The Summer Proposal (Summers in Seaside)

1. Raven

“Mmmm… Right there,” I murmur as Brody kisses that fail-proof spot on my neck, making shivers run up my spine. Knowing this is just what I need, I pull him close, pressing my body against his.

“Oh… Raven…” he rasps, trailing kisses along my jaw. “I…” He starts but when his lips meet mine, I deepen our kiss, cutting off all verbal communication.

I’m not interested in conversation. I just want to get lost in him.

Thankfully, he takes the hint.

As one of his hands slides to the base of my neck, the other slips down to skim along the hem of my shirt, trailing across my lower back. Goose bumps erupt, and my anticipation grows.

God, it’s been way too long. I’ve missed this.

Craving the feel of his skin on mine, I tug at the back of his shirt.

When Brody— or is it Brady —breaks our kiss, I practically cry out in protest.

With a wicked grin, he simply reaches behind him and pulls his shirt off with ease and tosses it onto my living room floor. “This what you want?”

Nodding, I quickly rip my shirt over my head and step toward him.

Shaking his head, he steps back. “Give me a sec. I wanna enjoy all of you.”

Running my tongue along my bottom lip, I tease by slowly swaying my hips. “Well… by all means…”

I don’t miss the way his eyes widen for the briefest of moments, and he quickly inhales. I love how his appreciative eyes roam from my face, over my lacy bralette, swooping low across my hips. The lust in his expression makes me feel sexy as hell.

I watch wordlessly, and he takes another breath almost as if he’s steadying himself. The electricity zooms between us, and my body floods, anticipating his next move. I can’t wait to have my way with this man. His sexy smile proves he’s totally on board with this.

Showing we’re in sync once again, as I reach for him, he steps forward. Just as his hand rests on my hip, and his lips press against mine, the shrill of my phone fills the room. Unfazed, he pulls me closer, but the second the sounds of “Hey Soul Sister” by Train blasts, my mood is killed.

“That’s my sister…” I say, breaking the kiss without a second thought.

Leaning in to kiss along my neck, he suggests, “Can’t you ignore it?”

“No… it’s after midnight in New York. I’ve gotta take this.”

Swiping my phone, I say, “Sloane?”

“Ohmgee Raven…” she practically screams into the phone.

“Give me a sec…” I quickly interrupt.

Whatever it is, she deserves my undivided attention.

Quickly grabbing my shirt, I slip it over my head, then press my phone to my chest. Turning to Brody, I point at the door. “I’ll catch up with you later.”

Before he can say a word, I walk to the door of my apartment, open it, and wait expectantly. Frozen in place, his face morphs through many emotions. Eventually shock, then disappointment spreads across his features. His eyes narrow and lips purse as he nods once.

Without a word, he grabs his shirt and stalks through the door.

Good. We’re still on the same page.

Once I’ve locked the door behind him, I return to my sister. “Sorry about that. What’s going on?”

“Ohmigod, you’re not going to believe this… Wait… Raven…” Sloane suddenly admonishes, “did you just kick someone out?”

“He was just leaving,” I quickly lie.

I haven’t heard from my sister in nearly a week, and there’s no way I’m missing this call. Between her being on tour across the country with Jax and the time difference, not to mention studying for finals this week, it’s been rough. Besides, she’ll always come first.

“Oh, Raven…” she says on a heavy sigh.

Not wanting her focus on me, I quickly remind her, “You know it’s nothing serious. When I answered, I thought you might burst through the phone with excitement. What’s going on?”

“I’m engaged!” she screams so loud, I almost drop my phone.

“Ohmigod! I’m so excited for you!” I quickly amp up to her level of enthusiasm. “Congratulations!”

I knew this was coming but didn’t know when.

Jax reached out a few weeks ago, while Sloane was distracted with work.

He wished I could be there in person to pick out her ring, but since they’re touring the eastern seaboard, and I had finals, it just wasn’t possible.

Thank God for modern technology. He knew Sloane so well, my job was simple.

We picked out a kickass ring, though I’m sure Sloane could care less in this moment.

All that matters for her is being with Jax.

The way this man loves my sister so completely makes my heart melt for her.

Before she can get off track again, I demand as only a sister can, “Give me all the details!”

“Oh, God… where do I begin?” Sloane practically sputters, which is hilarious because my sister is never at a loss for words.

“Start with the fact that you freaking said yes!” Jax shouts beside her.

“I’ve already told her we’re engaged… that’s implied…”

Without being there, I know she’s swatting at Jax with one hell of an eye roll.

Through the phone, I hear a rustling sound, and I’d bet my last dollar he’s pulling her in for a kiss. When she remembers I’m on the other line, her tone sounds rather dreamy for my serious sister. “What was I saying?”

God, I’m dying. Only Jax can make my straight-laced, prim and proper twin lose all train of thought. This is priceless.

“First,” I chime in, “remind me where you are. I’ve lost all track of days with finals.”

She starts to talk… but I cut her off. “Wait, let’s switch to video. I’ve missed your face.”

“Just look in the mirror, goofball.”

Once we’ve connected, my heart swells. Her smiling face is radiant. Jax snuggles into her and between the two of them, their mood is infectious.

Not that I’d ever let Sloane know, but I’ve missed her like crazy since she’s been searching for talent across the country while touring with Jax’s band.

I’m so happy that she and Jax are following their dreams, but it’s not the same as seeing her every day.

Thankfully, she’s oblivious to my true feelings, and her focus stays on her.

In the most unlike Sloane fashion, she talks nearly ninety miles a minute.

“We made it to New York City last night. Jax and his band performed at Terminal 5. Afterward, Jax asked to go for a walk. Since we’ve never been to New York, I wanted to see Times Square and the Empire State Building at night.

Of course, being the amazing boyfriend he is… ”

“Fiancé,” Jax interjects by pulling her in tight and kissing her neck.

“Ohhh… I like the sound of that,” Sloane coos.

Before they get out of hand, I tease, “I know how amazing Jax is… Sloane, you’re killing me… tell me what happened!”

Sloane laughs as her eyes roll to the back of her head. “Geesh… have patience…”

“That’s usually my line,” I mutter on a laugh.

“Oh, how the roles have reversed,” Jax interjects as Sloane shakes her head with laughter.

“Anyway…” Sloane interrupts. “We were enjoying the view of Central Park from the observation deck at the Empire State Building… The view was incredible. You’ve got to see it for yourself.”

“Sloane…” I prompt impatiently, making Jax laugh again.

“Well, Jax was snuggling me from behind and suddenly, he disappeared. When I turned around, I couldn’t see him. Seriously, I almost panicked, but then I felt something brush my leg and looked down.”

I gasp, knowing what’s coming next.

Pointing a thumb in his direction, she continues. “There, this fool was on bended knee, reaching for my hand.”

Jax caresses Sloane’s cheek as he gazes lovingly at her and says, “I told her she may have discovered me as an artist, but when I found her, I quickly learned just how much I was missing in my life. She pushes me to be the best version of myself. She challenges me to break the glass ceiling I’d always held in place and with her in my life, I know I can conquer anything that comes my way. ”

“Then he pulled a freaking ring box out of his pocket and asked if I would spend forever with him.” The way her voice cracks, I can tell she’s on the verge of tears.

Of course, my nose tingles with the tell-tale sign of tears on the precipice. I can’t be entirely certain, but my super-spidey-twin-sense tells me we’ll both lose it before this conversation ends.

God, I’m so freaking happy for her!

Taking a deep breath, I swipe at my eyes and ask, “You really had no idea?” My sister can spot a plot before any of us could ever put it into action.

Shaking her head, her face nearly splits in half with a grin. “Nope. He caught me by surprise.”

How the hell did he pull this off?

“Have you told anyone else?” I ask.

“You first… always…” she reminds me of our mantra growing up. “Want to stick around while we share our news with Lanie and Liz?”

“Are you sure they’re up?” Jax asks, looking at his watch.

“They’ll be up for this,” Sloane and I say in unison, then laugh our asses off as my sisters connect.