Page 93 of The Second Kiss
Despite all the suggestions Jasmine gave me, I opted for something simple—a red dress with a tight bodice and a high neckline that crosses in the back. It’s high enough that the locket is completely concealed. I’m not sure why I decided to wear it tonight. It felt right to put it on, even if no one but me knows it’s there. Even if it’s the last time I ever wear it.
My shoulders are bare. A row of straps that crisscross to a dramatic low-cut back covers the back of the dress. The cut of the dress shows off the striated arm and back muscles I worked so hard for. When I walk, the skirt flows and flares. I can’t wait to dance in it. One good thing about my night at the club, I’m not afraid to dance in front of people anymore. My hair is half-up, half-down, with wisps of curls at my neck. I softened the hairstyle and makeup the salon did, to make it more me. I know I look good, but more than that, I look exactly the way I want to look.
A stab of jealousy hits me as I watch Kendra pose Ryder and Taryn. I’m happy for my friend. Ryder looks at her as if she’s the best thing that’s ever happened to him. He's right. Taryn deserves to have someone look at her like that.
I wander around the yard, taking in the flowers that are just blooming. We couldn’t have asked for better weather. I promised myself that I’d just enjoy tonight and not think about Jacob or Brad or the girl on the phone.
I reach to catch a cherry blossom floating to the ground. The sound of a familiar engine makes me stop. I stay frozen for a long moment, and then curiosity gets the best of me. I walk aroundthe back of the house to see who’s here. There’s no mistaking Jacob’s car as it comes up the driveway.
“What is he doing here?” Jasmine says, joining me.
“I don’t know.” I haven’t talked to Jacob since that night at the club. “More importantly, why is she here?” I nod toward the white BMW, trailing after Jacob’s car.
Jasmine makes a face. “Is that?–”
“Yeah.”
She puts her arm around my waist. “You okay?”
“I’m good,” I answer, and it’s mostly true. Despite telling Jacob that I wanted him to leave me alone, I assumed I’d see him again at some point. I’ve been bracing myself for that moment. I just didn’t expect to have to see him with Laini again.
“More than that; you look good,” Jasmine points out. “So good that when Jacob gets out of the car, I bet he forgets his own name.”
It isn’t Jacob who gets out of his car.
Jasmine gasps. I stare in stunned silence.
He grins his lazy half-grin. “Hello ladies.”
“Gage!” Jasmine screams. She throws herself into his arms. They kiss long enough for me to get uncomfortable. When they finally separate, he looks her up and down. “You look incredible.”
Jasmine does a little spin. “I do, don’t I?”
He turns, finally acknowledging me. “And you, Miss Jessica, are absolutely gorgeous.” He wraps his arms around me in a long embrace. “I’m the luckiest guy in the world tonight.”
“And why would that be?” Jasmine has her hand on her hip.
Gage is dressed up—wearing a full suit and a nice tie. “Because I get to take two insanely hot babes to prom.”
“I don’t remember inviting you.” Despite her overly friendly greeting, Jasmine is going to make Gage work for this.
He gets down on one knee. “Jasmine, Jessica, would you do me the honor of letting me escort you to–”
Before he finishes, the door of the white BMW opens. It’s Jacob. He’s dressed in a dark suit and tie. He looks sharp and polished and achingly gorgeous. I hold my breath because he’s carrying what looks like a corsage box.
“Gage, if I’d known you were going to drive like a bat out of hell, I never would have let you take–”
He stops as our eyes meet.
“Jess,” he breathes, “you look–” but he can’t seem to finish that sentence.
Gage gets off his knee. “Gorgeous, sexy, ravishing, angelic, smokin’ hot–-those are the words my inarticulate brother would say, if he could get his tongue back in his mouth.”
Jacob blushes. It’s so uncharacteristic and cute that I laugh.
“Beautiful?” I supply.
“Beautiful doesn’t begin to cover it,” Jacob says. His expression tells me he means it.
