“All in?” hangs on her lips, as her eyes widen with shock as she processes my words.
“All in,” I assure her. “I want to date you for real, steal kisses when no one is looking, and get to know you on a deeper level. I won’t pressure you or make you decide anything today. But I want you to know all deals are off when it comes to being in a fake situation-ship or whatever you called it. I like you, Raven Rene, and I’m willing to wait for you.”
With that, I reach for the clothes hanging on the trim of her closet and walk out of the room, hoping like hell I didn’t just make the biggest mistake of my life.
The next few days are hell on earth. Raven and I have been at each other’s sides through Lanie and Ryan’s rehearsal dinner and wedding. Throughout the entire ceremony, I can’t keep my eyes off Raven. She looks absolutely stunning as she walks down the aisle and stands beside her sisters. As I watch Lanie and Ryan declare their love for one another, I can’t help but notice every time Raven glances my way, sparks fly between us.
I’ve been the dutiful date, being ever so attentive for the last few days. I greet her with a kiss on her cheek, escort her from room to room with a hand on her lower back, and hold her hand as we walk through town. It’s pathetic how I’ve used nearly every excuse imaginable to touch her one way or another, but she doesn’t seem to mind. In fact, sometimes, she reaches for me, even when no one is around to see.
I’ve made it my mission to win over her heart. I’ve seen firsthand how she’s burning the candle at both ends, trying to start her new business and keep up with the needs of her sisters and their weddings. I’ve paid attention to the things she says and the little things she doesn’t. As each day goes by, it’s easier to read Raven, though she fights like hell to remain a mystery.
I’ve frozen my ass off by giving her my jacket during Lanie’s rehearsal dinner, spent countless hours with her and her family, and have woken up at the ass-crack of dawn to bring her pastries from her favorite café in town that she can down with her morning cup of coffee. I’m doing my best to show her I’m serious about wanting more, by also giving her the space she claims to need, and not pressuring her for a decision anytime soon.
It's okay because I’m not going anywhere. Or at least that’s what I keep telling myself. I’ll jump over any hurdle she throws my way if she keeps looking at me with her playful smiles and longing stares when she thinks I’m not looking. To me, waiting for Raven to come around is worth it… even if it does feel like freaking forever at times.
We’ve agreed to keep whatever this is going between us through the festival because our original reasons for being seen together haven’t gone away. Her walls may be high, but day by day, I see cracks in her armor, showing me this isn’t all for nothing. She may not be ready to come out and say it, but her actions speak louder than her words.
As Ryan and Lanie say their vows, my attention is drawn to the adorable flower girl standing beside Lanie. When Jules notices Lizzy tearing up behind her, she reaches for her hand and squeezes it reassuringly. It’s absolutely adorable.
Jules is the niece of Ryan’s best friend from college. At the rehearsal dinner last night, we met Vince and his wife, Sydney, as well as his twin sister, Vanessa, and her husband Damien. Jules melted many hearts with her adorable wit and charm as she stole the show with her stories about being an expert flower girl. I nearly died laughing when Raven asked her if she was worried about being a flower girl. She stood proud and replied, “No. I’ve done this plenty of times. I’ve been one at Momma and Daddy’s wedding, and for Unks and Aunt Sydney. Haveyouever been in a wedding?”
“Nope,” Raven had replied.
“Well, if you have any questions, I’m an expert at weddings. I’m sure I can help you.”
With that, Jules ran off to her uncle Vince and asked for some dessert.
I’m brought out of my revelry about Jules when Jax starts singing “Thinking Out Loud.” I’m sure everyone’s eyes are suddenly on Jax as he performs; however, mine focus on Raven.
She looks absolutely breathtaking in her deep-burgundy dress. Her long hair is braided intricately into some sort of updo, making her neck and shoulders look sexy as hell. My heart skips a beat when Raven glances my way the moment Jax sings about people falling in love in mysterious ways. It picks up even faster when she gives me a knowing smile and a wink.
I’ve been falling for Raven more each day, but with that simple little smirk at the end, before she returns her attention to her sister and Ryan, I’m certain of one thing. I’m already gone, hook, line, and sinker.
I’m in love with Raven Rene Lancaster.
The reception isin full swing by the time I grab plates of food and drinks for Raven and me. She and the wedding party have been busy with greeting guests and taking a few more group photos with family and friends.
“Thanks. I’m starving,” Raven admits when I settle in beside her.
“Need anything else?” I ask, knowing she’s likely exhausted from the festivities of the day.
“Nope. I’m good. Hopefully, we’ll get to eat this before the speeches and dancing.” Looking at her sister Lanie, she adds,“I’m glad someone thought to put food in front of her. She was so nervous before the ceremony, she hardly ate today.”
“I saw your mom dishing up plates as I went through the line. I’m sure she had something to do with it. By the way…” I draw out, waiting for her to look me in the eyes, “Since I clearly forgot to mention it earlier, you look absolutely stunning today. I can hardly keep my eyes off you.”
“Finn…” She blushes as she bats a hand in my direction.
“A simple thank you will do,” I tease. “No sense in getting bashful on me.”
“Bashful is never a word I’ve had used to describe me,” she guffaws and couldn’t be more adorable.
“Well, take the compliment, and I won’t have to use it again,” I counter. “You’re the most stunning woman in this room. No offense to Lanie—she’s a beautiful bride. But you’ve captured my interest from the moment you walked in and haven’t let go.”
“Now you’re just being delusional.” She rolls her eyes, then dismisses my comment by taking a bite of the beef tenderloin on her plate.
Leaning in so that only she can hear, I challenge, “Do I need to prove it to you?”
Raven’s eyes widen, but Sloane clinking her glass for the crowd’s attention rescues her.
