“Hear-hear,” I agree, taking a drink. Then return to my sandwich.
Damn. This is delicious. Before I know it, I’ve eaten the entire first half of the French dip and a good majority of my fries. There’s something so good about dipping the crinkle fries into the house fry sauce that I can’t get enough of.
Jax’s phone buzzes on the table.
Immediately, I know it must be from Sloane, if the goofy grin on his face says anything. When he looks up, he asks, “You in for a bonfire with the Lancasters tonight?”
“I… uh… haven’t really been invited,” I admit.
Rolling his eyes, he types something into his phone, then looks to me. “This is me inviting you.”
“But Raven…” I start, however Jax quickly interrupts.
“Please don’t take this the wrong way. But as one of my closest friends, there’s something you need to know.”
Chewing on his lower lip, he waits until he has my full attention.
The longer he stares, the faster my heart rate increases. Fuck, does he know our entire relationship is a farce? Does he know something about her I don’t?
When his silence nearly kills me, I prod him along. “Out with it, Jax. I’m sure there’s not much you can say that I don’t already know.” Well, there is, but nothing I’d be surprised over if I’m being honest.
“Again… this has nothing to do with you,” he assures me. “But… geez, how do I say this? Well… Raven… she… uh… doesn’t let a lot of people in. She’s more of a short timer when it comes to relationships.”
“Okay…” I draw out, wondering where he’s going with this.
“Well, the two of you… your paths are gonna cross frequently. I’d just hate to see you hurt.”
“Wait, you’re more concerned that she’s gonna break my heart? Shouldn’t your warning be the other way around, given that you’re marrying her sister?” I ask defensively, though who I’m defending at this point is still up in the air. I know he’s only trying to warn me, but I don’t like him talking shit about her either.
Oh, what a tangled web we weave…
“Man, I’ve seen the way you look at her when you think no one’s watching. You like her.”
“So what if I do?” There’s no point in denying it. If he’s got an in with her, maybe he’ll help me convince her to eliminate thefakepart of this relationship.
“Raven… well… she’s been known to keep guys at bay. She’s not a player… more of a serial monogamist… but she doesn’t let guys get too close.”
Cocking my head to the side, I scrutinize his expression as I ask, “Why are you telling me this?”
“Well…” Jax takes a moment to consider his words. “One, you’re my friend. Now that we’ve formed Ruby Frax, you’re gonna be around. It’s evident you like her, and I don’t want to see either of you hurt. Buttwo… if I’m right… I think she likes you, too. But she won’t admit it.”
What the fuck? Are we in middle school?
Why the hell does this bit of information suddenly give me hope?
Should I break her confidence and just tell him about our arrangement, or do I get his take on getting her to consider more? I really like Raven and even though we had an explosive start, I know it goes far beyond a physical connection.
That last thing he said though… I need to know more.
“What makes you so sure she likes me?”
Jax suddenly looks as if he’s sucked on a lemon; his face scrunches and almost looks pained. “Please don’t take this thewrong way, but you’re spending time with heroutsideof a bedroom. You’re more than just a physical connection for her.”
Rage infuriates me. Instantly, I come to her defense. “Do you really think that little of Raven?”
Now it’s his turn to backpedal. “God, no. I love her to the ends of the earth. But she’s been known among her sisters for being open to sex-only situationships. She’s not promiscuous, and exclusive while they’re together, but she doesn’t stick with any guy long-term. And before you say anything—” he cuts me off.
“There’s absolutely nothing wrong with that. Trust me, I don’t have any double standards when it comes to men and women enjoying each other and playing the field. You’re all single and what you do is your business—no judgement here.”
