Letting My Brother's Best Friend Take My V-Card

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.

again. Trust

hot. Tim's going to love

the backyard, breaking our focus. I glanced toward the window, my heart sinking when I saw the familiar figures splashing in the

And a gaggle of

against the window

Jess said with a shrug just as irritated about

I

and snorted. "Look at them. All

his hair as one of the cheerleaders-Madison, of course-laughed too loudly at something he said. A familiar swirl

tired of being... them?" I asked, trying to sound

date, Laura. Focus on that, not whatever nonsense is happening down

right. I needed to focus. Tonight wasn't about

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It was about proving to myself-and everyone else that I

it was built on

this way!

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

an eyebrow. "You

nodded, forcing a smile.

the briefest of

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

hopping out and circling the truck

head, my cheeks warming. "Thanks. You clean up pretty well yourself.