Page 57 of The Teacher of Nothing
I don’t know why, considering our secret arrangement I’ve been perfectly fine with until now, but calling me one of his students rather than his girlfriend stings.
A lot.
“We are. We’ve been trying to plan this sleepover all day.” Gemma makes a sound of disgust. “Why is your girlfriend’s bra way over here?”
“Do I know her?” Jamie asks.
“No,” Callum clips out, ignoring Gemma’s question altogether. “My girlfriend just moved here.”
Lies.
I’m almost jealous of this imaginary girlfriend.
“Does your girlfriend have a name?” Jamie implores. “You’re being so cryptic.”
“I’ll talk to Dad,” Callum barks out. “Just go already. Please.”
“We’re going,” Jamie assures him. “Bring Miss Mysterious by the house on Sunday so we can all meet her. I’m really happy for you.”
She sounds sincere, but based on Callum’s icily muttered retort, I’d say he doesn’t believe it. Gemma chatters about how much fun we’re going to have. Lays it on thick, too. Makeovers, movies, lots and lots of candy. She, for obvious reasons, fails to mention her brother or Spencer, nor does she mention the party.
Crap.
“They’re gone.”
Callum’s deep voice in the doorway to his office makes me squeak in shock. I rush over to him, flinging my arms around his neck.
“That was so awkward,” I groan, hiding my face against his skin.
“Friends with Gemma, huh?”
There’s a hint of hurt in his tone, which makes me feel horrible. “It’s a new thing. Like today. I was going to tell you, I swear.”
He pulls back, studying me. “I’m not mad, sweetheart. It just took me off guard.”
“She kind of forced me into it,” I admit. “I like her, though. She seems sweet.”
His nostrils flare. “Gemma is anything but sweet.” He grows serious. “You know you can’t tell her about us, right?”
“I know.” My tone is slightly shrill. “I know what’s at stake here.”
He relaxes. “Good, because I can’t lose you. Gemma has a big mouth and she’ll run her head to everyone, including Dad.”
“I haven’t even made sure it’s okay yet with my mom.” I frown at him. “It might not even happen.”
I’ll have to keep the fact that she’s also a Park from Mom so that it doesn’t get back to Darren since I’m not allowed to hang out with them. Darren won’t recognize her, but Levi certainly would and then rat me out. Sneaking her past Levi will be a challenge but necessary to keep my secret. It’s a lot of work and risk involved. However, the idea of having a friend over is exhilarating enough that I don’t worry too much about the what-ifs.
“Let’s hope that it does,” Callum says with a smile, “because then I won’t feel so bad about telling you no about the party.”
“You were going to say no?”
“It’s a party. With boys.”
“Your family invited me,” I remind him.
“And they’re both little shits. I promise, this is for the best.”
I want to push the matter, but his lips find mine, quickly chasing away my words. Soon, I’m swept up in his scent and touch. His palms find my ass and he picks me up. Wrapping my legs around his waist, I hold on as he carries me to his room.
