Page 11 of Never Gonna Lie
I think Dad brought it when it was first built, so it’s in pretty good shape, the large bay windows and colosseum porch giving it an air of elegance that doesn’t fit our family. Well, dad and I, anyway, Emma is the epitome of elegance. Paul, the gardener, comes in once a week to keep on top of the lush green gardens and copious flower beds that Emma insists on having.
Putting the car in park, I get out, opening the back door and grabbing my bag. Walking up the small garden path, the front door opens, and Emma’s beaming smile greets me.
“Hi, darling,” she gushes as she pulls me in for a hug when I’m close enough.
“Hey, Em.”
Emma ushers me inside, and I drop my bag in the foyer, planning on taking it up to my room later. I follow her through the white hallway—plants, vases, and plants adding a splash of color—which leads to an open kitchen with an island in the center. The double doors off to the right lead out into the backyard and down to the docks.
Sitting on a bar stool, Emma walks to the double fridge and grabs me a can of soda before pouring herself a glass of wine and sitting next to me.
“How’s school?” she asks as she takes a sip of her wine.
Her hazel eyes watch me intently for any signs of a lie. Not that it’s something I do, she just knows how hard school is for me and that I don’t like to talk about it all that much.
I shrug. “It’s fine, classes are a struggle, but I’m managing.”
“Anyone caught your eye?” She smirks around her glass, and I roll my eyes.
“We have this conversation every time I see you,” I chuckle. “No, there isn’t anyone, and if there was… you’d be the first to know.”
Emma goes to say something just as my dad strolls into the room. He’s looking relaxed for once—hair brushed back off his face under his backwards cap, wearing black shorts and a white T-shirt. I don’t get to see him like this often, so it makes a nice change.
“Hi, Dad.” I jump off my stool to greet him.
He opens his arms and envelopes me in a bear hug. “Pumpkin.” Dad draws back, holding me at arm’s length. “I wasn’t expecting you until next week.” He lets me go and scratches the top of his head in confusion.
I laugh. “Itisnext week, Dad.”
Dad looks at Emma, who has a knowing smirk on her face. One thing about my dad? He tends to forget things when he’s buried in work.
“I knew that,” he jokes as he kisses the top of my head and walks over to Emma, kissing her on her cheek.
Emma made her famous lasagna, and we caught up while eating. For once, neither one of them was called off for one reason or another, and I was able to enjoy their company. After eating way too much chocolate pudding, I say my good nights and pick up my bag from the foyer, heading upstairs.
Tossing my bag on the bed, I head for the shower. Once I’ve finished, I put my pajamas on and climb into bed, exhausted from the drive and socializing.
Chapter Eight
RAVEN
Iwake to the morning light shining through my curtains and noises downstairs. Checking the time, I groan—there’s no need to be making that kind of noise at 8 a.m. Rolling over, I shove a pillow over my head and try going back to sleep. After ten minutes of tossing and turning, I decided to get up and find out what was going on and who dared disturb my sleep.
I brush my teeth and throw my curls up into a ponytail. I don’t even bother getting dressed before padding into the kitchen, the tiles cool under my bare feet. I head for the coffee machine and pour myself a cup, wondering where everyone is.
I’m sipping on my coffee when Dad and James walk through the door. I nearly drop my coffee at the sight of him, but I’ve managed to perfect my facial expressions around him over the years, so—I hope—I’m giving off a nonchalant vibe.
I can feel James’s eyes on me as I sit on the barstool, goosebumps rising on my arms. I shouldn’t want him looking at me, but when theman you’ve been obsessed with and have craved for years looks at you with a deep intensity, it’s kind of hardnotto enjoy.
“Morning, Raven,” James’s voice rumbles, the sound of it going straight to my clit and causing my nipples to harden.
Good god, why does he have to have such an effect on me? It's not fair.
He must have run a hand through his hair a hundred times over to get it sticking up all over the place like it is, but it just adds to those pretty-boy looks of his. His tight black T-shirt showcases his sexy as sin tattoos, and his gray sweatpants hug every inch of his delicious thighs and ass. I tilt my mug slightly and discreetly wipe the drool from the corner of my mouth with the side of my hand.
“Morning, James,” I mumble, averting my eyes and looking at my dad instead. “What are you up to?”
“I forgot we have a meeting today, so James drove out to join me,” Dad says as he pours himself and James a coffee. “He’s staying with us for the weekend while we close this deal.”
