I reach over and grab her hand, needing the contact to ground me and to let Chiara know she doesn’t have anything to worry about. I’m glad she doesn’t pull away.

“I hate feeling like this,” she whispers so low, I almost can’t hear it.

“Me too, Goldi. Me too.” I pause, struggling to put my next confession into words. “There’s something I have to tell you.”

She turns to me. “What is it?”

“I was arrested last night.”

“What? Why?”

“I went to your apartment, and, well, a neighborhood security patrol thought I was trying to break into the building. Long story short, I got arrested, and Forrester had to come bail me out.”

She gasps. “DuBose’s principal?”

“Yeah.”

“Alistair, I don’t know what to say. Are you in trouble? I mean, with the school?”

“No, Forrester and I go way back. He used to be my therapist when I was younger. I don’t think I ever told you that. Anyway, I almost caved last night and told him about us.”

Her sharp intake of breath makes me peel my gaze from the road for a brief second.

“You did? What stopped you?”

“I didn’t want to disappoint him. He helped me out more than I can ever repay him.”

“You still have to tell me that story.”

“I will, Goldi. I promise. Actually, Forrester is making me take the next week off. I’m going to my parents’ vineyard. I know you have school and all, but I’d love if you could come, maybe only for the weekend.”

“You want to introduce me to your parents?” Her voice rises an octave.

“Yes, sweetheart. I do.”

“Do you think they’ll like me?”

“They’re going to fall in love with you just like I did.”

I glance at her again, finding her smiling from ear to ear. The shadow of doubt I saw earlier is gone. I want to stop the car and kiss her, but we’re in the middle of the highway. I take the first exit and return to her neighborhood, dropping her off in front of her building.

She unbuckles her seat belt and turns to me. “These windows are super dark, right? No one can see us from the outside?”

“Yep.” I grin.

She launches herself at me, covering my lips with hers. I let her invade my mouth with her sweet tongue as I wrap my arms around her tiny waist. I want to erase every moment of doubt and jealousy by branding Chiara with my kiss. Immediately, a red-hot fever takes over me, and my cock is straining against my pants. I’m dying for some release, but all I can do right now is kiss her like there’s no tomorrow.

She pulls back first, out of breath. Lust is running rampant inside my truck. I’m one second away from driving off and taking her back to my place.

“Goldi, if you don’t leave now, I’m afraid you’ll miss all your classes today.”

“All right. You make it so damn hard though.” She combs her curls with her fingers, then pulls the passenger mirror down. “Okay, not too bad.”

“Do you want to stay at my place tonight?”

She frowns. “I wish I could, but I have to study for an exam.”

I can’t help the disappointment. It’s easy to forget that Chiara and I are at different stages in our lives.

“No problem. I’ll be thinking about you.”

“You know, you could call me later if you’re feeling lonely.” She smiles at me with a glint of mischief in her gaze. I don’t miss the hint.

“Are you proposing phone sex, Goldi?”

Her grin wilts a fraction as she averts her gaze. “Maybe. I’ve never done it before.”

I pinch her chin, bringing her face to mine. “You shouldn’t have mentioned it. Now I won’t be able to think about anything else besides our call later.”

Leaning toward me, she plants a quick kiss on my lips. “Until later, then.”

She’s out of the car in a flash, leaving me hornier than I was before.

38

Chiara

Five Days Later

Between school and sneaking around to see Alistair, the days flew by. Now, we’re on our way to his parents’ vineyard. I don’t get the jitters until he announces we’re about five minutes away from the property. The knot of anxiety becomes tighter in my stomach, and my hands turn clammy. Looking out the window to appreciate the view does nothing to ease my worries.

What if his parents hate me? What if they think I’m too young for their son?

A charming country farmhouse appears straight ahead. The driveway is lined with tall oak trees and beautiful landscaping. It’s a place that belongs on a postcard or a Pinterest inspiration board.

Alistair parks in front of the house and turns to me. “Ready?”

“No. What are their names again?”

“You’ve asked me a dozen times already. Duncan and Molly. You got this.”

“I know. I’m sorry. I’ve never met the parents before.”

He chuckles as he unbuckles his seat belt, then leans across the gap and kisses me. For the first time since meeting him, I don’t melt right away. I’m too nervous to let myself properly enjoy the kiss.

Alistair moves away, frowning a little.

“Don’t worry, Goldi. It’s going to be okay.”