The Jock Neighbor

Chapter 23

Briar's POV

Today is graduation day, the day I've been looking forward to since I started high school, and the day I wasn't even sure I would make it to. The people that have been here along the way are a huge part of why I'm going to even walk down that stage and get my diploma.

Turning towards my vanity, I look over my makeup. I decided on a soft clean look, nothing overly loud since it felt like that was the best look for a graduation, at least a high school one. A soft brown rests against my eyelids, my eyelashes containing a gentle dash of mascara. There is a very subtle blush donning my cheekbones and a translucent brown gloss against my lips. My hair is in soft beach waves which makes it look like it has more volume.

Looking down at my outfit, I smile at the white Clarise mini dress paired with my white low rise vans. It's not exactly the most professional dress to wear for graduation, nor are the shoes, but everyone I know will hype me up instead of tear me down. Plus, the school's gown will be covering what I'm wearing underneath so I can't get into too much trouble. I chose vans because heels aren't really my thing since I tend to roll my ankles in them. I only really wear them when it's a special occasion and the dress code calls for it. 

"Briar, hurry up you don't want to miss your boy!" The baritone voice of my dad reverberates through the house as he calls out to me. I sigh, a smile playing largely on my face. My boy. Ever since I have been with Luke he and my dad have really gotten along. It took a while for my dad to warm up to him, but after seeing how well he treats me, and how serious we are about each other, he began to cave. He still plays strict dad with Luke every once in a blue moon, but it's far less intense, and serious, than it used to be.

My gaze catches sight of the bright smile on my face, something that seemed to be impossible a few years ago when I lost my mom. I feel tears well up in my eyes before I see them building on my lash line, threatening to fall. I sniffle before clearing my throat, smiling at myself in the mirror. I have a lot to be grateful for now, with a lot of people that love and care for me.

Getting up from my seat, I go downstairs coming face to face with my dad. Upon seeing the smile on my face, he quirks a brow. "Feeling happy today, are we?"

I giggle before wrapping him in a hug. "Incredibly."

He pulls away, something shining in his eyes as he looks at me. "I'm really proud of you, Briar."

My eyes well up with tears. "Dad..."

"I know your mom is too."

A tear threatens to fall from my eyes. "You're not supposed to make me cry, I have to graduate in a couple hours."

His laugh rumbles through his chest, soothing me. "You're right, I'm sorry. Go get into the car with that imbecile." Even though the words sounded insulting, a smile played at his lips.

"I know you like him."

"I like that he likes you. No other reason." He mumbles as he tries to suppress the happiness showing on his lips.

"Whatever you say pops." I plant a soft kiss on his cheek before I pat him on the shoulder and walk out of the house. "I love you!"

"I love you too, Bri!" His voice carries outside as he stands next to the open door, watching as I walk over to the man I love.

Luke looks up at the sound of us calling out to each other, a smile lighting up his beautiful face. He's wearing grey slack with a white button up shirt, the sleeves rolled up to his elbows. A burst of heat runs through me at the sex sight of him, but I try to keep myself under control since I know my dad is watching. I watch as Luke looks me over, the smile slipping ever so slightly at the sight of me, the lust taking over his eyes for a second before he gets control again, probably realizing what I did about my dad.