Epilogue
EPILOGUE
RAINA
L eaning close to my bathroom mirror, I lined the outer edge of each eye with a toasty brown, making sure it looked even on both sides before I pulled back to examine my entire face.
Feeling as if I d done a good enough job to continue, I opened my lipstick drawer, only to sigh over all the choices.
Foster? I called. What color of lipstick should I wear?
Color? he answered from somewhere deeper in the apartment. I thought you only had the one.
I wrinkled my nose. No. I have dozens of different colors.
Really? Huh. Why?
Because… I groaned since he just didn t get it. I should be more adventurous and explore different shades. Different personalities.
If you say so, was all he answered. But I like you best just the way you are.
Straightening at that answer, I tipped my face and studied my expression in the mirror before deciding, you know what? I liked me just the way I was too. I drew out the Peach Kiss and applied it without another thought.
Okay, I said as I finished. I think I m ready now.
Great, Foster answered, sounding distracted.
Dropping the lipstick back in its place, I pushed the drawer shut and started from the bathroom, curiously asking, Where are you, anyway?
Balcony.
Feeling a strong sense of déjà vu, I turned that way and stepped toward the open door that led onto our one-person balcony.
I nearly expected to see Kinsey there, perched on the stone railing and smoking a joint. But instead, I found Foster standing with his back to me as he rested his forearms on the stones.
A shiver of delight passed through me. He was just as dreamy and breathtaking as he d been the first time I d seen him on a billboard.
What re you doing? I asked, stepping up to his side to join him.
He pointed out toward the street. Check out these two dog walkers on Bridleway, he said. I swear, it s like watching 101 Dalmatians happen in real time.
Where? I asked, brushing my arm against his as I rested my elbows on the balcony too.
Foster turned in toward me to wrap an arm around my waist and pull me close as he pointed with the other hand. There, he said in a hushed tone as if we were bird-watching.
Oh my Good Lord. I laughed as I watched a man and woman try to untangle their leashes as their two Dalmatians eagerly raced in circles around them. That is so crazy.
Isn t it? Foster shifted his face over as if he was going to bury his nose in my hair like he usually did and then take a big whiff of me, except this time, he paused and blinked at me in shock.
Holy damn, he said before he jerked back another step to look down at what I was wearing. You can t leave the apartment looking like that. Parker s going to take one look at you and think you re his graduation gift.
I laughed and squeezed his arm, only to taunt, Well, I kind of am, aren t I?
Not in that way, he assured, tugging me back to him so he could wrap a possessive arm around me and grab my ass as he buried his face in my hair. God, you smell good too. When I melted close and began to play with his hair, he groaned. Just how early do we have to arrive for this thing again?
I laughed and clutched his shoulders as he began to kiss his way down the side of my throat. You tell me, I countered. It s for your friend.
Ohrley will understand, he answered and towed me into the bedroom of our apartment, kicking the door shut behind him as he went.
* * *
Forty-five minutes later, I pulled down the sun visor on the passenger side of Foster s truck as he parked along the curb behind Keene s Jeep. Flipping the mirror open, I rubbed my lips together and checked my makeup one more time.
Are you sure I don t look like I just had sex?
Foster lifted one eyebrow as he killed the engine and glanced over at me. Oh, you totally do, he said with a wink. And it looks awesome on you.
Foster! I slapped the visor shut to turn and glare at him. You told me I looked fine at the apartment.
You do look fine. You look better than fine.
You promised I didn t look as if I d just had sex.
Did I? Appearing thoughtful, he shook his head and gave me a helpless shrug. Oops.
You dirty, rotten liar, I cried, poking at him and trying to drill one of my knuckles into his ribs in revenge, but he dodged my efforts and laughed.
So I like you looking all tousled and happy and satisfied from my hands, he argued. Sue me.
When I couldn t get past his defenses, I gave up with a sniff and muttered, This coming from the guy who claimed he was afraid of sex four short months ago.
With a husky chuckle, he reached out to pull me halfway across the cab of the truck, where he met me in the middle. Yeah, well, you certainly cured me of that phobia. He pressed his lips to mine. And I can t thank you enough for it.
I kissed him back, melting into his embrace and forgiving him for…whatever I d just been miffed about. I gripped his hair and started to scoot closer, always wanting to be right there inside his energy with him.
He groaned, welcoming me as he cupped my hair, only to pause and ask, We re not that late yet, right? How about we crawl into the back and spend a few more minutes?—?
Fos, I whimpered, regretfully pulling myself away. We can t. One of your best friends just graduated from college. We re here to celebrate . Pushing my door open, I started to slide out into the warm evening, only to glance over my shoulder at him with an enticing smile. I crooked my finger in invitation. Now, come on, handsome. Let s go.
Answering with a hungry groan, he dove after me, foregoing his own door to crawl over the center console and follow me out the passenger side, his gaze never leaving mine the entire time.
Oh my God, I told him with a roll of my eyes. You re so crazy.
For you, yes , he answered.
And with that, he shut the door behind him so he could hurry after me. As soon as he caught up, he captured my waist and kissed the side of my throat as we continued toward the front door of Archer House together.
We re totally going to find someplace inside to hook up, aren t we? he wondered with the same big grin I used to fawn over as I watched him give television interviews.
Stomach tightening over the reminder that this beautiful, amazing, and loyal man was all mine, I sent him a helpless glance and admitted, Probably.
Yes! He shuddered in delight and pulled me tighter against him.
As I reached out to open the front door, he leaned in to smell my hair and then murmured, I can t wait.
I flushed with eager anticipation just as we entered the living room.
Hudson glanced over from nearby where he was talking to…someone. And he smiled in greeting. Hey, hey. Look who finally decided to join the—Damn, you two! Lifting his eyebrows in censure, he shook his head. Are y all trying to dethrone Vargas and Archer from being the most sexually active couple in the group or what?
What? Foster asked with a whatever-do-you-mean laugh.
Oh, don t even try that innocent act on me, pal, Hudson charged. Her lipstick s all over your mouth, and the freshly fucked glow is basically emanating from her pores. You two just got freaky, and you were thinking about doing it again already, weren t you?
As I slapped my hands to my heated cheeks, utterly embarrassed, Foster merely threw his head back and laughed before he pulled me close and kissed my hair. Damn, he s good, he murmured in my ear.
Having overheard him, Hudson answered, Yes, I am. Now… Gripping Foster s arm he tore him away from me. Give the poor girl s hoo-ha a minute to recover, will you? Jesus. Go play foosball with Duggie or something. And with that, he shoved Foster away from us.
When Foster glanced back at me, I only shrugged and blew him a kiss in farewell, so he finally turned away and started toward Keene who was shooting his arms into the air and shouting his triumph.
Next to me, Hudson threw an arm over my shoulders and shook his head with a satisfied hiss. Wow, does he have it bad for you, Red. Didn t I say you were just what he needed? I clearly recall saying that very thing once upon a time.
You might ve mentioned something to that effect, I allowed with a slow nod, only to glance up at him and challenge. But you never told me he d be just what I needed right back.
With a chuckle, he leaned in and kissed my cheek. Then cheers all around. Sticking close after the kiss, he murmured into my ear, I just wanted a moment to thank you.
I pulled back to squint at him in confusion, and he shrugged. You made him smile again. He looked all wrong without that goofy Union grin plastered across his face. But you came back and made it reappear. He missed you something fierce, darlin .
Glancing over as Foster and Keene faced off across the foosball table, I smiled softly. Yeah, I m glad I came back too.
Amen, Hudson said, only to nudge me away from him. Now, if you re game for a little girl gossip and really want to make the most of that break I got for you, I believe Faith and Oaklynn are in the kitchen, sharing all kinds of secrets.
Brightening at the idea of seeing my girls, I said, Definitely! Thanks, Hudson.
Anytime, sweetheart.
But as I hurried toward the kitchen, I bumped into Alec who was exiting it, carrying two drinks with him.
Oh, hey! I said, grabbing his arm in greeting. I loved that last reel you shared with me. I think it was my favorite yet.
He looked momentarily stumped before his face brightened. You mean, the sister helping her brother take medicine video? Yes! I had a feeling you d like it. Still doesn t beat the one you sent with the kid on the swing that flips off the seat when the cat falls on it. Holy shit, I laughed for, like?—
Yo, Younger, Keene called from across the room, looking suddenly irritable at the foosball table. Where s that drink you were getting me?
He must ve been losing because when Foster glanced over and made eye contact, he jerked up his eyebrows in amusement and sent me a triumphant grin.
Hold your damn horses, Alec yelled back, only to glance at me and smile, saying, I better go. See ya. And he started toward the foosball game.
I grinned and shook my head, only to enter the kitchen and find it occupied by a dozen more people. When I spotted Faith and Oaklynn toward the back, gossiping together, I started that way, only to run into Damien and Thane first.
Hey, fellows, I said with a big grin. Looks like you guys have quite the party going.
And it just got good now that you re here, Thane told me, leaning over to give me a one-armed hug. Foster in the front room?
Yep. Hudson forced him to play foosball with Keene.
Ah. Poor Keene.
I laughed. That seemed to be the case, yeah. So did you bring your girlfriend tonight? I can t wait to finally meet her.
With a quick grimace, Thane answered, No, she couldn t make it; I m sorry, darlin . We ll have to catch her at the next event.
Sure, I told him gracefully, even though I thought it kind of odd that she hadn t come to his best friend s celebration party. She hadn t been able to make it to Parker s actual graduation either. I was beginning to wonder if this mystery woman wanted to meet us at all.
When Faith and Oaklynn started to laugh together, my gaze zipped that way. Ooh, they re gossiping without me! Returning my attention to Thane and Damien, I said, Catch you guys later.
Enjoy, Thane told me, patting my arm as I passed by, and Damien bobbed his head in farewell.
What d I miss? I demanded as soon as I reached the girls. Start over from the beginning.
Hey, there you are! Oaklynn said, opening her arms to pull me to her side as Faith handed me a drink. We were just wondering if Foster was going to release you from bed to come here tonight or not.
He doesn t have actual ropes or chains, does he? Faith teased with a quick lift of her eyebrows.
Oh, come on now, I argued, taking a sip to realize—yes—we had Hudson s special brew of heaven again. We re not that adventurous.
Faith and Oaklynn looked at me as if I were in denial.
You re certainly that amorous, though, Faith claimed.
I blushed. Hey, Foster had a handful of some very dry years there, I argued. He s just trying to catch up, and I m… After a small shrug, I broke into a big grin and ended with, Well, I m just reaping the benefits.
Yes, queen! Faith called out in praise, lifting her cup to clink it against mine. Sing it!
I m so happy for y all, Oaklynn cooed, leaning her head over to rest the side of her brow against mine. And I m the first person who knew you two would make a cute couple. Pointing at me with the hand she was using to hold her own drink, she warned, I want you to remember that when you guys have your first kid, ya hear?
I laughed. Actually, Parker s already claimed our firstborn s name.
Where is Parker? Faith asked with a squint as she glanced around the kitchen. Doesn t that boy know this party s for him?
I think Damien told me earlier that he was in the garage, macking on a couple of girls.
A couple? Damn. He s as much of a hound dog as Keene is.
Much subtler, though, I said, remembering the first night I d met both men and how they d both flirted. Four months seemed like eons ago now.
True, Faith agreed, only to point at me. Hey, that reminds me. Then she laughed at herself, letting me know she was getting a little affected by all the alcohol she must ve already had. No idea how that reminded me, but guess what? Hudson got a new job.
What?! I lit up excitedly. Foster had told me how he d lost the last one. Where?
Well, I guess this new restaurant recently opened across town, on the bay. I think it s called V-Eleven, or something like that. Anyway, the owner somehow pinched both the saucier and friturier from Gusanos where they d been Hudson s supervisors before, making them the new head and sous chef at V-Eleven. And they specifically asked for Hud to join their team.
Oh man, that s great, I said, gripping Faith s hand. Foster said Hudson really liked learning under those two.
He did. I think this new place is going to be even better than Gusanos. I can t wait to see how it takes off.
Hey, check it, Oaklynn broke in, bumping her arm against mine. Looks like Parker finally settled on which girl he s taking home tonight.
Faith and I glanced over to find him entering the kitchen through the garage exit, his arm thrown over the shoulder of some tall, shapely goddess with long, black hair and killer heels.
Wow, she s pretty, I said, taking a long drink as I watched Parker tip his face down to the side to listen to the girl say something in his ear. I wish I could wear heels like that.
Oaklynn glanced at me and cracked a laugh.
I wonder what her name is, Faith murmured, tipping her head thoughtfully as if she was sizing the gal up, determining if she was worthy enough to become another member of our group.
Doesn t matter, Oaklynn answered dryly before taking a drink. She ll be gone again tomorrow.
Mmm, probably, Faith said with a dismissive shrug as Parker s friend stepped away from him to get herself a drink at the table.
He turned toward Thane and Damien as if to join them while she was busy, but when he caught the three of us watching him, one of his eyebrows hitched up suspiciously.
Now this looks like trouble, he announced as he strolled over. Just what kind of mischief are you ladies getting yourselves into over here?
Hey, Park, Oaklynn said. Who s your new friend?
He sent her a look as if she was crazy for even asking. Like I remember her name.
You know, if you really want to impress her, I said, lifting onto my toes so I could reach for his hair and tousle it. You should go for the bedhead look. Your hair is absolutely yummy when it s all crazy and messy.
As he sent me a frozen, startled glance, Faith snagged the top button on his shirt. And maybe undo this next button here. That ll catch her interest for sure.
Ooh, roll your sleeves a little too, Oaklynn said. Exposed forearms are the sexiest.
Parker looked at the three of us in confusion before snapping, What the fuck is happening right now?
We re just so proud of you, I answered, pinching his cheek to make him pin me with a dismayed glance. You re a big-time graduate now, so we thought we d congratulate you by helping you land whoever you want tonight.
He furrowed his brows, then dryly said, If this is your idea of wingwomaning me, I ll pass. And he proceeded to shrug us away.
Hey, don t you want a little help from people who actually know what women want? Oaklynn argued.
Parker only lifted his shoulders. Never needed it before. He turned away to rejoin his new friend, only to find some other guy macking on her now. What the hell?
Ooh, too bad, I said sympathetically. Looks like that one got away.
As he sent me a dark look, Faith added, Guess you should ve followed our advice from the beginning.
Unbelievable. He threw up his hands in frustration, making me, Faith, and Oaklynn laugh. Union, he charged with a dark look over my shoulder. You need to do something about your woman. The other two weren t so bad until she came along and turned them into the fearsome threesome.
My boyfriend s laugh filled the air just before a pair of familiar arms wrapped around my waist from behind. Causing havoc again, my dear? he asked before pressing a kiss to my cheek.
I smiled and tipped my face back so I could rest the back of my head on his shoulder and reach up to stroke his hair. Always. I thought you were dueling Keene in the front room.
Already beat him, he answered, pressing his cheek to mine and beginning to sway with me as he turned his gaze toward Parker. Did you tell him about his graduation present from us yet?
Parker cocked up a curious eyebrow. Graduation present?
Ignoring him, I answered Foster, No. I was waiting for you.
What graduation present? Parker persisted. I told y all I didn t want anything.
It s not a present per se, Foster answered. Just more of something we want to do for you.
Glancing between me and Foster, Parker guessed, A night with Red?
What? No ! Foster cried. Dude, really?
Parker only shrugged, unrepentant.
We do want to discuss it privately, though, Foster added, which only made Parker perk up even more.
So… Two nights with Red? he said.
Seriously? No, Foster growled. You re not sleeping with my girlfriend.
I mean, technically he kind of would be if he decided to accept our offer, but I didn t say as much because that would only get Parker really going, and he was already having too much fun as it was irritating poor Foster.
Alright, then, Parker told us, splaying out a hand. Lead the way. I m curious to hear what you have to say.
Foster and I glanced at each other, and we each took a deep breath. You re sure? Foster asked me, looking suddenly worried.
I smiled and kissed his cheek. I m sure. I want to help if I can.
His eyes warmed. God, I love you, he murmured, leaning over to kiss me back. I m so happy you returned to town.
Squeezing his arm, I glowed with joy. So am I.
Parker snapped his fingers between us to break up our moment. Yeah, yeah. We re all happy. Now… What do you want to help me with?
Right. Foster cleared his throat, then took my hand, squeezing my fingers, as he glanced at Parker. Let s talk in Hudson s old room.
O…kay, his friend said slowly, frowning suspiciously between us.
From there, we worked our way through the house until we made it to what used to be Hudson s room.
The last one in, Parker closed the door behind him and leaned against the panel. Then he folded his arms over his chest and demanded, Alright. Talk.
Foster and I exchanged one last glance, and it filled an entire conversation. When I nodded, silently letting him know it would be an honor to help his friend, he smiled encouragingly.
I turned to Parker. Okay, so… Faith and Oaklynn mentioned to me that they tried to help you find your parents. To see if they were possibly still hanging around…as ghosts.
Straightening in surprise, Parker dropped his arms from his chest and glanced questioningly at Foster before he turned back to me. Yeah? he answered in a low voice, only to lift one shoulder as if he didn t care as much as I could tell from the expression on his face that he really did care. But I don t think they re ghosts. I think they…passed on.
I nodded. Well… I bit my lip and looked at Foster. He nodded again and smiled at me, showing me how proud he was of my abilities.
Returning my attention to Parker with renewed vigor, I explained, In that case, I was able to help Foster see his brother again. On the other side. And then… I helped the rest of his family communicate with Hayes too. And Hayes also found my sister for me to see. So I m pretty sure he and I could do the exact same thing for you and your parents.
Parker s mouth fell open, and stunned shock rocked his features.
So what do you say, Park? Foster asked quietly. Would you like to see your mom and dad one more time?
The End