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

JESS

1 WEEK AGO

Walking into school felt like stepping into a minefield. It had been a month since the pool party, a month since Luke had dropped me off with nothing but a searing stare. The memory still clung to me like a shadow, his intense gaze haunting my thoughts.

Laura's voice broke through the haze I was in as I navigated the crowded hallways. "Why is Tiffany so happy? New hair extensions?" Laura snorted, her tone dripping with sarcasm.

I glanced up to see Tiffany practically glowing with smug satisfaction. Just seeing her made my stomach churn. Before I could find a way to avoid her, she sauntered up to us, her smile wider than I'd ever seen-her pearly veneers shining. "Guess what, ladies?" Tiffany sang, her voice sickeningly sweet. "Luke just asked me to prom!"

My heart stopped. An icy chill spread through me, freezing me in place. Luke asked her to prom. My mind raced, a whirlwind of confusion and hurt. It was confusing for me because why the hell did I feel like this and hurt that I had no business feeling? I hadn't seen or talke him with Tiffany felt like a slap in the face, but I had no right to feel that way.noveldrama

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"Isn't it amazing?" Tiffany continued, oblivious to my inner turmoil. "He's such a catch."

I forced myself to keep my expression neutral, but inside, I was a storm of emotions. Anger, jealousy, and a strange sense of betrayal churned within me. How could he? And why did it bother me so much?

Before I could even begin to sort through my feelings, or appeared beside me, a broad grin lighting up his face. He held a bouquet of flowers, his blue eyes sparkling with excitement.

"Jess," he began, his voice loud enough to catch everyone's attention.

"Will you go to senior prom with me?"

Gasps and whispers erupted around us as all eyes turned our way. My heart pounded in my chest, my mind reeling. For a split second, my gaze flickered across the room and landed on Luke. He stood there, seemingly impassive, his face a mask of indifference. It was like The sight of him acting so detached stung more than I wanted to admit. I forced myself to look back at Tom. His blond hair gleamed under the school lights, and his hopeful expression tugged at my heart. Tom was sweet, kind, and safe. He was everything I should want. But why did a small part of me still long for Luke?

Stepping forward, I took the flowers from Tom, a smile spreading across my face, a little fake, but I hoped he didn't notice. "Yes, Tom," I said, my voice steady. "I'd love to go to prom with you."

Cheers and applause erupted around us as Tom pulled me into

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a hug. I leaned into him, trying to ignore the pang in my chest, and I let him kiss me. It was chaste but still the most public affection I've ever had with him. As I glanced back at Luke, his face remained unreadable, a fortress of indifference.

I watched Tiffany's face turn sour, her triumphant smirk slipping away as I agreed to go to prom with Tom. I let myself ba the small victory, ignoring the uneasy feeling gnawing at insides.

Ever the gentleman, Tom offered me his arm, and I allowed him to walk me to class.

"Josh already asked Laura," I murmured, trying to distract

myself from the emotions swirling inside me. "And Sam's going with a guy from a different school altogether. Nathan, I think."

Tom smiled at me, pulling me to his side and guiding us toward Luke. All I could think was No, No, No other way, but it was too late. We were going to pass him, and to my complete surprise, Luke stepped forward with a smile directed at Tom. "Told you she would say yes." Luke gave Tom a high-five, and I felt like it was a stab to the heart.

As we walked down the hallway, we passed by Luke. I could feel the ice-

cold air radiating from him, his presence like a shadow that refused to leave me alone. My heart tightened, but I refused to look his way or acknowledge him. I was mostly afraid of what he might see on my face that a part of me might be sad that he asked Tiffany instead of Tom was talking, but his words were a distant hum in my ears. All I could think about was Luke. Why did it bother me so much that he was taking Tiffany? Why did I care?

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As I walked into class, I glanced back at Luke. He was watching me, his expression as unreadable as ever. My heart ached with unspoken words and feelings I couldn't quite understand.

I sank into my seat, trying to focus on anything but my feelings.

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