Page 144 of Rare Blend
“We always take bets on what ridiculous things will come out of our dad’s mouth. Give the man a mic, and he’s bound to say something embarrassing as shit,” Gavin tells her.
Shane points between himself and Gavin. “We think he’s going to go with the Stallone impression.”
“My money is on the McConaughey one,” Layla says.
Ariana nods. “Agreed. He’s going to do McConaughey.”
Marisa looks at me, amusement dancing in her eyes. “And you?” she asks. “What’s your bet.”
I shake my head. “No bet. I don’t participate in their shenanigans. Last time they made a bet, Elyse lost, and she and Shane didn’t speak for a week. They get too competitive.”
“Just admit you’re a pussy,” Shane says, his tone full of challenge.
Before I can reply with a comeback, Marisa yells out, “Hey! Don’t fucking talk to him like that.”
The table falls completely silent, and all heads turn to Marisa. Her eyes flare, as if she’s surprised by her own outburst. Layla and Ariana exchange a look with raised brows and rolled lips, like they want to smile. Seconds tick by, and then Gavin is the first to break.
He brings his closed fist to his mouth and his shoulders bounce in quick succession as a wheezing chuckle escapes him.Shane is fast to join him and together the two bust up laughing. Marisa looks at me confused and leans close to whisper in my ear.
“I was trying to defend you, but they seem to think it’s hilarious.”
Gavin clears his throat. “Damn, E, she’s a keeper.”
I wrap my arm around her and tuck her in at my side. “I know,” I say and then kiss Marisa’s forehead.
She melts into me and rubs her hand over my thigh. The movement short-circuits my thoughts, causing my dick to twitch. I place my hand over hers to stop her from doing any exploring under the cloak of the tablecloth. I’m not about to sport a boner surrounded by my siblings.
“Jesus Christ, get a room,” Shane says with a snicker before making a gagging noise.
Marisa’s eyes shoot daggers at him, but he ignores her, or he doesn’t give a shit.
The tables around us start to fill, and Marisa tries to engage me in random conversations to distract me. I love her for trying, even if it’s not really working. I don’t think events like this will ever get easier for me, but they’re definitely more tolerable with her by my side. She makes everything better by simply being there and noticing when I need a break. I didn’t think it was possible to find someone who understands all the parts of me I try to keep hidden. My own family—while they’re supportive—doesn’t quite get it.
“Want to get some air?” Marisa whispers in my ear, already scooting to the edge of her seat to stand.
I nod. “A short one. Before the speeches start.”
Instead of fighting the crowd, we take a side door that leads to a covered patio. The area is restricted, leaving just us two.
Black, wrought iron bistro tables line the railing. I take a seat in one of the chairs and Marisa curls up in my lap, winding her hands around my neck and resting her head on my chest.
“Your heart is beating so fast,” she whispers, but it comes out muffled because of the way her cheek is pressed against me.
“I know. I’m kind of used to it.”
We stay like that, cuddled together, for several minutes in comfortable silence. My hand rubs up and down her back, trying to keep her warm in this chilled spring air, while she stays wrapped around me. NowthisI could do all night. The last thing I want to do is go back in and fake a smile, and act like I’m not a nervous wreck inside. But we can’t stay out here forever.
Without saying anything, we simultaneously untangle and start walking toward the patio door. Just as we reach it, the sound of tires ripping across gravel has us both turning our heads at the erratic sound.
A deputy sheriff cruiser whizzes by, kicking up a cloud of sand in its wake.
“What the hell?” I say under my breath.
“Did someone call the cops?” Marisa asks as her eyes fix on me, filled with panic.
“I have no fucking idea, but we better go find Elle.”
Marisa clutches my hand as I practically drag us to the entrance, where I suspect Elyse is.
