Page 49 of Hooked on Trouble

“She does, does she?”

She glances at me, questioning. “These sketches are unreal, and he has a flair for the morbid. I offered to hook him up with a friend who does special effects makeup.”

“Sounds cool.” Perfect, actually. Exactly what Josh would love. His talent has always been undeniable, but I don’t know much about art and how to make a living doing it. One night with Raven, and he sees clearer, dreams bigger. A knot forms in my gut, a tug-of-war pulling me apart—pride and excitement for Josh warring with false hope. Dreams purchased with fool’s gold.

Gold I could have offered up.

Even after that fucked-up meeting with Alessi, I’ve found myself contemplating his offer again. Being a dirty cop. Crooked. Corrupt. Makes me sick all over again. Can’t believe I keep giving the idea life. Gut hollowing, I shake my head. What matters is the now of things. Raven showering my brother with compliments and telling him how good he is. That matters. Keeping that light and laughter in her eyes is important, too. I sit beside Raven as they talk their art talk. My knee brushes hers, that tiny skirt riding up nice and high. If Josh weren’t here, if we were at my place, I’d slide my fingers up the soft flesh of her inner thigh. I’d graze my thumb over her underwear to see if my closeness turns her on as much as hers does me. I’d slip my fingers inside and touch her and stroke her and make her feel so damn good.

When I can’t wait any longer, I lean toward her ear. “I need to get you home.” My voice sounds huskier than I’d like.

She shifts her weight, and her hip presses into mine. “I’m ready.”

I bet she is.

We say our good-byes. My mom hugs Raven, and Raven hugs her back. Josh and her exchange numbers. When we get outside, she does a little jump and runs over to Colin. “Mind if I have a go?”

He looks at his skateboard and frowns.

I smile, loving how excited she is. “You know how to ride?”

Her sassy smirk appears. “I’m pretty good at riding. I’m used to more girth, but I can make do.”

Colin is oblivious to her double meaning, but I raise an eyebrow. “This board is the perfect size for you.”

“Remains to be seen.”

“I beg to differ. It’s been seen and heard.”

It sounded something like fuck, yesyesyes, don’t stop.

She laughs, no witty reply in her arsenal.

“So…” Colin glances back and forth between us, confusion knitting his brow. “Did you wanna have a go?”

“Definitely.” She rubs her hands together. “I used to skate circles around the boys.”

Jack is on the other side of the street, sitting on the curb waiting his turn. Colin shoots the board to her with his foot and stands back—legs wide, like me, arms crossed, like me. The little guy is growing up fast. Raven doesn’t hesitate. She hops on the board and pushes off the pavement, knees bent and weight even. She picks up speed, carves to the right, then spins in a circle and skates toward us, finishing by hoping off and kicking the back so it flies into her hand.

Fucking awesome.

Colin’s jaw drops. “Fucking awesome.”

I smack his arm. “Language.”

He rubs his elbow, staring at Raven like she granted him three wishes. She pats his shoulder. “Thanks for the ride. I actually have my old board at home. The thing’s just collecting dust. If you want it, you could give one to your brother. Show him some tricks.”

Colin puffs out his skinny chest. “Sure.”

A band tightens around my ribs. Raven’s been full of surprises tonight: going with the flow at dinner, giving Josh direction with his art, and now Colin. Coaxing the broody kid to hang with his younger brother is no easy feat. Making him think he’s bigger and better for it is downright impressive. I could wrap my world around this girl.

Instead of rushing to get her home and get us naked, the urge to have her in my arms, the sand under our feet strikes me. “You up for a stop at the beach before heading home?”

She grins up at me. “I’d like that.”

* * *

We park and walk to the beach in silence, the night sky bending over us, stars shining down, Raven tucked under my arm. Our boots beat out a peaceful tune. When we hit the sand, I lead her to the log we rested against the morning I sought her out and kissed her and asked for her to give us a chance.