“Jax has wicked skills. I’ve been playing for years, and I can’t believe Sloane found someone as talented as him at an open mic in Seaside of all places. He not only has what it takes to be a musician, but he gets the music business in general. I know I’m biased, being his new bandmate, but he’s the main reason I agreed to form Ruby Frax.”
“Okay, I’ve been meaning to ask, what the hell is a The Ruby Frax? Is that some girl one of you used to date or something?”
Chuckling at his assumption, I assure him, “No… it’s got nothing to do with a girl. Trust me. It’s way nerdier than you could imagine.”
“Nerdy?” Raven’s dad asks in disbelief.
“You know Jax was finishing his degree in computer engineering while on tour, right? Well, one night after he’d been studying, we were trying to come up with a name for our band once the tour was over. Jax was spent after hours reading code and jokingly said, ‘Don’t look at me, or we’ll end up being the Ruby Frax or something like that. I’m up to my eyeballs in code, and Ruby is all I can think of. For all I care in this moment, we could ship our names together.’”
Confusion spreads across his features, and I almost laugh. “Ship?”
“You know, when you use parts of people’s names to create a new one—like a couple name? Finn, Ryker, and Jax becameFrax. It’s not that creative, but Ruby Frax sounds like something that will stand out and set us apart from the competition.”
“I like the name. But never could’ve guessed what it meant.”
“Most won’t. Trust me,” I assure him. “But fans are on board with it so far, and we’re getting some good publicity with the festival coming up in a few weeks.”
“I imagine it’ll be great exposure. Just look at what you’ve been able to do since announcing The Ruby Frax.”
“If all goes well, we’ll drop our first single just a few days after our first official performance as a band. Then we can build up hype for our full album.”
“I’ll admit, I don’t follow the music scene. I just listen to what catches my ear. However, since Sloane started working at Smashing Waves Records, I’ve taken an interest in the talent she finds. Though with Jax in particular, I’ll admit, I keep closer tabs on him. With the whole vested interest on his future and how it relates to Sloane.”
When his eyes bore into mine, I see the double meaning behind his words as clear as day. He’ll keep tabs on me, too.
Fuck, I really need to talk to Raven.
As if I’ve conjured her in my brain, her distinct laughter interrupts my thoughts, drawing my attention her way. She looks radiant. Her face lifts to the sky, and her hair cascades down her back as she belly laughs from across the deck. Lizzy’s got her full attention, and I’ll admit my curiosity is piqued. I’d give anything to know what’s causing this kind of reaction. She’s so fucking beautiful.
Clearing his throat, her dad regains my attention.
The moment my eyes lock onto his, he says, “I’ve been watching the two of you all afternoon. My job depends on me reading the room. I don’t think the tabloids goteverythingwrong in those photos. You’re clearly interested in her. Don’t you think it’s time she stopped avoiding you?”
My mouth drops open, and I’m sure I blink at him in shock. I thought for sure he hated me. What man wouldn’t hate the guy putting his daughter negatively in the limelight? That’s one thousand percent deserved.
Placing a hand on my shoulder, he waits for me to close my mouth and really hear what he has to say. Tipping his head in her direction, he leans in and whispers so only I can hear, “Tread lightly with that one; she’s tough as nails on the surface, but her heart is far bigger than she’ll ever let on.”
I’ve been keenly aware of Finn’s presence since the moment he walked through the door. I’ve also purposely been avoiding him like the plague because what the hell do I even say? I’ve agreed to public appearances to ensure the vulgar rumors about Sloane and Finn cease immediately.
To give my senses a break, I venture into the kitchen to help with the last bit of preparations for dinner. Of course, there’s nothing to be done. Why couldn’t my sisters leave me something to do? How else am I supposed to avoid both Mable and Finn?
The sliding door opens, and my heart thunders in my chest when I find Finn approaching alone. There’s so much we need to talk about, but I don’t know where to begin. With my family here, I’m not sure what we’ll get in terms of privacy either.
“Can I get you anything to drink?” I offer.
Closing the distance between us, his masculine cologne makes my inner muscles clench. Damn, he’s so sexy. Black jeans, fitted black tee, and black work boots make his rocker look complete. His tattoos peek out from beneath his sleeves, and I fondly remember running my tongue along them.
Has it really been less than twenty-four hours since I left his room?
“I—” I start, but I’m cut off by his words.
“I never meant to drag you into a PR nightmare.” The sincerity in his eyes guts me.
“I doubt anyone would do that on purpose,” I remind him, hoping he knows I don’t blame him. “We can make a few appearances and clear up any rumors about you being with Sloane.”
“I’m not so sure I want just a few appearances,” he quickly counters.
Shit. That could be a problem for Sloane. “Well, my sister and I can be seen with Jax then, if you don’t want to set the record straight. I’m not about to let her name get smeared for no reason.”
