Page 25 of Just One More Moment

Then she pulled on a pair of Remy’s oversized sweats, rolling them up, and walked out of the bedroom in bare feet. She made her way to the kitchen. Voices sounded from the direction in which she was headed. Remy’s she recognized. The female’s she couldn’t place, and a sudden pang of jealousy twisted low in Raven’s stomach. Until she remembered him saying Fallon would be dropping off clothing this morning, and she chided herself for being silly.

Raven had met everyone in Remy’s family over the last couple of years but she couldn’t be sure it was Fallon’s voice she heard. But for her to be jealous? No. That wasn’t okay.

She and Remy weren’t in any kind of committed… anything. Raven had clearly nixed the idea of a relationship. So even if it wasn’t Fallon, Raven told herself to suck it up and she strode into the kitchen.

“Good morning,” she said, cringing at the overly cheery sound of her voice.

“Raven, come on in.” Remy held out an arm and fool that she was, she walked right into the crook of his shoulder. “You remember my sister Fallon, right?”

“Of course,” Raven said, with a genuine smile. Because Fallon wasn’t one of Remy’s women. God, she was being ridiculous.

The familiar-looking female in front of her had distinctive Sterling features, including golden-brown eyes similar to Remy’s. Unlike most of their male siblings who dressed in suits or expensive slacks and button-down shirts, Fallon’s taste could only be described as boho. Unconventional skirts, bright colors, layered tops and vests, she was the most casual Sterling and her bright grin said she was happy to see Raven.

Without hesitation, Fallon stepped forward and pulled Raven into a hug. Raven wasn’t used to others touching her, especially the women in her life she tried to keep at a distance, but Fallon’s hug felt good.

“I’m so sorry about what’s going on with your brother,” Fallon said.

Remy cleared his throat as if reminding his sister she’d crossed a line mentioning Lance.

She winced and went on. “Anyway, I brought you two of my skirts and tops, a pair of ballet slippers, I hope you fit into an eight, and I stopped by a department store and picked up some personal items and makeup.” She shrugged. “I did my best.”

“You’re the best, Fallon. Really. I appreciate it so much. Let me know what I owe you,” Raven said.

The other woman waved a hand, dismissing the notion. “Don’t worry. Remy already paid me back.”

Of course he had, which meant he wouldn’t take her money, not that Raven wouldn’t try to reimburse him.

“I’ve got to get going,” Fallon said. “Raven, if you need anything, just give me a call. Remy has my number.” She smiled at her, then walked over and kissed her brother on the cheek. “Bye. Be good.”

Her laugh followed her out of the room but she turned back at the archway exit. “Raven, when things calm down, let’s have a girls’ night.” With a wave, Fallon was gone, bracelets jingling and her skirt floating behind her.

“She’s great,” Raven said.

Remy chuckled. “She’s something, all right. So, how did you sleep?”

As if he didn’t know. “Better than I have in years,” she admitted. Not wanting to get into how safe she felt with him, she glanced around the kitchen. It didn’t look like he’d eaten yet. “Do you have food in the fridge? I’d be happy to make us breakfast.”

He raised an eyebrow. “Do you think I’d let you cook?”

His cell rang and he lifted it off the counter. “Just in time.” He held up a finger, asking her to wait as he took the call. “Hello?” After listening, he replied. “Send them up, thanks.”

“Who’s here?” she asked.

He grinned at her, his smile a mix of roguish man and boyish grin. She couldn’t resist either.

A few minutes later, they were sitting at the kitchen table, with more choices for breakfast than she’d had in years.

“My God, Remy. What are we going to do with the leftovers?” she asked, as she loaded her plate with scrambled eggs and bacon, one big pancake, and a piece of Belgian waffle.

She picked up the small pitcher holding the syrup. She was mid-pour over the delicious-looking carbs when a realization hit her and she placed the syrup back on the table.

“What’s wrong?” Remy asked.

“Why did you order all this food?”

He studied her, eyes crinkled, obviously confused. “Because you had a rough night and I wanted to do something nice for you. What’s going through that suspicious mind of yours?” he asked.

She sighed, feeling guilty. “I thought maybe you had news about whether or not Lance had been released early. Not that I have doubts but I thought you were cushioning the blow.”

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