Tripp and I exchange a glance at the fact Finn just called Raven out for being a bitch, but it doesn’t seem to faze her. Instead, she chews on her bottom lip and then claps.
“I’ve got it! Tomorrow afternoon, let’s have a pool party at my place. Everyone’s invited. Presley, will you bring your niece? I can’t wait to meet her. And Reese, too? I’ll have Declan set up the new volleyball net. It’ll be so much fun!” She bounces up and comes straight to us, throwing her arms around us both. “Come over around one. I’ll have all the food, too.”
“Too much, too soon,” I rumble into her hair. “Let’s take it slow.”
She backs away with a hurt expression but nods in agreement. “How about this? I’m going to plan a party at my place next weekend. It would mean a lot to me if you could come, and please bring your niece and Reese. We’d love to have you and finally get a chance to know you better.” Her lively attitude from a few minutes ago is replaced with sincerity. She gives me one last look and turns to leave.
We don’t say anything as she gives Tripp a quick kiss on the cheek and lets herself out. The door closes behind her, and I cock my head to the side.
“What happened?”
“That is Raven understanding she fucked up.” Finn chuckles. “You better get ready. If I know her, she’s about to beat down your door until you forgive her.”
Without seeing his face, I hear the humor in his voice. All thoughts of Raven are forgotten when he places his lips against mine and takes me back to his room.
Chapter 23
Presley
Holy shit! I think to myself and bite the inside of my cheek as we pull up in front of Raven and Declan’s house. I’d heard it was a mansion, but no one’s description came close to preparing me for this estate.
“That’s a big house, Aunt Presley. Who do we know that lives here?” Winnie asks from the backseat, her eyes as big as saucers.
“Finn and Tripp’s good friends, honey. Remember to be on your best behavior.”
“Hell no! Best behavior is boring! We’re going to raise the roof on this party, aren’t we, Whitney?” Tripp unlatches her from the booster and lifts her out of the truck. I expect him to put her down, but instead, he carries her proudly, leaving us to get the bags and cooler. Reese climbs out, whistling and giving me a knowing look.
Finn was right; Raven was relentless. She invited me to breakfast, lunch, and dinner—and when I declined, she showed up for kickboxing with Ember. Then she started calling, texting, and emailing just to say hello and ask me about articles she read and books she’s seen coming out. I tried to be nonchalant, but her persistence was comical, and I finally caved and agreed to come to the party this weekend. She cried… literally cried with relief on the phone and thanked me profusely.
I promptly called Reese and demanded she clear her schedule today and come with us. I explained, in great detail, what happened with Raven. Even though we somewhat cleared the air, I’m still nervous about it. Several times, I thought about trying to bail and schedule a ‘real’ lunch with Raven to get to know her better. But I remembered the carefree look on Finn’s face when I told him we were coming, so I decided to put on my big girl panties and give today a chance.
“Babe.” Finn drapes an arm around my shoulder and motions to Reese to come closer. “I know you both are uneasy. Anything happens and either of you want to leave, say the word. No questions asked, we’re out.”
I sink into him and move my hand to his neck, squeezing. Reese gives him a look of appreciation and nods.
“Aunt Presley, come on!” Winnie waves at me impatiently from the front door, still in Tripp’s arms.
“I think that’s one of the sexiest things I’ve ever seen,” Reese mutters under her breath.
“I agree.” My eyes start to mist at the sight. Tripp’s at least six-three, and even though he’s lean, he’s solid muscle. Winnie looks like a doll in his arms.
“You’ve got to be fucking kidding me,” Finn hisses with annoyance, lifting the massive cooler out of the back. “I carry in his beer and he carries in the princess? Shithead’s going to regret that.”
“Stop!” I lift up to kiss the underside of his jaw. “It’s sweet.”
“Let’s go,” he rumbles on the way to the door.
Tripp doesn’t knock but walks right in and announces our arrival. Winnie swings her head to me and gives me a wide smile, her eyes shining with happiness. I return the smile and blow her a kiss.
I barely get a chance to take in the opulence of the room before I am crushed into a hug.
“You’re here!” Raven steps back and repeats the same thing with Reese.
“Of course, we’re here,” I reply, holding out the bag in my hands. “I brought you something.”
Her face breaks into a brilliant smile, and her bright blue eyes gleam. “Thank you. That was unnecessary.” She pulls out the bottle of wine and squeals. “I love this!”
“Finn and I rode up to the Arrington Vineyards Winery last weekend. It was one of my favorites, so I hoped you’d like it as well.”