vulnerable

32.

Stella gaped, "We can't just leave him outside!"

Gio shrugged, pushing her down on her back. He pressed his knee in between her legs, leaning down to kiss her. Their lips moved like a perfect puzzle piece- in sync. His hands were peeking under her shirt, feeling the cool skin against his calloused hands. She yanked his shirt, tugging him down to her level. A groan escaped him, making Stella want even more.

"Guys! I can hear you horny asses! Open the door!"

Stella flushed pink, quickly turning stiff as Gio let out a defeated huff. He slipped off of her, extending a hand for her. She took it and stood, fixing her hair as Gio shook his head in agony. He turned to her with a grimace. "I'm gonna kill him."

"I heard that too!"

"Let's just answer the door." Stella patted Gio on his chest, shuffling past him to the front door. She twisted the handle and pulled, revealing Nick with all of his luggage. Stella furrowed her eyebrows. "You know we aren't leaving for London until morning, right?"

Nick was dressed in an expensive suit. It was a light brown that made his eyes shimmer. He kind of looked like a college professor though, with his black undershirt and loafers. "There's a prospect back in the States. Work wants me to come back so I can meet with him face-to-face. He's recovering from an injury... that's why they want me to meet him."

"You're leaving today?" Gio peered over Stella's shoulder, leaning against the hinges of the door.

Nick eyed him like a hawk. "Yeah, so no funny business."

"You'll miss the game tomorrow! Chris is going to be sad." Stella frowned. Even with Nick being like a federal agent in her love life, she still enjoyed hanging out with him. He was like another brother to her.

Nick chuckled, bringing her in for a hug. "I'll miss you while i'm gone."

"We won't." Gio murmured. Nick leaned back, shooting another glare his way. Gio licked his bottom lip nervously, "Kidding."

"Your mom knows about it, by the way." Nick started. "Me leaving and all. I'm sure she'll call just as much as I knock."

"Lovely." Gio gritted his teeth.

"See you guys." Nick smirked, grabbing his bags. He walked away with a grin.

Gio closed the door, crossing his arms. "Where were we?"

"Pizza." Stella glanced at him over her shoulder with a playful smile.

Gio sighed like a puppy, trailing over to his cellphone. "Just cheese, babe?"

"Of course." Stella clapped. "I can't believe it's already March! It'll be nice to see Christian tomorrow. Devyn and Austin are coming too. Are you excited?"

Gio was looking up places to order from. He glanced at her with a smile and nodded. "It's always fun to play with Chris. Same team or not. And I'll make sure to give Avery some extra kisses."

"Can I get extra kisses?"

He pressed his phone to his ear, but walked over. Stella grinned, watching as he leaned over her face to give her a long kiss as the dial tone rung in the background. She giggled as the person on the other line answered in German. Gio shot up and began talking. He walked away, his voice drifting.

She felt her own phone buzzing in her back pocket. She slipped it out and checked the lock screen- a text from Hannah. Probably about the upcoming wedding. Hannah and Hunter had decided on a June date and the plans were all set. But, Gio's cousin was prone to making minor tweaks and adjustments.

Hannah 💖
I'm coming to the match tomorrow. My flight arrives in the morning around 9am. Will you be there then?

Stella furrowed her brows, unsure as to why she was so suddenly coming. The last time Stella had spoken with her, she'd invited Hannah to the game, but Hannah said she was too busy with wedding stuff. Stella figured she didn't want to see Christian, but what was the change in heart now?

No, we won't be getting there until right before the match. The boys are taking a bus and everyone else is driving. I thought you couldn't make it?

Hannah 💖
Change of plans. I had some free time come up and I thought why not.

Are you and Hunter staying at a hotel near Stamford Bridge?

Hannah 💖
Hunter's not coming with. It'll just be me. But I will be at a hotel near Stamford. I think it's like a block away.

Stella was about to call Gio's name, ready to fill him in, but heard him still talking on the phone. He was fumbling over a word in German. She turned back to her phone and began typing again.

Is everything okay? I'm sure Marco can pick up G in the morning, and I can take the car tonight so you won't have to be alone before the game.

Hannah 💖
It's okay, sis. Can you send me your brother's number? I think i'll ask him if he wants to get brunch.

Stella's jaw dropped to her chest. She slammed her hand against her heart, jumping up as she reread the message. No way. No way was Hannah asking for Christian's number so she could ask him to brunch. Hannah had blocked and deleted Christian off of everything. He may had been invited to the wedding, but their only correspondence for that would be through email. Stella gulped down a nervous ball of saliva and replied.

Oh, okay. Yeah sure. Here you go.

Stella sent her Christian's number.

I'm assuming you're going to explain what's going on in person?

Hannah 💖
Duah.

Should I be worried?

Hannah 💖
See you tomorrow. BTW, I hope you don't mind. I'll be wearing a Mount jersey. Love you!

Stella was left gaping at the messages. She was so confused. Stella and Hannah had kept in touch everyday since they left Jupiter, yet Hannah hadn't mentiomned anything bad with Hunter. Nor did she ever mention Chris. What was going on? And why was she wearing Mason's jersey tomorrow? That girl always knew how to cause trouble. And that's why they were bestfriends.

"G!" Stella called after hearing silence in the kitchen.

He shuffled in and leaned against the wall. "I ordered the pizza! Sorry it took so long, I got tongue tied with my German."

"It's okay, cutie." Stella chuckled, taking a pause. "But erm, apparently Hannah is going to the game tomorrow. She'll get into England around 9am."

"She's coming?" Gio cocked his head to the side. "Why?"

"I don't know." Stella bit her lip. "Guess we'll find out tomorrow?"

"You holding back on me baby?" Gio creeped closer, ready in stance like he was going to tickle her.

She jolted up. "No..."

"Sure." Gio rolled his eyes, pulling her in for another kiss.

"I love you, Stell." He whispered sweetly, pressing his forehead to hers.

"I love you too, Gio." She kissed his cheek.

He leaned back and winked. "But..."

Stella was in a fit of giggles in no time, being tickled to death by her boyfriend.