Surrendering (7 page)

“Are you fucking kidding me?”

“What?
Almost Famous
is my favorite movie of all time. It’s probably one of the best rock and roll films ever.”

“Beautiful if anyone finds out about this, I’ll lose my man-card.”

“Would you rather watch
The Notebook
?”

“Fuck no.”

“Then
Almost Famous
it is.”

*****

After the movie’s over, I become anxious. I don’t want Declan to leave yet, but I’m not sure what to say. The entire time we watched the movie, I was a bundle of nerves. He had settled so close to me that my head was on his shoulder. He found little ways of touching me delicately throughout the movie, like brushing my hands with the tips of his fingers when he reached for his beer. He even brushed the tears off my cheeks when I was silently crying. Every single touch shot electricity through my body to my bones. I’m so worked up right that I’m scared to look at him. I’m certain he’ll see the lust in my eyes.

“I better go; I have somewhere to be in the morning.”

Disappointed, I stand with him. “Yeah, I have somewhere to be at 9:00 so I guess I should head to bed.” Something flashes in his eyes; it resembles my own reaction.

“Where do you have to be?”

“I try to go to yoga on Saturday mornings. I should go tomorrow; especially after all we ate tonight. I think I may go to a double class.”

“Is that where you were coming from when I ran into you?”

“Yes.”

“You always dress like that when you go to yoga?”

“If you mean do I wear workout clothes, then yes.”

“Those were a little skimpy for workout clothes.”

“Not really.” I get a little twinge in my stomach. I like that he remembers what I was wearing. I also like it that my skimpy clothes seem to bother him.

“New plan, I always play football with some guys on Saturday mornings. I’ll swing by here and get you at 8:30 and we can go together. Then when you’re done, I can bring you home.”

“That’s not necessary; I walk to the yoga center because it’s much quicker than trying to find parking. It’s just easier.”

“I want to pick you up- please?”

“Seems like an odd request, but okay. I’ll see you at 8:30.”

He smiles down at me and I melt, again. I suddenly realize that tonight was so much larger than just a movie night.

“Hey, Declan, I know you said you don’t date, but I think you broke your own rule tonight.”

“How so?”

“Well, in my book, when a man does dinner and a movie with a girl, it is labeled a date. Then you threw in dessert. That screams bona fide date.”

A slow grin slides across his face. “I guess you’re right, but we should keep that between us. I have an outside reputation to keep.”

I focus in on his lips again. This time he comments.

“See something you like?”

I think I nod, but I’m not sure.

“Raven, I have good intentions here, but stop fucking staring at my lips. I’m about two seconds away from slamming you against that door and wrapping your legs around my hips.” He growls.

I was already hot, but now I have images of Declan pressed up against me with my legs wrapped around him. Without thinking, I lift my fingers and slowly run them across his jawline. I lick my lips and look into his eyes. I’m not sure what my next move is, but I hope he takes over. My knees are weak and I’m pretty sure I’ve stopped breathing.

The next thing I know, his fingers are in my hair and he’s pulled me up to him so that we’re face-to-face; electricity’s flowing all around us. He slowly lowers his mouth to mine. When our lips touch, they’re on fire. I slink my hands up into his hair and he runs his hand down my back. He gently starts to nibble on my lower lip, asking for entrance. As soon as they part, his tongue jets in with desperation. I meet him thrust for thrust. Our mouths move over each other in a rhythm that’s hungry and almost primal. His hand reaches around to my ass, yanking me forward. I’m begging him not to stop kissing me. He tastes like beer and sugar. I feel the metal of his ring is cutting into me and I don’t care. I keep twirling my tongue with his, hoping he can feel what I’m doing. Suddenly, he pulls back and places dove–like kisses over my lips. He moves to my earlobes and down my jawline. I can’t move; I’m cemented to the spot. I’m still massaging his head while trying to catch my breath. When he moves back to my lips, I see the lust in his eyes. I watch him, hoping he can see the same in mine.

Then he breaks our spell. “What the fuck was that?”

Oh no, he hated it. I don’t have a ton of experience, but I like to think I know how to kiss. Suddenly, I’m trying to think of ways to back up and slink to my room. Judging by his tone, I don’t think he enjoyed that as much as I did.

“Did you feel that?”

I’m not sure I can speak, but I try. “Feel what?”

“I’m pretty fucking sure a spark of electricity just ran through my body. Not just a sparkle, but a complete bolt. All from a fucking kiss. I didn’t want to pull my tongue out of your throat, but I was scared my ring was going to pierce you.”

I nod.

“Jesus Christ, I knew you were beautiful and sweet, but I think I can add sexy as hell to that.”

I feel my cheeks start turning red. I’m trying so hard not to jump him right here in the foyer, but I might fail.

“Raven, I swear to God, I don’t want to leave, but I have to. I have no intentions of fucking you up against a door and that’s where this is leading. But I’m not fucking leaving without another kiss.”

This time, he bends his head to me and I immediately comply. Even though he isn’t as ravenous, the spark is still there. He has my hands pinned behind me before I can even protest. As his tongue meets mine, he groans. I lean my body against him tighter, but he pulls away.

“I’ll see you at 8:30. Lock the doors and turn on the alarm.” Then he turns to leave.

I think I hear him mutter ‘sparkle’ as he walks away.

Chapter 8

Sparkle

When I woke up this morning, I was scared to death. I’m still full of anxiety and might just pass out from it. I’m not sure how I should act around Declan. What if he gets here this morning and decides that last night was a mistake? What if he remembers it differently?

I dress in my favorite purple work out gear and toss my hair in a high ponytail. Since it’s so early, the girls aren’t home yet. I leave a note on the counter and walk into the living room to wait for my ride. Even though I turn on the news, I can’t drown out the thoughts running through my head. The doorbell rings and I grab my stuff to go.

Once I open the door, I’m suddenly calm. Declan’s standing on the porch wearing athletic shorts and a ratty grey shirt. He looks delectable. He’s removed his lip ring, but I can still see the small hole where it belongs. His whole body takes up the doorway and he towers over me.

Suddenly he leans into me and places a quick kiss on my cheek. He whispers, “Good morning, Sparkle.”

“Sparkle?”

“I decided when I got home last night that ‘Sparkle’ was your new nickname from me. I’ve never in my life had as much spark during a kiss as I did with you. Every time I say your new nickname, I want to remember that.”

“Okay, I think that’s a sweet thing?”

“Yes, beautiful, it’s a sweet thing.”

I quickly set the alarm and lock up the house. When we get to the driveway, I notice the huge Yukon.

“Is this your truck?”

“Yep.”

“It’s huge!”

“Heard that before.” He says and winks at me.

“Oh my God, did you just make my comment about your truck into a sexual prowl?”

“Yep.”

I stay silent as I hop in. I’m not kidding; you can fit eight people in this truck.

“In all honesty, I have this big thing because it fits a lot of people and I can haul things in it. When I travel with the band, we like to ride together so this was a good choice.”

“Sounds practical.”

“What kind of music do you want on?”

“Well, in my class we listen to Zen sounds for pure concentration. So I like to listen to pop or rock before I go in.”

“I don’t really do pop so rock it is.” He sets the station to hard rock and the famous sounds of Led Zeppelin come through the speakers.

He finds a parking spot close to my yoga studio and we make plans to meet back at the truck at 11:15. Before I get out of the truck, he gently runs his hand down my cheek and whispers, “Sparkle.”

*****

When I get to Declan’s truck after class, I notice I have two missed calls and three texts.

Both calls are from Abbi’s cell phone, but the texts are from Abbi, Ella, and Finn. Since Declan isn’t here yet, I decide to answer Finn’s text first.

Finn: Where are you?

Me: Was at yoga- heading home now.

Immediate reply.

Finn: Great, let’s head out about 8:00 tonight. I’ll pick you up.

Me: Perfect

Then I answer Abbi

Abbi: Where are you?

Same answer.

Me: Was at yoga- heading home now.

Another immediate reply.

Abbi: Great, hurry up. Ella and I need to talk to you ASAP!

Well, that’s nerve-wracking.

Me: Everything okay?

Abbi: You tell me- or wait- you can tell me when you get here. Hurry your ass up.

Declan approaches the truck. I’m freaking out and I think he can tell.

“You don’t look very Zen. Yoga must have been bad today.”

“Well nothing happened at yoga. When I got to the car and checked my messages, Abbi and Ella had tried to get a hold of me. Apparently, they need to talk to me. I was told to hurry my ass home.”

Realization dawned on his face, “Fucking damned hell! I have a feeling I know what’s going on. Let’s go.”

When we pull into the driveway, he looks at me and smiles gently. “I’m going in there with you. We’ll talk to them together. I’d like to be as vague as possible. I want to keep whatever’s happening between us private. We’re both adults and we can proceed without their permission. But I want you to know something before we get the Spanish Inquisition, I’m serious about getting to know you, Raven. They don’t get to know what happens between us. Are you okay with that?”

I smile and nod. I’m okay with that.

*****

I’m not sure what to expect as we walk into the house. Abbi and Ella are on the couch watching TV. There’s genuine surprise as I walk in with Declan behind me. They look between the two of us and then at each other.

“Please, Declan, not again. You promised.”

“No, Ella, not again. This isn’t what you think.”

“What do you mean it’s not what I think? Did you spend the night here last night?”

“Nope.”

“You guys are sort of freaking me out. What is it you want to know?” I interrupt.

Abbi speaks first, “Well, we didn’t know you two were still together this morning. When we came home and found the remnants of Dec’s famous family favorite in the refrigerator and dessert on the counter, we knew there had to be a mistake. Obviously, he knew we were at Dad’s last night so why would he bring over dinner. Then it hit us; he brought you dinner. Now you two walk in and it makes us wonder if he ever left last night.”

Declan groans to the ceiling, “Why are sisters such a pain in the ass?”

I look at both of them “It’s a simple answer. No, he didn’t stay the night. He came over with dinner and we watched a movie. When he left, he offered to take me to yoga since he was playing ball. He picked me up earlier and here he is dropping me off. Okay?”

Both sets of eyes go straight to Declan. “You brought dinner and watched a movie here last night?”

“Yes, Abbi.”

“On a Friday night?”

“Yes.”

“Wow, I may need a minute to process this. Not sure I’ve ever heard of you doing the date thing. It’s a little unexpected. It’s not your style.”

“Jesus Christ, Abbi, that’s a shitty thing to say, especially in front of the girl I was with. What’s wrong with you?”

It’s starting to get tense in here and I really don’t want to know what Declan’s ‘
style’
is. “I need to take a shower and get some lunch. Are we all okay here?” No one responds so I take that as a yes.

“See you later, Declan. Thanks for the ride.” I walk past everyone and into my room. The door’s just about shut when Declan blocks it with his hand.

“Wait a minute; I need to talk to you.”

“Okay, what’s up?”

“First off, can I come in? I’m not sure I want my sisters in on this conversation.”

“Sure, come on in.” I step back and he comes in and shuts the door behind him. He steps forward and pulls my body into his. Even though he’s still sweaty and I can visibly see the dirt on him, I don’t care.

“Raven, what are your plans tonight?”

“I’m not sure.”

“Can you come to The Steamroom to watch the band? Maybe we could hang out after we’re finished?”

“I’m not sure.”

He looks confused by my statement so I clarify. “I’m not trying to be vague, but I don’t know what my plans are. I got a text from Finn saying he was picking me up at eight and I’m not sure what he has planned. I could ask him and let you know.”

“You have plans with Finn on a Saturday night? Is it a date?”

“Never. We usually go out on Saturdays. It’s our thing.”

“I don’t want to be a dick, Raven, but please tell me the truth about you two. Is there something going on?”

“No, as I tell everyone, we’re just friends. He’s been a special part of my family for as long as I can remember-” I don’t get to finish the statement because he shifts his hands into my hair and tugs me toward him. Before I know it, he has his lips on mine and his tongue in my mouth. I feel it; the spark is there. The room starts spinning and I remember to breathe. As his mouth moves against mine, one hand moves down and grips my ass. The other massages the back of my neck. I miss the ring, but I enjoy the entirety of his mouth on mine.

When he starts to pull away, I whimper.

He stares at me and slowly licks his lips. “Are there fireworks in the room when he kisses you?”