Letting My Brother's Best Friend Take My V-Card

JESS
Walking away from that kiss with Tom, my heart hammered in my chest, not just from the kiss itself but from the fact that I had
done it in full view of Luke. My nerves were raw, but I forced a smile as Tom's hand found mine, giving it a gentle squeeze. I
could see it on his beaming face. I'd just made his day, and the guilt that I'd done it to get back at Luke would eat me up inside
for the rest of the day. But maybe I could convince myself that if I give this a real shot, I might actually fall for Tom.
"That was a really nice surprise," he said softly with a smirk. He squared his shoulder and then left his hand to wrap an arm
around my shoulders, walking me into the building like he'd just won some trophy.
I nodded, not trusting my voice. I glanced back briefly and saw Luke standing alone, Tiffany nowhere in sight. His face was
unreadable, and I quickly looked away, refusing to let him see what was probably plastered on my face clear as day. "Yeah," I
finally managed, letting Tom walk me to my lock-er.
Tom's smile was kind, and he squeezed my hand again.
"We've got English together now, right?" Tom said, and I nodded, pulling open my locker to grab some books.
It was like I could feel him standing right behind me, like my bones knew he was there. I clutched the door handle, trying to keep
my focus straight ahead, even though every part of me wanted to turn around and look at him. "Hey, man," Luke's deep voice

grated on my ears, sending a shiver down my spine. "You are going Friday?" he asked Tom.
I kept my eyes forward, knowing my face would betray me if I turned around.
"Hey, Luke. Yeah, of course. It's basically tradition," Tom replied smoothly. He leaned in and kissed my temple, making my heart
race. "Only now I have a date," he added, his voice warm and proud
I forced a smile, trying to ignore the way my heart pounded in my chest. "Yep," I said, my voice coming out steadier than I felt.
"Looking forward to it."
The silence behind me was deafening. I could practically feel Luke's eyes boring into the back of my head, but I refused to give
him the satisfaction of seeing me falter.
"Cool," Luke finally said, his tone unreadable. "See you guys there."
Tom squeezed my hand, giving me a reassuring smile.

"Yeah, see you," Tom said before turning his attention back
to me.
I let out a breath I didn't realize I was holding.
Tom fell silent, not pushing the topic further, and I was grateful.
As we walked away, my heart still pounding. Tom glanced at me, curiosity all over his face. "Jess, what's going on between you
and Luke? Did something happen on the car ride back from the game?"

I panicked but tried to keep my expression as bored as pos-sible. "He's just a jerk, that's all. I have no idea why my brother thinks
he's best friend material."
Tom paused, clearly trying to understand. "He's a good guy, really," Tom said.
I snorted, unable to hide my bitterness. "Tell that to the long list of heartbroken girls he's left behind."
Tom fell silent, deciding not to push the topic further, and I was grateful.
We walked through the halls, Tom holding my hand, and I could feel the eyes of our classmates on us. I spotted Laura and Sam
in class, kissed Tom on the cheek and headed over to them as fast as possible. Tom didn't seem to mind and sat with his friends.
I could see the question marks hovering above Luara and Sam. Sam gave me an approving smile as I sat down, and Laura
winked at me.
"What?" I mouthed, shrugging as if I didn't know that I had just made one hell of a statement by walking in on Tom's arm. When
the class was left to do their own thing, I leaned into Sam, "What's happening Friday?"
I'm guessing she would know since she's sort of dating my brother, but Sam was the one who almost jumped out of her seat.
"Freddy is having a pool party," She grinned, her eyes shining excitedly.
"I don't know... Freddy's didn't turn out so well for me last time." Even though the words were a lie, that night was a night I'd
never forget. It was the first time Luke had noticed me, spoken to me, and then, at the same time, set me up for complete failure.
"I couldn't say that," Sam chirped, and both Laura and I knew why. Since Sam had this personal revelation and, for all intents
and purposes, glow up, she's been an unstoppable force. If she had her eyes on a guy, they didn't stand a chance. Her fiery red
hair was no longer contained, she'd finally reached herself, and I loved that for her.

But I wasn't a social butterfly; I was the opposite. "Oh, come on. I'm going, and before you say anything about your brother, the
team has some or other annual thing happening, so I'll be alone the whole night," Laura pleaded with me, and I caved.