Mom looks like she wants to question me, but nods and goes back to the living room, leaving me alone with my thoughts. Fuck! I hope Ember will understand.
Ember curls and sighs, pressing her naked, sweaty body into mine. “I had a great time tonight.”
“Me too.”
“You want to tell me why Raven kept looking at me with winks and grins? I felt like she was seeking some sort of sign.”
My heart starts racing, wishing I could avoid this as long as possible. Scared of her reaction, I roll her back over and pin her down. “Say you love me.”
“I love you, but you’re freaking me out.”
“I purposely lied to my sister last night. She started questioning me, you, our relationship. I froze. The only thing that came to mind was your safety and privacy. So I played it off, told her I was confused about you. Didn’t know where we stood.”
“Why would you do that?” Her small voice cuts me like a knife.
“You’ve become so important that I would hurt anyone that caused you pain. Raven’s life is full of drama. I want none of that for you. I saw how your mother’s shit affected you. It scares me to think that you may be hurt by anything at all. I’ve always been private, very private. The last thing I want is for you to be dragged into shit I can’t contain.”
“You lied to your sister, who you love more than anything, because you’re protecting me?” Her voice is strained.
“Baby, I just became the brother-in-law of a rock star. As much as it kills me, I had to make a decision. We’ll —”
“No, Robbie! My dad is in jail. My aunt and cousin spend every day trying to make sure I won’t crack. You are the one person who sees the real me! Don’t ever lie for me again! I want the world to know I’m in love with you. I want the world to know I’ve finally stepped out and conquered my demons.”
I shut her up with a deep kiss, running my tongue over her teeth and lips, ravaging her mouth. She tries to protest, but I align my body over hers and gently slide into her wet heat.
“I love you, Ember. I’m not proud of what I did, but it’s done.”
“Don’t lie for me again.”
She thrashes against me, trying to say something else, but I don’t give her the chance as I pound into her and keep her mouth occupied.
“You poor, poor girl.” My mom’s voice cracks as she wipes her eyes.
“Jenna, please don’t feel sorry for me. I wanted to tell you because it’s important for you to know me, and to hear from me what my life was like. My dad will be moving to Nashville soon,” Ember reassures her.
“When will you see him again?” Mom asks.
“My trip down was delayed, but I think we’re going next Sunday.” Ember looks at me to confirm.
“Yeah, babe, we’re still going.”
“Let’s plan dinner after you get back. I want to hear everything.” My mom gives my dad a hard glare, and he jerks almost imperceptibly. This was the kind of silent communication I’d watched my whole life. They were so in tune that even silence could hold a conversation.
“Jenna, would you like to talk about your dress now? I brought my sketch pad.” Ember reaches down, and I help get her things out of her bag.
“Yes, let’s go to the kitchen.” Both women get up and leave the room, talking about colors and fabrics.
As soon as they’re gone, my dad leans his elbows on his knees and looks at me questioningly. I see the wheels turning in his brain, trying to think of the right way to ask.
“Just say it, Dad.”
“What don’t I know? Seven years seems like a long time for a man to go away for beating up a seventeen-year old boy he found in bed with his daughter.”
“I feel the same way. It’s the mom and sister that have the power to hurt her. She’s crazy about her dad. My first priority was to get her to open up, trust me. Now that she does, I feel comfortable researching deeper.”
“Son, I hate to even say this, because she seems like a sweet, talented, hard-working young woman that has risen out of a shitty situation, but are you sure that’s what you need right now? You’re still healing, yourself. Her emotional baggage can’t be—”
“Stop! Don’t say something you can’t take back. I love her. I fell in love with her probably before I was ready to admit it. It was me who pushed her to understand how incredible she is, emotional baggage or not— it makes her who she is. I wouldn’t change a fucking hair on her head. To me, she’s perfect.”