Glancing around the table to those around us, he whispers, “We can deal with my terms when we’re alone.”
Why the hell did that promise just make my body heat?
Between our studio time and everyone’s work schedule, I haven’t seen much of Raven for the last few days. This week has been brutal with sessions, but we’ve managed to make use of our time. We’re on track to finish this album with plenty of room for engineering to put on the final touches before release day.
Since the studio had a scheduling conflict, Ryker is using this time to fly home for the weekend. I dropped him off at the airport earlier, and I’m on my way to meet up with Jax and the girls in the Pearl District for dinner and a show. Nick Conners, from the band Riser, is performing solo tonight to an intimate crowd, and it’ll be a great way to casually get some publicity without having it look staged.
Knowing I’d be here for the summer, I bought myself a used mid-sized SUV. It’s nothing to write home about, but it’s got great miles, is in great condition, and will easily haul a drum set, if necessary. Depending on how long we stick around, it’ll be great when winter hits, too. There may not be much snow and ice along the Oregon coast, but those rainy days everyone talks about are real, or so I’m told. I’d feel much safer in a vehicle that can handle the vast terrains of the Pacific Northwest.
Snagging a parallel spot near the venue, I quickly park and make my way to the line forming outside The Purple Pickle Bar & Lounge. Not seeing Jax or the girls, I pull out my phone and shoot off a quick text.
Me: Just arrived. Are you inside?
Jax: Grabbed a table on the left toward the stage. Left your name with the bouncer to guarantee access. It’s a sold-out show.
Me: Got it. Thanks
The moment I get inside, I spot Raven and beeline it to her. They’re sitting at a high-top table and before taking the seat next to her, I wrap an arm around her shoulder.
“Hey, Raven. It’s great to see you.” Without thought, the moment her face turns toward mine, I lean and press my lips to hers. Kissing her feels so right. It’s as if no time has passed, and we’re back in my hotel.
Damn, she tastes better than I imagined.
Remembering where we are, I keep it brief. When I pull away, I notice her lipstick is smudged, so I fix it with my thumb. Fuck, those lips have me wanting more. It would be so easy to get lost in her.
Her smile shines bright as she pulls away. “Hello to you, too, Finn. Did you get Ryker off okay? I wish I didn’t have to cover the afternoon shift, or we all could’ve ridden together.”
“It’s all good. Maybe I can convince you to ride back with me and keep me company.”
“It’s the least I can do.” Raven smirks. “I’m the one who caused you to drive alone in the first place.”
Needing to touch her once more, I rest an arm across the back of her chair and lean in. “Have you eaten?”
“We ate on the way,” Jax admits. “Though those food trucks not far from here are bound to be open when the crowd lets out. You wouldn’t have to twist my arm to stop by.”
“Oh, that sounds great. I haven’t been there in years,” Raven pipes in.
Since this is an intimate show, there’s no opening act for Nick Conners. The lights dim, and he walks on stage with his guitar. No big fanfare or pomp and circumstance. He simply starts into his first song. I’ve worked with Nick in Nashville, and he’s a great guy. He does shows like these to keep grounded. He and his band, Riser, have been big for a few years. From what he’s told me, sometimes he just wants to be a guy with a guitar.
With his band or flying solo, the energy Nick brings to the stage is infectious.
“Hey, let’s squeeze together for a group selfie,” Sloane offers when he finishes his first song. She takes a few shots, then taps away on her phone while Nick talks about how important it is to play here in his hometown. “There.” Sloane beams. “I’ve posted on all socials. The PR team at Smashing Waves will work their magic to get these shots to the right people.”
Turning her phone to her sister and me, she says, “I hope you don’t mind; I took a couple of candid shots when you first arrived. I don’t know about you, but I’m ready to set the record straight. These rumors are getting ridiculous.”
The heated look in my eyes when I greeted Raven is evident. I’m clearly only into her. The shot is wide enough that Jax is on the edge, smiling wide. Clearly, I’m not stealing his girl.
“It’s time to get out of work mode,” Raven deadpans. “I, for one, just want to enjoy the music.”
“I’m totally on board with that.” Jax grins, pulling Sloane into him. “Put that phone away and turn off that brilliant brain of yours.”
Wanting to give them their privacy, I turn my attention to Raven and ask, “Wanna dance?” There are only a few other couples out on the floor, but if our time is limited, I’m making it count.
A radiant smile lights up her face. When she reaches for my hand, my entire body heats in anticipation. “I’d like nothing more.”
Within seconds, we’re on our feet, moving to the beat. I still can’t get over how responsive Raven is in my arms. I turn, she twists; I lean, she dips; I pull her close, she melts against me.
Inhaling deeply, I catch a slight scent of the ocean breeze mixed with her perfume, and it’s like an aphrodisiac I never knew existed. It’s sexy and sweet, and I’ll be dammed, but I just can’t get enough. The moment her fingertips scrape at the base of my neck, my body hums with an energy I’ve never experienced. The way her head fits on the indent of my chest, I swear this girl was made for me.
