I... am sorry... I need to head out now. I've got some things to take care of before tomorrow," Bruno said softly, his eyes intensely fixed on Beauty, waiting for her reply.
She nodded and met his gaze.
"Okay... thanks again. I appreciate it."
Bruno nodded and stood there, staring down at her, his lips slightly parted. Beauty felt her throat tighten at the way he looked at her. It was like he had something more to say or... do with those lips.
Jessie, of course, noticed the body language and stepped back with a smile, giving them just enough space but still watching closely.
Beauty tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, looking down at her shoes for a moment before meeting Bruno's gaze again. Their eyes locked for a moment.
Finally, Bruno spoke first.
"I... I will see you tomorrow."
Jessie slapped her forehead. "Come on, Mr. Bruno! I think Beauty deserves a proper goodbye. Remember, the sedu-practice the chemistry for the reunion. A hug? A kiss on the cheek? Or something!"
"Not so easy, Jessie! My brain is always off whenever I'm with her," Bruno yelled inside his mind.
He hesitated, then took a step closer to Beauty, who froze, her breath hitching slightly. His hand reached out, slowly brushing a stray lock of hair from her face.
The simple touch sent shivers down Beauty's spine, and she felt her whole body tighten with anticipation. She wondered if this was the moment. Would he actually kiss her?
Their faces were so close now that Beauty could feel his breath against her skin. Bruno's eyes flickered down to her lips for a moment. Then Bruno leaned in. Beauty's lips parted slightly, her pulse quickening.
Jessie smirked and crossed her fingers in anticipation.
Unfortunately, Bruno paused abruptly, their noses almost touching. Instead, he wrapped his arms around her in a hug, pulling her close.
Jessie pouted, disappointed, but not as much as Beauty.
It wasn't a kiss, but it was definitely something! A hug-and she didn't request it this time.
Beauty melted into the embrace, resting her head against his chest. He smelled so good. She smiled as she could hear the anxious rhythm of his heartbeat.
"I love you, Beauty, I do," Bruno said in his mind.
They stayed like that, holding each other longer than they should have. Beauty silently wished for something more.
"I... will try my best and be the best boyfriend for you tomorrow," Bruno whispered against her hair.
Beauty's cheeks flushed, and she smiled against his chest, her arms tightening around him.
"Thank you," she murmured under her breath.
When they finally pulled apart, Bruno walked towards his car while Beauty stared at him, smiling like they had just gotten married.
Definitely, but only in her head.
"Well, we're getting there. I feel like a proud matchmaker now. I can't wait to see how tomorrow night ends!" Jessie thought to herself as she watched Bruno leave.
Bruno opened his car door, casting one last, long glance at Beauty before getting inside.
"Goodbye!" Beauty waved.
As the car pulled away, Jessie walked behind Beauty and nudged her lightly with her elbow.
"Well, that was adorable," she said with a grin. "You two are gonna explode tomorrow night, I just know it. Better make use of this opportunity."
Beauty smiled, though her mind was still on Bruno, already counting down the hours until she'd see him again. Tomorrow evening couldn't come fast enough.
She sighed, then her eyes landed on the big fashion bags that Jessie was holding. She raised an eyebrow and tilted her head toward Jessie in curiosity.
"What's in the bags? Are they for tomorrow night?" she asked, her voice filled with excitement.
Jessie grinned mischievously, swinging one of the bags gently as if she was holding a treasure. "Oh, just a little something special for you," she teased. "A custom-made outfit, designed by a top-tier designer. Trust me, you're going to love it."
Beauty's eyes widened with excitement, her heart skipping a beat at the thought.
"Seriously? So fast? Jess, I don't even know what to say! You are the best! Who's the designer?"
"Someone capable," Jessie smirked, clearly enjoying keeping a bit of mystery in the air.
Beauty's excitement only grew, her hands practically itching to rip open the bags and get a glimpse of her surprise outfit.
"I can't wait!" she squealed, bouncing on her toes slightly. "You've really outdone yourself this time. You know how nervous I've been about tomorrow. I love you, Jessie!"
Beauty gave her a kiss on the cheek.
Jessie waved off her words with a smile. "Yeah, yeah! Don't fall in love with me yet," she winked playfully.
They both laughed.
As they headed inside, Beauty couldn't stop thinking about tomorrow. Her mind raced with anticipation, imagining how she'd look, and how Bruno might react when he saw her in the outfit and spend the whole day as her Boyfriend!