CHAPTER 39 – CASPIAN
Antonio’s house comes into view, and my pulse spikes instantly. I grip the steering wheel and take a deep breath. It does nothing.
When I get out of the car, I notice Antonio’s parents peering at me through the front window. A sharp ache tugs in my chest. My parents would never bother.
I step onto the porch and ring the bell.
Antonio opens the door, looking shy and scowly and achingly perfect.
“Hi.” My mouth is dry.
I can’t believe I’m this lucky. I’m taking Antonio out.
I literally need to get a grip, so I’m holding onto the porch railing.
“Hi,” he says, blinking hard. His posture is rigid and his hands tremble.
I need to make him feel at ease.
“I’m kind of nervous,” I admit. “So if I’m acting weirdly, please forgive me.”
His shoulders drop and he lets out a small breath. He looks instantly calmer.
Then his parents appear behind him, beaming at us like back-up dancers who are ready to give their very best.
Antonio’s neck turns adorably pink.
“What are you doing?” he hisses at them. “Go back inside.”
“Evening,” I say lightly.
His mother pulls me into a hug. Then she makes me lower my head so she can smack kisses onto my cheeks and pinch them. Her fingers grip me with the strength of power tools.
Antonio’s father levels me with a solemn stare. I think he aims for intimidation, but he’s half my size and his eyes are very kind.
“Bring my boy back safely,” he says, crossing his arms. He narrows his eyes and adds, “Before midnight.”
“I’m twenty!” Antonio splutters.
“Yes, sir,” I say politely, doing my best to appear intimidated.
I ignore Antonio’s heated glare.
“I promise I’ll take good care of him.”
Antonio opens his mouth, then closes it, scandalized.
We walk toward my car, and I open the passenger door for him.
His mother waves from the porch.
“Have fun, boys! Drive safely!”
Muttering to himself about “getting betrayed by family,” Antonio slides in and buckles his seatbelt.
A curl falls across his forehead, and I want to tuck it behind his ear. Instead, I allow myself half a second of admiring how beautiful he is until I close his door, walk around the car in a daze, and get in.
Nothing in my life has ever felt more right.