Chapter Twenty
Me: Raina…what the fuck is going on? Why haven’t I heard from you?
I let out a frustrated sigh as I tuck my phone back into my pocket.
Yanking my helmet off, I balance it on my bike’s handlebars.
I’ve texted her four times today, and not once has she replied.
I know she’s home—I checked when I drove by her apartment on the way here.
However, I didn’t see Scottie’s truck around, which gives me a bit of relief.
At least she’s not with that jerk off. Still, I can’t shake off this feeling of uncertainty.
With her silence, it’s like I’m completely out of control regarding what’s happening between us.
Is she angry with me? Or has she finally had enough?
Can I really blame her? Honestly, I’ve been the one stirring up trouble since we first crossed paths, and I still can’t figure out what the hell I’m doing.
I aggressively rub my face, staring at the house I lived in for many years.
I am not looking forward to this afternoon’s dinner.
I still haven’t talked to Beck, and now here I am, having to meet the guy she’s exploring a relationship with.
I had almost talked myself out of coming multiple times, but I tried to remember what Blake mentioned.
And well, this family has done so much for me throughout my life, so I knew this had to be done.
With that being said, I did make a point of arriving right on time to avoid any awkward conversations before dinner.
I had also hoped Blake would be here before me.
He always knows how to fill in the quiet moments when things seem on edge.
Mainly, because he doesn’t know how to shut the hell up. But we love him for it.
I scan the vehicles in the small driveway and spot Beck’s car parked.
Behind it sits a dark blue BMW that I assume belongs to Jenson, while Eric’s truck is tucked away in the garage.
Naturally, Blake is nowhere to be found.
Taking a deep breath, I hop off my bike.
Suddenly, I hear the loud thump of music, and moments later, Blake rolls in with the windows down, blasting Bone Thugs she’s dressed up a bit more tonight. Her dark auburn hair is curlier than usual, and she’s wearing some makeup. With or without, she looks beautiful.
She walks toward me, reaching out for a hug. I can sense the tension between us, and our embrace turns out to be the briefest hug I’ve ever shared with her. As she steps back, she places her hands on her hips and glances up at me before quickly looking away. “So, you have a cat?” she asks.
“No, I’m just cat-sitting until she finds a home.”
She bites her cheek, nodding slowly with a tight smile. It seems like she’s about to say something, but her attention shifts to someone approaching from behind her. This must be Jenson. She steps aside to let him come up beside her. “Uh, so this is Jenson. Jenson, meet Ezra.”
I observe him as he gazes at her intently, fully engaged until she finishes speaking.
When she’s done, he turns his attention back to me, extending his hand in greeting.
I reach out, noticing his eyes momentarily dart to my tattoos and scars, though he quickly regains his composure.
I can only assume Beck and Eric have filled him in on my unsettling past, preparing him to meet the damaged man who was left behind with no family.
As I clasp his hand, I try to brush off the feel of his calloused palm against mine.
“Beck and Eric have told me a lot about you. It’s great to finally meet,” he says. I nod firmly in response.
I step aside and lean against the kitchen counter, watching as he and Blake officially meet.
I catch a glimpse of Beck’s smile as she shifts her gaze between her brother and the guy she’s into.
My eyes wander to the living room, where everything looks mostly familiar except for the newer couch and a smaller coffee table.
My gaze lands on the couch, sitting right where the old one used to be.
Memories flood back of that intimate night and how quickly it spiraled into chaos for both of us.
Since then, nothing has felt the same between us.
Just when I thought we were making progress, I turned around and fucked everything up.
“Ezra, are you going to eat?” Eric calls out from beside me.
I quickly reply, “Yeah, sure. I’ll grab a couple of pieces.
” After everyone has made their way around to get their plates, we all migrate to the living room.
Beck and Jenson settle onto the couch while Eric slides into his small recliner off to the side.
Blake plops down on the floor, propping his plate up on the coffee table.
He motions for me to join him on the floor, but I wave him off, preferring to lean against the wall that leads into the kitchen.
Things fall silent for a moment, and I can feel my heartbeat start to quicken. But Blake breaks the tension, his mouth full of pizza. “So, how did you meet my sister?”
All eyes turn to Jenson, who steals a glance at her and smiles.
“Well, after I transferred to the fire department here, your dad eventually showed me pictures of you all. When I saw Beck, I thought, wow…she’s stunning.
I just had to ask him if she was single or taken.
” Eric chuckles under his breath. “And he didn’t hold back, either.
” Laughter fills the room, but I stay focused on Jenson, eager to hear more.
“Anyway, he told me she was single, and I asked him to pass my number along so I could ask her out.” Jenson laughs and glances at Beck adoringly.
“He warned me she’d be tough to win over, and he was right…
she brushed me off at first. But hey, she’s coming around now.
” He nudges her playfully. I shift my gaze to her and see the light in her eyes.
She clearly feels something for him. I take a moment to study his looks.
From what I can tell, he doesn’t have any tattoos unless they’re hidden.
He has blue eyes similar to the twins’, but lighter.
His hair is a short, sandy blond. Overall, a well put-together guy.
I can’t shake the obvious, though—he’s everything I’m not.
“So, are you seeing anyone?” Eric blurts out, his question directed at me.
I blink, pulling my attention back to the room. Everyone’s looking at me, waiting for an answer. I clear my throat, “N-no, I’m not.”