CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN
“There’s beauty to wisdom and experience that cannot be faked.
It’s impossible to be mature without having lived.”
-Amy Grant
CALEB
My mom was out of town again so I told Gianna she could use my mom’s bathroom to get ready for tonight. After a shower, I took more thought in getting ready than usual. In a pair of black dress pants and a blue dress shirt and skinny tie, I stood in front of the mirror styling my hair with a little pomade.
I’d been on lots of dates before, but this was different. Tonight was about more than meaningless flirtation and a good time in bed. This was about romance. What the fuck did I know about romance? Obviously not much from what Gianna’s teasing indicated.
I did feel romantic towards Gianna, I supposed. The problem was my inability to show it with actions and words. I was going to work on that tonight. I wanted her to know how much she meant to me. In the short amount of time I’d know her, she’d become the person my world centered around. That person used to be myself. I’d left behind a life that now disgusted me by finding something special with her.
God, I hoped I didn’t turn into one of those pathetic guys who held their girlfriend’s purse while watching her shop. I felt like I was becoming pussy-whipped without actually getting to enjoy the pussy. Shaking my head, I shoved aside those kinds of thoughts. Tonight was supposed to be about romance, not about my lack a sex life in recent weeks.
All in good time.
When I was ready, I waited in the living room on the couch. As I sat there, flipping through channels, Gianna strutted out from my mom’s room. My mouth dropped open and I snapped it shut. She wore a dark blue dress that covered only the tops of her thighs and some black heeled ankle boots.
“What?” Gianna scanned the front of her body as if something might be out of place.
“Nothing.” My first instinct was to throw her over my shoulder and carry her to my bed. Instead, I walked over and kissed her lightly on the lips, not wanting to ruin her lipstick. “You look beautiful.”
She smiled up at me. “So, do you.”
“Not exactly what I was going for, but as long as you’re dying to rip my clothes off, I’m satisfied,” I teased.
“I so didn’t say that and you know it.” She tried for a stern expression but it melted away when she giggled.
“I could tell by the look on your face you were thinking it. I recognize that look on a girl’s face when I see it.” As soon as the words left my mouth, I wished I could take them back. It was another example of the unromantic things I said to her which reminded her of what a manwhore I’d been in the past.
“You know, Caleb-” she started to say and I could easily guess the rest of it.
I cut her off before she could finish, “Forget what I just said. All other girls are ugly dogs and you’re the most beautiful girl in the world.”
She smirked. “That’s more like it.”
I cleared my throat and looked at her pointedly. She returned my look with a confused one. “What?”
“This is where you compliment me back. The romance goes both ways in a relationship.”
She raised two perfect eyebrows. “Oh really? You want to be romanced? Since you’re such an expert on relationships, what should I say?”
This playful banter was fun. Stroking my chin, I pretended to think really hard. “Well, you could say, wow, Caleb, you look so sexy I just want to rip off your clothes and lick you all over. A guy couldn’t hear sweeter words than that.”
Gianna rubbed her forehead like dealing with me was taxing, but I could tell that she was trying not to laugh. “A guy would think that was a romantic thing to say, wouldn’t he?”
“Very.”
She took the hand I held out. “Well, I wouldn’t want to be unromantic, so I’ll say this. Caleb, you look very sexy, handsome and lickable.”
I locked the door behind us and put my arm around her waist. “Now, that wasn’t so hard, was it?”
“I never said it was, but now that you’ve had your ego stroked, can you tell me where we’re going?”
“Gladly. First, I’m taking you out to a nice romantic dinner. Then, to a club where you’ll be free to drink girly drinks and dance to your heart’s content, while I stand sober guard.”
Gianna entered the elevator before me, turning around. “Caleb?”
“Yes?”
“You don’t have to try so hard to be romantic. I like you for who you are, despite the very unromantic things you say.” She wrapped her arms around me, leaning her cheek into my chest.
In a millisecond I’d processed her words. “Thank god,” I breathed out, relieved.
Grabbing the back of her thighs, I lifted her up to wrap her legs around my waist. Her gaze found mine, her blue eyes startled. I pushed her back against the wall of the elevator and went to town on her with my mouth.
“In that case, can I just say that you look so fucking hot in this dress? Every time I look at you in it, I want to peel if off you and use it to tie you to my bed.”
She laughed in delight. “There’s my special guy.”
The elevator doors opened and I reluctantly placed her back on her feet. On the way to my car, I asked her, “Does this mean you’ll be happy if I don’t take you to the fancy restaurant I book a reservation at?”
She squeezed my hand. “I’ll be happy no matter where you take me.”
“Where I’d like to take you is to bed. But I haven’t been to the diner in forever and I’m also starving for food. We’ll go there, if you don’t mind.” I opened the passenger door for her when we reached my car. I may not have been the most romantic guy, but I could still be a gentleman.
“This time can I order for myself?” she asked once I got behind the wheel.
“Only if it’s something I like, so I can eat your leftovers.”
“You’re horrible,” she scolded.
“No, I’m sexy, handsome and lickable. You said so yourself.” I pulled out of the parking garage in the direction of the diner. It wasn’t far from the apartment, but far enough not to want to walk.
Gianna leaned over to squeeze one of my cheeks. “Yes, you’re those things too, babe.”
We sat at one of Jean’s tables at the diner and she squeezed my other cheek. What the hell? Was I that adorable today? Her smile was motherly. “How’s the new school, Caleb?”
“Great.” I gestured to Gianna. “You remember my stepsister, Gianna?”
Jean gave her the same smile but left her cheeks alone. “Yes, nice to see you again, Gianna. What can I get for you two?”
I ordered my usual and Gianna ordered something I wouldn’t mind eating the rest of. We managed to finish our meal without any girls from my past showing up. After I paid for our meal, we walked back to my car and drove to a club where I knew the bouncers. I had a fake ID, but I wasn’t sure Gianna did.
On the way there, I finally thought to ask her, “Do you have a fake ID?”
“Yep.” She took it out of her purse and handed it to me.
I read off the name. “Gigi Ramirez. Isn’t that Jared and Cece’s last name? Funny, you don’t look Hispanic.”
“Jared got it for me.” She put it back in her wallet.
“He gave you his last name? Remind me to get you a new fake ID,” I muttered. I’d let her keep that one for now. It figured the douche would do something so cheesy.
We didn’t have to wait in line outside the club since Ned was manning the door. I joked around with him before we went inside. Ned was a nice guy despite appearances. He shaved his head and wore a tight black t-shirt that showed off his huge biceps and two arms covered in tattoos.
I introduced them, “Ned, this is my girlfriend, Gianna.”
“Girlfriend?” Ned repeated skeptically. “You mean, you actually claim this one out of the bedroom, Caleb?”
Gianna put out her hand. “Nice to meet you, Ned. Where did you and Caleb meet? In prison?”
&nbs
p; Ned looked at me, still holding onto my girl’s hand. “I like this one.”
“I’m flattered,” Gianna said sarcastically.
“And I’m charmed,” Ned complimented, totally ignoring the line waiting to get in. “Actually, Caleb and I met when he was twelve. He showed up here with a shitty fake ID. When I called him on it, he tried to talk me into letting him in. He told me that middle school boys needed to get laid too. I told him to get his scrawny ass to the mall if he wanted somewhere to hang out. When I didn’t let him in, he started showing up every so often with his friend Dante. They would hang out at the door with me. Once they started growing some fuzz on their faces a few years later, I started letting them past the front door.”
“And now I get to benefit from their hormones’ hard at work. Do you need to see my fake ID?” Gianna asked like a smartass.
“No, you two kids have fun inside.” Ned waved us in, shaking head big head.
“Thanks for telling my girlfriend an embarrassing story, Ned. See you on the way out.” Holding her close, I guided Gianna inside.
Ned called after me, “I’ve got more where that came from!”
Maybe I’d take her to a different club next time. Somewhere where the bouncers hadn’t carried me out drunk or broken up catfights I’d unintentionally caused.
The music pounded inside and I led her to the bar. Ordering us both a drink from the bartender I sat Gianna down on an empty stool. The stools on both sides of her were taken, so I stood behind her with one arm around her waist. That was a sure way to keep other guys away. Once we were both finished with our first drink, Gianna pulled me onto the dance floor. After two songs, I pulled her back to the bar for drink number two.
Still working on our second drinks, someone I really didn’t want to see showed up. Actually, I’d been hoping to never see this fucker again.
He shouted over the music, “What’s up, Caleb? Still on probation?” I could see Gianna’s eyes dart to his face. I really hoped she didn’t hear that.
Holy shit, I wanted to beat this prick’s ass. “Fuck off, Ian!”
“Is that any way to greet an old friend?” His expression was of mock hurt.
“We were never friends. By the way, how’s Jackie? Are you two still together?” I asked him. His pissed off face made me smile evilly. He’d really liked Jackie. Unfortunately, she’d cheated on him with me. Stupid prick had asked for it.
“What school are you going to now, Caleb? Gotten expelled lately?” I was thinking about whether or not I should be punching anybody while on a date with Gianna when she stood up to step between us. It wasn’t lost on me the way Ian’s eyes roved over her face and body.
“Aren’t you going to introduce us, Caleb?” She a placed one hand on my chest and I put one of my own over it, a gesture which Ian didn’t miss.
“No,” I replied stubbornly.
The prick introduced himself, “I’m Ian Crenshaw. Caleb and I go way back. What can I call you other than beautiful?” With lame lines like that, no wonder Jackie preferred me between her legs.
One side of Gianna’s gorgeous lips twitched. “I’m Gianna, Caleb’s girlfriend.”
“Girlfriend?” he mouthed in astonishment just to be an ass. “What school do you go to?” The nosy prick wouldn’t be asking without a reason.
“Don’t worry about it-” I began.
“Broomfield,” Gianna answered innocently.
Ian’s grin was predatory. “Do you like it there? I’m thinking of switching schools.” Fucker probably got expelled and was on the prowl for new stomping grounds.
“It’s alright, especially since Caleb showed up.” That was my girl. As if Ian hadn’t been eating her up with his eyes, she turned to me. “Let’s go dance!” She grabbed my hand. “See you later, Ian.”
Yeah, peace out, you fucking douchebag.
On the dance floor, I yelled in her ear. “If that guy ever comes near you when I’m not around, don’t talk to him.”
“Don’t worry. I have a good idea of what it’s like between you two!” Her body melted into mine as we got lost in each other and the music.
Ian stayed away from us the rest of the night, but I did spot him from afar. By the time we left, I could definitely cross off number twelve on the list. Gianna was adorably drunk. Helping her to my car, I buckled her into the passenger seat. She stopped me from shutting the door to lay a big one on me, almost missing my mouth.
I put her hands on her lap and told her to behave before closing the door. Back at the parking garage, I made her sit in the car until I could help her out. “Gianna, I don’t think you’re going to make it to ballet tomorrow.”
“I don’t think so either,” she said, sounding forlorn. “But it was worth it.”
“So you had a good time?”
She would’ve stumbled if my arm weren’t anchoring her. “Yep. Caleb?” Her eyes were glazed over as she looked up at me.
“Yes, princess?” I kissed her on the cheek and she giggled.
“Why are you on probation?” Damn, she did hear that bigmouth.
“Because I’m a juvenile delinquent,” I answered simply while holding open the door of the apartment building.
“Oh.” She looked confused but not coherent enough to follow it up with another question.
I pushed the button for the elevator and changed the subject. “Are you hungry?”
“I don’t think so.”
“Well, I’m going to feed you anyways. It’ll help prevent a killer hangover in the morning.” Holding onto her, we waited for the elevator to hit the right floor.
In the apartment, Gianna unexpectedly pushed me onto the couch to straddle me. “Let’s have sex, Caleb.”
I groaned in torment. “Gianna, why couldn’t you suggest this when you were sober?”
“Who cares when I say it?” she said airily as she unbuttoned my shirt.
“I care and so should you, bad girl. You might be too drunk to even remember it in the morning.” I moved her off my lap to her displeasure and escaped into the kitchen. “I’m going to make some you something to eat.”
“You suck,” I heard her mumble.
I’d never been the type of guy to take advantage of a girl while she was drunk. I was sure pricks like Ian did that crap all the time. Because of his big mouth, I wasn’t looking forward to Gianna interrogating me about being on probation once she was sober.
Gianna only ate half her sandwich before declaring herself stuffed. Yawning, she was turning into a sleepy drunk. I gave her two aspirin and held the cup of water as she swallowed them down. “Ready for bed?”
“Yeah,” was her answer but she didn’t move.
Carrying her to my bed, I set her down on it and took off her boots. I found her pajamas in her bag and helped her change while keeping my eyes mostly on her face. I didn’t need any more temptation tonight.
“Caleb?”
“Yes, princess?”
“Why don’t you want to have sex with me? Is it because I’m a virgin and I’ll be a bad lay?” She climbed under the covers and was having trouble keeping her eyes open.
I chuckled at her ignorance. “Of course not. I just don’t think we should rush it. I want you to be sure.”
“I think I’m sure,” she mumbled.
“Goodnight.” I kissed her on the mouth long and hard because it was all I’d get tonight.
She laid her head back on the pillow with her eyes closed. “I love you,” she said softly. She didn’t open her eyes again.
Jolted, I sat on the edge of the bed watching her sleep. Did she mean that? Did she say that because she was drunk or because she was tired? Did she even realize who she was saying it to? If she did mean it, did I feel the same way? I really doubt she’d remember saying it in the morning.
If she didn’t remember, I’d just pretend it never happened.