Page 112 of Giving In

“Uh-huh.”

“Hey, ‘Me, I just want to say sorry again for pushing you toward Jake. I really had no idea about Nathan.”

“It’s fine,” I wave a hand in the air because whether she tried to set us up or not, Jake doesn’t care. He just does what he wants.

“Are you sure you’re okay to go with him to the ball?”

“Sure. It’s just as friends,” I shrug.

I’m really not that okay but what choice do I have at this point? I didn’t even tell Nathan my date changed. I didn’t think he cared. He trusts me, now all I need is to trust myself around Jake, and tonight is the ultimate test.

As we open the front door we’re greeted by Jake and Luke in tuxedos. I barely refrain a gasp at the look of Jake in a tux. He opted for a dark blue, the color of a summer night sky that fits perfectly with his eyes. His black jet hair is slicked back back instead of his usual just-out-of-bed messy style and the gorgeous smile that spreads on his lips when he looks me up and down makes my heart melt instantly and with it my panties. He locks his gaze with mine and takes half a step forward, offering me his hand.

I don’t move for what feels like ages. I’m frozen in place by his beauty.

“Stop drooling and let’s go, Angel.”

I shake my head and take his hand. My heart is hammering in my chest as he softly intertwines his fingers with mine.

“You’re wearing white,” he says to me in his low voice.

I did. Nathan chose a white dress and I only remember now that Jake had asked me to wear white.

“Right,” I say. I have to keep my sentences short because my breath turns shallow when he stands too close to me.

He lets go of my hand to help me into the limo.

It’s Halloween ball but it really doesn’t feel like it. Every ball in Stoneview is a good occasion for everyone to show their wealth with gorgeous gowns and extravagant cars. I’m usually not part of it but tonight is different. Tonight, I’m with Jake White and that changeseverything.

When we’re all settled in, Luke opens a bottle of champagne while Emily grabs the flute glasses.

Jake moves closer and grabs my waist to bring me against him.

“Jake,” I whisper angrily. The others are too focused on their conversation to follow ours. “I thought I made myself clear when I said we were going as friends.”

“I can’t believe you wore a white dress. I like it when you listen to me, Angel.”

He tightens his grip and his breath is in my ear the next instant. “But I think I like it better when you fight me.”

A shiver runs down my spine and I look around to avoid looking at him.

Chris is the furthest away from everyone, trying to call someone. In fact, he’s been trying since we were outside the car. Then it hits me that Rose isn’t here.

As if reading my thoughts Emily addresses herself to the boys. “Where’s Rose?”

A silence falls on the car and all that can be heard is Chris muttering ‘fuck’ every few seconds as he massages the back of his neck.

“Hmph,” Jake groans as he readjusts himself on his seat, pulling away from me. “Busy.”

“Is she not coming to the ball,” Emily insists, incapable of reading the room.

Luke whispers something in Emily’s ear and she nods before straightening. “Champagne anyone?”

Everyone nods, including me. I most definitely will need it tonight.

CHAPTER 21

‘We know that every good thing has to end’

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