Lizzie

I wasn't going to come and meet Brandon, to be honest; I am still a bit annoyed that he just up and left me last night. On the other hand, I am totally shit at ignoring him, and I know he has to hand his assignment in today. I'm definitely not a horrible person, and no matter what, I know Brandon would always be there for me.

The thing is, do I mention our conversation of last night or do I just let it ride? Do I say anything about Miles Delaney and the plan the girls have for me, or do I just wait and see what happens on prom night? See, lots for me to think about.

"Sorry about last night," Brandon says as I sit down next to him, admiring his long, muscular legs that I can see the definition of through his drainpipe jeans. Damn, he is so sexy. It's making my mouth go dry.

"No problem. I guess it was a bit of a shock. I mean your little friend is getting all grown up, right?"

He shifts, looking almost uncomfortable, "You could say that." He gives me a small smile.

"Bound to happen sooner or later. Guess I am just a bit later than others off the starting block." I feign a small laugh. Why the hell am I so nervous? I am never like this around Brandon. "I've got the hangover of all hangovers this morning," I tell him, then take a gulp of my coffee. Caffeine is definitely what I need right now. "This tastes so good."

"Hangover?" Brandon says and leans back on the sofa, draping one arm across the back. If I lean back, I would be in his arms, and the thought of it sends warm tingles up and down my spine. Fuck Delaney it's Brandon that I want and nobody else. I think if I slept with Miles, I would feel like I had cheated on Brandon. How dumb is that, especially considering we're only besties? This is so shockingly confusing.

"The girls came over after you left because I was upset and Tammy popped open some pink champagne." He raises his eyebrows. Feeling so close to him is unnerving me. It's not like I've never been this close to Brandon before or held by him. So why is it too much for my body and mind to take today? God, I really want to kiss those made-for-kissing lips of his.

"Why were you girls drinking champagne on a school night? What were you celebrating?" I shoot him a look, like isn't it obvious?

"I told them about wanting to, you know." Brandon shrugs. Then I see his eyes register. Finally! He blushes. Wow, Brandon is blushing; never thought I'd see the day.

"I see. Right. Is it a cause for celebration then?"

"Actually, for us girls, yes, it is. I know for guys it's different; you just pull your dicks out and shove it in any willing girl. So it would seem." He laughs, and I watch as his Adam's apple bobs up and down.

"I don't think it's quite like that, Lizzie," he says. Those blue eyes of his do hold a twinkle, however and at least he isn't angry or mad-looking like last night.

"Well, it seems that way to me. In answer to your question, hooking up with your girlie besties and telling them you have made a huge decision like that is a cause to celebrate. Only, I wish I hadn't had so much to drink. I've taken Panadol already twice this morning. My head hurts like fuck." He chuckles.

"Teach you a lesson then won't it. You know you're not great at drinking."

"It was important."

"And er, who do you intend to give it away to then?" Should I tell him I want it to be him? Should I ask him if he will be the one that takes it? Or should I tell him we're thinking of Miles Delaney? Told you this was complicated. If I actually had a boyfriend, I'd not be having such a confusing time of it all. But I don't, and I am in love with Brandon and crushing on him so badly that he is the only one I want. Then again, he thinks of me as his bestie, so I've got pretty much no hope. That fills me with sadness, and I gulp as I take more of the coffee.

"Nobody really. I'm just ready. I guess it'll happen when it happens." He raises his eyebrows.

"Best keep you away from the football and hockey players. Word gets around, and before you know it, they'll all think you're up for it." Brandon is frowning.

"Who is going to tell them? Lilly and Tammy are sworn to secrecy, and you won't tell anyone. Will you?"

"Of course I fucking won't. Jeez, Lizzie. What do you take me for? I just don't think you should be throwing it around; that's all. Why can't you wait until you go to college? You could meet someone there. It needs to mean something and be special." He tells me his eyes looking earnest and boring right through me. It makes me shift on the sofa.

"There is someone special." His head swings so quickly I worry it he may pull something.

"Who?" Brandon demands. Wow. What's got into him?

"I can't tell you."

"Why the fuck not? I'm your best friend. Do I know him? I think I ought to vet this guy out first."

I laugh nervously. "You do know him, actually quite well." Oh. My. God. Saying his name is on the tip of my tongue.

"Hi guys. Having fun?" One of the kids from my home economics class says.

"Oh, hey Oscar. Free period, that's all." I hope he doesn't try to hang around. Brandon coughs. That's the cue for fuck off and leave us alone; you're not invited to my table. Oscar gives a tiny smile by way of acknowledgement.

"See you later." He says and leaves us to it.

"We've got your assignment to finish, Brandon," I say pointedly to change the subject. Brandon leans forward with his elbows on his knees, that is, after he's raked his hands through his hair.

"We're not done with the conversation, Lizzie. I want to know exactly who it is." I get his folder and notebook out of my bag and place them in front of him on the table.

"Maybe at prom."

"You're my date at prom." He says gruffly. Crikey, what is it with him? What is it his business? He's acting like an overprotective older brother, not like my best friend.

"Let's leave it for now, Brandon. We've only got twenty minutes of free time left. Here." I hand him my folder. "Just hash out your own version of mine; you'll get a pass, but do not copy it verbatim."

"I'm not waiting until prom for you to tell me, Lizzie." He is being fierce right now; actually, I am finding it quite sexy that he cares so much about me. He wants to know who I will be having sex with for the first time. Instead of being mad at him, I'm going to mush inside. I reach out and stroke his hand; a frisson of electricity shoots right up my arm. Wow. Did I really feel that? From the surprised look on Brandon's face, he felt it too, unless, of course, I am now beginning to imagine that he feels anything for me like I do for him.

"You're just going to have to, Brandon, and that's if I tell you. The thing is, he doesn't even really know I exist."

"Fucking good. For a start, I don't want you to give it away; you deserve better, Lizzie. Trust me."

Brandon starts to flick through my folder at the assignment content and flicks open his iPad. "Haven't you got this as a file you can send to me? It'll be a lot easier." I shake my head. The teacher said it could be e-format or paper. I prefer paper; don't ask why, but there is just something I love about writing my notes and coursework down.

"Okay, don't worry about it."

"Fuck it. I don't have time and I'm not staying after school tonight. We've got the gym again followed by practice. I'll change some stuff to make it look more like my work."

His fingers, long fingers, glide easily over his keys. Adoringly, I look at him and feel warmth creeping up through my stomach. In concentration, he looks so handsome, so sexy, and all I want to do is rip his tee off and glide my hands all over my body.

I want Brandon so bad that my clit pulses, causing me to have to squeeze my legs together.