Toxic Bad Boy(59)
“But she was just a body.” I dragged her hands down, making her meet my stare. “You’re my soul.”
“And Norah? Was she just a body?” The pain in her voice cut deep and sick guilt rolled through me.
“I got to know her a little better,” I explained.
Gianna laughed humorlessly. “Yeah, I heard about your connection from Christina.”
Right, Christina, that was the roommate’s name. I’d thought Christina was sweet and cute, but chicks could get nasty when ganged up on another girl. “There was no real connection. Norah seemed nice, but that was it.”
“And her body?” she whispered in a miserable voice.
Fuck, this was the bad part. “We fooled around and it went a bit farther than the other girl, but my heart ached that she wasn’t you.”
Gianna’s eyes flickered to my chest and the heart she owned. “I know I shouldn’t ask, but I can’t help myself. You kissed her and stuff?”
“Look, the only reason I’m telling you any of this is because you might see her at the gallery.”
“At your exhibit?”
“Yeah, and even if it was only one date, the chick was pissed I didn’t want to see her again.”
“You really don’t?” she asked, her chin trembling as if fighting a new rush of tears. “Because if you were tempted, I’d prefer you just tell me.”
Wanting her body against mine, I gripped her waist to pull her onto my lap. “I’ll only want you until the day I die, Gianna. I’m sure after that, too.”
Her head against my chest, she whispered, “I’m tired, Caleb. Can you please take me home?”
*****
I jumped the fence, scraping my hands a little in the process. The dog next door barked in a way that let me know it was big. Walking across the grass, I went to the other side of the house and found the door which led into the garage. I clenched the penlight between my teeth and got out the lock picking kit I’d bought at a hardware store.
It was tricky, but I’d watched a video online while sitting in my car to make sure I had the process straight. With some quiet fumbling and a snick, the doorknob turned and I slipped inside the dark garage. I barely saw the lawnmower in time to avoid tripping over it. I went around the back of the vehicles to get to the door that led into the house through a mudroom.
Thankfully, it was unlocked and I wasn’t forced to pick it. Pushing the door open slowly, I closed it behind me with the same caution. I removed my shoes and carried them in one hand as I traversed the first floor to the staircase. The house being fairly new, not one of them creaked.
The bedroom door was locked, something I should have expected. Taking out one of the tools, I put my shoes on the floor. Gripping the doorknob in one hand, I carefully shifted the tool until it granted me access.
Gathering my shoes, I entered the room, shutting and reengaging the lock. My shoes and clothes formed a pile on the floor until I was down to my white boxer briefs.
It probably wasn’t the brightest idea to sneak up on a girl who’d been attacked, but after her initial fright I hoped she’d be happy to see me. Lifting up the covers, I got a glimpse in the dark of a blue pajama set consisting of shorts and a tank top. I slid under next to her, pulling her back into my front. At the same time, one palm covered her mouth.
She was a deep sleeper, which I’d found out during the Vegas trip. “Gianna,” I whispered into her ear. “Wake up.”
“Huh?” she mumbled sleepily under my hand and I wasn’t sure she was actually awake.
“Are you awake?”
“Caleb?” she said after tugging at my wrist and turning in my arms.
Her warm, curvy body rubbing against mine had me shifting my lower body away from her. “It’s me.”
A soft hand landed on my bare chest. “Am I dreaming?”
“Dream come true?” I teased. “No, you’re not dreaming.”
She gasped, whispering urgently, “What are you doing here? My dad is going to kick your ass!”
“Like I said, he can try.” I buried my face in her neck, taking in the sweet scent of home.
“What are you going here?” she repeated even as she snuggled closer.
“Missed my girl.”
Her sigh blew across my chest. “I love you, Caleb.”
The words settled something in me. When I’d dropped her off earlier, the evidence of her pain still painted her face. There were no secrets between us anymore, but the revelations had been rough.
Her head against the heart she’d brought to life, my girl fell back asleep.
*****
The knock on the bedroom door was accompanied by, “Gianna!”