"Yeah. I'm confused about how to proceed."
"Does he like you that way?"
That's a loaded question. Does he like me that way? After the past six years of being exiled from Sterling Shore—well, feeling exiled—you'd think I'd be smart enough not to attempt Dane Sterling again. But we're older now, and it's rather obvious the man feels something for me.
"Of course I'm sure. I'm not one of those oblivious girls who can't realize when a guy has feelings for her."
I cringe as soon as the words leave my mouth. I never realized Kode had feelings for me.
When I look up at Raya, she's pouting. And she's a really cute pouter. But then she gives me a look I can't really decipher, one that makes me feel the need to be defensive.
"What?" I ask, sounding a little harsher than necessary. I'm sure she's going to point out the fact that I missed Kode's affections.
"I was one of those girls," she growls, and I'm forced to stifle a laugh. How'd I forget about that? "And I wasn't oblivious," she adds, her pout still fully intact. "I was just... well, Kade is hard to read. Still is, apparently."
My amusement falls as sadness coats her last words.
"I'm sorry, Raya. I didn't mean to offend you. I really had no right to talk. As far as Dane goes, I'm certain that he's physically attracted to me, and he cares enough to stay with me in my house after a surgery, but I don't know how deep those feelings run. I just got him back. I don't want to lose him again. Last time... I thought he was ready, but he wasn't."
She nods slowly. "Men really are from Mars," she mutters dryly while pouring two large glasses of wine.
I laugh humorlessly while taking one glass, and we clink to silently toast the crazy other sex.
"Look, the guys don't know. About me and Dane, I mean. I'd rather they—"
"I don't talk, Rain. Never have. Don't worry. Your secret is safe."
"Raya?" a feminine voice prompts, and I turn to see a gorgeous woman with hair that rivals the color of midnight as she walks in.
"Hey, Ash," Raya says softly. "Where's Trip?"
The smile that girl unleashes could warm the coldest heart. Things start making more sense.
"He's with my parents. They rarely get to keep him. The boy is high in demand these days."
Trip must be the child. I have a hard time picturing Tag as a father.
Ash Masters walks toward me with her hand outstretched. "You must be the illusive Rain I've heard so much about."
She even talks pretty. No wonder Tag is wrapped around her finger.
"And you're the unicorn," I say matter-of-factly, earning a giggle from both girls.
***
DANE
"Rain's been gone for a while," I grumble while we walk over to the lavish setup Kade has for his ceremony.
The guy is going all out to announce the name for a new wine. And damn, he looks like he's strung too tight.
"Raya seemed... upset. I'm not sure what's going on," Tag says while joining us.
My observation about Rain missing goes unnoticed, which is irritating.
"Where's Ash?" Maver
ick asks.