Raina
"You didn't have to do that," I tell Ariel. "That macho protector act at lunch? I could handle it." He gives me a little grin and leans back against his bike. We're standing in the parking lot as it empties out, both of us sticking out like a porcupine in a nudie camp.
66Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡix6AKZ9MLt
"I saw that," he says. "Along with half the world, I think. You made one hell of a first impression."
66Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYvYbe6xMOY
I feel my cheeks heat up and I look away.
66Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQARNxDZCH5
"It wasn't my finest moment," I admit. "But I really don't like being grabbed."
66Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq4S9bbNIdM
He makes a big show out of tucking his hands behind his back. My face is on fire by now, and I start fumbling in my bag for my keys.
"Mhmm. Okay. It's good to see you. I'll head out, then." I start to move away and he reaches out to catch my hand. His touch is light, but I stop.
66Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbq7ATpUIRd
"Don't go. Please?" He gives me big puppy eyes and a pout, which looks utterly stupid on his chiseled features. I can't keep a straight face and giggle.
66Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡopWuSjruig
"That was pathetic," I tell him with a grin. He laughs and tugs me closer.
66Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd1tDt4ABr2
"Yeah, I know. It only works on my mama, really."
66Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡshfF5cqOR9
The mention of mothers makes my stomach drop down to my feet. He frowns at my expression and touches my forehead lightly, right between my eyebrows.
66Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9BmeB1A6Vw
"What's wrong, wifey?" His fingers smooth over my brow before brushing down my cheek. "What did I say?"
66Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQzWtPsfwat
"It's not you." I give him a quick smile, catching his hand. "Just remembered I need to get home. Mommy dearest will want to know all about school."
66Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ5VHrIZ3rO
"Gonna tell her you were beating up on the Angels?"
66Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdLiUXHZfIR
I must look as confused as I feel, because he studies my face intently. "Raina, do you have any idea who those guys are?"
66Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcZilFuFzJE
I shake my head. "I don't even know their names, except that your cousin is Raphael. And I only know that because of you."
66Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYdxTfYAcSN
Ariel rubs a hand across his face, breaking into Spanish. I don't bother telling him that I understand every word. He's too cute, asking for divine help. He looks heavenward, blows out an exasperated breath, then gives me a tight smile.
66Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBTXKeKqgHn
"Look, call your mom. Tell her you're hanging out with one of your new school friends, you'll be home later. We'll go grab a bite, and I'll fill you in on how things work in this town, okay?" He cups my cheek affectionately. I shrug, but reach for my phone anyway. I hook up to the hands free so I can follow Ariel and deal with my mom at the same time.
66Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbkxFfeDlvN
Predictably, Jenna is thrilled to hear I'm making friends with the high society crowd. She assures me it's fine, and mentions that she and Warren have a "thing," so I'll be on my own for dinner. I make agreeable noises while she rambles on, dropping names that don't mean anything to me. Once I'm off the phone, I throw it in my bag and rub my temples.
66Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq9cnZPvqy3
"That bad?" Ariel saunters back over from where he's been waiting by his bike. I give him a sideways smile.
66Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPgMQXM0yen
"It is what it is."
66Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWz2L7Gtw4m
66Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡccHW6v10cQ
He holds his hand out expectantly, and I tilt my head at him in a question.
66Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwD0OvSiARq
"Keys?" He indicates my bag. "I'll drive."
66Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfVRzhKMr1K
I burst into laughter. "Oh, hell no."
66Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwkjkIfDkXJ
He looks offended. It just makes me laugh harder, my knees getting weak. I just shake my head at him, still snickering. His lips curve into a wicked smile and he stalks towards me, backing me up against my truck for the second time today. I'm still smiling when he kisses me, stealing my breath. By the time he pulls back, my knees are weak for an entirely different reason.
66Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr0x0gE39e7
"Keys?" he asks softly.
66Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7eaHvvwJ5c
"Still not gonna happen," I tell him sweetly. His smile widens and he shakes his head as he steps back to let me open the driver's side door.
66Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZRxIPykuc5
"Keep it up, beautiful, I really will fall in love with you." He jogs around the truck as I lean across to unlock the door. "I bet you can drive a stick, too."
66Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDY0XgnDf4p
I just give him a dirty look. He buckles his seatbelt and runs his hand lovingly over the dash. I'm pretty sure I'm jealous of my own damn truck.
66Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEsMNymEscm
66Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcEPw39HEo6
