It's a Love-Hate relationship

CHAPTER 42: How about lesson number one in Rebel 101?

"Are you gonna thank me or just stare at me?"

"I would not stare at you even if you were shirtless."

"I can prove that theory wrong."

I smile and smack his chest, feeling his hard washboard abs underneath the shirt just for a fraction of a second.

"Great party." I muse, still looking around in awe at the fancy décor. The golden and white ribbons on the ceiling act as a canopy to the entire place, matching with the centerpieces on the small round tables in another room, next to this one. I figure it as the main dining room but brush it off and focus on the eye-candy in front of me.

"Want to make it even better?" He leans in ever so slightly but my heart yet picks up its pace and orders my head to nod at his question. In a swift motion, I'm pulled by my wrist towards the open bar at the end of the room. Caleb claps his hand twice and an array of champagne flutes appear in front of us. The two waiters set the two trays down and walk away, leaving me puzzled and amused at the same time.

"So, Richie rich, what surprises do you have for me here?" I pick up one of the flutes with the rose champagne, sipping and swirling while staring at Caleb from the corner of my eye.

"It's a boring soiree. What do you expect here?" His loud laugh echoes around the room but it's like I'm the only one who pays attention to him.

"Well, what about some good wine and good food?" I down my entire glass and place it down, picking up another one with white wine.

"Okay..." he says before snatching my champagne flute and, once again, dragging me to the other room which seems to be the main area of dining.

Five minutes later, we are near the balcony, sipping on some of the best wine I've ever had.

I think I'm the one who burned a hole in Jason's pocket by buying a heap load of wine.

"So...you liked the dress, eh?" He smirks at me and I feel my insides clench with bursting excitement. His previously hot gaze on me lingers around in my head but I decide to ignore it as nothing. I swallow and put on a neutral expression.

"You're lucky I didn't break your nose. Speaking of, since when did you become so gentleman-y by writing me notes?"

He places a hand on his chest and scoffs, "You don't think I'm a gentleman? Tsk tsk. Impressing you sure is a task."

"And why do you have to impress me, Mr. I've-got-it-all?" I smirk at him and pour myself some more wine.

Man, I'm never turning down any kind of invitation involving wine.

He snorts but chooses not to answer me. He swirls the liquid in his glass and looks right ahead. The moonlight makes his eyes sparkle with something I have never seen before and highlight his high cheekbones and sharp jawline. His jaw remains tight but his shoulders remain calm – a state I rarely see him in.

"Where's your sister?"

"Off at one of her friends' houses. My father prefers her away from all this especially tonight since it's all about business." I nod at his words and continue sipping on my wine.

"What's her name?"

"Lucy." A smile adorns his lips as he says her name and I find myself grinning at him like an idiot, seconds later.

"Tell me about her." I lean against the railing and look at him.

"Well, for starters, she is loud and wild and absolutely reckless." He looks at me and shakes his head while smiling. "Like you."