(9) Flirting


“Wow, Deluca, you look hot.” Maria blushed prettily has she received compliment after compliment from guys who never even knew she existed.

She turned to Isabel. “Thank you.”

Isabel beamed. “You looked beautiful before. You just needed to feel beautiful.”

Maria ran her hands down the outfit that Isabel helped her pick out. She wore a pair of faded jean Capri’s that rode low on her hips and a baby doll tee that showed a bit of belly. The word precious was splashed across the front of the shirt in a design that matched her jeans. Isabel fixed Maria’s hair up into a French twist ponytail and applied makeup to her face, bringing out her natural features and making her appear softer.

Maria smiled. “Well I’m totally feeling beautiful now.”

Another guy walked past and let out a wolf whistle. Max walked up then and threw the guy a disgusted look. The guy was about to approach Maria but at the look on Max’s face he changed his mind.

“Maria, what they heck are you wearing?” He asked angry at the lustful look on the guy’s face.

A hurt look passed across Maria’s face. “You don’t like it?”

“I didn’t say that. I just…” His words left him as he looked over Maria’s shoulder and saw the evil eye Isabel was giving him. “Umm, you look really nice Ri.”

She smiled up into his eyes. “You really think so?”

“Hell yeah you look nice.” Michael Guerin walked up and cut in front of Max. “Baby you look damn sexy.”

“Thank you.” She stammered slightly.

Just then the bell rang. Michael reached out and took Maria’s books in his arms. “May I walk you to class, my lady?”

She looked to Isabel for input. Isabel urged her on. “Sure, I have History now.”

“Okay babe, lead the way.” As she turned to walk off Michael took the time to check out the way her butt fit snugly in her jeans. He shot Max a superior grin and walked off.

Max glared at the retreating figures evilly. Isabel grabbed his arm with a laugh. “Come along Max before you burn a whole in his back.”

[b](At lunch)[/b]

With a squeal Maria settled down at her usual spot. “I got asked to Michael Guerin’s party Friday night.”

“Michael asked you? That is so great.” The two girls hugged.

“But no, Michael didn’t ask me. He and Liz are still dating. Mark Andrews asked me.”

Isabel smiled. “He’s just as cute as Michael.”

“Yeah but I want Michael.” Maria pouted. “It’s hopeless. I’ll never be able to snatch him away from Liz. Despite all the pranks she still manages to land on her feet.”

Isabel laughed. “Just like the evil bitch cat she is. But don’t worry about her. If you want Michael Guerin then Michael Guerin you shall get.”

Kyle Valenti came up and sat down across from Isabel. “Hey you two what’s up?”

“Nothing much. We’re just talking about Guerin’s party. Are you going to be there?” Isabel asked.

“Only if you’ll come.” He said in that deep sexy voice of his.

Isabel could feel herself melting. With a sexy purr she leaned across the table towards him. “Give me a reason to come and I will.”

He grinned and teased. “I will make it worth your while.”

She arched one finely etched eyebrow. “ Oh yeah?”

He groaned as he watched her tongue flicker out and trace along the outline of her luscious lips. “Hell yeah.”

“Hey Valenti, back away from the sister.” Alex warned breaking the heat between the two.

He sat down next to Isabel and threw Kyle a threatening look. Kyle held up his hands and back off. “Hey man, I was just inviting her to a party. You can come to if you like.”

Alex looked at Isabel’s face before looking back at Kyle. “Yeah I just might come, if only to make sure you don’t get your grubby paws next to my sis.”

“Alex!” With her eyes Isabel told her brother to shut up.

“Hey I can respect that. I’m just as protective of Tess.” Kyle said with a grin. “So Maria, I wanted to tell you that you look really hott today.”

Max slammed his lunch tray down on the table. “Not you too Valenti.”

“What? I was just giving a compliment. Shit. You guys need to lighten up.” Kyle stood up. “Anyway, hopefully y’all want be this uptight Friday night. Talk to you guys later.”

After her left Isabel turned to her brother. “Alexander Monroe Evans, if you ever embarrass me like that again I will…”

“Oooh, Izboo, I’m quivering in my boots.”

“If you knew what I was thinking you would be.” She threatened.

“Maria, do you need a ride home after school?” Max asked, ignoring the fighting siblings.

“Umm, no, actually Mark is taking me home. We’re stopping by the park and maybe going out for ice cream.” Maria said looking down into her yogurt. She didn’t see the crestfallen look on Max’s face but Alex did.

“Oh well okay.” She looked up at him as he stood up.

“Where are you going?” She asked.

“I just realized that I need to go to the library for something. I’ll talk to you later Ri.”

With a nod to Isabel and Alex he walked off. Isabel and Maria stared after him in confusion. Isabel asked, “What’s his problem?”

Alex looked at them as if they were crazy. “You know there’s a theory going around that girls are smarter than boys. Y’all just shot that theory straight to hell. Talk to you later sis. Stay away from that Valenti ass.”

He jumped up and started off in the direction that Max took.

“I thought you liked Kyle.” Isabel called after him.

Alex stopped, turned, and snorted. “That’s before he started following behind you as if you were a bitch in heat.” He ran before Isabel’s flying water bottle could hit him in his head.