7. Raven
I’ve been keenly aware of Finn’s presence since the moment he walked through the door. I’ve also purposely been avoiding him like the plague because what the hell do I even say? I’ve agreed to public appearances to ensure the vulgar rumors about Sloane and Finn cease immediately.
To give my senses a break, I venture into the kitchen to help with the last bit of preparations for dinner. Of course, there’s nothing to be done. Why couldn’t my sisters leave me something to do? How else am I supposed to avoid both Mable and Finn?
The sliding door opens, and my heart thunders in my chest when I find Finn approaching alone. There’s so much we need to talk about, but I don’t know where to begin. With my family here, I’m not sure what we’ll get in terms of privacy either.
“Can I get you anything to drink?” I offer.
Closing the distance between us, his masculine cologne makes my inner muscles clench. Damn, he’s so sexy. Black jeans, fitted black tee, and black work boots make his rocker look complete. His tattoos peek out from beneath his sleeves, and I fondly remember running my tongue along them.
Has it really been less than twenty-four hours since I left his room?
“I—” I start, but I’m cut off by his words.
“I never meant to drag you into a PR nightmare.” The sincerity in his eyes guts me.
“I doubt anyone would do that on purpose,” I remind him, hoping he knows I don’t blame him. “We can make a few appearances and clear up any rumors about you being with Sloane.”
“I’m not so sure I want just a few appearances,” he quickly counters.
Shit. That could be a problem for Sloane. “Well, my sister and I can be seen with Jax then, if you don’t want to set the record straight. I’m not about to let her name get smeared for no reason.”
Reaching for my hand, he shakes his head. “No… you don’t understand. I think we should have more than a few appearances together.”
Not entirely sure where he’s going with this, I tell him a truth I should’ve started with yesterday. “I’m not looking for anything serious.”
“It doesn’t have to be serious, but you should know I’m not a player. I don’t step in on anyone’s relationship. I really like you and don’t want you to think I’d be okay doing that to anyone, let alone a bandmate.”
Still, there’s so many ways I could interpret those words.
Before I can respond, he blurts out, “The label is on my ass to make this right, and I, for one, never want the word cheater anywhere associated with my name.” His expression darkens.
“You’re the only one who can help me put those rumors to rest. Even if you’d prefer to just hang with your sister and Jax, can I be included in these plans to ensure to the world nothing nefarious has happened? ”
“I… I don’t know…” What is he asking? Does he want to spend time with me? Or is all this so he can clear both his and Sloane’s name?
The sliding door opens, and my sister Lizzy and Aunt Mable walk in. “Oh, there you are,” Mable says, oblivious to the tension in the room. “Burgers are ready. Lizzy, you grab those napkins, and I’ll use the powder room.”
Leaning in so only I can hear, the hairs shimmer along my neck and arms when Finn says, “You don’t have to decide now, but please think about it.”
Turning on his heel, he strides out of the room, leaving me with my thoughts.
“You okay, Ray?” Liz asks as she returns from the garage with a pile of napkins in her hand.
“I’m…” Hell, I don’t know what I am, but this doesn’t need to become her problem. “I’m good. I’ll be out in a sec.”
The moment I’m alone, I press my arms against the counter and lower my head. Taking a deep breath, I process what’s transpired since meeting Finn. I don’t do relationships, but for the sake of my sister, I think I might have to at least pretend to be in one.
Mable makes an appearance the moment I straighten up.
“Oh good, I caught you alone. How are you holding out, honey? I’ve been thinking about you since your graduation.
I met the sweetest boy earlier at the grocery store.
He’s home for the summer and just finished his degree, too.
I think he’d be perfect for you. He’s an accountant and has a great head on his shoulders.
” Then she cups a hand around her mouth and whispers conspiratorially, “He’s not bad on the eyes either. ”
Holy shit. Even with all the drama today, this takes the cake. Why on earth would she think I’m interested in dating a complete stranger?
“Oh, don’t give me that look, Raven Rene. I’m not dead yet. Just trying to find a nice boy for you to settle down with.”
“Mable,” I groan. “I’m not ready to settle down. I literally just graduated, and I’m focusing on my career.”
“Sweetheart.” Mable’s eyes are warm and filled with love.
I know she doesn’t mean any harm, but she just doesn’t get me either.
Rubbing a hand along my shoulder, she uses the other to place a finger under my chin.
“I love you like you’re my own grandchild.
I know your heart is larger than most can handle.
Like my sister, Jane, I just want to see you happy. ”
“I am happy,” I assure her.
With a wicked smirk and a wink, she says, “You may think you’re happy now, but I’m certain there’s a plan in place for you to meet the man who won’t try to tame that wild heart of yours. He’ll merely complement it and enjoy the ride along with you.”
To pacify her, I relent, “You may be right, but I’m not in any hurry to meet him.”
The sliding door opens again and this time, it’s Dad who pops his head in. “You two gonna eat? We’re waiting for you to start.”
Giving my hand a squeeze, Mable walks out of the room with a smile.
Once I’m outside, I slide into the open spot next to Finn on the picnic table.
His face splits into a beautiful grin when I nod and whisper, “I’m in… but I have some stipulations.”
Rolling his eyes, he grins. “Of course you do; lay them on me.”
“One, we keep up the charade of fake dating through my sister’s wedding and my matchmaking Aunt Mable is out of town.”
“And two?” he asks, his face stoic and unreadable.
“Two, we stay exclusive, so you won’t have to deal with a cheating scandal under my watch.
I despise cheaters and won’t take part in it.
Third, we make this believable. My sisters are awful liars and if this isn’t believable to them, there’s no way we can clear your names with the public.
I refuse to let anyone think less of Sloane. ”
“Anything else?” he quips.
Racking my brain, I can’t come up with anything else. “No… I think that’s about it. What about you?”
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?