It's funny to watch a man built like pro athlete cower to a petite little thing like Rain. But they all cower to her. I was the only one who ever told her the truth, or told her when she was being an idiot. Then again, she never once threatened my balls either.
"I like your roses, Britt," Rain says, smiling at my sister who is gazing down fondly at the dozen red roses in her arms.
"Thank you. Dane got them for me. I've never had roses before."
Rain's smile grows bigger, and she nestles in closer to me.
"You look incredible tonight," I murmur against her ear, grinning when she shivers under my breath.
"Thank you," she says in a husky voice that proves she doesn't want to be stuck in a limo with other people.
It takes so much restraint, but I don't kiss her. Later. We'll have all the time in the world later.
***
RAIN
This is the worst I've ever hated any sort of party. This charity is for feeding the hungry. I'm going to hell because all I can think about tonight is getting Dane out of here and enjoying what I've always wanted—him. Have I not waited long enough? I'd say eleven years of waiting is more than plenty.
Britt is the only amusement I've had in hours. She's still holding those roses tightly to her body—even as they wilt—and carrying them around for everyone to see. If not for her, I'd be pulling my hair out right now.
"You look bored," a sexy voice says in my ear, and I grin foolishly while Dane wraps his warm arms around my waist, tugging my back to his front.
"I'm less bored now."
So this is what it feels like. I've written so many romances, and all of them have spawned from the way Dane made me feel when I was just a kid. Now that his arms are wrapped around me, and we've actually started a real relationship... It's better than I thought it could feel, and we've just begun.
I thought we'd talk about the letter, but I really don't want to ruin this night. Instead, I turn in his arms so that I can face him, and I smile up at him as he leans down to press a teasing kiss to my lips.
"I'm done!" a girl screams angrily, and I jump in a startled response, whipping around to see what's going on.
Erica tosses what's left of her champagne in Wren's face, and he closes his eyes while clenching his jaw. She storms out, leaving behind several gasps and dropped jaws. Wren takes a napkin from Tag and wipes his face as everyone stares, still stunned.
"Let's crank up the music," Tag says, trying to make everyone look away from his friend.
Ash shakes her head while watching the doorway where Erica retreated. I don't even know what to say or do right now.
"That was... weird," Dane murmurs.
"That must have been a nasty fight."
Dane shrugs as Wren walks out the door with Tag, and Ash slowly makes her way toward us, frowning.
"What happened?" Dane asks as she reaches us.
"I'm pretty sure Erica just left Wren."
My eyes almost pop out of my head. "Why?"
Her eyes lift to my cousin Billy, who I've learned happens to be her best friend, and then she looks away.
"Sometimes people think they've moved on from something, but they really haven't. I don't think Wren ever really forgave her for what she did with his brother. He tried, but in the end, neither of them really tried hard enough. I just hope they're both okay right now. Erica seemed pretty worked up."
If I knew Erica, I might go to her, but I really don't know her that well. Wren is my cousin, but I'm not really as close to him or Billy like I am Kade Colton.
"I think I should probably go check on her. I don't know if she has anyone else to do it right now," Ash sighs, turning and walking briskly on her way to the door.
I can't believe Tag Masters landed a girl that g