Stripped

Chapter 17

Several hours later it looked as though a tornado had blown through my room.  Clothes and shoes were strewn about and Kara, wearing the proudest grin I had ever seen, was sitting in the middle of it all. I had to admit that she had outdone herself this time.

I wore a devilish red dress that hugged my body like a glove and killer black pumps. Kara said not to wear stockings because its "sexier" without them. I had to agree. My long, dark hair was curled and pinned to one side and I placed Jake's ring around my neck. It was the perfect accessory for the evening. But even as I stood in the mirror, feeling as sexy as I ever had. All I could think of was Mark.

I desperately wanted to know if he was okay. Several times I found the phone in my hand. But I found myseld staring at the screen. I could hear his voice echoing in my head, "Just wait Love."  So, I would toss the phone onto the bed and stomp away, frustration etched into my face. He said I needed time and maybe he needed some time too. Time to figure out what we really want. But still, I really wished I could talk to him. 

Kara was fussing with my hair when there were three raps on the door. I could practically see a cloud of dust behind her as Kara bolted for the door. I stood before the mirror until I was satisfied with the woman looking back at me. With my stomach tied in knots and tugging anxiously on my necklace, I emerged from my room. I worried with my clothes, concerned that I may be overdressed. But my worries were dashed when I saw him.

There he was in the living room, looking incredibly handsome. With a swaggering gait he approached me and said, "Layla, you look incredible." My heart leapt in my chest and I couldn't hide the grin appearing on my own face.

"You look pretty good yourself," I responded, tugging on his tie. "I've never seen you wear one of these."

"Well, I heard someone has a rich ex so...I needed to step up my game for tonight. And I'm glad I did because you are looking..." his eyes travelled up and down my body and he finished, "sexy."

The word 'sexy' gave me a delicious chill up my spine. Jake eyed the chain, "You shouldn't ever take that off again. No matter what happens." He toyed with the ring at my throat looking thoughtful. "Are you ready to go?"

I nodded and grabbed my clutch, letting Jake lead me out of the apartment. In a gentlemanly manner Jake held the truck door open and helped me climb inside with much difficulty because of the length and tightness of my dress.

Once he was settled into the driver's seat, he turned the key and we were off. Try as I might to pry what we were doing out of him, he stayed annoyingly quiet. The only answer I received on the matter was a smug grin. "Fine, don't tell me." I responded stubbornly crossing my arms over my chest. With a fake pout I looked out the window but I could feel Jake watching me from his peripherals.

At last the car came to a stop, in the dark it was difficult to see where we were. But the place felt familiar to me. Jake exited the truck and hurried to open my door. "Where are we?" I asked as I slid out of the truck into Jake's waiting arms.

"You don't recognize it?"

"No..." I started to say when it hit me. We were at our old high school. "What are we doing here?"

Jake said nothing, he simply placed my elbow in his and lead me to the side door. "We're not breaking in are we? I'm not dressed for that," I joked.

Jake laughed, "No nothing like that Baby. I just was thinking of all the things that you and I didn't get to experience together.  How many football games we missed and all of the dances." The door swung open as we approached. "So I am taking you to... prom."

My mouth fell open in surprise as I stepped inside the school's gym. He had decorated the whole place like a typical high school prom. I loved it. I squealed and leaped into his arms almost knocking him off his feet. "Do you like it?" He asked, those emerald eyes of his glowing with happiness.