A Life Unexpected: Holly Nather Book One (Holly Nather Series) Read Online Free Page B

about me?”
    “Yeah it’s weird, but it’s also ridiculously sweet.”
    I laugh. “It kind of is.”

    As I’m drying my hair I hear my new cell phone ring. It’s Luke.
    I shut the blow dryer off and smile. “Hello?”
    “I’m taking you out tonight.”
    “Oh really?”
    “Do you own a dress?”
    “No but I’m sure I can borrow one from Blayne. Why? Where are you taking me?”
    “Don’t borrow one from Blayne.”
    I laugh. “Why not?”
    “Because I’d have to kill some guy or guys because they wouldn’t be able to keep their eyes off you. Her dresses are too—”
    “Revealing?” I laughed.
    “Exactly.”
    “Do I have I to wear a dress?”
    “Yes. My frat is having a formal tonight to raise money for St. Jude’s.”
    “I could go shopping real quick.” Dressing up isn’t my thing, but I want to hang out with Luke.
    “Think you can be ready by 8:00?”
    I look at the time. That gives me 3 hours to get ready. “Definitely.”
    “See you then.” He hangs up and I look at Blayne.
    “Ummm, Blayne?”
    “Yeah?” She asks from her awkward yoga pose.
    “I’m screwed.”
    She straightens out and laughs. “Why?”
    “Luke is taking me to a formal tonight, and I know nothing about dresses or fixing my hair.” Why did I agree to going with him? Stupid me. I start digging through my closet. “This wasn’t on my planner,” I say aloud.
    Blayne starts laughing and jumps to her feet, grabbing her keys.
    “Thank goodness you have me in your life! Let’s go!” She grabs me by the arm and practically drags me out of the dorms.

    I look in the mirror and don’t even recognize myself. Blayne proudly claps her hands as she looks at me over my shoulder.
    “I look ridiculous.” I touch one of the million pins holding my hair up. She smacks my hand away.
    “You’re just not used to it. You look amazing, I promise.”
    I stand and pull at my silver, knee length dress. The sleeves are long and practical for the cold weather. These red heels hurt my feet. I want my vans or even my black combat boots.
    “Shouldn’t formals be like…oh, I don’t know, in the summer? This is ridiculous.”
    Blayne secures a stray hair with a bobby pin and smiles. “Anytime is a good time for a formal.” She says securing more loose hairs. “There, perfect.” She smacks my ass and squeals. “Now go get laid and be back super late!”
    I catch myself on my dresser when she smacks me, to keep from falling. The heels are total bitches. “You’re insane.” I laugh.
    “I know I am.” She grins. She picks up her purse and slips on her shoes. “You have fun and call me as soon as you get home! I have to meet my sorority girls for a meeting.”
    I nod as I stare at myself in the mirror and adjust the wide shoulders of the dress to hide my bra straps. I put my hands on my hips and sigh as I look down at my throbbing feet. I look back in the mirror. This isn’t me. I don’t do stuff like this .
    I start to pull pins from my hair. By the sixth one, I get faster. I want them out. My hair falls around my face; I kick off my heels and pull on my combat boots. Looking in the mirror makes me smile proudly. Much better.
    The knock at the door startles me. Before I can answer it, Luke walks in.
    My eyes grow wide. “Ummmm, what if I wasn’t dressed?”
    He laughs. “I just saw Blayne, and she said you were ready.” His eyes drift to my boots and trail up my legs, finally stopping on my eyes.
    “Well, I was just about to text you and tell you I wasn’t going. And I really can’t now. I messed up Blayne’s hard work.”
    He looks at me and smiles. Damnit, he looks good in his suit. “Holly Nather, there isn’t a thing wrong with the way you look. It’s completely you, and I like it.”
    “Liar.”
    He shakes his head and smiles. Luke holds out his arm to me. “You look beautiful, and I’d be honored for you to accompany me. Combat boots and all.”
    I bite my lip and tap my foot. I smile and take his arm.