove off, she suddenly regretted sending him away. He’d been so sweet and protective, and she yearned for his comfort. So much so, she almost pulled out her phone to call him. Instead, she forced herself into a steaming hot shower, where she finally let all the tears fall as her emotions came rushing out. The anger a
nd fear over Trey. Her mixed and complicated feelings about Cole. The jealousy and pain she felt when she thought about him and Serena together. And all the hurt and frustration she’d felt since the beginning of school. She washed them all down the drain with her tears.
She then climbed into her bed in Layla’s guest room, emotionally and physically exhausted, and fell asleep.
Cole sent her a couple texts that weekend, making sure she was okay. Bri was touched that he cared so much. She hated to admit it, but he was wearing down her resistance. The protective barrier she’d put up between them was becoming harder to maintain.
It was fall break, and school was out for the whole week. Bri and Layla decided to go shopping with Jess and Maddie, and they all got to endure Layla’s five hour dissertation on the wonders of Devon Peterson. Apparently things had gone very well at the party. Bri held her tongue, and let Layla go on as long as she liked. She was obviously smitten with Devon, and Bri was happy for her. Layla deserved to be happy.
There was no dance practice all week, and Bri was extremely grateful. She managed to get caught up on her homework, and also got to spend some quality time with her brothers, which had been lacking since school had started. She was having a perfectly nice, relaxing week, but something was missing. She about smacked herself on the forehead when she realized it was Cole she was missing. It was getting frustratingly difficult fighting her feelings for him, which had been slowly resurfacing since they began spending time together again. Bri kept telling herself that her life would be a lot easier if she didn’t feel anything for him. Unfortunately, her body wasn’t listening.
So on Thursday, when she couldn’t stand it anymore, she took a chance and called Cole. She decided to start with something casual, so she asked him if he’d like to go running with her. They had run together a lot last summer, and she missed it. He agreed, and Bri felt excitement stir inside her, something she hadn’t felt in a long time.
They met at the park, like they used to, and ran the trails for an hour. After they cooled down, Cole walked her to her car.
“This was fun,” he smiled at her. “I’ve missed this. We should do it more often. Especially now that it’s not so hot during the day.”
“Yeah, that would be fun,” she smiled back.
“So, how are you feeling?” He gave her a concerned look.
“Oh, I’m good. I’m fully over the whole Trey thing. Though if he tries anything again, I’ll gladly knee him in the balls!” She tried to joke.
“If he ever tries anything again, I’ll do more than that,” Cole almost growled.
Deciding to change the subject Bri asked, “So, what about you? How are things going? Done any painting lately?” She missed seeing his paintings.
“I’m good, just been busy. Not a lot of painting, mainly because I haven’t had much time. But I’m taking photography this semester, and it’s really helping with my art.”
“That’s great! I’ll have to come by and see what you’re working on sometime. I mean, if that’s okay?” Bri’s cheek flushed as she realized that she’d basically just invited herself over to Cole’s house. What was she doing?
“Definitely! Hey, I have an idea. I’ve got a big photography project I have to work on this weekend. Why don’t you come with me to take some pictures on Saturday? We could maybe even get some dinner after?”
Bri smiled. “Okay, it’s a date! Oh, no!” Her whole face went red as Cole flashed her a victorious smile. “Not that kind of date! I meant the calendar kind of date, not the date kind of date! Oh, man,” Bri dropped her face in her hands. Cole laughed and she looked up. “What?”
“I finally got you all flustered for a change! It’s taken awhile, but it was definitely worth the wait!”
“Whatever,” Bri shook her head and unlocked her car. “Bye, Cole.”
“Bye, Bri. I’ll pick you up on Saturday at 4:00. Don’t forget!” He winked at her and shut her door. He was still smiling as she drove away.
Cole knocked on her door at 4:00 sharp on Saturday, and Bri was waiting for him. She’d been waiting for him the past two days. She couldn’t help her excitement at seeing him. This was so not a good sign.
“Hi,” she said breathlessly as she opened the door. Hot damn! Cole was wearing a body hugging navy blue Tigers Football t-shirt, and her favorite butt hugging jeans. His blue eyes sparkled at her from underneath his worn baseball cap, and her heart started pounding. It was so loud, she hoped he couldn’t hear it. How was she supposed to keep her feelings in check when he looked that good? She was at an instant disadvantage. Pulling herself together, she hollered into the den, “I’m leaving, Dad.”
Connor walked into the entryway.
“Okay. Have a good time, Pumpkin. Hello, Cole.”
Bri’s face heated in embarrassment. Leave it to her dad to bring out the embarrassing nicknames. Cole held back a chuckle as he eyed her.
“Hi, Mr. Donnelly.”
“You two be careful. And Bri, don’t be too late.”
“Okay. Bye!” Bri was out the door before her dad could embarrass her anymore.
“Pumpkin, huh?” Cole teased. “I like it!” He got a mischievous gleam in his eyes.
“Don’t you dare!” She knew exactly what he was thinking. “If you start calling me that, I’ll punch you!”
“After what you did to poor Trey, I definitely don’t want that!” he laughed.
They walked down the drive to the curb in front of her house. Bri froze when she saw what was parked there.
“What the hell is that?” She gaped at the very dangerous looking motorcycle in front of her.
“That’s my bike,” Cole beamed at the metal monstrosity.
“Since when do you have a motorcycle?” Bri squeaked.
“I bought it right before school started. I saved up all summer for it. It was what I was working for.” He rubbed the motorcycle affectionately.
“Why?”
“Well, my truck is terrible on gas, and with traffic, I wanted something a little more maneuverable. Why, do you have something against bikes?”
“That is not a bike! That is motorized death! Do you have some twisted death wish or something?”
Cole laughed. “Of course not! You’re being ridiculous, Bri. It’s fun, I promise! Come on, hop on,” he patted the seat.
“No, absolutely not. I happen to like my brain where it is, you know, inside my skull! Not splattered all over the pavement!”
“Bri, I have a helmet for you,” he sighed.
“That is so reassuring,” Bri quipped. She pulled her keys out of her purse. “Here’s what we’re going to do. You are going to drive my car. That way, you can still drive, and I don’t have to fear for my life. See, everybody wins!” She tossed him the keys, and went to open the passenger side door on her Mazda.
“Stop right there,” Cole demanded. He walked over and opened the door for her. “Just because we’re taking your car, doesn’t mean you’re getting your own door.” She slid in and he closed the door.
“Who knew you were such a gentleman,” Bri smiled at him as he got in.
“Ambria, with you I’ve never been anything but a gentleman,” he smiled back.
Cole drove them up to the hills around LA and pulled out his camera. Bri carried the bag with his extra lenses and filters in it, while Cole snapped pictures. She was having fun following him around, while he tried to get the perfect angle or the best lighting. She could’ve sworn he snapped a few pictures of her when she wasn’t looking. When Cole was satisfied he’d gotten some good shots, they turned back for the car.
“I’d better not be in any of those pictures,” she warned as they drove away.
“Well, that’s the thing. There’s no way for you to find out, is there?” he teased. Bri punched his arm playfully. “Hey! I need that arm to drive!” he laughed and glanced sideways at her. “So, are you sure you’re over the whole Trey thing?”
“I’m still a little angry, but yeah, for the most part I’m
over it.”
“Good, because there’s something I’ve been dying to ask you, but I was worried it was too soon.”
“Oh? And what’s that?”
“Where the heck did you learn to throw a punch like that?” He smiled at her, and Bri laughed. “I mean, most girls would’ve just smacked the guy. Or if they did hit him, they would’ve hurt themselves more than him. But you clocked him pretty good! The whole side of his jaw is bruised, and you didn’t even break a nail,” he winked at her. “So, seriously, where did you learn to hit like that?”
“Well, my friend Rosa, back in Dallas, had four older, larger, brothers who made sure she’d be able to fight off any guy who came near her. She taught me.”
“Well, she was one hell of a teacher! Remind me never to piss you off, I don’t want you mangling my face, too!”
Cole pulled up to an Asian restaurant, and opened Bri’s door for her.
“Thanks for coming with me today, Bri. It was fun,” he said, once they’d been seated.
“Yeah, fun for you! You weren’t the one lugging all the equipment around,” she teased. She really wasn’t complaining. She’d had the best view following behind him.
“What? You’re a strong, independent woman. If I’d tried to take the bag from you, you would’ve given me a black eye!”
“I’ll give you a black eye right now, if you’re not careful!” she laughed.
Their food arrived, and Bri swatted Cole away as he tried to steal some of her kung pao chicken.
“So, there’s something I wanted to tell you,” Cole began after a couple of bites.
“Okay, what’s up?”
“It’s really not a big deal, but I wanted you to know I broke things off with Serena. Permanently.” He glanced up at her through his lashes, gauging her reaction.
“You what? Why?” Bri was shocked. She was even more surprised to find that this news loosened something in her chest that she hadn’t realized was even there.
“Well, I decided that dating just for the, um, benefits, wasn’t fair to anyone.”
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