Raya and Kade both laugh as their kiss grows sloppy and terribly off sync, but they never let go of each other. Several promises of love exchange, and everyone toasts them as Kade drops to Raya's chair and pulls her to his lap.
Paul takes over the podium as he speaks a little more about the vineyard's new wine and grape. Kade is going to be lost for the rest of the night.
"Congratulations," I say, holding my wine glass high.
Kade barely offers me a glance, since he's still sore about getting kicked out of my club, but he mutters a thank you. Raya gives me a more heartfelt thanks, but her eyes never leave the man she loves.
"I thought you were mad at me, or done with me. You've been so... weird for three weeks," she says while letting her eyes fall to the large ring on her small finger.
"I'm sorry, baby. I didn't mean to do that. I was... a little nervous you'd say no. It... I'm sorry. I was excited, terrified, and completely impatient for this night."
She laughs while pressing her lips to his again, and I glance at my watch. I doubt I can handle the overly affectionate couple while also dealing with Tag and Ash. My envy meter is about to burst.
"I think he just topped your proposal," Wren says, smirking at Tag who frowns.
"No," Ash says with a grin, kissing Tag's nose. "Kade's proposal was perfect for Raya, and Tag's proposal was perfect for me. Especially since he used Trip."
"Your kid?" Rain asks, probing for more information.
"Yeah," Ash says fondly, kissing Tag again, and then they're lost.
"This is getting hella gross," Rain groans.
"Ready to get out of here?" I ask, hoping she stands up and relieves me of the torture her ass in my lap has given me. She doesn't even hesitate to get up.
She staggers, but I've got my arm around her waist and steadying her the second I'm upright. The guys come to squeeze the hell out of her with hugs she can't yet withstand, and I scold them for being too rough.
"Just like old times," Maverick pouts, cutting his eyes toward me.
Rain laughs while kissing his cheek, and Corbin scoops her up to carry her bridal style to the car. Mav walks up beside me as I watch Rain and Corbin disappear toward the car.
"Always thought you two would end up like them," Rye says, suddenly right beside me as he sips a beer.
Where'd he get a bottle of beer at a wine function?
Maverick chuckles as he shakes his head. "I think the entire world thought that," he says, surprising me.
"Ah, hell. Dane was always too much of a player to settle down with one girl," Wren says, joining us.
Player? When the hell did I have time to be a player? They'd freak the hell out if I told them I was eighteen before I was ever with a girl. Rain doesn't even know she was my first.
I'm pretty damn sure my lack of experience was evident during our one night together, but she couldn't have known she was my first. I know I was hers, though, and I should have been her last.
"Yeah. Girls used to go crazy talking 'bout Dane Sterling," Rye drawls, laughing as he thinks back.
I don't like this conversation, because I always hated dealing with those rumors in front of Rain.
"I need to go. I'll see you guys later," I mumble.
"Something I said?" Rye asks, having the audacity to sound amused as I walk away.
"Just tired," I lie, cursing the bastard.
But the second I see Corbin putting Rain down, and her sleepy smile becomes aimed at me, my world stops spinning. I'm in love with Rain Noles all over again, and this time I might not make it out without getting completely broken. I'm not sure you can put the pieces back together twice. I need to put distance between us before she shreds me.
When Rain reaches for me, I don't hesitate to wrap my arms around her. I suppose putting distance between us is going to be hard if I can't fucking deny myself the right to touch her as much as possible. And I'm greedy, because I can't seem to get enough.
Chapter 9