Laurel

 

“I won’t be ready to leave by the time Colton and Summer get here, so go to the party with them, and I’ll catch up,” I say to Jason at my bedroom door. I only have it cracked open enough for him to see my face.

“But you said you’d go with me.” He gives me a pouty face that’s too freakin’ adorable.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t plan on having to work late.”

“I’ll tell them to go without me, and you and I can ride together.”

“Damn, he really does like you,” Chloe says from where she’s sitting on my bed. Jerking my head toward her, I give her a look to shush before I turn back to Jason.

“I’ll feel rushed if you’re sitting here waiting on me, so please go with them.” I examine his attire. “Why do I have to wear a costume if you don’t?”

Giving a half-shrug, he smiles. “I never wear one, but I’m dying to see you dressed up. You said it’s a chance to pretend to be someone you’re not.”

His smile spreads wide into a sly grin. “I need to see this hidden part of you that’s eager to come out and play.”

“Maybe you’re not who she wishes to play with.”

“Bullshit.” Hearing a knock on the front door, he groans.

“That’s your ride. Now, go.”

“OK, but if you don’t show up soon, I will come looking for you.”

I giggle. “I don’t doubt that.”

He leans in like he’s going to kiss me but stops himself inches from the door.

“I’ll see you later.”

“Bye,” I reply. I’m impressed he didn’t kiss me. He told me earlier this week he’d give me space, and other than comforting me after I visited my father, he hasn’t touched me.

Shutting the door, I lean back against it and stare at Chloe. “Maybe I should rethink the outfit. He’ll have his hands all over me if I wear this.”

“That’s the point, and don’t try saying it’s not what you want. Your depression has finally lifted, and I refuse to let you fall back into that dark hole, so here, these go on next.”

She hops off my bed and hands me a pair of white knee-high stockings. I take them from her and put them on.

“Jason’s good for you, Laurel. From what you’ve told me, he’s smart, interesting, adventurous and funny.

“You need more fun in your life, and obviously I’m not bringing enough to the table, so let him make up the difference. Not to mention, he has a dick and I don’t.”

Tilting her head to the side, she contorts her face into a goofy expression. I notice how hot she looks in her fishnet hose below her short black tulle skirt.

Her long blond hair, adorned with a silky bow, is cascading over her shoulders. Chloe’s dressed up like a sexy kitten, and she wears the look well.

“What would I do without a good friend like you?” I ask.

“I don’t know, but I’d be in a world of trouble if you weren’t always around to rescue me.”

“Speaking of which, are you going to need me to keep an eye on you tonight?”

“Nope. Ben has Chloe-sitting duty”–she rolls her eyes–“which is annoying since he always hovers, but I don’t want you to worry about a thing. Enjoy your time with Jason, and don’t panic over your outfit when you notice all the guys at the party staring.”

“What do you mean they’ll be staring?”

She smacks her forehead. “Lord, you’re so naïve sometimes. Do you honestly think men won’t be checking you out? This schoolgirl outfit will ensure that Jason stays in line since he’ll see all the men lining up for your attention.”

I cover my stomach as I walk to the full-length mirror standing in the corner of my room.

“I haven’t seen my hair in pigtails since the second grade. Are you sure guys find them sexy?”

I see her roll her eyes in the mirror as she stands behind me.

“I guess you’ve never heard the term handlebars.”

“Good god, I’m going to be sick. I’m so nervous, and it’s mainly for Jason to see me scantily dressed. I’ve never worn this little around the apartment, and I’ve certainly never flaunted anything this naughty-looking.”

“Here.” Chloe holds out a pair of black patent leather heels.

“I can’t believe I agreed to this.”

“Me, either.”

I slip on the shoes and hardly recognizing myself. My midriff is showing from where my white blouse is tied in a knot high above my plaid pink and black schoolgirl skirt.

I’ve worn longer ones with tights beneath. Jason’s even seen me in them, but this is different. This is … erotic.

Like let me make your schoolgirl fantasies come true dirty. He’s wanted to see what’s beneath all the clothes I wear, and tonight I’m giving him that chance. That is … if I can get the nerve to walk through the door of the frat house.