“Your mom’s home. I thought you said they’d be gone for the next few days.”
“Shit.” His eyes widened, and he turned to look at the nightstand. The clock read seven thirty-three. “We need to get up. We’re going to be late.”
We had less than ten minutes to get dressed if we wanted to make it on time.
“Sorry, I forgot to set my alarm.” He threw the blanket back, and I climbed out of bed behind him.
He rubbed his face, then turned to me. He smiled and brushed my hair back. “Last night was amazing, Ave.”
I put my hands on his bare chest and went on my tiptoes to kiss him gently before backing away. “It was perfect.”
I went to his door and paused. “It stays between us.”
It was half a question and half a plea.
He nodded, and I was grateful he understood. It wasn’t that I regretted it or wasn’t so unbelievably happy, it was just important to me that our relationships stayed separate.
“I’ll be quick.” I peeked into the hall and made sure Tessa wasn’t around before running into the spare room I shared claim of with Vince. I had a stash of clothes here for when I didn’t want to sleep at home, but I’d still have to run over for my bag and homework.
I doubted Dad even noticed I didn’t come home, and he would probably already be gone, but I was going to be careful just in case. Once I was dressed, I snuck downstairs and slipped out the front door without seeing anyone. I jogged across the street and let myself in through the garage since I didn’t have my key. Dad’s car was gone, and I let out a sigh of relief.
By the time I got my bag together and brushed my teeth, Gavin was waiting in the driveway.
I climbed in and kissed his cheek while he backed out. We held hands on the way to school, and it took all my self-control not to tell him to pull over so we could make out.
It was like a fire had been lit in me. I couldn’t get enough of him now. I wanted to turn around and hide out in my room, touching and kissing the day away.
“Are you okay?” he asked as we pulled into the student parking lot.
I smiled. “I’m great. I just wish we didn’t have to be at school.”
He winked and put the car in park in his normal spot. “Me too.”
He leaned across the center console and kissed me briefly before pulling back. I wanted to grab his shirt and demand more, but we only had a few minutes before the bell would ring. He wasn’t the type to be late to class.
Luca and Vince were walking in and called out for us to stop.
I took them in, both with still-wet hair and looking tired. “Long night?”
Vince nodded. “I can’t wait for school to be over.”
“Just a few more weeks.” Gavin eyed him.
They shared a look, and I got the feeling they were silently communicating something.
“How about you?” Luca asked.
I froze. “What?”
“How was your night?”
I glanced at Gavin, who conveniently started walking away and swallowed. “Fine.”
“Dinner wasn’t too awkward?” Luca continued as we passed by the front office.
Oh, right. I’d forgotten I told them about my dinner with my dad. “It wasn’t awkward, but he definitely surprised me.”
Luca’s brows rose. “What happened?”