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“She’
s cool.” I try to sound casual.
“I already gathered that, since you brought her to your sister’s wedding. Tell me something I don’t know.”
“Like what?”
She looks at me and crooks her eyebrow.
“Shit, RJ, I’m not a chick. What the hell do you want to know?”
“How do you feel about her?”
Fuck no! I am not talking to my sister about the fact that I’m in love. That every time I see Ember, my mind goes to wanting her naked and hearing her come undone around my dick. No, there are boundaries.
“Did you seriously ask me how I feel? Not sure I’m comfortable with that conversation. Like I said, she’s cool. She’s smart and passionate about things she believes in. I enjoy spending time with her. But she’s so damn shy. I can make her blush just by kissing her. She’s met our whole family, and I have yet to meet anyone in hers.”
The lie flows out of my mouth so easily, my gut turns with guilt. Weeks ago, I made the decision to keep Ember sheltered from the fucking wild life Raven chose. While I hate blatantly lying, it is what I need to do to protect Ember.
“Like you said, she’s shy,” Raven states, waiting for me to respond.
“Yeah, but it’s always me making a move. Even when we’re in public, she won’t even hold my hand unless I grab hers first. It’s like she’s embarrassed.”
I lie again… my girl has become brazen, bold, and feels safe with me. Sweat runs down my back as the room heats up. My palms get clammy and the beer I’m holding slips. I need to wrap this up fast. Raven’s intentions are clearly in the right place, but it’ll be harder to apologize for being dishonest the longer this conversation goes on.
“Okay, let me fill you in on something. It’s not you. Ember told me herself that guys have always overlooked her. Girls have never been that accepting of her, so she’s insecure. You need to talk to her and continue to tell her how much you like her. Coming from a woman, not your sister, we want to be reassured. She needs a little push. And don’t forget that you and the guys are a little intimidating. You’re good looking and confident. I remember how Abbi acted when she first met Jimi. Look at how that turned out.”
“Are you kidding me? Why would anyone overlook her?”
Suddenly, her lack of confidence becomes my greatest concern. I know so much about her sister treating her like shit and sabotaging her relationships. But have I given her a reason to worry?
“I don’t know, but let me know if you want me to talk to her. You’re bringing her tomorrow night, right?” she asks, referring to Declan’s birthday celebration.
“Yeah, she’s coming.”
“Great, then make her feel special and I bet you’ll see her open up.”
“Can’t we quit talking about this shit now? I’m pretty sure we’ve crossed into heavy chick territory.”
“Yep, but know I really like her.”
“Me too.” Understatement of a fucking lifetime. I look over to see my mom watching me with questioning eyes. Her frown indicates she overheard my conversation.
As soon as RJ leaves, my mom starts in on me. “How could you? You lied to your sister and made Ember seem like a–a-a fling!” Her chest heaves as she glares.
“Mom, listen. I had to. Ember is not and has never been a fling to me. I’m in love with her, but this shit with RJ and Declan scares the shit out of me. The overwhelming need to take care of her outweighs anything. She has some deep- rooted issues, and all I’m worried about is her safety. Emotionally and physically. I’ll talk to RJ when the time is right, tell her I lied. But for now, this is what’s necessary.”
Her face softens and her eyes start to glimmer. “You are so much like your dad, it’s frightening. But more than that, I can’t believe you’re in love.”
“Yeah, let’s keep that to ourselves. Can I ask you a favor?’
“Anything.”
“Send me a list of things I’m obligated to in the next few months so I can get Ember’s schedule clear. And do you mind calling her and inviting her to dinner next week? Maybe y’all can talk about the dress you want made. It’s time she understands how a family works.”
“Of course, but why do you say that? I thought she has a wonderful family.”
“She has a terrific dad, cousin, and aunt. The rest are fucking animals. I think it’s time you know more about her.”
