Letting My Brother's Best Friend Take My V-Card (Jessie and Luke)

WANT A RIDE LAURA

After the game, the bleachers emptied quickly, the crowd filtering out into the chilly night. Sam had darted off ahead of us, her usual whirlwind self, with a quick wave and half a goodbye as she greeted some guys from another school. That left Jess and me standing just outside the field, the faint hum of chatter and laughter still lingering in the air as people trickled away.

I shoved my hands into my jacket pockets, feeling awkward and a little out of place, watching as Jess's expression brightened when a guy with messy brown hair approached. Bryan, or maybe Brandon? I couldn't remember, but he looked vaguely familiar. He greeted Jess like they'd known each other forever, his smile easy and confident.

What surprised me most was how Jess seemed to warm up to him. She usually had a sharp edge to her, especially when it came to guys. Yet here she was, laughing at whatever Bryan-or Brandon-was saying, her cheeks faintly flushed. I glanced away, pretending not to notice, but a part of me couldn't help but wonder where Luke fit into this equation. I'd been so sure he would win out in the end.

The thought barely had time to settle before Luke came into view, stalking over to us with a look on his face that screamed trouble.

I stiffened, instinctively stepping back a little, and Jess must've noticed too because she went rigid next to me. Bryan didn't 0.00%

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seem to pick up on the shift, still smiling like he owned the world, even as Luke closed the distance with an intensity that made the hair on my arms stand up.

Trailing behind Luke was Josh, his stride just as purposeful but with an air of casual disinterest that somehow made him seem even more intimidating. My stomach twisted as his eyes barely flicked in my direction before snapping back to Jess and Bryan. It was so fast, so impersonal, like I wasn't even worth a second of his time.

Not that it mattered.

I told myself to focus on anything but him. The ache in my shoulders. The way the crisp air smelled faintly of grass and sweat. The sound of gravel crunching under people's shoes as they left. Anything to keep from looking at Josh.

But my breathing betrayed me, coming faster and shallower the closer he got, until I wasn't even aware of what was happening in front of me anymore.

Luke's voice cut through my haze, sharp and confrontational.

"You've got a lot of nerve, Bryan.

I blinked, my gaze snapping to him just as Bryan's easy smile faltered.

"Excuse me?" Bryan said, his tone challenging but not overtly aggressive. Yet.

"You heard me," Luke shot back, stepping closer, his shoulders squared like he was ready for a fight. "What are you even doing here? Trying to make a move?"

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Bryan's expression hardened, and I felt Jess stiffen beside me, her posture shifting defensively.

"What's your problem, man?" Bryan said, his voice rising slightly. "Jess and I are just talking. Not that it's any of your business."

Luke let out a low, humorless laugh, shaking his head. "Right. Just talking. Like I haven't seen this act before."

Bryan bristled, taking a step closer, and suddenly it felt like the air around us had turned electric, charged with testosterone and misplaced pride. It was like they were practically laying it on the table and measuring, if you asked me. I stood back, watching the scene unfold, my arms crossed tightly over my chest as I tried to disappear into the background,

Jess glanced between the two of them, her jaw clenched. "Luke, don't-"

wwwww

"Don't what, Jess?" Luke snapped, his gaze never leaving Bryan. "Let this guy think he can just waltz in like he owns the place?"

Bryan scoffed. "You're acting like you've got some claim here or something. Newsflash, man-you don't."

I bit my lip, half-expecting Jess to jump in and defuse the situation, but she stayed quiet, her hands clenched at her sides.

Josh finally spoke up, his voice low and calm in a way that made it even more commanding. "All right, that's enough."

Both Luke and Bryan froze, their tension breaking slightly as they turned to look at him. Josh stood there with his hands shoved into his pockets, his expression unreadable.

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"This isn't the place for whatever this is," he said, his tone carrying just enough authority to make them both hesitate.

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Luke glared at Bryan for a moment longer before stepping back, muttering something under his breath. Bryan didn't look any happier, but he seemed to take the hint, running a hand through his hair and backing off.

The standoff dissipated as quickly as it had begun, but the awkward tension lingered in the air.

Josh's gaze flicked to me again, just for a second, before he turned away, his shoulders stiff as he walked off toward the parking lot. My heart sank, the knot in my chest tightening even further.

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"He's a good guy, Jess," Josh said simply, his tone calm and matter-of-fact. "You should let him take you out."

My eyes snapped to Josh, surprised at the unexpected endorsement. Luke looked like someone had just punched him in the gut. His head whipped toward Josh, his expression a mix of disbelief and betrayal, but Josh didn't even glance his way. Bryan gave a small nod of appreciation. "Thanks, man."

Jess hesitated, her gaze still flicking nervously to Luke. "Uh, okay. Maybe," she finally said, her voice softer than usual.

Bryan grinned like he'd just won a prize, and Luke muttered something under his breath.

I was just waiting for Jess so we could head home-her home.

I couldn't go to my home. I just couldn't. Not ith my

mothers

Dr

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boyfriend there or more like one night stand.

Jess turned to me then, her expression softening when she saw my face. "Hey, do you mind driving with Josh?" she asked, as casually as if she were asking me to hold her drink. My heart stopped beating.

"What?" The word came out before I could stop it, and I felt my cheeks heat as Jess raised an eyebrow at me.

"I was going to take you home, but..." She gestured toward Bryan with an apologetic smile. "He kind of offered to give me a ride. You don't mind, do you?"

Of course, I minded. The idea of being in a car with Josh-alone -made my stomach twist into knots. But the thought of going home, of walking into that house, was even worse. "Uh, yeah, sure. It's fine," I mumbled, trying to keep my voice steady.

Jess smiled gratefully, clearly relieved I wasn't putting up a fight. She turned back to Bryan, and I could already see her defenses softening as they started talking again.

I didn't look at Luke. I didn't dare. But I could feel his frustration radiating off him in waves.

Josh's voice brought me out of my thoughts. "Let's go," he said simply, already heading toward the parking lot.

I hesitated for a moment, my feet feeling like they were glued to the ground. Then I forced myself to move, following him silently.

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