I know you all want me to update sooner and I would but, I'm working with an editor on this story so my updates my be a bit spread out at times...I'm going to try to at least get them out every 3-4 days just like I'm going to be doing with my other stories...

Anyway, I really enjoy all the comments you all leave me they really are the greatest...I also hope that you all enjoy this chapter as much as I enjoyed writing it...

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(Next Update on Monday)

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The next morning Celeste woke up earlier than she normally did. She hadn’t been able to find something to wear last night even though she had literally turned her closet up-side-down. Just about everything she owned was strewn across her room. She didn’t know why she was going through so much trouble to find something to wear. It’s not like her date was today but, she just couldn’t help it. Nate was joining them and she didn’t want to look like a freaking mess. So, that meant her usual attire was just not going to cut it. As a last resort she called the twins and begged them to come over to help her, they were more than happy to oblige. 

It was nearly 7am when the twins came flouncing into her room with their personal make over kits. Celeste sighed and immediately regretted her decision to call them. She didn’t want a darn make over, all she needed was help finding something to wear. They would have her drawing all kinds of attention if she gave them free reign.  

“I said I needed help finding something to wear,” she said dryly “You are not giving me one of your make overs.”

“Aw come on,” Maddie whined. Her friend was being so unfair.

“That is so not fair,” Nina groaned stomping her foot like a child.

“I don’t care if it isn’t fair.” Celeste shrugged “Now, help me.”

“Why the heck do you need help anyway?” Maddie asked still pouting as she sorted through the mess of clothes everywhere.

“That doesn’t matter,” Cece said crossing her arms over he chest. If she told them why she asked for their help, they would never let it go.

“How are we supposed to help you if we don’t even know why we’re doing it?” Nina questioned, helping Maddie. Celeste sure made a mess of things while looking for an outfit. 

Celeste sighed and pinched the bridge of her nose. “Nate is joining us at Danny’s for breakfast today and I don’t know what to wear.” 

“Oh my gosh, Nina, did you hear that?” Maddie asked nudging her twin in the ribs.

“I believe I did,” Nine grinned with a nod. “Our little Cece is growing up!” 

“This is why I didn’t want to tell you,” Cece huffed. Let the torture begin.

For the next 15minutes Nina and Maddie went on and on about it. If this is how they were now Celeste could only imagine how they were going to react once she told them about dinner on Friday. Celeste decided that it would be best to keep that bit of information to her self for now. When the twins finally calmed down they started throwing a bunch of clothing at her. She didn’t understand how it was going to help her if all they did was throw clothes at her. 

“I can’t wear all of these,” Celeste pointed out.

“We know that, those are part of the maybe pile.” Nina said as she started putting away the rest of the clothes scattered all over the place.

“The rest just isn’t going to cut it right now.” Maddie added as she took the pile of clothes from Cece’s hands and placed it on her bed.

Five minutes later Maddie handed her a pair of black shorts the stopped just after mid thigh and a fitted long sleeved, v-neck, creme colored top. Celeste had to admit that it did work well together and it would be the first time she had ever worn shorts to school. She always had been more of a jeans girl. Taking the clothes into her bathroom she got changed. After brushing her teeth and combing through her hair she was ready to go. All she needed was some type of footwear and highly doubted that the girls would let her use a pair of sneakers. 

As she entered her room Nina passed her a pair of nude wedges that had been sitting in the back of her closet for months (still in the box, which was still in the bag). Slipping them on her feet she started to pull her hair into a pony tail.

“Nope, no pony tail today.” Maddie said pulling the rubber back out. “All that long hair is staying down.”

“What...why?” Celeste asked 

“Because it looks better down, especially with that outfit.” Nina said giving Celeste a once over. She had to admit, the outfit choice was perfect. Modest with a hit of sexy, if only Cece would let them put some makeup on her it would be perfect. “Can we please put a touch of makeup on you?” Nina begged

“Yeah, just a little. Promise it wont be anything to drastic.” Maddie pleaded 

Celeste rolled her eyes and nodded. 

The twins squealed and sat her on her bed. They swiped a layer of mascara on Cece’s super long lashes and added a few coats of clear gloss to her lips. When the twins deemed her finished Celeste walked over to the mirror. Cece stared at her reflection wondering what she was doing. She had never before cared what she looked like and now she wanted to look good for a boy. This was all so new to her. She had to admit though she did like how she looked. Though she would much rather wear pants instead of shorts to school. The girls left the room and Cece stopped in the kitchen to say goodbye to her brother.

“Morning Aaron, we’re heading out.” Cece said standing there fidgeting with the sleeve of her top.

“Mornin’ C...who are you and what have you done with my sister?” Aaron asked narrowing his eyes. He was just playing with her since he wanted to see her squirm.

“Do I look that different?” Cece asked, her eyes widening as she looked over herself. “Oh, god, I do don’t I...I’m gonna go change.”

Aaron laughed and stopped her before she could rush back to her room. “I’m just messing with you sis,” he chuckled pulling her into a hug. “You look fine.”

“You’re so mean,” she huffed punching him on the arm. “But, you really think I look okay?”

“You look beautiful,” he assured kissing her forehead. 

“Thanks,” she whispered feeling her cheeks heat up. “See you later,”

“See you,” he smiled and went back to his coffee.

The twins were leaning against Maddie’s car when Celeste walked out of the house. Once they saw her they got into their car and waited for Cece to pull out of the driveway before following her to Danny’s. Pulling in to a stall Celeste got out of her car and waited for the girls to do the same. Hunter was already here and with another glance around the lot Cece realized that Nate was already here as well. The girls linked arms and walked into the diner together. 

Nate was sitting at the table with his sister and Hunter when he saw them walk in. He was pretty damn sure that his jaw had unhinged when he saw Celeste. Gone was the jeans and hoodie. She looked...amazing. Well, she would look amazing even if she was dressed how she was yesterday. But, right now, she was just...wow. Nate felt someone place their finger under his chin and close his mouth. He looked over and it was his sister. Hunter seemed to be gawking at Cece too.

“What the hell is she wearing?” Hunter whispered blinking his eyes a couple time as if he didn’t believe what he was seeing.

“I think she looks really cute,” Jess stated trying to hold back the laugh that was bubbling in her. These two looked like idiots staring like that. “Hey guys,” she grinned as the girls got closer.

“Hi,” the twins said looking at Jessica in confusion.

“Oh, girls this is Jessica - Nate’s sister. Jess this is Nina and Maddie.” Celeste said introducing them.

“It’s nice to meet you both,” Jessica smiled

“Yeah, you too.” Nina said taking a seat.

“What she said,” Maddie said sitting next to Hunter. 

The only open seat left was next to Nate so Cece had no choice but to sit there. Not that she minded anyway. She squirmed in her seat as Hunter and Nate sat there staring at her. 

“Stop it,” Maddie hissed whacking Hunter on the back of his head. “You look like a idiot!”

“Sorry,” he said sheepishly rubbing his head. “It’s just....you look....” he couldn’t even finish his sentence before Maddie hit him again. “Stop freaking hitting me.”

“I had to do it,” Maddie shrugged.

Ignoring her friends Cece turned to Nate and tilted her head to the side. “Are you okay?” she asked quietly placing her hand on his arm.

He jerked back to reality shaking his head. “Yeah, sorry,” he said and rubbed the back of his neck looking anywhere but at her. “Um, you look really nice today,”

“Thanks,” Celeste whispered shyly.

“As opposed to every other day?” Nina said 

“No, no, no that’s not how I meant it. I mean you look all the time,” Nate said quickly waving his hands in front of him.

“Chill Nate,” Hunter laughed “Nina’s just messing with you.” He couldn’t believe that Nate had fallen for that one, especially coming from Nina. 

Nate felt like a fool after that. He was sure he had just made an ass of himself. Celeste on the other hand didn’t mind at all. She was still processing his words. Cece had hoped that he liked how she looked today but, she wasn’t expecting him to think that she looked nice all the time. Even she knew that was so not the case. After a laughter filled breakfast everyone headed to school. They arrived just in time for the first bell and they all sprinted off to their home rooms. 

By lunch Cece was once again irritated. Not only were the girls still going on about Celeste and Nate being partners, they were now talking about her change in attire. There were different things going around about why she had so suddenly changed her look. Some not so nice. Celeste didn’t see how it mattered what she wore, just because she had worn shorts today shouldn’t matter. Apparently it did matter, a lot. 

“Can’t all these people concentrate on their own lives?” she asked as she sat next to Hunter during lunch.

“Of course not,” Nina replied with a roll of her eyes “Where would the fun in that be?”

“Well, they need to find something else to talk about besides who my partner is and what I’m wearing.” Celeste was frustrated and all her friends could tell. “Who gives a crap if I wore shorts today, why is that such a big deal?!” 

“Look, Ce, don’t let it get to you.” Maddie said as she squeezed Celeste’s hand.

“I’ve tried Maddie,” Celeste sighed “You know I don’t like all this attention. Last week I was the prefect nobody and now...ugh, I don’t know.”

“Hey guys,” Nate said coming up to their table. “Would it be alright if I sit with you?”

“Sure!” Maddie said scooting closer to Hunter so Nate could sit. 

“I’m not even hungry anymore,” Cece said pushing her tray away. “I’ll see you guys later.”

Nate watched her walk away wondering what had just happened. Did she leave because of him? “Um, what’s going on?”

“All this gossip bullshit is getting to her.” Nina answered. She wished there was something she could do but, this was high school so gossip was always going to be there.

Nate nodded and got up from the table. Sending them all a quick wave he went after Celeste. Just about every person in the room stopped what they were doing and turned to watch him. Nate rolled his eyes at that, these people really had nothing better to do. He had heard people talking about what Cece had worn today and didn’t like some of the things he had heard. He took all of his control not to lash out some of the comments people were throwing around (especially the guys). 

Celeste could tell that someone was following her as she made her way out to the court yard. It didn’t matter much to her though, for all she knew whoever it was, wasn’t really following her. As she stepped through the doors she took a breath of fresh air. She sat on one of the empty benches and closed her eyes. She would try she promised herself, she would try and not let all the gossip get to her. A shadow blocked the sun light that was shining on her face. Opening her eyes she looked up to see Nate.

“This seat taken?” he said pointing beside her.

“No, go ahead.” she said scooting over a bit. 

“So,” he said not really knowing what else he could say. “I know all this talk going around is getting to you and I’m sorry.”

“You have nothing to be sorry for,” she said looking down at her lap.

“I kind of do, I mean, the only reason their talking is because of me.” Nate said glancing at her from the corner of his eye.

“Doesn’t mater,” Cece shrugged 

“Hey, Nate,” a guy called out. Both Celeste and Nate looked up. “When you’re done with her, send over my way. I’m sure I could do a real good job of breaking her in.”

Cece was taken back by the comment. She was disgusted by it. Nate, well he was pissed. He couldn’t believe that prick had just said that. He had never been good when it came to his temper and that comment was the breaking point for him. He was sick and tired of all the things guys were saying about her, that was the last straw. Jumping from the bench he rushed and tackled the guy to the ground. Landing a punch to the boys jaw and successfully knocking him out. 

Celeste sat there wide eyed with her hand cover her open mouth. She had heard a few things about Nate over the last week but, she never thought she would actually witness him fighting with someone. Though fighting would be an understatement since the guy was knocked out. Even the crowd outside seemed stunned. Nate hadn’t gotten into a fight in almost a year. Nate got up, dusted himself off and walked back toward Celeste. He didn’t want her to see that side of him but, he just couldn’t stop himself. 

Shaking out his right hand he pulled Cece up with his left. “Come on,” he said and wrapped his left arm around her shoulders. “Let’s get out of here.”

Cece remained silent as Nate led her through the halls and out the front doors. Still she said nothing when Nate walked them to his truck and let her in. Celeste stared out the window as they drove to wherever if was they were going. When the truck came to a stop they were at his house. 

“Are you alright?” Celeste asked glancing over at him.

He had been tense during the whole drive. Though Cece had been silent she had a million questions running through her head. She did want to anger him anymore than he already seemed to be. 

“I’m fine,” Nate snapped, though not meaning to. His blood was still boiling about what had happened. “I’m sorry,” he sighed noting the way Cece flinched away from him.

“It’s okay,” she whispered

“Let’s go inside,” he suggested getting out of the truck.

He walked over to the passenger side and opened the door. Celeste got out and followed him into the house. They could both hear Brooklyn giggling in the living room and went there . She was sitting on the floor with Nate’s mom when they walked in. 

“What are you two doing here, aren’t you supposed to be in school?” Mrs. Anderson questioned 

“Tell you about it later,” Nate sighed and scooped Brooklyn into his arms. 

He nodded for Celeste to follow him and he took Brooklyn to the back yard to play. She could see the tension ease from Nate’s body as he held his daughter. Going to his house was probably for the best. Celeste didn’t want to think about what could have or would have happened if they hadn’t left - if Nate hadn’t left. 

“Cece,” Brooklyn grinned reaching for her from over Nate’s shoulder.

With a big smile Cece took Brooklyn out of Nate’s arms and settled the grinning toddler on her hip. Hold the beautiful little girl in her arms she now knew why Nate had relaxed so quickly. She didn’t know exactly what is was about Brooklyn but, having Brook in her arms it was like all her problems had melted away. She bounced her up and down, tickled her tummy. 

“She’s been saying your name since yesterday.” Nate said sitting next to Cece and his daughter where they perched themselves on the grass. “As soon as she woke up she said your name. From what my mom told me she had been saying it all day.”

“Did you really do that?” Cece smiled tickling Brooklyn again. Brooklyn was squealing in laughter as she laid on the grass. 

Nate couldn’t help but smile as Cece played with his little girl. Once again he found himself thinking about how right it felt seeing Brooklyn with Cece. This right here, right now was right. Him sitting in his back yard with his daughter and the girl who some how managed to sneak up on him and settle into his heart, it was right. He wouldn’t go as far as saying he loved her or anything but, he did like her a whole lot. 

They spent the next few hours  playing in the back yard. Celeste and Nate didn’t do much talking but, neither of them seemed to mind. They were both too busy playing and laughing with Brooklyn. During that time Brooklyn had fallen asleep on Celeste’s lap. Celeste ran her finger through Brooklyn’s hair as she gazed up at the sky with a smile on her face. Was it wrong of her to think that being here with Nate and his daughter felt right? If it was wrong she didn’t know what she could do to change that. She wasn’t sure if she would want to change it anyway. 

“Can I ask you a question?” Nate asked

Cece looked down at him laying on the grass. “Was that it?” she asked amusement dancing in her eyes.

He chuckled “No, that wasn’t the question.” he said “Why did you change the way you dressed today?”

“That’s random,” Celeste commented “I wanted to,” she shrugged. She was a liar and she knew it. But, it’s not like she was going blurt out that she wanted to look cute for him.

“I like it, it suits you,” Nate said with a small smile. “But, then again, you look good in a pair of jeans and a hoodie too.”

Celeste blushed and tilted her head down to hide the blush on her cheeks. She hadn’t really been the type of girl to blush so much but, with Nate he always seemed to bring it out. She felt his warm calloused fingers brush her cheek as he tucked her hair behind her ear. 

“You don’t have to hide when you blush, it just makes you look all the more beautiful.” Nate whispered. He really did find that her blush made her even more beautiful. 

Nate found that in the moment he wanted nothing more than to kiss her. To find out if her lips felt as soft as they looked. The feel them pressed against his. Grazing his fingers along her cheek bone and down the side of her jaw he settled them under her chin. ‘It’s now or never.’ he thought getting into a sitting position. His eyes flickered down to her lips and back up to her eyes. He didn’t miss the fact that she had done the same thing. 

He leaned in slowly wanting to give her the chance to pull away if she wanted to. To his delight she didn’t move. Their eyes locked together - his asking, her’s challenging. When his lips met her’s, it felt like his whole world had shifted. With his free hand he cupped her cheek as her’s griped the front of his shirt.

Their lips moved together perfectly like they were made for each other. He didn’t try to deepen the kiss afraid that, that would be taking it to far. Nate also knew from the moment on there would never be another girl he would ever want to kiss. Celeste Taylor was the girl that he wanted to be kissing for as long as she would let him.

Celeste didn't know what to think. She had seen the intention in Nate's eye's as he sat up and looked her. She knew what would happen and she welcomed it. As soon as his lips touched hers she knew. She knew with every fiber of her being that there would be no other guy in the world that could compare to this. It may only been her first kiss but, it was with out a doubt going to be the kiss she would compare the rest to (if there ever was anymore). That thought alone had her internally shuddering. She didn't want to kiss anyone else. She wanted Nate Anderson to be her first and last.