“You’re the most important person in the world tome.” I quickly added in a hushed voice, “Don’t tell Mom. She’ll be jealous.”

“Gabriel?” I said.“Yeah?” His voice was breathless.“Kiss me.”

“MY MOUTH OPENED.Way to go, Clare. Way to impress the mother of a prospective boyfriend. Moms love their boys to date psycho overprotective girls.”

“Please, someone tell me I wouldn‘t be that annoying if I had girlfriends.”

“Pass me the Academy Award. I don’t know how I did it, but hysterical-girl tears sprung from my eyes as I ran out of the room and down the grand staircase.”

“Wow, you mean Tiffany’s an evil wench? I’m shocked. Shocked, I tell you!” I patted my heart in faux surprise.”

“That's my brother," I said. "Saving the world, one girl at a time.”