Page 54 of Heir of Fire
She shrugged, guilt filling her. “Because it makes it feel like me and Finn are dating and that makes it worse. I don’t like hiding things from you or Luna or Blair or anyone.”
“It’s wrong, but it feels so right. I know that feeling,” Cecilia said. “Who cares? If it’s a secret, live in the secret. Care if you decide to make it public. Deal with it then but live in the now.”
“If only it was that easy.”
“It can be. You’ll be going to whatever date he has on Friday and I’m going to help cover for you,” Cecilia said, grabbing her hand. “Don’t think about anything else. See if that’s really a relationship you want to explore and then take the time to worry about everything else when you get home if you have to.”
The intense gratitude that swept through Gianna had her pulling Cecilia into the tightest hug she’d ever had before. Maybe there was also a small bit of relief knowing that she could confide in someone about the relationship now, someone who wouldn’t judge her. She felt relieved even if for a small moment.
But Cecilia was right. She needed to take the chance to experience the relationship, see how they could function, and if there really was something there before she tried to complicate it with everything else. For the night, she would let all that go. All the worries about betraying her brother, Luna, and everyone else in her life. She would see who Finn was and let him see who she was.
Her eyes landed on the dress that was right behind Cecilia that seemed to shine down from the Gods above. A pink mini dress that had jewels in every shade of pink hanging off it, mixing a flapper-esque style with something that was more of Gianna’s style.
It was perfect.
Like a sign from the universe, Gianna knew everything would be okay. At least for her date night.
TWENTY-SIX
GIANNA
As promised,Finn was at the dance studio on Friday afternoon to pick Gianna up from her practice. She made sure to end earlier than she normally would, wanting adequate time to get to wherever they were going so she could get ready for their date.
She had her overnight bag with her, the dress, and her dance bag. Luckily the studio was empty when Finn came marching in, looking around the room like he had never seen so many mirrors in his life.
“What are you doing in here?” Gianna asked, throwing her pointe shoes in her dance bag. “I was coming outside.”
“I figured you probably had a lot to carry,” he said. He was still wearing a pair of jeans and a T-shirt, more casual than what she’d assumed he would be wearing for their actual date. “How was your practice?”
“It was alright.” Other than the fact that she had tripped twice and was distracted more than usual. “I could have done better.”
“I know you’re the best in your class.”
“Why would you think that?”
“Because you don’t seem like the type to let yourself be second in anything,” he said, grinning. “Are your practices open to the public?”
“Why do you ask?”
“I want to come watch you.”
“You want to see me practice?” she asked, her eyes widening in shock.
“I really want to come see you dance, but I’ll take a practice too,” Finn said. He grabbed her dance bag and overnight bag, leaving her to carry the dress that was still in the special packaging from the store.
Gianna swallowed, feeling her skin heat up. “Okay.”
“Perfect.”
She stood up, her legs suddenly shaky. She never had a boy interested in her dancing before. Like ever. It was something she usually kept to herself because of how vulnerable she felt while she did it. The raw emotion that came with every movement of her muscles and body, it was something she didn’t like to share with just anyone.
But something about him being interested in it made her hot.
“Are you ready to head out?” he asked.
Gianna nodded. They walked out of the studio and to the SUV that waited for them. He placed her bags in the back with what she assumed was his overnight duffle and his suit. She placed her dress down on the seat, letting him close the door. She grabbed the door handle for the passenger side, but he was quick to push her hand off, opening it instead.
“What a gentleman.” She snorted, getting in. The slap to her ass was quick and unexpected, forcing a yelp out of her lips.
