“What is your point?” I grind out through gritted teeth. My patience is running thin, and he’s skating on very thin ice when it comes to my tolerance for talking about Raven’s sex life. He’s right. It’s none of his business.
“Look, man…” His tone softens. “Next week, I’m marrying Sloane. She’s not only her twin sister but her best friend. Sloane knows Raven better than anyone. But she also worries that Raven will never open herself up to love. She has no idea what her hangups are but as one ofmy best friends, I don’t want to see you get in too deep, only to have her cut you loose, if you know what I mean. Raven’s a bolter… and I… well, I guess this is my way of giving you fair warning.”
“Any suggestions on changing that for her?” flies out of my mouth before I realize what I’m asking. What the fuck? We’re supposed to be fake dating. I wait on bated breath as he ponders my question, not knowing why his answer suddenly matters so much.
“I know you’re good with casual. Hell, you’re a musician who travels all over the world. We’re known for being the kings ofcasual.Butif things are going in the different direction, like I think they are, if I wanted more with her, I’d keep showing up. Keep making her laugh. Keep making her see there’s no reason to run when things get real. Hell, show her thingsarereal. I don’t think anyone’s ever done that, according to Sloane. Raven always finds one excuse or another to keep guys at bay. I personally like you for her and hope things work out.”
Thoughts twist through my mind like a tornado. Is what we have just casual? Do I even want more with Raven? This isn’t supposed to be serious. Hell, we are FAKE DATING, I practically scream at myself. But why does the thought of losing her make me feel as if my insides are being ripped out by a bulldozer?
I’m sitting on a blanket in the sand at the bonfire with my family, roasting a marshmallow, when my body tingles with a sense of awareness. When I look toward the house, my heart thuds in my chest when I spot Finn and Jax approaching with drinks in each of their hands.
I knew it was a possibility that Finn would show tonight, but I wasn’t certain. I should’ve been the one to reach out since this isn’t a public appearance and only involves my family, but I wasn’t sure if I should ask him. So, I chickened out and let it go.
Gah, I’m being stupid. He’s one of Jax’s best friends.
Of course, I should’ve invited him. But I’ve been busy catching up with Mom, trying on dresses for a second wedding this week, and doing a freelance job for Smashing Waves Records. Time sort of slipped away today.
Not wanting to burn my marshmallow, I focus my attention on the flames in front of me, while I wait for them to join us. My eyes may be on the embers, but my head is solely focused on Finn.
Even from here, I can tell he looks exceptionally hot today. He’s wearing what I joke with myself as his rocker uniform. Hisblack jeans, boots, and a hoodie make him look like a tasty treat I want to lick all over.
“Raven, are you okay?” Mom asks, breaking me out of my fantasy.
“Yeah, Mom. I’m good.”
“Oh…” She claps excitedly. “I see Jax and Finn are here. Is Ryker coming, too?”
“You know them?” I ask dumbfoundedly.
“Oh, yes. We met for dinner after I caught one of their shows outside of Richmond, Virginia. I love their music. I can’t wait to see them play officially as Ruby Frax.”
“I have yet to hear them live,” I admit. Though I can’t wait to watch them at the Seaside Music Festival in a few weeks.
“You’re in for a treat when you do.” Mom stands from her chair and hugs Jax when he approaches. “Congratulations, honey. I’m so happy for you and Sloane. I love you both so much.” Then as soon as she releases him, she turns to Finn and squeezes him tightly. “I’m happy to see you, too, Finn.”
“It’s great to see you again, Ms. Lancaster,” Finn says as she releases him.
“Oh, nonsense, call me Sarah. Please.” Then she points an accusing finger at Jax. “You, too, mister. We’ll be family in a matter of days, and I won’t hear of such formalities.”
“Okay. Okay.” Jax laughs. “I’ll call you Sarah. Sorry I wasn’t here when you arrived, but we had some time booked in the studio for our new album.”
“I can’t wait until I can listen for myself. I’m a huge fan of Jax Cartwright on his own.” She hip bumps him then adds, “Though I can’t wait to officially hear Ruby Frax.”
“Mom,” I admonish. “Let them sit and relax. They’ve been working all day and could use a break.”
Jax says something to her, but my attention is on Finn when he turns to me and asks, “Want a soda? Your dad and Mable said they’ll be out soon with more snacks.”
I smile, reaching for the Pepsi in his hand. “Thanks. I’m glad you could make it. I’m surprised Ryker isn’t with you.”
Finn shrugs as he settles on the blanket beside me. “He had other plans. Did the dress shopping go well?”
Rolling my eyes, I recall the events of the day, “You could say that. Sloane already picked out the dresses and had our sizes thanks to our last fittings with Lanie. We literally only had to show up to see if they fit. I’ve got your outfit hanging in my room if you want to try it on later.”
“Seriously? She already has our clothes, too?”
Clearly, he’s underestimated my sister.
“Did you forget we’re dealing with Sloane here? She probably had these picked out two seconds after Jax proposed. That girl’s a planner.”
