Surrendering (Surrender 1)

“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?”

“Declan, he doesn’t kiss me.”

“Are there fireworks in the room when anyone kisses you?”

“No

one else kisses me.”

“That’s a fucking great answer, Sparkle.”

“Let me talk to Finn. Maybe we’ll stop by tonight. Are you going to be okay if he’s there?”

“Yeah, Sparkle, I’ll be okay. But why don’t you make plans for me to bring you home.” It was a statement, not a question.

“I’ll see what I can do. I’ll call you after I talk to him. Do you want to give me your number?”

“No, babe, I want you to give me your number. I’ll call this afternoon and check in. You can save it then. I’m not trying to be a jerk. It’s just that right now, all I want to do is kiss you. Then I need to try to get out of here without my sisters seeing my hard on.”

“You can stay a while if you want. We could watch some TV in here.”

“I’m not sure that’s a good idea. Your outfit is screaming at me to rip it off and your bed is five feet away. Remember my nonexistent self-control?”

My thoughts immediately think of Declan in my bed and I’m wet. I think he can read the effect because he moves his lips back to mine and tightens his grasp on my ass. All I can do is groan into his mouth.

He pulls back again and gently kisses me over my eyes. “Sweet Raven, go shower and call your boy. I want to see you tonight. I want to introduce you to my band. I want to talk about this crazy attraction. Does that sound okay with you?”

I can’t speak so I nod instead. He smiles and lets me go. I watch him adjust his shorts and reach for the door.

“Until tonight, Sparkle, see you then.”

Chapter 9

The Steamroom

Finn thinks it’s a great idea to go to The Steamroom. He invites the guys, and Abbi and Ella decide to come along. They’ve softened completely and they haven’t mentioned anything about this morning. I did notice that when I went to get lunch, they had cleaned out the leftovers from last night. I guess they weren’t too mad about Declan’s dinner after all.

As I’m getting ready to go out, I choose to wear a pair of low-rise light jeans and an electric blue off the shoulder top. I add tons of silver accessories and my black wedge platforms. I blow out my hair, but leave the waves that fall and apply more make-up than usual. I’m not sure about what’s going on between Declan and I, but I certainly want to look the part tonight. Nothing too flashy, yet sassy and sexy.

When we arrive, we go to the head of the line since Abbi and Ella are on the guest list. We spot Jimi and Tripp at a corner booth and they wave us over.