Raina
"You didn't have to do that," I tell Ariel. "That macho protector act at lunch? I could handle it." He gives me a little grin and leans back against his bike. We're standing in the parking lot as it empties out, both of us sticking out like a porcupine in a nudie camp.
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"I saw that," he says. "Along with half the world, I think. You made one hell of a first impression."
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I feel my cheeks heat up and I look away.
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"It wasn't my finest moment," I admit. "But I really don't like being grabbed."
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He makes a big show out of tucking his hands behind his back. My face is on fire by now, and I start fumbling in my bag for my keys.
"Mhmm. Okay. It's good to see you. I'll head out, then." I start to move away and he reaches out to catch my hand. His touch is light, but I stop.
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"Don't go. Please?" He gives me big puppy eyes and a pout, which looks utterly stupid on his chiseled features. I can't keep a straight face and giggle.
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"That was pathetic," I tell him with a grin. He laughs and tugs me closer.
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"Yeah, I know. It only works on my mama, really."
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The mention of mothers makes my stomach drop down to my feet. He frowns at my expression and touches my forehead lightly, right between my eyebrows.
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"What's wrong, wifey?" His fingers smooth over my brow before brushing down my cheek. "What did I say?"
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"It's not you." I give him a quick smile, catching his hand. "Just remembered I need to get home. Mommy dearest will want to know all about school."
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"Gonna tell her you were beating up on the Angels?"
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I must look as confused as I feel, because he studies my face intently. "Raina, do you have any idea who those guys are?"
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I shake my head. "I don't even know their names, except that your cousin is Raphael. And I only know that because of you."
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Ariel rubs a hand across his face, breaking into Spanish. I don't bother telling him that I understand every word. He's too cute, asking for divine help. He looks heavenward, blows out an exasperated breath, then gives me a tight smile.
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"Look, call your mom. Tell her you're hanging out with one of your new school friends, you'll be home later. We'll go grab a bite, and I'll fill you in on how things work in this town, okay?" He cups my cheek affectionately. I shrug, but reach for my phone anyway. I hook up to the hands free so I can follow Ariel and deal with my mom at the same time.
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Predictably, Jenna is thrilled to hear I'm making friends with the high society crowd. She assures me it's fine, and mentions that she and Warren have a "thing," so I'll be on my own for dinner. I make agreeable noises while she rambles on, dropping names that don't mean anything to me. Once I'm off the phone, I throw it in my bag and rub my temples.
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"That bad?" Ariel saunters back over from where he's been waiting by his bike. I give him a sideways smile.
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"It is what it is."
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He holds his hand out expectantly, and I tilt my head at him in a question.
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"Keys?" He indicates my bag. "I'll drive."
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I burst into laughter. "Oh, hell no."
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He looks offended. It just makes me laugh harder, my knees getting weak. I just shake my head at him, still snickering. His lips curve into a wicked smile and he stalks towards me, backing me up against my truck for the second time today. I'm still smiling when he kisses me, stealing my breath. By the time he pulls back, my knees are weak for an entirely different reason.
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"Keys?" he asks softly.
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"Still not gonna happen," I tell him sweetly. His smile widens and he shakes his head as he steps back to let me open the driver's side door.
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"Keep it up, beautiful, I really will fall in love with you." He jogs around the truck as I lean across to unlock the door. "I bet you can drive a stick, too."
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I just give him a dirty look. He buckles his seatbelt and runs his hand lovingly over the dash. I'm pretty sure I'm jealous of my own damn truck.
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