Bran slowly slid free of her body, setting her back on her feet. He was still semi-hard. His dick had yet to give up the ghost.
The glistening head drew her attention, mesmerizing, in fact. Raven placed her hand on his stomach, starting a path down his abs.
Bran placed his hand on top of hers to stop its current trajectory. “I have plans, babe, and they don’t include another round on the patio.”
Laughing, Raven left off. For now.
“Leave the clothes. I’ll grab the whiskey. You want to know a secret?” Bran asked, picking up the lowball glasses. “I had very specific daydreams about my shower— you starred in all of them.”
“I’d like to know about these daydreams, Mr. O’Faolain, and if I’m impressed, I might tell you about some of mine.” Smiling, she turned and walked inside, giving Bran one hell of a lovely show.
18
Raven made Bran breakfast that they shared inside the screened-in porch. She didn’t exactly make it, so much as toast it. Bagel and cream cheese. She said she wanted to make sure he was well and truly hooked on her before she attempted cooking for him. That love could only go so far.
Her burnt cookies were never far from their minds.
The house was set high enough that the porch had a great view of the Arkansas River. The screens were a bonus because they didn’t have to share the morning with a hundred flying bugs. The little winged bastards managed to hit him directly in the face, over and over, until finally landing in whatever he was drinking.Nota perk of living in Oklahoma and why this room was a must.
Raven’s phone dinged. She smiled while she was reading.
“One of your sisters?”
“Yes,” she laughed. “River said to quit having sex and meet everyone at the pondominium. Eleven. She and Pat found new appetizers they want to try out on us. James and Jo are coming, too, and they’ll be in charge of cocktails. It’s a pre-dinner party, I guess.”
“That sounds like fun. I hope you brought a swimsuit. But before we head over to Dad’s, I want you to show me your landscaping ideas.”
“Of course.” Raven smiled absently as she contemplated the view.
Bran could tell her mind had wandered but knew she’d eventually tell him what was bothering her.
“I know I’m only months older than my sisters, but... I don’t know... I’m still the oldest, and I worry. Unnecessarily, I’m sure.”
“Hey, I’m only a year and a half older than Patrick, and there are times when I feel like he’s my twin and we’re equal in all things, and then there are moments when he goes on benders, partying too much or whatever, and all of a sudden, I feel this need to step in as the older, wiser brother.
“Sibling dynamics continually shift,” he continued. “Hell, I’ve seen Rowan eye River with motherly affection when she’s being extra... Rivery. Dad can make me feel like a naughty five-year-old, but most of the time, he’s just my best friend. Which sister is concerning you? Or is it both?”
“It’s River and... Patrick. I’ve never seen River so happy. Did you know they text all day long when they aren’t next to one another? When just the girls are eating, I feel like Pat’s there too.” Laughing, she leaned toward the empty chair beside her and asked a pretend Pat how his bagel was. “That’s what it’s like!” she laughed.
“Jesus, I wish that shithead could have seen you do that. I’ve noticed he talks about River, but it seems like a genuine friendship. I don’t think he would ever hurt her, babe.”
“Oh, no, I agree they truly are friends. But there have been a few times late at night, and I know they’re talking. Again, they’re adults. There is no curfew or lights out. It’s just... I can’t quite put my finger on it, but I think River’s feelings run much deeper than maybe Patrick realizes.”
“I will talk to him about it. Make sure he understands to be very careful.” Raven’s look of alarm stopped his reassurances.
“Good Lord, Bran, no! She would never forgive me if it changed their relationship. I only worry, but I love them both, and I’m willing to let them figure their own lives out. I refuse to interfere unless... I must.”
“I won’t say anything then. I know Dad isn’t complaining. Since becoming close to River, Patrick seems to have found a focus and purposeful intention in business. He has been a great asset to both of us in meetings and charitable events that he would typically hide from until the coast was clear. Okay, so we’re good where River is concerned. Any sisterly concerns with Rowan?”
“No. Not really. Rowan has always kept her cards close. She’s seemed, I don’t know, unsettled lately.”
“You’re aware. That’s probably all that’s needed at this point. And have you considered that a lot of things have changed for you three in a short period? Not the least of which is her big sister in a relationship.”
“That’s probably it.” She leaned over and kissed him. “I love you. I’m going to chill out. I’m not their mother, and I don’t want to be. Thanks for letting me talk things through.”
Raven pulled out her tablet to pull up some of the preliminary flower bed designs.
While Raven was distracted, Bran asked, “What do you think of hiring a full-time housekeeper who also... umm... cooks.” Raven’s instant inhale of outrage was priceless. If only he’d videoed it for blackmail with the family.
