Danny's POV

Now that Lacey gave me the green light to go ahead and tell Jo about us, I'm starting to feel a little uneasy. Something I have never felt before. I guess it's because I don't want her to feel like we kept this secret from her for selfish reasons. In all honesty, we did it to protect her and I hope that's how she sees it. More than anything, I don't want this to affect their friendship.

Anticipating the awkwardness, I picked up the phone. It rang once before she answered.

"Danny! About earlier, I'm so sor—"

"Don't worry about it, it's already forgotten." I cut her off. No need for her to stress.

She went silent.

Shit. That's probably not the best thing to say to someone who likes you. I'm a jackass.

"Look, I didn't mean—"

"No it's fine…I know it's not like that with you. I'm just so embarrassed, like I can't even…"

She's freaking out. Say something. "Jo, really it's okay. We never have to speak of it again…deal?"

She sighed, relieved. "Deal."

"So…um…" Should I tell her now? Now that I think about it, maybe it is too soon to tell her. I mean for God sakes, she just apologized to me.

"Yeah?"

"Uh…" And just like that, I have an idea.

"Did you want to come over tomorrow night and have dinner at my house? My treat."

"Sure, sounds good." She sounds like the excited Jo that I've missed.

"Oh and I'm inviting Rico too…and Lace." I waited for what seemed like a minute before she answered.

"How was she when she left? I won't blame her if she's mad, I mean, I did kind of kick you guys out…without explaining anything to her."

You have no idea why she was mad.

"Well, she was a little put off. Mainly because it caught her off guard."

"…So, you told her?"

"She already knew."

"Oh."

"…So, you and Rico coming over tomorrow?"

"Sure, I'll ask him…and I want to apologize to Lacey too so, yeah."

Looks like everyone's going to be apologizing. Especially Lace and I. Maybe Rico will take her mind off it.

"Great. I'll see you at school then."

"See you. Goodnight."

"Goodnight."

As I close my eyes, I start to think maybe that wasn't such a good idea. Lacey's going to freak when she finds out that the four us will be together, when I tell Jo about us.

Here's to tomorrow…

XXX

All day I have been avoiding her questions about my phone call with Jo. When we rode to school this morning, I distracted her with kisses. Of course I've wanted to kiss her since last night but I'm also not ready to tell her about the dinner.

The bell rang for lunch and I know that my time is up. I have no choice but to tell her.

I sat at the table waiting. There are still eyes on me everywhere I go, but it's getting better. I don't mind them keeping their distance, who can blame them? They don't know anything about me. At least the whole student body doesn't find me interesting anymore. I look down at my tray and I see a glob of food. I cooked better than this in juvie. I'll just eat the banana.

When I looked up, Lacey was sitting in front of me. Smiling. Not a real smile if you ask me, but more of an "I'm pissed off but how are you, smile." Shit…

"Danny?" She said innocently.

For some reason I couldn't sit still. Relax dude. You need charm.

"Before we began, can I just say how beautiful you look today? Well, everyday actually."

She was still smiling sweetly.

"Thanks but flattery will get you nowhere Desai." She crossed her arms and the smile disappeared. "When were you planning on telling me that we were having dinner with Jo?"

Fuck. I swept my fingers through my hair.

"Don't be mad, I just needed you to be there when I tell her."

She looked away biting her lip, thinking.

Focus!

"So you didn't tell her?"

"I couldn't. She was feeling down and I thought I should give her a day before telling her about us. She misses you and felt bad about hurting you yesterday."

She looked surprised. "She did?"

"Of course she did. She still cares about you." I reached out for her hand and held it.

Her smile was more genuine this time. "Okay, I'll be there."

"That's my girl," I smiled. "So did Jo or Rico tell you?"

"Rico. I haven't seen Jo all day. But he was very excited—said that he was getting a haircut today so his inner swag can be unleashed," she laughed.

That guy. I shook my head.

"Did you tell him it's a double date or something?"

"No, I told Jo she can invite him so I have no idea what's going on in that head of his."

"Well, I think they'll be cute together."

"You just want me all to yourself," I teased.

"Ass."

"But it's a nice ass right?"

She tried really hard not to smile.

"Yeah, I know. Don't try to fight the sexiness Lace." I licked my lips and wiggled my brows.

She busted out in giggles.

"Freak," Sarita said, walking by the table.

"Bitch," Lace replied.

She looked around the cafeteria, noticing for the first time that eyes were on us. I'm used to it but she's not. At least that fucker Archie isn't here.

"Don't worry about them. They'll be over us in no time."

She smiled, but it was forced. "I'm not worried."

She's never been an outcast before, so I know it bothers her.

"Hey guys!" It was Rico. "Jo said that she'll see you both tonight. We're studying in the library. I didn't want her to starve, so I'm bringing her some lunch."

"That's sweet Rico," Lace said. He grinned.

"Tell her I'll text later with the time." I know that she's avoiding us.

"Alright, see you later." He turned around and left.

"She's avoiding us."

"Yep." I nodded.

"I can understand why."

Distract her.

"So you want to ditch next period and make out in the janitorial closet?"

She smirked. "Romantic but no. We need to study."

"I can multi-task," I winked.

"Well, I'm sure you can manage."

"I'm sure I can't."

Lacey's POV

Driving to Danny's house, I'm a bit jittery. Would she forgive us for not telling her? God, I hope so.

I pulled up to the house and parked. Before I could ring the doorbell, Karen was there.

"Hello Lacey. Don't you look lovely?" She was in a black dress and her famous 6 inch heels. Always dressed to impress.

"Hi Mrs. Desai. Thank you, and so do you."

"Oh this old thing? I just threw it on. Tess and I are going out tonight but haven't you heard? We're bringing sexy back." She broke out into song and did a little snapping the fingers, hip action dance.

I had to fake a cough to keep from laughing.

"You okay?"

"Yes, um I hope you both have a great night. And good luck bringing sexy back."

"Oh honey, I don't need luck. You see these moves?" She did the little weird dance again.

"They are certainly…something Mrs. Desai."

"Be careful Lacey. Don't use these moves on Danny. They're certified hot!"

Omg she's killing me!

"You don't have to worry about that Mrs. Desai."

"It's Karen—oh before I forget, are you and Danny being safe?"

My mouth fell open. Completely open.

"Um…"

"Don't worry, I know that you and Danny are dating. When he speaks about you, it's like you're the most important person in the world. He adores you and I'm glad you're the one that makes him happy."

Wow. "Thank you Mrs.—I mean Karen. I care about him a lot too."

"I know you do honey. Which brings me back to my question, are you two being safe?"

XXX

Walking into the kitchen I smelled something delicious. Danny's stirring what looks like pasta, tucking his unruly hair behind his ear.

I slipped behind him, grabbed the dish towel, and smacked his butt with it."

He started wiggling it. "Oooh I like it rough."

"I can never scare you, even when we were kids."

He turned around and kissed me.

"Never baby." He went back to stirring.

"Guess what your mom asked me on her way out?"

"Oh gosh, what?"

"Were we using protection."

"What?!" He stared at me in horror.

I nodded. "Yep, my exact reaction."

"I didn't tell her that we were dating."

"I know."

"So, what did you say?"

"I said we haven't gotten to that stage in our relationship yet."

"Yet?" He wiggled his brows.

"Don't start Danny."

"Oh, so you can come and violate me while I'm cooking but I can't even—"

"Nope."

He gave me the dirtiest look ever. Sexy.

"Not fair Lace, not fair at all."

I smirked. "So what are you cooking? It smells amazing."

"Pasta, salad, and homemade brownies."

"Yum."

"I'm just kidding about the brownies. They're not homemade, I bought them. I don't bake."

"You will learn to bake soon enough," I teased.

"Who's going to make me?"

"Who do you think?" I arched a brow.

"You're such a bully."

"You love it."

He smirked, kissing me again. "I do."

I washed my hands. "Can I help with anything?"

"No, I got it. Just as long as you follow the instructions on my apron, I'll be fine."

I looked down and read: Kiss the Cook but don't Touch the Buns!

I smiled. "Oh, so I can't touch the buns but I can kiss you? So unreasonable."

"It's very reasonable because you're always hitting me or scowling at me."

"I do it with purpose."

"There's no excuse for abuse. We can handle our differences in other ways." He placed the lid on the pasta and took off the apron, throwing it on the counter.

"And what way is that?"

He picked me up and sat me on the counter. It was so quick that I lost my breath.

"This way," he whispered and kissed me hard. I would've sworn he was French by the way he kissed me. I wrapped my legs around his waist, bringing him closer. He starts undoing the zipper on the front of my dress, leaving a trail of kisses in its place.

"You know, I had to take two cold showers last night because of you."

"Yeah?" I closed my eyes as he nibbled my earlobe.

"Yeah. All I did was think about you and just like that—it resulted in this." He placed my hand below his waist and I couldn't help but moan.

"You see what you do to me…when you lip your lips, bite them, how you walk, talk, twirl your hair around your finger, everything. You have no idea what you do to me."

"You don't know what you do to me either." I bit his lip and he groaned. Kissing me like his life depended on it.

We heard a car door slam and I panicked. "Danny, they're here!"

He growled. I know, I'm frustrated too.

He zipped up my dress and helped me off the counter.

"What do I suppose to do…with this?" He looked down.

Oh boy, he isn't lying.

"Just think gross thoughts. Like a hairy, sweaty man in a speedo, doing squats and—"

"I got it Lace," he frowned.

I giggled. "Good. I'll get the door and you handle…that."

"You're laughing at me? This is your fault." He pointed to it.

"Rain check," I said leaving the kitchen.

"Don't think I'm going to forget," he yelled after me.

Don't I know?

I paused, seeing them through the storm door. I put on my best smile and opened it. Jo was standing there awkwardly, while Rico on the other hand was practically beaming with his new haircut. He's wearing a leather jacket; I assume he considers a form of swag. But then the heat from outside rushed in. Swag? I don't this so. But he's sweet, cute, and cares for Jo, which is the most important thing.

"Hi guys, come on in. Rico, I'll take your jacket."

"Hi Lace,"Jo said coming in.

Rico handed me his jacket. "Too much?" He whispered.

"A little, I don't want you to melt but you still look great," I smiled.

He grinned. "Thanks." After my compliment, he had a pep in his step.

A few minutes later, we were all seated with our meals in front of us. All staring awkwardly around the room.

Except for Danny of course. "Dig in guys!"

Hi everyone! So I wanted to fit the dinner in this one but I wanted to upload a chapter since I've been busy preparing for school and a new job and everything! I know that our Dacey will get back together but we'll probably have to wait until the new episodes air in January. *Sigh* I miss them already.