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Dressed to Impress
Last Updated:
2025-01-07 23:32:0515
Riley I headed back to my room after Ethan went to get ready. It hit me that I still hadn’t decided what to wear. Sure, tonight was all about Ethan, but I couldn’t exactly show up looking like I’d just rolled out of bed. The clothes I bought with him were still in the bag on my chair. I pulled them out and held the shirt up to my chest in the mirror. It was nice—sleek, fitted, and way classier than my usual vibe. Perfect for tonight. Still, I was feeling a little... stressed. It wasn’t just about Ethan pulling this off; it was about me not screwing it up. What kind of friend would I be if I let him down now? I quickly got dressed, the jeans fitting just snug enough to make me wonder if I’d eaten too much pizza lately. The shirt, though, was a winner. When I buttoned it up and gave myself a once-over, I had to admit I looked decent. Not that it mattered. “Alright, Riley,” I muttered to myself, pacing my room as I pulled on my shoes. “You’re here to help Ethan, not to stress about whether you look good.” I grabbed my jacket and headed to the living room. Ethan wasn’t out yet, so I figured I had a minute to chill. By the time he returned, I’d managed to straighten a few things and convince myself not to overthink the night. “Wow,” Ethan said, stepping into the room. “You look... put together.” I smirked, brushing imaginary lint off my sleeve. “Yeah, well, I figured I should at least try to look like I belong at this party. You, on the other hand...” I gave him a mock once-over. “You’re stealing the show.” He rolled his eyes but couldn’t hide the faint smile creeping onto his face. “Thanks. You ready?” “Born ready,” I said, grabbing my keys off the counter. “But, uh, quick question—how stressed do I look on a scale of one to ‘I’m-about-to-lose-it?’” Ethan raised an eyebrow. “You? Stressed? What’s going on?” I waved him off, trying to act casual. “It’s nothing. Just making sure I don’t screw this up for you, that’s all.” He shook his head, laughing softly. “Riley, you’re not going to screw anything up. If anything, you’re the reason I’m even walking into this party tonight.” I blinked, caught off guard by how sincere he sounded. “Well, okay, then,” I said, clearing my throat. “Let’s get going before I start blushing or something.” As we stepped outside, the crisp night air hit us, and Ethan locked the door behind him. Just as I was about to ask if he wanted to drive, Ava appeared, walking out of Ethan’s house like she owned the place. When she spotted me, her jaw nearly dropped. Her eyes widened, and then her expression shifted to one of unfiltered chaos—typical Ava. “Riley!” she exclaimed, practically skipping over. “You’re always hot, but now? Wow. You’re *dangerous.*” I laughed, shaking my head as Ethan rolled his eyes in exasperation. “Ava, it’s not that serious.” “Not that serious?” she repeated, gesturing dramatically at me like I was a masterpiece unveiled. “Please, the party won’t survive. People are going to be passing out left and right. Ethan, are you seeing this?” Ethan glanced at me, his smile a mix of amusement and annoyance. “Yeah, Ava, I’m seeing it. Can we go now, or are you planning to write a sonnet about Riley’s outfit?” Ava gasped, clutching her chest as if he’d just suggested she insult the queen. “You *wish* you had my poetic skills.” She spun to me, winking. “Seriously, though, you look amazing. Don’t let him dull your shine.” “Noted,” I said, suppressing a grin. “Now, if you’ll excuse us, we’ve got a party to crash.” Ava waved us off with a dramatic flourish, calling after us, “Steal the spotlight, Riley! And Ethan, don’t ruin it!” We both laughed as we walked to the car. Ethan sighed. “I should’ve known she’d find a way to make this about her.” I shrugged, still grinning. “That’s Ava. But hey, she’s not wrong. Let’s do this.” As I slid into the passenger seat, I couldn’t help but feel a little lighter. Maybe tonight wasn’t just about Ethan. Maybe it was about proving we could both handle whatever life threw at us. Ethan climbed into the driver’s seat, his jaw tight and his fingers gripping the steering wheel like it was the only thing tethering him to the ground. He didn’t say anything as he started the car, but I could feel the tension radiating off him. Without a word, he turned on the radio and cranked the volume up, a sharp beat filling the car and drowning out any chance for conversation. It was one of those high-energy songs, the kind designed to pump you up or distract you entirely. I shot him a sideways glance, raising an eyebrow. “You okay there, DJ Stress Vibes?” He didn’t answer right away, his eyes fixed on the road as he tapped his fingers against the steering wheel in time with the music. Finally, he exhaled loudly. “Just trying to psych myself up, that’s all.” “Psych yourself up or drown out your own thoughts?” I asked, my voice cutting through the music just enough to be heard. Ethan’s lips twitched into a brief smirk, but it faded just as quickly. “Maybe both.” I reached over and turned the volume down a notch—not off, just enough so we didn’t have to yell. “Talk to me, man. What’s going on in that head of yours?” He hesitated, his grip on the wheel tightening before he finally spoke. “It’s just... this party. It’s not just a party, Riley. It’s *the* party. If I mess this up...” He trailed off, shaking his head. “You won’t mess it up,” I said firmly. “You’ve got this.” Ethan let out a humorless laugh. “Easy for you to say. You’re not the one everyone’s going to be watching.” “No, but I am the one who’s going to make sure you don’t completely implode,” I quipped, trying to lighten the mood. He glanced at me, his expression softening just a bit. “You really think I can pull this off?” I snorted. “Ethan, I *know* you can pull this off. You’re Ethan-freaking-whatever-your-last-name-is. You’re charismatic, you’re confident, and you’ve got me by your side. What could possibly go wrong?” He groaned, but I caught the faintest hint of a smile. “Why do I let you talk me into these things?” “Because I’m your best friend and you know I’m always right,” I said, shooting him a grin. Ethan shook his head, laughing softly. “You’re insufferable.” “Yeah, but you’d be lost without me.” For a moment, the tension in the car eased, and we both relaxed into the banter. But as we pulled up to the party, Ethan’s fingers started drumming against the wheel again. “Alright,” he said, taking a deep breath as he put the car in park. “This is it.” “You’ve got this,” I said again, clapping him on the shoulder. He nodded, his jaw set as he turned off the car. But just as we stepped out, he paused, looking back at me. “Riley, seriously... thanks. For everything.” I smiled, shrugging like it was no big deal. “That’s what I’m here for. Now let’s go show them what you’re made of.” He nodded, and together, we headed for the entrance, the muffled thrum of music inside signaling that the night was just beginning. Whatever happened, we’d face it together—stress, chaos, and all.
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18Ethan The moment the MC announced "Table 3," my heart sank, and my face burned. I darted a glance at Riley, hoping for some miraculous intervention. Instead, he grinned, exuding the kind of confidence that could make the world pause, he was already grinning like a man who lived for chaos. His tousled dark hair, sharp jawline, and piercing eyes seemed to command the attention of every guest in the room. “Looks like we’re up,” Riley said, nudging my arm. “Come on, it’ll be fun.” “Define *fun,*” I muttered, my voice laced with dread. “Humiliating Liam and Owen in front of a crowd counts as fun, doesn’t it?” His smirk widened. “Besides, you said you weren’t giving him the satisfaction. What better way than this?” I groaned, but the way Riley casually adjusted his cufflinks—drawing audible gasps from a group nearby—left me no choice but to follow him. As we made our way to the dance floor, the murmurs grew louder. “God, look at him,” I overheard someone whisper. “He’s so elegant…
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19EthanRiley settled back into his seat, looking far too pleased with himself. I placed the bouquet on the table, glaring at him. “You’re enjoying this way too much.” He grinned. “Of course. You have to admit, it’s been entertaining.” I couldn’t argue with that. The mix of emotions on Liam’s face alone had been worth it. Speaking of Liam and Owen, they had both vanished shortly after Riley’s dramatic bouquet catch. “Where do you think they went?” I asked, glancing at their empty chairs. “Probably to sulk or scheme,” Riley said, leaning back in his chair and taking a sip of wine. “Though I wouldn’t put it past them to come back with some sort of ridiculous plan for revenge.” I chuckled at the thought. “Knowing them, that sounds about right.” Moments later, the lights dimmed slightly, and a spotlight illuminated the middle of the room. The MC’s voice boomed again. “Ladies and gentlemen, the moment we’ve all been waiting for—the arrival of the wedding cake!” The crowd erupte
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20EthanThe music in the ballroom was lively, the kind of melody that made your toes tap even when you weren’t paying attention. Riley turned to me, his smirk softer now, less playful, more genuine. He held out a hand, his gaze steady. “Dance with me,” he said, his voice low but filled with a kind of confidence that made it impossible to say no.I raised an eyebrow, pretending to hesitate, but I couldn’t help the small smile that tugged at my lips. “You’re asking me to dance? Here? In front of everyone?”“Why not?” he asked, his grin widening. “Let’s give them something to talk about.”With a dramatic sigh, I placed my hand in his. He led me to the dance floor, weaving through the crowd with a natural ease that made me realize just how comfortable he was in his own skin. The moment we stepped onto the polished wood floor, he pulled me close, one hand resting lightly on my waist, the other holding mine securely. The music shifted to a slower tempo, and as we began to sway, I couldn’t
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21RileyThe lively buzz of the ballroom had dulled into background noise as I swayed with Ethan just moments ago. Now, leaning casually against the bar, I scanned the crowd, my senses still attuned to the game we were playing tonight. I knew our little performance had its risks, especially with people like Jonathan lurking around. Jonathan—Ethan’s insufferable coworker. The man practically reeked of opportunism, and I’d bet my best leather jacket that he’d sniffed out this chance to cause trouble the moment Ethan left for the restroom. Sure enough, I caught his beady little eyes scanning the room before landing on me. Here we go. He approached, a smug smirk plastered on his face. “Riley, right?” I turned to face him fully, flashing my most polite smile—the kind that didn’t reach my eyes. “That’s me. And you’re Jonathan, correct? Ethan’s coworker?” Jonathan’s smirk deepened as he extended a hand. I shook it briefly, resisting the urge to wipe my palm on my pants afterward. Hi
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Latest chapter
Bouquet Of Deception 79
35 Riley Ethan was avoiding me. Not obviously—not in a way that anyone else would notice—but I knew. He was quieter than usual. Fidgety. Kept his eyes on the TV but wasn’t actually watching. His fingers tapped against his knee like his thoughts were running too fast, like he couldn’t settle. And most importantly? He wasn’t looking at me. Not really. Which was funny, considering how, just minutes ago, he’d been pulling me down on top of him like he wanted me to ruin him. I smirked at the thought, shifting on the couch, letting my arm drape over the back of it—casual, easy. Ethan didn’t move away, but he didn’t lean into it, either. Interesting. “You’re thinking too much again,” I murmured, voice low. He tensed, a flicker of something crossing his face. “Am not.” I chuckled. “Liar.” That got me a glare, but it was half-hearted at best. His lips parted like he wanted to say something else, but then he stopped himself, shaking his head and focusing back on the screen. Right. T
Bouquet Of Deception 78
7866 59 Ethan I left the kitchen before Riley could see just how much his words affected me. I shouldn’t care that he was still here. I shouldn’t want him to stay. But I did. I stepped into the bathroom, closing the door behind me with a deep breath. Focus, Ethan. I needed to get my head straight before work, not stand around analyzing every little thing Riley said or did. I turned on the shower, stepping under the hot spray with a sigh. The warmth eased some of the soreness in my muscles, but it did nothing to clear my mind. I kept thinking about him. About last night. About the way he touched me—like he wasn’t just claiming my body but something more. I shook my head, pushing the thought away. Riley wasn’t like that. This was nothing. Just a one-time thing. Even if he had stayed. Even if he was making pancakes in my kitchen. Even if— I groaned, tilting my head back under the water. I was losing it. After washing up, I turned off the shower and wrapp
Bouquet Of Deception 77
66 59 Ethan I left the kitchen before Riley could see just how much his words affected me. I shouldn’t care that he was still here. I shouldn’t want him to stay. But I did. I stepped into the bathroom, closing the door behind me with a deep breath. Focus, Ethan. I needed to get my head straight before work, not stand around analyzing every little thing Riley said or did. I turned on the shower, stepping under the hot spray with a sigh. The warmth eased some of the soreness in my muscles, but it did nothing to clear my mind. I kept thinking about him. About last night. About the way he touched me—like he wasn’t just claiming my body but something more. I shook my head, pushing the thought away. Riley wasn’t like that. This was nothing. Just a one-time thing. Even if he had stayed. Even if he was making pancakes in my kitchen. Even if— I groaned, tilting my head back under the water. I was losing it. After washing up, I turned off the shower and wrapped
Bouquet Of Deception 76
7666 59 Ethan I left the kitchen before Riley could see just how much his words affected me. I shouldn’t care that he was still here. I shouldn’t want him to stay. But I did. I stepped into the bathroom, closing the door behind me with a deep breath. Focus, Ethan. I needed to get my head straight before work, not stand around analyzing every little thing Riley said or did. I turned on the shower, stepping under the hot spray with a sigh. The warmth eased some of the soreness in my muscles, but it did nothing to clear my mind. I kept thinking about him. About last night. About the way he touched me—like he wasn’t just claiming my body but something more. I shook my head, pushing the thought away. Riley wasn’t like that. This was nothing. Just a one-time thing. Even if he had stayed. Even if he was making pancakes in my kitchen. Even if— I groaned, tilting my head back under the water. I was losing it. After washing up, I turned off the shower and wrapp
Bouquet Of Deception 75
75 RileyI don’t even remember how I got back home.One minute, I was in the hospital, sitting beside Ethan, begging him to wake up. The next, I was standing in front of my apartment door, my whole body numb.I turned my head, and there it was—Ethan’s apartment.The door was closed, just like always. His name still on the small metal plate next to the number. Everything looked the same. But it wasn’t.He wasn’t inside, making his stupid protein shakes that smelled awful. He wasn’t blasting music way too early in the morning. He wasn’t there to throw open his door, grinning at me like I was the best part of his day.I choked on a sob.Fuck.Tears blurred my vision as I stumbled forward, pressing my hand against his door like maybe—maybe—I could feel something. Some warmth. Some trace of him.I felt nothing but cold wood.I hated this. I hated how weak I felt.I hated that I was crying.Had I become a girl now? Some pathetic, lovesick idiot who only realized what she wanted when it was
Bouquet Of Deception 74
74 RileyI don’t even remember how I got back home.One minute, I was in the hospital, sitting beside Ethan, begging him to wake up. The next, I was standing in front of my apartment door, my whole body numb.I turned my head, and there it was—Ethan’s apartment.The door was closed, just like always. His name still on the small metal plate next to the number. Everything looked the same. But it wasn’t.He wasn’t inside, making his stupid protein shakes that smelled awful. He wasn’t blasting music way too early in the morning. He wasn’t there to throw open his door, grinning at me like I was the best part of his day.I choked on a sob.Fuck.Tears blurred my vision as I stumbled forward, pressing my hand against his door like maybe—maybe—I could feel something. Some warmth. Some trace of him.I felt nothing but cold wood.I hated this. I hated how weak I felt.I hated that I was crying.Had I become a girl now? Some pathetic, lovesick idiot who only realized what she wanted when it was
Bouquet Of Deception 73
73 RileyI don’t know how long I stood there, staring at the door. Time had lost all meaning. The sterile scent of the hospital, the steady hum of machines, the distant murmur of doctors and nurses—it all blurred together, a numbing backdrop to the chaos inside my head.I should go back in. I should sit by his side and refuse to move until he woke up. But Ron’s words echoed in my mind, sharp and unforgiving.“This is your fault.”I pressed my hands against my temples, trying to block out the guilt clawing at my insides. Maybe if I had done things differently—if I had just let Ethan in instead of pushing him away—he wouldn’t have been in that car. Maybe he wouldn’t have been lying in that hospital bed, slipping further away with every second.A soft voice broke through my thoughts.“Riley?”I turned to see Ella standing in the doorway, her face blotchy from crying, her eyes rimmed with exhaustion. She looked small, fragile, like she could collapse at any moment.“He’s the same,” she m
Bouquet Of Deception 72
72 EthanI stared at him, my eyes blurry with tears I couldn’t hold back anymore. His face, pale and still, lay motionless beneath the harsh fluorescent lights, and for the first time, I realized how fragile he looked. A sharp pang of guilt twisted inside me, deep and painful.I had pushed him away. I had let him go when he was only trying to hold on. And now, here he was, fighting for his life—and I couldn’t do anything to help him.I brushed my fingers across his forehead, careful not to disturb the bandages. I didn’t want to hurt him more, even though the pain inside me was unbearable.“Please,” I whispered again, my voice shaking. “I need you to wake up.”The room was silent except for the steady beeping of the heart monitor, the rhythm of it almost mocking me, reminding me of how powerless I was.I thought about the words Ron had said—This is your fault. The anger in his voice had felt like a slap, each word hitting me harder than the last. I couldn’t argue with him. Not really.
Bouquet Of Deception 71
71 RileyI didn’t realize I had moved until my feet were following them, trailing just behind Ella and Ron as they walked stiffly toward the doctor. My heartbeat thundered in my ears, drowning out the beeping of monitors and the distant murmur of nurses’ voices. The air smelled of antiseptic and something metallic—blood, maybe. Ethan’s blood.Ella was shaking. Her hands were clenched together so tightly her knuckles were bone-white. Her breaths were uneven, quick and shallow, like she was trying to stop herself from breaking apart.Ron, on the other hand, was too still. His jaw was locked, his breathing harsh and uneven. His fury had momentarily cooled, but I could still feel it radiating off him in waves. He didn’t want me here.But I couldn’t leave.Not when Ethan was still behind those doors. Not when I still didn’t know if I had already lost him.The doctor led us down a sterile hallway, his white coat swishing slightly as he walked. His silence made my stomach twist with dread.
