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.

Are we really going to do this?

“We’re having sex?” I ask, breathless from our kiss.

“Yeah, sweetheart, we are. Unless you don’t want to.”

“I do,” I say quickly. “I’m just…”

“Nervous?”

“A little.”

“You can trust me,” he vows. “I’d never hurt you.”

“I know.”

He sets me to my feet and then rips off my sweater like it offends him. I can’t smother a giggle that escapes me.

“Take off your clothes, beautiful. I want to see you naked and waiting on my bed.”

His words have desire coiling in the pit of my stomach. Slowly, I strip out of my jeans and panties, shivering at the ravenous way he watches me.

“Open that drawer,” he instructs. “We’re going to need lube and a condom.”