Manuel seemed to ponder the idea for a moment. “Of course she can,” Henry spoke first.
“It’s not your house,” Manuel reminded him. “You can come by any time, you just have to remember the rule. Girls aren’t allowed to wear clothes in my room.”
Gabby did her best not to smile. “That’s obvious. I wouldn’t dream of wearing clothes around you three. Girls must be stark naked when playing with boys.”
Manuel helped her to her feet and also with getting her clothes back on. It was slightly difficult because she was sticky with sweat and her loose clothes clung to her body. When she started to walk away, he reached up and gave the tuft of hair on her head a swift yank, jerking her head painfully. This was what boys in school did to girls they liked. If the girl liked them back, they would be forgiven. Gabby understood for Manuel and her it had a slightly different meaning. It meant her body belonged to him and she would never be able to tell him not to touch her. She simply smiled as she continued out the door.
An hour ago, Manuel had not looked at her body very much at all. Now he was watching her hips sway and her clothes clinging to her slim waist with intense interest. He had not seen her as a girl before. Now he could not see her any other way.