Danger! Bad Boy(47)

“I don’t have to listen to your shit. I’m going to go find Gianna, dickhead.” Leaving the living room, I went in search for her in the direction I saw her go when we first got here. She’d still been in her work clothes and had gone down the hallway to Cece’s room to change.

When I reached Cece’s room, the door was slightly ajar and the light was off. Pushing it open, I switched the light on. Gianna’s duffel bag was there on the bed, but no sign of her.

I followed the noise to the back of the house and peered through the back screen door. The backyard patio lights were on and I saw Gianna standing amongst members of the crew. Opening up the screen door, I stepped outside and shut both doors behind me. The weather was starting to get cold with fall ending and I was sure the Ramirez family would appreciate their guests not upping their heating bill.

Unfortunately, Jared had made his way back here and he, along some of the other guys, were showing Gianna a few dance moves. Catching her up on what she’d missed out on, I was sure. She had a silly grin on her face, so I didn’t have the heart to interrupt yet by demanding her attention. Pulling back a patio chair from the table, I took a seat.

I guess the sound of my chair scraping against the cement alerted everyone to my presence because, when I looked up, most everyone’s eyes were on me. I had to say, some of the looks the guys were giving me weren’t very nice at all. Shame on them.

Gianna said something to the group and started walking across the grass to me. She looked great, wearing a pair of tight jeans, the same black motorcycle boots from the club and a blue thermal hoodie. Her dark blond hair was in a pony tail and I imagined letting it down later tonight and running my fingers through the soft strands. I imagined touching her all over, actually.

She smiled sweetly when she reached me, but then the acidic words came out of her mouth, “Hey, where’s Ian?”

I tried to keep a straight face as I lied, “Last I saw, he was making out with some wasted girl from the club.”

“Really? I was beginning to think he was gay.” Her face was all scrunched up in confusion.

At her words, it was like I fell in love with her all over again.

I couldn’t play it cool any longer, I busted out laughing. “Why did you think that?”

She shrugged. “I dunno. He’s been so sweet and sensitive, lately.”

So Ian’s plan was backfiring. I mentally rubbed my hands together in glee. All the better for me. When I glanced back up at Gianna, she was grinning. Narrowing my eyes at her, I snapped, “What?”

“I can’t believe you fell for that. I just wanted to see the look on your face, Caleb. Ian is so not gay he could be your long lost manwhore twin.” Gianna was giggling in delight at messing with me.

I grabbed her by the waist and pulled her down onto my lap. “Come here, bratty girl.”

She was laughing hysterically, trying to catch her breath. “Tell the truth, Caleb. Did the thought of Ian being gay put that happy look on your face ‘cause it means you have me all to yourself tonight, or was it something else? Hmm? Were you hoping I’d put in a good word for you?”

“Shut up brat,” I murmured before bringing her face up to mine for a kiss. Ah, this was what I’d been dying for. I needed my fix. “I’ve missed you, princess.”

Opening her eyes, she gazed up at me. “Did you miss me so much you called me on Tuesday? Did you talk to me in school on Wednesday? How about Thursday?” She shook her head. “I thought not.”

She hopped off my lap and sat in a chair next to me, eyeing me unhappily. I ran a hand through my hair in frustration and helplessness. “I told you I have my reasons.”

“Yes,” she said slowly, “But you haven’t informed me of what those reasons are. Considering the fact I’m the one who’s getting hurt, don’t you think I’m the one person who you should be explaining them to?”

This wasn’t working. This whole situation, plan of action, was only succeeding in placing distance and resentment between Gianna and me. If I continued on this path, Julie would win in the end because Gianna would become so bitter she wouldn’t want anything to do with me anymore.

Looking over her shoulder to where I was receiving a few warning looks from her friends, I took a deep breath. The time had come to take the risk. “Gianna, if I promise to tell you everything, will you leave this party with me right now?”

Her mouth parted in shock and her eyes bugged out. “Really? Everything?”

Standing up, I grabbed her hand and brought her to her feet. “Yes, come on.”

I pulled her along with me through the back door and into the house, stopping by Cece’s room to pick up her bag and going into the kitchen to exit through the garage. Therefore, successfully circumventing Ian in the living room.