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

WANT A RIDE LAURA

After the game, the bleachers emptied quickly, the crowd filtering out into the chilly night. Sam had darted off ahead of us, her usual whirlwind self, with a quick wave and half a goodbye as she greeted some guys from another school. That left Jess and me standing just outside the field, the faint hum of chatter and laughter still lingering in the air as people trickled away.

I shoved my hands into my jacket pockets, feeling awkward and a little out of place, watching as Jess's expression brightened when a guy with messy brown hair approached. Bryan, or maybe Brandon? I couldn't remember, but he looked vaguely familiar. He greeted Jess like they'd known each other forever, his smile easy and confident.

What surprised me most was how Jess seemed to warm up to him. She usually had a sharp edge to her, especially when it came to guys. Yet here she was, laughing at whatever Bryan-or Brandon-was saying, her cheeks faintly flushed. I glanced away, pretending not to notice, but a part of me couldn't help but wonder where Luke fit into this equation. I'd been so sure he would win out in the end.

The thought barely had time to settle before Luke came into view, stalking over to us with a look on his face that screamed trouble.

I stiffened, instinctively stepping back a little, and Jess must've noticed too because she went rigid next to me. Bryan didn't 0.00%

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seem to pick up on the shift, still smiling like he owned the world, even as Luke closed the distance with an intensity that made the hair on my arms stand up.

Trailing behind Luke was Josh, his stride just as purposeful but with an air of casual disinterest that somehow made him seem even more intimidating. My stomach twisted as his eyes barely flicked in my direction before snapping back to Jess and Bryan. It was so fast, so impersonal, like I wasn't even worth a second of his time.

Not that it mattered.

I told myself to focus on anything but him. The ache in my shoulders. The way the crisp air smelled faintly of grass and sweat. The sound of gravel crunching under people's shoes as they left. Anything to keep from looking at Josh.

But my breathing betrayed me, coming faster and shallower the closer he got, until I wasn't even aware of what was happening in front of me anymore.

Luke's voice cut through my haze, sharp and confrontational.

"You've got a lot of nerve, Bryan.

I blinked, my gaze snapping to him just as Bryan's easy smile faltered.

"Excuse me?" Bryan said, his tone challenging but not overtly aggressive. Yet.

shot back, stepping closer, his shoulders squared like he was ready for a fight. "What are you even

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and I felt Jess stiffen

slightly. "Jess and I are just

laugh, shaking his head. "Right. Just talking. Like I haven't seen this act

step closer, and suddenly it felt like the air around us had turned electric, charged with testosterone and misplaced pride. It was like they were practically laying it on the table and measuring, if you asked me. I stood back, watching the scene unfold, my arms crossed tightly over my chest as I tried to disappear into

of them, her jaw clenched.

wwwww

"Let this guy think he

got some claim here or

in and defuse the situation, but she

voice low and calm in a way that made it even more commanding. "All right,

breaking slightly as they turned to look at him. Josh stood there

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is," he said, his tone carrying

288 (Vouchers

Bryan didn't look any happier, but he seemed to take the hint, running a hand through his hair and backing

quickly as it had begun, but the awkward tension lingered

stiff as he walked off toward the parking lot. My heart sank, the knot in my

www

said simply, his tone calm

eyes snapped to Josh, surprised at the unexpected endorsement. Luke looked like someone had just punched him in the gut. His head whipped toward Josh, his expression a mix of disbelief and betrayal, but Josh didn't even glance his way. Bryan gave a small nod

still flicking nervously to Luke. "Uh, okay. Maybe,"

won a prize, and Luke