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“Then we need to fix that.” Gio grins. “Though, being nice is the least you can do for stealing my house.”

I gasp. “Again. You totally started it!” I hip-check him.

“And I’d do it again, Sparkles.”

He tickles me until I dissolve into a puddle of giggles with his strong arms wrapped around me from behind.

When I’ve run out of energy, he settles his chin on my shoulder near my ear and says, “But I think we should lie low, anyway. Let things quiet down online.”

“No.” I break away, face him, and smooth my dress. “I’m not afraid of Roman. He’s already taken a year of my life. I’m not going to let him steal anything else. We’re not changing anything.”

“Because . . . you need my help finding Adam?” Gio angles his head in question.

I freeze, suddenly unwilling to talk. I’m not ready to admit I turned down a rental car just to hang out with Gio. That I don’t technically need his help finding Adam anymore. It’s another lie.

“Because . . . he’s your . . . boyfriend?” Gio asks.

“He’s not my boyfriend.” I huff and glance away.

“Then what is he?” Gio keeps picking at this subject like he knows something.

“I’d rather not say at this juncture.” I play with my earring.

He laughs. “This juncture?”

“You aren’t that good of a friend yet.” I lift my chin and sniff.

“Well then, I’ll aspire to learn all your secrets.” Gio laughs.

Casey clears her throat. Gio and I were so deep in banter-mode that I forgot she was here. She’s been watching everything.

“Sooo, you don’t want to talk to Terry, and I’m releasing a statement saying you’re just friends?” she asks.

“Tell Terry I’ll get back to him as soon as I can.” Gio shakes his head, signaling he won’t.

“Okay, then.” Casey turns to leave.

“A little white lie is okay, right? I’ll need to know if I’m going to become your best friend one day.” Gio searches my gaze.

“Best friend? Whoa, hold on there.” I shake my hands in a don’t be crazy manner.

“I’ve got big goals. Big.” Gio spreads his arms.

“You can say whatever you want to Terry, but you should come clean about everything to me, so we can start fresh,” I say firmly.

Gio puffs his cheeks and blows out a breath. “Maybe we could come clean about one thing?”

“Why one thing?” I laugh.

“I’m in hostile territory and need to hold on to some cards in case we slip back into warfare. To protect myself. It’s only fair.” He pops a shoulder.

“Fine, we’ll share one secret.” Even I can do this. I think.

“Okay, here we go.” Gio’s words tumble out like a waterfall. “When we were in line at the car-rental facility, I may have flashed Jaz a wad of cash to get the last car.”

“What!?” My eyes widen.

“I needed that car.” He holds out his hands like it’s no big deal.