Beauty and the Bad Boy

Peyton and Matt's First Date

How desperately I wanted to call my best friend. 

Amber would know what to wear on a first date. She had tons of those! 

Sifting through my closet, everything just looked wrong. What the hell did Matt like on girls? I had been lusting after Ryder all these years that I didn't even notice Matt. How could I have not noticed Matt? He was ten times hotter than Ryder. 

Groaning, I decided to call Ryder. Surely he'd know what Matt liked on girls. 

He picked up after only one ring. "'Lo?" A sleepy Ryder said in my ear. 

A year ago, I'd be swooning if I heard that. But now, after Amber and Ryder were practically married, I couldn't imagine myself with him. 

"Ryder!" I happily cried in relief. "I need your help quickly." 

Ryder seemed more alert now. "Are your prints on the body? No, where is the body? Please tell me you didn't already bury it. God, Peyton, I knew you would do this sooner or later and I'm not prepared-" 

I cut him off. "I didn't kill anyone, stupid," I huffed, rolling my eyes. I glanced at my messy closet. Stay focused I repeated in my head. "What kind of clothes does Matt like. Like, on girls." 

"Matt? Clothes?" Ryder repeated, confused. I wanted to slap him. Could he just give me a straight answer? 

"Yes, Ryder! Clothes!" 

Ryder chuckled. "He likes it when girls wear black. I know, it surprises me too. But that's what he likes. All black. Black shoes, pants, shirts. And he likes when girls have piercings all over them." 

My eyes widened but then the smarter part of me knew that he was just screwing with me. Instead of responding, I just hung up on him and dialed Axel. He'd be more helpful. 

"Will you shut up?" Axel's angry voice sounded in my ear. 

I frowned. "Hello to you, too." 

Axel sighed. "Sorry, Peyton. I'm just talking to my annoying little brother. Anyways, what's up? I heard you and Matt are hanging out today." 

I nodded, even though I knew he couldn't see me. "Yeah. I just need some help. What kind of clothes does Matt like on girls?" 

He thought for a moment. "Honestly I think he's into super girly girls. I think that's why he likes you so much. He's always talking about your flowing skirt and your soft hair," he laughed. 

My stomach became warm with happy butterflies. He really said that? "Thanks Axel! I love you!" I drawled, hanging up. 

Now, I looked in my closet and picked up the nearest dress I could find. This one was cream and short with a halter neck. 

I strapped on some strappy sandals and looked at my reflection. Not bad. 

As if on cue, the doorbell rang. I practically sprinted down the stairs to go see Matt. 

Swinging the door open, it revealed a sheepish-looking Matt. Instead of his typical shorts and sweatshirt, he ditched them for khakis and a crisp blue dress top. I wanted to pinch his cheeks; he was just gosh-darn adorable. 

"Hey," I greeted him, feeling the warm butterflies. 

Matt scratched the back of his head. "Hi," he said, looking equally as nervous. The other go-lucky Matt was gone and was replaced with this polite one. 

After he buckled me in (chivalrous as ever) we started driving. "So," I mused, "where are we going?" 

"Surprise," Matt answered, his face looking red.