Page 19 of Purity

“She looks great.” His voice is breathy.

My goodness, he really likes how I look in this dress. Maybe I wasn’t reading too much into that kiss.

Maybe he really does want me.

“Okay,” I say. “But where are we going to get ready? I really don’t want my parents seeing me dressed like this. Not yet. Honestly, I’m not even comfortable with your parents seeing me. Or your abuela. It’s silly, but I know how disappointed they’ll be in me, and I love them so much. It’ll make me sad and just throw off my whole vibe for tonight, you know?”

Mari nods slowly. “And you know my dad will tell your dad.”

I smile sadly. “They’re going to start praying for both of us.”

“Why don’t you guys get ready at my place?” Cole says. “I can stay out of your way when you… You know… Tape her up. I’ll make you guys dinner.” He looks at Mari, his brows drawing together. “We need to make sure she eats a full meal before we go out. I don’t want her getting drunk too fast.”

Mari nods. “Lots of protein. She’s going to want carbs—”

“You guys,” I interrupt, rolling my eyes.

Their heads snap in my direction, as if they’d forgotten I was here.

“I appreciate how much you’re both looking out for me, but I don’t think either of you had anyone acting like this the first time you got drunk, and you both turned out just fine. I want to feel like a regular college student. Let me have a wild night. If I get drunk too fast because I didn’t eat enough protein, that’s on me. Let me suffer the consequences of my actions, like you two have on nights when you’ve had too much to drink.”

Mari opens her mouth to speak, but Cole talks over her. “We agreed I’ll look out for you so that you can relax and have a good time, and that’s what I’m going to do. I’m not letting you get sick.”

I sigh, not wanting to get into an argument with him when it’s a reasonable expectation. Still, it would be nice if he framed it as a request instead of a command. I smile warmly at him. “That’s very thoughtful.”

His expression softens. “I just want you to have fun.”

“I know you do.” When I reach out and touch his arm, his body goes rigid at first, but then it relaxes, and his gaze drifts to my chest.

Wow. This is new. I don’t think I’ve ever caught him staring at my boobs before, let alone three times in five minutes.

“If you really want Livvy to have a good time, you should invite some of your hot friends. Ooh, maybe we could even pre-party at your place?”

Cole’s posture grows rigid. “I don’t want to make her nervous with too many people.”

I shake my head. “It won’t. I want to force myself to socialize more.” I look at Mari. “We could have Travis meet us there instead of at the bars.”

Cole’s jaw ticks. “Travis is coming out tonight?”

Mari nods. “Livvy’s considering him for her first drunken make-out session, but we also talked about Zac.”

Cole’s eyebrows shoot to the top of his forehead. “She is not making out with Zac.”

“Why not?” Mari asks.

His expression grows incredulous. “He’s one of my best friends.”

“What difference does that make?” Her tone is suspiciously earnest.

When Cole’s eyes widen and then grow dazed, I take it as my cue to step in.

“I won’t make out with Zac. I can see how that would make you uncomfortable.”

His expression softens. “No, it’s okay. I trust Zac. And if you’re going to…” He inhales a deep breath before giving me a hard stare. “If you’re going to do this, I’d rather it be with people I trust. I can even invite over a few of my old baseball buddies. I would trust any of them with my life.”

Mari smiles wide. “Livvy, if you could pick from the baseball team like they were a box of truffles, which ones would you select?”

“Hmm… Theo’s really cute.”

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