Perfect by Design

37: Luca James

"You sure you want to do this? You don't have to come."

Based on my newfound confusion, I probably shouldn't go. I don't know what it is, but I get that feeling when I'm around Gianna, and I want to spend as much time with her as possible.

"I want to come. Plus, both of my sisters are in New York. It's perfect." I use Ki and Leah to try and take away some of the pressure Gianna is feeling.

"My dad will probably want to meet you if he knows you're in town. Not to mention, he'll throw a fit if I stay anywhere but with him, which means—"

"He'd expect me to stay there too. Okay." I pause and try to ease my racing heart. "Alright. I'm sure it's a huge house. It'll be fine."

"Luca." Gianna steps toward me, giving me a quick smile. It's soft.

Serene.

Her eyes hold mine, and I hear every word she isn't saying. I shouldn't go. Gianna knows I shouldn't go. Still, she wants me there. I want to be there—with her.

And suddenly, this game of pretend— hiding out, waiting for the storm to pass, we find ourselves embracing the rain.

"This," Gianna steps closer, "is becoming surprisingly muddy, Luca James."

"Is that tone laced with appreciation, Bella?" I lean in, whispering.

I kiss her temple, fighting the smirk forming as I watch her suck in a breath of our chemistry that has infiltrated the air.

"Maybe Schy wants to come too. She could bring Kai." Gianna's words are shaky. Why is she afraid to be alone with me?

"Maybe." My jaw sets as I back away, putting a little breathing room between the two of us.

"I'll text her now." Gianna practically runs off, and I can't hold back my laugh. Bella turns to roll her eyes at me, and her sassiness hits me like a ton of bricks.

Schy. Hayes.

The sassiest girl I know. It's one of the things I love about her. The air becomes drier, and I quickly wish I'd shot the idea down of Hayes coming the moment Gianna suggested it.

There's Gianna.

There's Schy.

But Gianna and Schy?

"Oh good," Gianna's voice rocks me to my core. "She said they can come." And I see her smile. Again, not my smile. And the inflection in her voice— not the sound that has infiltrated my dreams.

Why did you suggest she come if you don't want her to, Bella? And why'd I agree when I probably like this even less? This little game of ours becomes more dangerous by the second.

"Perfect."

"Perfect." She nods, wide eyed.

The flight to New York is short and peaceful. Of course, it helps that I'm the one flying the plane. By the time we land, it's nearly midnight.

I hear the commotion as Kai guides a sleepy Schy off the plane. I check over everything in the cockpit once more as I try to catch my breath. This trip was fine, in theory. The reality is looking much more bleak.

Then the warm, slightly sweet, slightly spicy scent with notes of raspberry, jasmine, and lychee infiltrates my nose. I turn to see bright brown eyes as Gianna pokes her head in.

"Ready for this?" She tilts her head slightly to the side. Her long chocolate-brown hair falls in waves over her shoulder. I reach out for her hand, and she chuckles a little, tugging at me to help me out of the cockpit.