Page 25 of Pride High 3: Yellow
“Yeah?” Diego had an air of smugness as he shifted gears and went faster. “That’ll give me something to think about when I’m home. Or on the way there, because I don’t know if I can wait.”
Ricky’s pulse picked up. “That’ll givemesomething to think about while I’m grounded for a month.”
Diego’s brow furrowed. “You really think that’ll happen?”
“Probably. My birthday is coming up, so they have to set me free by then. For now, I want to enjoy the time I have left. Speaking of which… Would it be torture if I groped you for the rest of the way?”
“The best kind of torture,” Diego said, making himself available. “I’ll put some music on.”
Soon the car was zipping down the streets while White Zombie blared from the speakers. Ricky traced an outline in Diego’s jeans and considered asking him to pull over. Forget getting grounded or epic first times. He wanted a piece of that action!
“Want me to keep driving?” Diego grunted.
Ricky glanced around and noticed that they were in his neighborhood. “No,” he said with a sigh. Checking the dashboard, he saw how late it was. He didn’t have to get himself under control as Diego parked along the street. The mood was thoroughly killed. For him at least.
“Happy Valentine’s Day, kiddo,” Diego said. “If they kick you out, page me. I’ll come get you.”
He sounded serious. Which was kind of sad, because Ricky hadn’t considered the possibility. His parents would never turn their backs on him so easily. Although he was about to find out just how much they really loved him.
He kissed Diego and thanked him for the evening. Then he trudged up the driveway, not at all surprised when the front door opened. His mother stepped out on the porch, still fully dressed. Ami spared a withering glare for the Trans Am as it pulled away before turning a concerned expression on him.
“Ricky!” she scolded. “Where have you been?”
“I’m sorry, Mom. I fell asleep.”
“Well it’s good to know that one of us got some sleep,” Ami said, beckoning him inside. “Where were you?”
“At Diego’s house,” he lied.
“I need his phone number,” Ami said, shutting the door behind them. She looked him over in the light of the entryway. “What do you mean you fell asleep?”
“We were just talking and cuddling, and we both drifted off. It was an accident.”
She took his face in her hands and turned it left and right. “Why are your eyes so bloodshot?”
“From when I cried,” he said impulsively. It was the only explanation he could think of, besides the truth.
“You were crying?” She sniffed as if to test his claim. “You smell like a campfire.”
“Diego built one in his backyard. When we got cold, we went up to his room and snuggled. That’s when we fell asleep.”
His mother wasn’t convinced yet. “And why exactly did you cry?”
“Because I was so happy,” he said with a croak. He didn’t have to fake the emotion. He had adored the entire night. And it hurt that he wouldn’t be able to see Diego so easily again. Not for a while. “I really like him, Mom.”
Ami let go of him and sighed. “Did you eat?”
“Yeah. We roasted wieners over the fire.”
“And you’re okay?” she pressed.
“I really am. Sorry that I fell asleep. I didn’t mean to.”
“Well…” His mother glanced at the nearest clock and stifled a yawn. “Get back in bed. We both have to be up in the morning.”
“I’m not in trouble?” he asked in disbelief.
He should have kept his mouth shut because his mother narrowed her eyes.
