Page 3 of One Night by

“Please, Jacob. It’s just one night. I promise I’ll make it fun. I’ll even pay for everything. Please?” I crawl closer to the bed.

He thinks for a moment, looks at me, then looks away again. After a few more “pleases,” he takes my hands in his and pulls me off the ground as we stand.

“Fine, I’ll go. Stop begging like a bitch. My god Dani. No one asked you, really? What a bunch of assholes.” He pulls me in for a hug.

“I didn’t expect to be asked. I just thought, maybe. But then the cheerleaders and popular girls made it all about them and…” I let out a tear as he held me.

“I’m sorry, D. I’d be honored to take you. But just one night, this one time, and don’t be trying to show me off to all your friends.” I squeeze him tighter, wrapping my arms around his neck, “thank you, Jacob, thank you so much. You are the best friend a girl could ever ask for!”

Filled with excitement, I kiss his cheek, unwrap my arms from his neck and run out of the house with the biggest smile on my face. Nicki was waiting at the end of the driveway, jumping up and down, clapping with Keni. “He said yes!” I grabbed both their hands, looking both ways as we crossed the street.

Prom night was amazing. Jacob insisted on getting a limo, a corsage, and he refused to accept any money, no matter how much I offered. We arrived in style, and all the cheerleaders' heads were turned in the nerd girl’s direction. Unable to believe, not only did I have the nerve to intrude on their prom, but I brought the hottest guy in town.

Sure, Jacob is hot as hell, but they don’t know him. They don’t care that he’s not happy living in a huge house. He is home alone most of the time because his parents are off on a cruise or business trip to another country. Or the fact his parents are disrespectful to him, and he’s only a bad boy to piss them off.

Jacob takes my hand in his, brings it to his lips, and presses down lightly. The butterflies in my stomach settle as a smile spreads across my face from ear to ear.

“This one night is all yours. Fuck these bitches.” I nod in agreement, and we walk further into the hall.He excuses himself and steps away, heading towards the DJ, whispers in his ear, and hands him a folded bill. The guy nods and then starts moving things around on his table.

Jacob returns with determination in his stride, “you ready?” My eyes go wide, not knowing what he has up his sleeve.

The song ends, and a familiar beat sounds through the speakers. An oldie but goodie, Cherry Pie by Warrant. It’s the song we joke about because my parents are still living in the eighties and nineties, yet we have come to enjoy it, too. As he leads me to the middle of the dance floor, my cheeks flush as I scan the room, and all eyes are on us.

He draws my attention back to him, “Dani, fuck them. You’re here with me. Besides, you promised me a good time.” I take a deep breath; he starts dancing, and I follow suit.

I never laughed, danced, or had so much fun. The night came to an end, and Jacob, being the gentleman he is, walked me to my door.

“I really had a good time tonight.” He takes my hand in his. “Me too, oh my god, I would have hated being there with anyone else. Thank you.” I lean in to kiss him on the cheek. Instead, he turns, and our lips touch. I pause for a moment, shocked, until his arm wraps around my hip and his other cradles my neck pulling me closer.

Not expecting this, I gasp, and he takes full advantage. His tongue touches mine, and my eyes pop open. He pulls back slightly, asking permission with his eyes.

“I’ve never. I mean…” I admit in a whisper but want more. Without any more hesitation, I place my hand behind his neck and tug him down for another kiss.

After a moment, we both pull away. He tucks his hands into his pockets and looks up and down the block, avoiding all eye contact.

Breaking the silence and awkwardness, I tell him, “It was a hell of a night. Thanks, Jacob.” I turn on my heels with a smile and reach out for the knob, escaping through my front door.

“Night, Cherry Pie,” he says as the door closes, and I can’t help the giggle that escapes.

*.*.*

I look at the messenger box with his name again. It’s been a while since we’ve spoken, and it would be good to catch up. I’m glad he is keeping himself safe.

I click accept.

Jacob: Hi Dani, long time. I’m in town. Did you want to catch up?

I click reply.

Danielle: Absolutely! Wigwam tonight? It’s Keni’s birthday!

An immediate response pops up before I even get a chance to click the little x in the corner to close out the messenger box.

Jacob: See you there!

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