Surviving (Surrender 2)

He lowers his lips to mine in a soft kiss. I press into him trying to deepen the connection when there’s a loud noise behind us. We break apart to see a very unhappy Robbie glaring at me.

“Raven, did you know that girl is here?”

“If you mean Ember, then yes, I do. Remember I invited her?”

“Please don’t do this, RJ. I’m not looking for a relationship.”

“Then don’t. Be polite and cordial. I’m not trying to marry you off. I noticed how nice she was and told her about the show tonight. She came and to be honest, the little time I spent with her, she was fun. You’re not the only single man in this place, Robbie. Maybe she’ll meet someone or maybe she won’t. I don’t know her well enough to answer that.”

He rolls his eyes and turns to leave when Declan says, “Telling you, ‘innocent and sweet’ is the best I’ve ever had. Better than I could ever dream about.”

Robbie gives him a death glare and goes to the other room.

Declan and I make out a little more before he has to perform. When he drops me back off with my friends he pulls Finn to the side and I see them both nod their heads. Finn looks at me with sadness on his face.

During the show, all the girls do leave the room to dance by the stage. Kendall’s boyfriend, Brian, seems to hit it off with the guys in our group. Ember comes out of her shell and is actually a lot of fun. When Sayge finishes their one set for the night and introduces Knight’s Dream, we go back to the room.

I’m about to open a beer when Finn wraps his arms around me from behind. I know it’s him from his scent.

“Baby Girl, you mad with me?” he says quietly into my ear.

“Not really, Finn. I don’t know how to explain it. That girl was so trashy and you’re so awesome. I love you and wouldn’t ever put you with someone like her.”

“I’m not a saint, RJ, though it may not seem like it, I like sex too. I’m sorry she was there when you came to pick me up.”

I turn so I can wrap my arms around his shoulders. “I know and it’s none of my business.”

“You’re my business and I’m yours too. And if it makes you feel better, I didn’t have sex with her. My beer goggles started wearing off early. I let her suck my–”

“Gross! Stop talking! I don’t want to know.” I stop him from finishing his statement.

He picks me up and spins me around until I get dizzy. “We okay now?

I shake my head and hold on to him tight. He kisses my forehead and puts me down. Most of the room is staring at us. Declan walks through the door, assess the situation and raises his eyebrows in question.

“We’re good man. Talked her down from her snit.” Finn tells him.

He does a head nod and then goes to help Ryan set up. Gabe has Harper backed into the corner. He has barely left her side all night so we haven’t been able to get the scoop. She looks confused. I’m thinking of a way to get her to the bathroom so she can spill when I watch in surprise as Gabe picks her up and kisses her.

“Another one bites the dust.” Finn says behind me.

“Oh my God. How long has he liked her?”

“Not sure, but last night at the fight and then the after party he wouldn’t stop talking about her. I guess Abbi sent a secret picture to Jimi of Harper in some black outfit and he went crazy. He was almost as anxious as your man to get to you.”

“This is so awesome! She’s been into him forever. I’m so excited for her. Now we need to get you, Robbie, and Tripp a nice girl.”

“Whoa–stop your scheming. I don’t know about the other two, but leave me out of it. I already tried the whole love thing. Didn’t work out so well.” he looks at me seriously.

“Finn...” Tears fill my eyes.

“Don’t you dare get upset. I only meant I don’t want you to set me up. I’m happy right now. And I’m happy for you. So leave it.” he hugs me tightly against his body.

“I sure hope this is a Happy Birthday hug and you’re not trying to steal my girl again.” Declan says quietly behind me.

I turn and see him smiling at Finn who is also grinning.

“Nah, man, just trying to keep her from matchmaking my ass.”