Never Truth

29

“I told you I would. Did you doubt me?” he asked, easing me back to the ground. “No, but I’ve heard horror stories about the DMV. I was just anxious for you.” “What’s going on out here?” My father’s voice carried through the front door I’d inadvertently left wide open. “Nico got his driver’s license today!” I announced proudly. “More reason to stay off the roads,” my dad teased. Nico grabbed my hand, pulling us over to where my father stood. “Mr. Genovese, I know Sofia isn’t allowed to date yet, but is there any chance I could take her to Mike’s Place for a quick dessert to celebrate?” I sucked in my breath and peered up at my dad, pleading with all my being. His lips thinned, and he dropped his chin. “Just a quick dessert, and this is a one-time exception because you two have been friends for so long. Your sisters had to wait until they were sixteen to date, and the same applies to you. Understood?” I raced up the stairs and wrapped my arms around my father’s middle. “Thank you, Daddy!” “You be safe,” he said in return, eyes trained on Nico. “Thank you, Mr. Genovese. I’ll have her back shortly.” We climbed in the car and made the short drive to Mike’s. At the front register, Nico surprised me by ordering two slices of chocolate cake to go. “We aren’t staying?” He smirked with a mischievous glint in his eyes. “I told your dad I’d have you back soon, so we don’t have much time, and there’s something else I want to do.” Giddy excitement sent an electric buzz to my fingertips. Having the ability to drive ourselves presented an entirely new aspect to our relationship … one I was interested in exploring. When we got back in the car, Nico drove us around the corner to the shore where we could park overlooking the rocky beach. The sun was setting off to our right, casting long shadows across the water alternating with neon streaks of copper sunlight. The sight was absolutely gorgeous, and I made note of a painting idea that quickly formed in my head. “I have something for you,” said Nico shyly, drawing me from my distracted thoughts. “For me? But it’s your birthday.” “I know, but I want you to have it, and I suck at waiting.” He held out a navy velveteen box set on the palm of his hand. My hand started to shake as I reached out to take the small box from him. “Nico, you’re so sweet to me.” “You haven’t even looked inside. How do you know it’s not just plastic vampire teeth?” he teased gently. “You could have a dead worm in here, and I’m pretty sure I’d love it.” “Whatever, dork. Just open it.” I bit down on my lip as I pulled the lid back and gasped at the contents. Dangling from a silver chain was an intricate pendant of the Eiffel Tower. It wasn’t something fancy with jewels, but it was far more precious than any diamonds would have been. Nico knew how much I loved the art world and how desperately I yearned to go to Paris to see its famous artworks in person. “Someday, I’m going to show you the world, and this is my promise to you. We’ll see it all, Ladybug—Paris, Rome, Valencia—I’ll take you to every museum in the world if I can.” His words were so earnest and heartfelt, they brought tears to my eyes. “Thank you, Nico. It’s beautiful.” I gazed up at him, wanting to smother him in kisses. “But I hope you know that even if we stay right here on Staten Island for the rest of our lives, I’m happy if I’m with you.” He smiled softly. “Here, let me help you get it on.” Taking the necklace in his large hands, he opened the clasp and placed the necklace over my head. When I looked up, Nico was inches away, and the car was suddenly engulfed in a sultry heat. My eyes locked on his, and the world around me disappeared. There was no curfew or glittering ocean, no chocolate cake or school the next day—there was only Nico and my intense need to express my adoration for him. His lips crashed down on mine in a kiss that encompassed all the passion and longing between us. We had exchanged tentative kisses before, but nothing so heated and intense. His tongue teased open my lips, and I moaned at the delicious taste of him. I could spend every minute of every day with his soft lips pressed to mine. His hand trailed from my face down my shoulder and slowly grazed around the side of my small breast. Gasping, I pulled away and glanced down at his hand, my breaths shallow and shaky. I watched raptly as his thumb came around to cup the small mound, then slowly swiped over my n****e. Even through my shirt and bra, the sensation stole the breath from my lungs. “Nico,” I breathed, unsure what I wanted to say. “I love you, Ladybug. I don’t mean to push you. I just needed one touch, that’s it.” His voice had grown husky, making the warmth in my belly heat further. “I love you, too, but … I’m not sure…” His lips quieted me, soothing the stirrings of anxiety that had begun to dance in the back of my mind. His hand returned to my hair, twining his fingers in my long waves. We kissed for several long minutes, making our first official date one of the best nights of my life.