Beware of Bad Boy(65)

“First, you ran off without letting me explain.”

“You can’t blame me for that.”

“Just promise me you won’t do it again,” he commanded.

“Fine, next time I’ll stick around to watch you and the girl put some clothes on.” I’d have the image burned into my brain for a long time of them both half-naked.

“Gianna, quit being a baby and making it sound seedier than it actually was.”

I was about to argue but he put a hand over my mouth to silence me. “Second, when we have an argument, or misunderstanding in this case, answer your damn phone when I call you.”

“I’ll try,” I said noncommittally.

“You’ll do it.” He gave me another one of those dominating kisses. “And thirdly, if I ever catch you dancing like that for another guy again, I’m going to beat the crap out of him and put you over my knee.”

“Whatever. If I find you having another sleepover with a female friend, then I get to beat the crap out of you.”

“You have sleepovers at Jared’s house almost every Saturday.”

“Caleb, that’s not the same thing! I’ve been doing it for years. Plus, I sleep in Cece’s bed with her, not in Jared’s room.” It totally wasn’t the same thing.

Caleb’s body language changed as he drew me closer. “Really? In the same bed? Can I come next time?”

I slapped him on the chest. “Not funny, Caleb. Besides, I don’t think Dante would like it.”

“So, he and Cece are a thing now?”

“I think so. Now, don’t you have to be going? I’m sure Hailey is anxious to get you to herself again.” I was being a bitch, but the thought of the long drive where they’d be alone was making me insanely jealous. Couldn’t she just hitchhike back to Denver?

He smacked me on the butt. “Jealous, princess?”

“Maybe. Are you jealous I’ll be sleeping here with all those hot guys nearby?” I teased.

With his arms around me, he lifted me up off the ground. “I think I’ll just tie you up and take you with me.”

“I don’t think so. I left this camping trip early for you once already. Look how that turned out. I think I’ll just stay here and enjoy the rest of the trip. Some of the guys are getting pretty drunk and when they try to dance like that it’s hilarious.”

“Just as long as you’re not the one dancing for them, I guess it’s okay.” As if he had a say in it. He laughed suddenly. “You told your mom you were going camping with the cheerleaders?”

“Yep. You’d think she’d realize that last night the cheerleaders had to be at the game, but she was just so happy at the thought of me socializing with them, and maybe joining cheer again, she didn’t even think of it.” I laughed with him.

Like we were starved for each other, we ended up making out for a few minutes, forgetting the world around us. Unfortunately that stupid hoe, Hailey, started calling Caleb’s name from the campsite in a whiney voice.

That was one friend of his I’d never like. She made it perfectly clear she wanted Caleb. The fact they’d slept together, even if it was two years ago was really bothering me. I didn’t like her sleeping in his bed last night and wearing his t-shirt. Those were just a few of the reasons why I couldn’t tell Caleb everything was okay with us.

I did need to think more about everything that’d happened this weekend. I couldn’t do it with him trying to kiss me into a stupor and my friends nearby. Maybe tomorrow I could spend some time alone and think it over.

Caleb groaned. “I guess I better get her home. I don’t think she appreciated me dragging her around today.” Like I gave a crap what Hailey wanted?

“Well, have fun driving her home. I’ll see you sometime tomorrow.” I took off back to the campsite worked up again about Hailey.

A couple yards away, he caught from behind. “I think you should change what you’re wearing, Gianna.”

I looked down at myself. “What’s wrong with what I’m wearing?” I had on shorts and a short sleeve cropped hoodie.

“You need to ask? That hoodie shows way too much of your stomach. I don’t like it.”

I tried pulling away but he wasn’t letting go so I turned around in his arms. “Well, I don’t like finding half-naked girls wearing your t-shirts in your mom’s apartment. So tough, unless you want me to borrow one of Jared’s shirts and prance around in only that, you’ll have to get over what I have on.”

I finally escaped his embrace only to get a few steps away before he grabbed me from behind again. Kissing my neck, he moved his hand up to cup my breast. I leaned back against him. “Stop it, Caleb. You’re not getting your way. Take your friend home and I’ll see you tomorrow. Try to keep your shirt on around her this time.”