Surrendering (Surrender 1)

“Ha, ha, ha.”

“You know, you shouldn’t be so judgmental; Damon may be really nice. He sure is easy on the eyes.”

“You’re right; maybe I’ll call him once I get settled.”

“That’s what I’m talking about!” Says Ella as she high-fives me. All of us are laughing now.

Damon returns with Abbi’s keys and he smiles over at us before getting back to work.

Once we get our bar bill and pay, we each make our calls to our designated drivers to come get us. Finn will be here within five minutes. I say my goodbyes and promise to get the lease agreement signed as soon as I receive it tomorrow. I also tell them I’d know about the alarm by Friday. We hug goodnight. I wave good-bye to Damon and he grins. He licks his lips as I walk away. Oh well, at least I’m going to have good dreams tonight.

Chapter 3

Moving Day

To say I’m excited is an understatement. I’m positively giddy! It only took a week for me to get my moving arrangements made. After I talked to my dad and we discussed the rent and the security, I signed a year lease. Finn explained to my dad that a general security system would be sufficient and ordered the necessary equipment. He’ll install the system tomorrow.

I have a small rental truck filled with all my personal things from my parents’ storage. Finn, Robbie, and I loaded the truck last night. Finn’s going to drive it to the house and I’m going to meet him there. Two of Finn’s roommates, Tripp and Gabe, agreed to help us move my stuff into the house today. Tripp and Gabe are meeting me there too. I’m rushing to get there first so Ella and Abbi won’t have to be alone with them.

Not only are Tripp and Gabe beautiful, but they’re incorrigible flirts. They’ve easily seduced their share of women. I don’t want to have to beat them off of my new roommates today; that’s why I want to arrive first and set some rules. Finn’s other roommate, Jimi, is working today, but he’ll stop by later. These guys are great to me and I’m lucky to know them, but they can be a hand-full.

It’s a hot July afternoon and I packed several coolers in the back of Finn’s truck. I have everything from bottled water to bottled beer and enough snacks for everyone. Since we don’t officially start school for three more weeks, I’ll have plenty of time to unpack and get settled.

When I arrive, I only see Abbi’s car out front. I hear music coming from inside and it sounds like hip-hop blend. When I get to the door, I knock loudly in hopes that she’ll hear me.

Abbi opens the door and immediately jumps up and down. “Raven, I’m so excited moving day is finally here! Ella and I are ready to help, just tell us what to do and where it goes. We can be your minions. Oh, and by the way- you live here now, stop knocking. I’ve put your keys on the kitchen counter.”

“Thanks, I must have forgotten to tell you that I asked Finn and his roommates to help today. I have three guys on their way to move the heavy and large items into the bedroom. Then there are only a few more loads of boxes; it should be simple. I do have three coolers in the truck. Can you help me get those into the house?”

“Sure thing, let’s go. I can unpack the groceries while you get started. Ella will be home from her run in a few minutes.”

As we unload the truck, I see Gabe’s black Range Rover driving up. Tripp and Gabe hop out and start whistling and catcalling so I shake my ass at them.

“Don’t think that just because you’re moving out, you can escape my powers of prowess, Rave. I’m more determined now to get you in my bed for some overdue TLC! And I’m offering myself to you as your first overnight houseguest,” yells Gabe.

“Thanks for the offer, Gabe, but Tripp already called first sleepover and I already bought the sleepwear.”

“Going down in flames buddy, give it up.” Tripp smiles at Gabe.

“Will you two stop and come meet my new roommate?” I look at Abbi who is smiling widely. She obviously likes what she sees.

Just as Tripp and Gabe get to the truck to help unload the coolers, Ella jogs up. Everyone stops and looks at each other. I guess it’s beauty overload because Tripp and Gabe just stare at Abbi and Ella with huge grins on their faces.

“Okay everyone, Abbi and Ella, this is Tripp and Gabe. They’re going to help today. I’ve promised beer and poker after we’re done. I hope that’s okay?”

“Sure, Raven, whatever you want,” whispers Ella who is obviously captivated by Gabe.

I need to break this up before they forget our purpose, “Let’s get the coolers inside.”

We all reach for a cooler and the guys take the two heaviest into the kitchen. I see Finn pulling up and rush to the front driveway to help him. I jump into his arms. “Thank you for being so awesome to me! I’m so excited about today.”

“Jesus, Rave, give a guy some notice. I could have dropped you. But now that you are in my arms, I can do other things to you. How about let’s start with the mouth and work our way down?”

I laugh out loud. “Please tell me, does that work on other women, because I can’t take you seriously with that cheesy line.”

He laughs too. “Thought I’d give it a try.”

“Okay, lovers, can we get this done? I have two special friends waiting for me when this is over. Their names are Budweiser and Jack Daniels,” Tripp yells from the porch.