Page 69 of Pride High 2: Orange

Diego brushed past Ricky, a hand already extended. “Nice to meet you, Mrs. Nishikawa,” he said in surprisingly polite tones. “I’m Ricky’s friend, Diego.”

She sized him up while he engulfed her hand in one of his massive paws. “Nice to meet you,” she said. “Are you a sophomore like his other friends?”

“No, ma’am. I’m a freshman.” Diego smiled. “I’ve always been big for my age.”

Ricky watched his mother’s cheeks flush. “I only asked because I thought you might be a senior.”

“I get that a lot,” Diego said easily. “Why don’t you load up my arms with bags? As many as you can.”

Ricky helped her while trying not to focus on his bulging biceps. By the time they had him loaded up like a pack mule, only two bags and a couple of twelve-packs were left in the car.

“What have you been doing today?” Ami asked as they walked toward the kitchen.

“Studying,” Diego replied.

Okay, now he was pushing the wholesome act. Although itwastrue. Technically. “For the play,” Ricky explained. “I’ve been helping Diego run his lines. He’s the star.”

“How exciting,” Ami said. “I have a future Hollywood hunk standing right here in my kitchen.”

“Do you really think I’m a hunk, ma’am?” Diego asked innocently.

Ricky watched his mother blush again, and it was like seeing himself react from the outside. “He’s always joking around,” he said to spare her from having to answer. “He’ll probably end up onSaturday Night Live. Speaking of which, we better get back to it.”

“Have you eaten?” Ami asked. “I meant to be back before lunch, but the store was crowded. Everyone is stocking up for the holidays.”

“I promised to take Ricky out for a burger,” Diego said. “Since he’s been so nice about helping me with my lines.”

“Oh! Are you sure? I don’t mind cooking something.”

“I want fast food,” Ricky said. “I’ve earned it.” He really was hungry, but in truth, he cared more about being alone with Diego. They went back upstairs to get their shoes and jackets. Before long, they were outside and walking toward the curb, where Frankenstein was parked.

“Your mom thinks I’m a hunk,” Diego murmured.

“Shut up,” Ricky said with a titter. “You did really well in there. Even though itwaskind of fake.”

“Hey, that’s not being fake!” Diego retorted from over the roof of his car. “That’s my customer service persona. It’s a skill!”

“So that’s how you talk to people when you’re fixing cars?”

“Only the customers I like. Speaking of which…” Diego didn’t continue until they were both seated inside. “I have a few errands to run. For my other job. Are you cool with that?”

“Sure!” Ricky enjoyed getting to feel like a drug dealer without having to take actual risks. Unless he could be arrested for being an accomplice.

“Cool.” Diego stuck the key in the ignition. “But first, I’m buying you lunch.”

That wasn’t so unusual. Diego usually paid for things. Which made it feel like a date when they were out and about. Ricky liked that too. A lot.

“And after we’re done making deliveries,” Diego said, “we can go for a drive somewhere secluded. That way we won’t be interrupted.” He glanced over at him. “If you’re still in the mood to mess around.”

Ricky was. And yet, they hadn’t even kissed yet. He wanted the dates they went on to actually be called that, because if he let himself rush into this—no matter how bad he wanted to—there was a good chance he’d end up getting hurt again.

Ricky could imagine Dr. Sharma nodding in approval. “I want to,” he said. “Just not yet. There are still some things I need to figure out.” Like if Diego cared about him in the same way. And if Ricky wanted to be more than friends, because his time with Jeremiah had taught him one thing: Once you had fallen in love with someone, it was impossible to turn back. No matter how much you might want to.

“Cool,” Diego said, not sounding upset as they pulled away from the curb. Only his left hand gripped the steering wheel, making it easy to take in the hard curve of his chest, the slope of his stomach, and the impressive package that strained against his jeans. Diego caught him looking and leaned back with a grin, as if to give him a better view.

Ricky bit his bottom lip. He knew he was doing the right thing, but man oh man, it sure wasn’t easy!

CHAPTER 16