Page 57 of What I Needed

“What are you in here badgering Erissa about?” River questioned his sister suspiciously.

He and Jaxon had just come in from the patio.

“Oh, nothing. We’re just talking. Are you leaving?”

“Yeah. We got an early practice tomorrow,” Jaxon responded.

“It was nice meeting you. Be safe getting home,” I said.

“It was nice meeting you, too, and thanks for dinner. Shakira, you want me to walk you to your car?” Jaxson offered.

“No, I’m not⁠—”

“She would love that. How nice of you,” I answered, interrupting her.

“Rissa, I⁠—”

“Thank you so much for coming, bestie. Text me when you get home. I’ll call you tomorrow.”

She side-eyed me, then threw the dish towel at me.

“If you’re ready for me to go, just say that.”

After we exchanged an embrace, she said goodbye to River and Rylee, then left with Jaxon.

“Where’s Ma?”

“She’s upstairs putting Rivvy to bed,” Rylee answered.

“Why don’t you head upstairs? I’ll finish helping Erissa in the kitchen.”

“I know you just want to get rid of me. Good night.”

As soon as she disappeared up the stairs, River picked me up, sat me on the counter, and wedged his body between my legs. He wrapped me in his arms and left a lingering kiss on my forehead before speaking.

“Thank you for today.”

He loosened his arms, but they remained around my waist.

“Why are you thanking me?”

“You didn’t have to entertain my people. You could’ve gone to your house for the weekend, but you chose to stay here. I appreciate you.”

“It’s not like you gave me a choice, but you’re welcome. I enjoyed myself.”

He tilted his head to the side and questioned me with his gaze.

“Really?”

“Yeah. Your mom and sister are sweet, and Jaxon seems nice enough.”

“Their questioning didn’t get to you?”

“A little, but not enough to ruin my evening.”

“Good. Don’t let the nice guy act fool you either. Had you met Jaxon under any other circumstances, he’d be trying to fuck.”

“I’m pretty sure that’s his goal with Shakira, but he may have met his match with her. They say birds of a feather flock together, so was fucking me a goal of yours?”