“No.”
I heaved a sigh like that was all very inconvenient. “Okay,fine. But I’m serious. I know you’ve never gone there before, but you’re such a free spirit. I always sort of figured if you met someone you really connected with, it wouldn’t matter what they were packing in their pants.”
“Nope.” She shook her head adamantly. “That’s off the table, too.”
I laughed. “Stop deflecting.”
“Okay, Kettle.”
“Spill it, Pot.”
Gia inhaled slowly through her nose, pinching the bridge before peeking at me from beneath her hand. “I liked her. I think. But I freaked out because I’d never really gone there before. Other than a few random make-out partners for attention during my Katy Perry Cherry-Flavored ChapStick phase.”
I smacked my lips. “Yes, I do remember that. Vividly.”
“You loved it.”
“I loveyou,” I said pointedly. “So, I don’t have any comments to make on who you love, like, or have interest in unless it pertains to them treating you badly and me needing to know if I should murder them. Alright?”
She faked an exaggerated shiver. “I love when you get all bloodthirsty for me.” Then she sighed dramatically. “My dad is going to be so bummed.”
“Why? You think he’d care?”
Gia cackled. “Not at all! He’s just going to be bummed it’s not you. He told me if that was ever something I wanted, he loved me and supported me, but that I should pick you because they trust you.”
“Poor, Mr. V.”
“I know.”
“You told him I’m juggling three broody men with secrets, right? He knows all my slots have been filled.”
Gia’s eyes widened. “Doyouhave anything you need to share with the class?”
My cheeks flamed. “Oh my god, no! They haven’t even breached the back door yet. Technically.” I smothered a grin. “But I mean…we’ll get there eventually. I just meant my hands are full.” When Gia smiled wide, I added, “Figuratively!”
“I did tell him. Honestly, as soon as he found out you joined The Quest, he gave up hope. That’s why he’ll be fine.”
“Ugh. Well, now, I hate that I disappointed him.” I groaned, lying on the bed and rolling over onto my stomach to get comfortable.
As soon as I did, Gia’s eyes went wide and locked on something behind me.
A puff of breath escaped instead of words out of her slack-jawed mouth.
My heart leapt.
Flipping over, I threw my phone toward the door and at the attacker I immediately assumed was behind me.
A fucking stupid move in hindsight, but I’d panicked.
Thankfully, Tristan Léon, the reason for Gia’s sudden inability to speak, had speedy, catlike reflexes.
He snatched the phone out of the air before it could smash into the wall. Since I would’ve smasheditandnotmy would-be attackers with my poorly aimed attack. Izzy’s eyes were wide as she stood by his side.
“Holy shit.” Gia’s voice was slightly muffled by Tristan’s palm, until he turned the phone over, and she let out an odd little squeak I’d have to tease her about later. “That was nuts. Oh. Hey. I know you, don’t I?”
I rolled my eyes at her move, sharing a grin with Izzy.
He tilted his head. “Professor Batson? Macroeconomics?”
