Surrendering (Surrender 1)

“Yeah, that’s his band Sayge. They play around town, mostly at The Steamroom on Thursday and Saturday nights.”

“Sweet baby Joseph, he’s in a band too? You hit the jackpot.”

“Thanks, I think so.”

“Enough about that, tell me about the girls. I’m not picky because this room is filled with beauties.” Kyle breaks in.

I laugh at him, “Well, to be specific, none of them are involved, but I think my roommate Abbi is off-limits. The three you haven’t met before are my besties. They live in Atlanta now for school, but we’re all from here. They’re home for the holiday.”

Brent still hasn’t said anything, but I can see him sizing up Harper.

I feel Declan’s hands grasp my hips as he situates himself behind me. I look up at him and smile; he looks so happy.

“Baby, these are my friends from class. These are the guys I’ll be spending most of my time with until the end of the semester. Y’all, this is Declan Collins.”

Everyone introduces themselves and shakes his hand. He doesn’t say anything at all when Brent reintroduces himself. Maybe he forgot about meeting him at the concert.

“I’m so glad you guys could come. I wanted to meet the people Raven’s doing the school project with. Please help yourselves. The food is in the kitchen and the bar is fully stocked. Our DJ will be here shortly and then the real fun will begin. Don’t be surprised if we don’t have a microphone set up by the end of the night.”

Everyone laughs, but I know he’s serious.

I take his hand and we make our way to the food table. My parents went all out. All my favorites are here: shrimp and goat cheese bruschetta, spinach and artichoke dip, buffalo chicken pinwheels, and homemade pepperoni pizza bites.

“Declan, this is awesome.”

“I had a lot of help. Abbi and Ella had the job of getting you here and we couldn’t think of any reason for you to come over before the show so we made up the story about the guitar. I started freaking out last night when Will came into the picture and told everyone you couldn’t go to the bar for two nights. That’s when I took him in the kitchen and told him the real plans. Finn and Robbie said something about already checking out everyone on the guest list so he agreed. The whole elaborate drama thing last night was a set up too. But most of it was ad-libbed. When I talked to your mom and dad, they mentioned providing this food. It seems like a weird combination to me, but she assured me you’d love all of it. So she contacted the restaurants and arranged for it to be delivered. All I had to do was set it up.”

“I can’t believe this; I’ve never had a big birthday party.”

“That’s exactly why I did it. It didn’t sit well with me that your birthday weekend was always overshadowed. You should have a celebration. Hell, in my opinion, everyone should celebrate the day you were born. I know I will from now on.”

“You really are too good to me.”

I wrap my arms around his neck and lean into him for a kiss. I push against him trying to show him exactly how appreciative I am. He clutches my thigh and lifts it around his waist. I feel his hardness and I wish I’d worn a skirt with much easier access. With his hand still on my thigh, he adjusts so his fingers are grazing against my core.

“Jesus H. Christ! Get a room!” Charlie yells at us as she comes over to the table to get a plate. I reluctantly move back. He drops my leg, but turns me so I cover the bulge in his pants. He quietly curses in my ear.

“On no, Romeo, Raven can’t hide what you’ve got going on down there,” she waves her hands at h

is pants. “I could see that thing from the other room. I must admit, I’m even more jealous of RJ now. She finally decides to give up her V-card and she gets that- lucky bitch.”

“Charlie, I can’t believe you just said that! And lower your voice, people can hear you.”

“Why do you think I’m here? People are hungry and everyone’s scared to come in here and interrupt whatever’s going on. So I volunteered. As soon as I say the coast is clear, this room will be filled.”

“You’ve got to be kidding me. Please tell me you’re kidding me,” I say as Declan starts laughing behind me.

“Not at all. And let me tell you, it was priceless to see Robbie’s face when he realized his baby sister was no longer a virgin. I think Finn was equally as upset.”

“How in the world would that even come up in conversation? Who told them?”

“Kendall may have let it slip without realizing they had joined the conversation.”

OH MY GOSH! This was terrible. Declan has not stopped laughing and now Charlie is laughing with him. “I don’t know what’s so funny. This is more than a little awkward for me.”

“Well, get over it because that cat’s outta the bag.”

I don’t get to say anything else because the crowd must have heard the laughter and felt safe to come and get food. I load my plate and make my way towards the back porch to eat. Declan follows, but before we could get out the door, I catch Robbie watching us and his eyes are shooting daggers at Declan. I smile his way and he shakes his head. Finally, he smiles back and nods at me.