Gemma shrieks. “Oh my God. Is that a bra? Mom, he has a chick over!”

Humiliation races over my skin, turning it crimson. I’m not just any chick. I’m his. At least I got my answer as to who the other woman was.

Jamie.

Callum’s ex and now stepmom.

I hate her instantly.

“In case you two forgot, this is my house. Occasionally, I have guests over. And, because of your interruption, my girlfriend is hiding out half-naked.”

Girlfriend?

I try not to swoon.

“Oh, Callum,” Jamie says cheerfully, “this is great news. You should bring your girlfriend over on Sunday. Let her meet everyone.”

My stomach clenches at that idea.

“I’ll think about it,” Callum grinds out. “What am I trying to convince my father to do?”

“I have a new friend,” Gemma states proudly. “We want to have a sleepover on Friday night. Dad never lets me do anything.”

“A new friend?” Callum asks.

“Her name’s Willa.”

I can almost picture his face, brows furling in surprise. Guilt rises inside me. Should I have told him about Gemma? We didn’t exactly have an opportunity.

“Would this be Willa Reyes?”

“Yeah,” Gemma says, the smile in her voice evident. “You know her?”

“She’s one of my students,” Callum says quickly. “I didn’t realize you two were friends.”

One of my students.

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?”