All I've Never Wanted(116)

Carlo gave Roman a pointed look right before he pulled out of the parking lot. “You need to control your girlfriend.”

Roman just laughed, wrapping his strong arms around my waist. I smiled, snuggling closer to him and turning my head to give him a kiss.

We kept it a close-mouthed one, not wanting to gross anyone out, but it was all I could do not to grab him and jump him right now. I’m not exactly what you call bold when it comes to stuff like this, but I can’t help it. I always felt like I would die if I couldn’t touch or kiss him.

God, I’m turning into a pervert.

As Carlo turned up the volume on the radio and everyone began singing along to “Bottoms Up,” I stared out the window, trying to ignore the delicious shiver that snaked through me as Roman caressed the bare skin below the hem of my skirt.

I loved it when he did that, not only because of my physical response, but because it kept my mind off that photo I found in his house. A photo that was currently in my bag. I could practically feel it burning into my thigh.

I studied it every opportunity I had, trying to figure out what connection Lexi had with Rico and his gang. Former gang. Whatever. Had she been part of the gang? She didn’t seem like the type, but then, people were rarely what they seem.

I was willing to bet whatever connection she had with Rico had at least something to do with who hired her to seduce my dad. I’d attempted to contact her again to get some more answers, but I realized I didn’t even know her full name. I called my dad’s company, even though she wasn’t interning there anymore, but they said that information was confidential. I knew my dad probably knew, but I hadn’t worked up the courage to ask him yet. I mean, the last thing I needed to do was remind him of his mistress.

“What’s going on in that confusing head of yours?” Roman whispered teasingly in my ear, rapping the side of my head lightly with his fingers while continuing to caress my lower thigh with his other hand.

And just like that, it was ten times easier to push all other thoughts to the back burner of my mind.

“Just thinking about how I can’t wait for winter break,” I mumbled, placing my hand on top of his and intertwining his fingers. I could feel the rise and fall of his chest on my back, which was more soothing than any day at a spa could be.

“Winter break’s going to be so much fun!”

I let out a startled squeal as Zack poked his head between the driver and passenger seats, his eyes sparkling with excitement and his face mere inches from mine.

“God, Zack, give a girl some warning next time!” My heart was still thudding against my chest at the unexpected shout.

Adriana grabbed the back of Zack’s shirt and pulled him back to his seat. “Ignore him. All his good breeding goes out the window when he’s hungry.” She gave me an amused look. “Although we can hear everything you two are saying.”

I blushed while Roman chuckled and Parker, Venice, and Zack smirked knowingly. Even Carlo’s mouth curled up into a small smile.

“Whatever. You should be focused on your own conversations and not ours,” I declared, still blushing.

“We can’t help it honeybee, you two just too cute,” Parker drawled. “I never thought I’d ever see Roman whipped.”

“I’m not whipped,” Roman snapped, twisting his head around to glare at Parker. “Besides, you shouldn’t be talking.”


Parker shrugged, a wicked glint in his eyes. “At least I’m getting some,” he sang quietly.

I gasped, Venice choked, Roman turned bright red, and Zack clapped his hands over his ears, looking grossed out. I mean, Parker is dating his sister.

The only two people who didn’t react were Carlo, who’d just pulled into Il Serrano’s parking lot, and Adriana, who was rummaging in her purse for something. I’m not even sure she heard what Parker said.

“We’re here!” I announced in an overly loud tone. The car had barely stopped moving before I unsnapped my seatbelt, flung open the door, and tumbled out, avoiding Roman’s gaze.

Ok, so we hadn’t done it yet, but we’ve only been dating for a little over three weeks. I will say, however, that our makeout sessions have gotten steamier and steamier over time. Still, it’s not like I appreciated Parker telling all of my friends about my sex life, or lack thereof.

How did he know for sure anyway? Had Roman told him? Was he getting impatient with me? I mean, I’m not sure I’m ready. Or maybe I am. I don’t know. By the time we were seated at our table in the restaurant, my head hurt from thinking so much.

We were halfway through lunch—which I could barely focus on because Roman’s leg had been pressed against mine the entire time, sending sharp tingles up and down my body—when Adriana gestured for me and Venice to follow her into the bathroom. When we were safely ensconced in the rose marble room, she got right down to business.

“So.” Adriana eyed me slyly in the mirror while she applied another coat of MAC’s Prrr lip gloss. “It’s almost your one month anniversary.”

Venice sighed, fluffing her hair with one hand. “I can’t believe it’s been so long already. It feels like just yesterday that I fainted when you told me.”

I snickered a little at the memory.

Adriana shook her head. “I don’t even want to know.” She returned her attention to me. “So have you been planning it?”