“Why?” he persisted.
“Because a couple of hard falls is about all the embarrassment my ass can suffer today.” I gave a careless shrug, walking backward and away from him. “And I haven’t forgiven you yet,” although I teased, I needed a breather. I needed to understand what Drake had said to me.
Rayden lunged for me, but I ducked. “Sianna,” he growled and chased after me while Tamara and Kyra hooted.
The light snow on the grass made the ground slippery. I wasn’t fast enough, and he took me down with him on top. Laughing hard, I tried to push him off. Grabbing my hands, he pinned them above my head. When he attempted to kiss me, I turned my head. Drake’s gaze locked with mine, hardening to flint as Rayden nuzzled my neck. Nostrils flared, the muscles in his face stiffened with emotions I couldn’t read. His chest expanded before Tamara said something to him. He scowled and walked off. I squirmed under Rayden’s hold to get him off, but he cupped my chin and forced my face back to his.
“I’m sorry,” he whispered. “You’re not hopeless. You’re beautiful, smart, and quirky.” He grinned. “And I am an ass.” He stared down at me, and the multi-shades of green in his eyes gleamed with part mirth part sincerity. His full lips softened into an affectionate smile. “I love you.”
A pang of guilt shot through my body. My stomach muscles tightened, harder with each breath, threatening suffocation. For the lies, for the arousal, his father initiated. How could I hurt this gorgeous man? I forced out a laugh to calm the prickles that refused to abate. “Yes, you are, and you’re just saying that because you want a kiss.” I tried to turn my head away.
“I’m not, and yes, I want a kiss.” Before I could stop him, he captured my mouth in a hard kiss, which gentled when I tugged my hands from his hold. And although I responded to his lips, allowing his sweet ministrations to manipulate my senses as he’d done so often, a tiny part of me couldn’t help thinking of Drake. Was it wrong? Yes. Despite the acknowledgment, every other part of me accepted I had little control over the outcome from this moment forward. I could get hurt worse than I was already aching. Yet, I wouldn’t be the only one to break, there were two other beautiful souls on this ride with me, and I hadn’t a freaking clue how to steer this damn boat on which I’d found myself afloat.
Rayden finally rolled off me, and I sat up, swatting him on the chest. “You made me wet.” At his mischievous grin, I rolled my eyes. “Don’t get any ideas. I meant my clothes.”
He chuckled, stood, and pulled me up. “I can help dry you off.”
“Go, do your work.” I turned my back on him.
“Hey.” His hands circled my waist and pulled me back against his chest. “I am sorry.” He nipped my ear.
I tilted my head, again caught in the swirl of emotion I couldn’t let go of for now. “Apology accepted.”
“Rayden? You coming?” Drake appeared unexpectedly.
I refused to look at him as Rayden answered, “Yeah.” He dropped a quick kiss to my lips. “I’ll see you later.”
When he jumped into the car with his father, I waited until the vehicle disappeared around the corner then went inside. After I slipped into leggings and an oversized jersey, I exited my room to find Tamara and Kyra heading for the spa.
“Don’t you want to join us?” Tamara asked.
“Later, after dinner, maybe.” I wanted some alone time. “I’ll be in the kitchen. I want to make some of those cookies I promised you guys.”
“Oh, cool.” Kyra licked her lips. “Do you want some help? We can hop into the jacuzzi later.”
“Yes,” Tamara said.
“No. It’s fine.” I waved aside their offer with a quick smile. I liked my alone time, especially in that kitchen. Then, realizing I was the guest in their home, I made a suggestion, “What about I bake, and you guys help me decorate later?”
“Decorate?” Tamara looked at me, wide-eyed. Like I’d just asked her to commit murder.
I laughed. “Yeah. Have you never decorated Christmas cookies before? You know, little trees and gingerbread men.
“I leave that to my mother.” She rolled her eyes then flicked a gaze at her polished nails, making me laugh harder.
“Oh, come on, Aunt Tammy.” Tamara cringed at the word aunt and gave Kyra a deathly stare.
“I’ll show you how?” I offered. “We can even rope in Rayden to help. Get a man’s perspective. What do you say?”
“Oh, cool, I’m sure we can make Dad join us.”
At Kyra’s suggestion, I balked then swallowed my sigh. It was his house. I was bound to run into him everywhere. “Sure.” My response sounded dismal to my ears. I hoped the other two women hadn’t picked up on it.
“Great. See you just now,” Kyra called over her shoulder as she disappeared inside the spa. I turned to walk away.
“Sianna?” Tamara’s soft call stopped me. I turned back to look at her. “Are you okay?”
Frowning, I nodded. “Yes, why?”
