Love You Better (Better Love 1)

After my chat with Bailey early this morning, I attempted to get some sleep without success. My dreams were inundated with replays of the Almost Kiss with Kelley—both Almost Kisses. My anxious brain decided it would be a great idea to torment me with images of last night mushed all together with images from the destructive evening from Senior Prom four years ago.

Every single version of the dream ended with us both in tears, a giant irreparable chasm between us. My brain has been fighting off ominous thoughts all day.

“I’m gonna grab drinks,” Jesse shouts over the music. “Draft special?”

“Actually, J, can you get me a vodka cranberry with lime?”

Bailey lets out a celebratory whoop and Jesse flashes me a grin.

“You gonna get buzzed tonight, V? We gonna have to carry your tipsy ass home?” Jesse shimmies his shoulders and I roll my eyes at him. He’s such a goof.

“I’ll complete my wing-woman duties first, but yeah, I think I’m gonna let loose a little.”

“Nah, V. You’re off the hook tonight. Queens before peens, remember?” Bailey looks up from her phone and snorts a laugh. Jesse turns his mischievous grin on her. “I’m gonna hang with my best girls and we’re gonna get our dance on. BRB.”

Bailey and I watch as Jesse dances his way up to the bar, both smiling like fools. Praise the Goddess of Friends because I’ve got some great ones.

“He’s such a goofball,” I say to Bailey as we huddle together off to the side of the dance floor. We got here a bit late, so there was no chance of snagging a table. No matter, though, because I plan on dancing all night.

“Yeah, he’s definitely a goofball. He’s gonna make someone very happy someday.” She says on a wistful sigh. “They’ll wear matching scarves, and they’ll get a cat and he’ll knit the cat little sweaters.”

“He’ll probably name the cat something ridiculous, like Dog or Pig.”

“Or Steve Carrell.”

We both let out big laughs. “He’ll definitely name it Steve Carrell.” This night is going to be exactly what I need.

“I love this song!” I shout to Bailey as “my ex’s best friend” by Machine Gun Kelly comes on, and when Jesse comes back with our drinks, we head out to the dance floor.

For as off-kilter as I’ve been feeling, I still went all out tonight. Black distressed skinny jeans, shimmering silver stilettos, and a white flowy silk tank that shows just a hint of my stomach when I raise my arms. My hair is half-up in a top knot with the rest curled into beach waves, and I’m rocking siren red lipstick and thick winged eyeliner. Basically, I look freakin’ hot.

I’m starting on my third drink, feeling relaxed and floaty, when Jesse checks his phone and disappears. Bailey and I are dancing and singing along to some ‘90s boy band throwback when Jesse slides back up next to us, and I watch him hip check Bailey. They share a conspiratorial grin that confuses me for all of two seconds before I learn exactly what they’re smiling about.

I feel him before I see him, and the rush of emotions that floods through me is both exhilarating and terrifying. He slides his hand over my hip, his thumb grazing the exposed skin just above my jeans and presses his chest to my back.

This type of touch isn’t new, but the way it sets me on fire is nothing like I’ve felt before. Goose bumps travel from where his hand is resting and cover every inch of my body. The sensation is so sudden and erotic that my breath catches, and my eyes fall shut. When he lowers his mouth to my ear, my head involuntarily falls back onto his chest.

“Surprise,” Kelley whispers. “You look amazing.”

“Thank you,” I say back, but he probably can’t hear me over the music. I wonder if he can feel my heart pounding.

Gods, why am I electrified?

I take a deep breath and turn around, forcing myself to take a step back, causing his hand to fall from my waist. I’m both relieved and aching from the loss.

“What are you doing here?” I feign bravado and flash him a grin, trying my best to get a handle on myself. “Did Mr. Serious finally decide to cut loose and have some fun?”

“I did,” he nods, mouth quirking in a sexy smirk that sets my pulse skyrocketing.

What in the world? What is happening?

I can’t stop myself from looking him over. My gaze rakes down his body, exploring and discovering details I’ve somehow been missing, and my body releases a sigh of relief. It’s as if my eyes are rejoicing in finally being allowed to see him fully. To appreciate the view in a way that they’ve previously been denied.

Gosh, he looks good.

I’ve always known he is attractive. I’m not blind. But this new recognition? This is next-level.

Kelley’s auburn hair is styled in that unstyled way that looks like someone just ran their fingers through it. I have to clasp my hands into fists to keep from trying it out for myself. His hazel eyes are sparkling with mischief, his plump lips still sporting that infuriating and extremely hot smirk.