My brow immediately creased, and I felt Sianna stiffen on my lap. “You know?”
“Yes. She mentioned it,” his reply followed with a casual shrug before his eyes dropped to his decoration.
“When exactly,” I asked, my tone a little more forceful than I intended. When were these conversations taking place given Sianna’s reticence around him?
He looked up. “Is something the matter, Rayden? Do you have a problem with me getting to know your girlfriend? Afraid I may reveal all your childhood quirks.” He grinned on the last part and went back to his artwork. I kicked myself again. “Do you enjoy cooking, Sianna?” he asked.
She glanced at me over her shoulder, squeezed my hand, and then answered, “love it.”
“Any dreams of making it a career?” Tamara reached for another biscuit and took a bite. “God, I really should stop eating these,” she moaned.
Laughing, Sianna began slicing the apple. “I did. Once.”
“Did? Once?” My father looked at her, his brow creased. “Not anymore?” His interest was genuine, making me realize I hadn’t questioned Sianna about her career choices before.
“Yeah,” she replied distractedly. “It means quitting my job and studying full time to make that dream come true.”
“And you’re scared?” Tamara asked.
She looked at my aunt and nodded. “I’m scared to take that leap to do something I love because there’s always a risk.”
“What risk?” My father sat back in his seat, giving her his full attention.
She shrugged, fidgeting with the apple. “Of failure. If I take that leap and I fail, then I’m going to be stuck.”
“Are you afraid of letting someone down, Sianna?” he asked.
“Myself.” She lifted her gaze to his, and although I couldn’t see her expression, that moment of trust she shared with him made me almost envious of the way he was getting her to open up. Something I’d never been able to do.
“I know what it feels like to be doing something you don’t want to do, wishing you were doing something else,” he said, keeping his gaze fixed on her. His wistful look had me curious. But, he didn’t elaborate. Instead, he said, “Sometimes, all it takes is courage.”
“Easier said than done when choices are not an obstacle.” She laughed softly and resumed slicing the apple. “The minute I’m not successful at my job, I won’t have anything else.”
“You’ll always have me,” I tightened my grip around her waist, hoping it was the comfort she needed. “Anyway, once you marry me—”
The knife slipped, and she sliced her finger. “Shit,” she gasped, staring at the blood.
“Jesus.” My father shot out of his seat the same time I picked up her hand and sucked her finger into my mouth.
“Rayden.” She pulled at her finger, but I shook my head.
Behind her, I couldn’t read my father’s expression before he turned and walked out of the kitchen. Had I done something wrong? Frowning, I withdrew her finger and examined the cut. “Get a band-aid, Kyra.”
“It’s nothing.” Sianna tried pulling her finger again.
“Christ, babe, would you just let me take care of you,” I snapped, and her eyes flared in shock. I immediately regretted my irritation. “I’m sorry.” I kissed her lightly on the mouth as Kyra returned with a band-aid. I glanced at my aunt, and her raised brow had me once again wondering what the fuck was I doing wrong that had my girlfriend withdrawing from me.
