Page 45 of How to Prevent a Fumble

I look down at my jeans, wondering if I should change into something a little more fancy. I mean, they’re my good pair of jeans. I’m not wearing shorts or sweats, so that’ssaying something. Even made an exception and even wore my fancy shoes. Not sure it goes with jeans and my gray Henley, but it’s as good as they’re going to get.

Rather go in not pretending to be someone I’m not, right?

Deciding that I’m dressed okay, I lean against the wall, fidgeting with my watch.

When her door finally opens, I nearly choke.

Briar has always been gorgeous. Of course she’s beautiful. But she’s an ice queen, and her brother is my best friend.

My best friend who fuckedmysister, but for all my faults, that was never on my mind.

But I had never seen Briar in a sundress.

Catnip for men, sundresses are the ultimate fantasy, and for the very first time since knowing her, I start to wonder if she’s wearing anything underneath.

And I quickly give my brain a smack.

What the hell?

But that’s not all. Not only is the sundress a beautiful shade of baby blue with an open back, but her golden hair is braided, tied together in the back by a simple blue scarf.

Briar wears simple makeup, her freckles littering her face like stars. Her brown eyes meet mine, and I’m not sure how I’m possibly supposed to remember what we were getting ready for.

“Um,” I say, coughing once. “I…”

She smirks. “You okay pretty boy?”

“You think I’m pretty?” I smile, my brain buzzing in my skull.

Not saying anything, she turns back around to grab her little white sandals and bag.

“Now I’m ready.”

“Your car is too fancy for me, Leo. I feel like just sitting here is getting it dirty.”

Don’t think it, don’t think it,I chant to myself.

It could be dirtier…

Whatisit about a woman in a sundress that makes my brain turn off?

You see plenty of women in sundresses every day…

“Shut the fuck up,” I hiss, gripping the wheel tighter.

“Excuse me?” Briar says from the passenger seat, offended.

I stiffen, desperately wanting to just disappear. “Shit, I’m sorry Briar. Not you. Was just… talking to myself.”

I can feel her eyes on me, confused, and when we pull up to a red light, I turn to her. “I promise it’s fine.”

“Okay…” she says.

“I promise.”

“Jesus okay Leo, I get it.”

The rest of the ride is quiet. Well, it’s quiet between the two of us. My head is anything but.

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