Drawn Together (21 page)

It was loud, though thankfully not so thick with smoke he could barely breathe like it had been in his premarriage days. The lights flickered all around them as he took her hand. Levi and Daisy came over and sat with them as well.

It was good. He was too old to want to do this on a regular basis. But dancing with Raven when she was all sensual and moved the way she did? Well, that was totally worth the crowd and the noise.

They stayed for several more hours before making their way back to his place. She still slept in his guest room and that was . . . all right. He hoped that one day she’d move to his bed. But he got it. And he would let her make those steps herself. He knew her well enough to understand just spending the night in his house was a big step for her. So he’d continue to be patient because she was worth it.

She changed into the pajamas she seemed to own in every possible combination from sexy silky vixen stuff to what she wore then, flannel with her ever-present socks.

They snuggled in his living room listening to music and drinking tea.

“Erin told me to invite you to pool and karaoke when Carrie goes back to Italy and you’re free for social stuff again. They used to go once a week but now that everyone has babies they go once a month. Sometimes it’s at Adrian and Gillian’s place because they have a game room and a pretty nifty karaoke machine.”

He hadn’t really been part of a social group since he’d been married. Most of them had been Charlotte’s friends and had chosen her after the divorce. He did hang out with his brothers, but now that he and Levi had girlfriends in the same circle he saw his brother more than he had in some time. He liked that too.

“Sounds good. Listen, Erin invited me to Thanksgiving. I said no because there’s a big thing at my parents’ place. My grandparents will be there. All my brothers and Carrie too. I know you’re busy with dinner with them and with Alexander’s party and stuff. But after. You know if you were done, I mean. We won’t eat dinner until eight. I want you to meet Carrie. I’ve told her about you so that’s not a problem. She wants to meet you too. Daisy and Levi will be there, and you know Mal will be there, but not Gwen since they’ve split and all.”

“I don’t know. I barely want to go to Gillian’s for Thanksgiving. I’m not really cut out for dinners with the family. You know? It’s not . . . I’m not good at it. I’m going to say something offensive. And I don’t want to put you in that position.”

“I think you’re better at it than you let yourself believe.”

She laughed. “I nearly got into a fistfight with your brother’s wife!”

“She deserved it. And she started it. My grandfather will tell you stories about Korea and my grandmother will drink wine and make my mother uncomfortable all day. It’s really the only day of the year we get to see my mother on the other side of the way she often treats others.”

“Oh. Well, that
is
alluring.”

“Look, I know this is new. But I would like you to be with me. I haven’t had anyone at a holiday dinner with me since Charlotte.”

“So no pressure or anything,”

He squeezed her hand. “No pressure. I just want to be with you. Nothing more.”

She sighed but he could tell she was seriously thinking it over.

“You don’t have to say yes for sure at this point.”

“I’ll be there. Dinner at Gillian and Adrian’s will be at noon. They’ll do the cake for Alexander just after that. Erin is very low key for his birthday parties. Just family and cake.”

“No unicorns or anything? Gift bags with diamond rings and a pony?”

“She doesn’t want to spoil him. Well, with material stuff. They’re going to Disneyland in the spring with Brody and Elise and their kids.”

“I like that. I’m the same way with Carrie. I mean, yes, she’s studying abroad and stuff, but a lot of girls her age in her crowd got BMWs for their sixteenth birthdays. I just couldn’t see that sort of extravagance. I got her a car, I can’t lie. But it was used. Safe though, of course.”

“I wouldn’t imagine anything else. So I should be done by five or so.”

“If you want to come to my house, you can ride over with me and Carrie. That way you can meet her before we get to my parents’ house. Might be a little easier that way.”

She blew out a breath. “Yeah, no pressure.”

He tipped her chin. “No pressure. You’re part of my life, I want them to know that. I want them to know you and for you to know them. People do this all the time. You can do this with one eye closed.”

“That might make it easier.”

He grinned.

18

She pulled up in Jonah’s driveway and tried to stay calm. Gillian had given her a pep talk. Erin had said everything would be fine. Daisy had said Carrie was a really nice young woman. Alexander had given her a hug and smeared frosting on her shirt, but the hug had been worth the price and she was going to change anyway.

She ran home to change, choosing the dress Gillian had given her just a week before. She’d said, when she handed it over, that she’d seen it in a shop window and it had called out to be owned by Raven. Gillian wasn’t a clotheshorse at all. She didn’t love shopping the way Erin did. So Raven had taken it as a great compliment. And when she’d put the dress on she’d agreed it was something perfect for her.

That and she’d known Gillian knew how nervous Raven had been about this dinner and wanted her to be at least a little more comfortable. Gillian, an outsider as well, in her own way, got that about Raven better than most anyone.

It had a boatneck; the top piece sort of looked as if it were a separate thing, falling to her hips. Then a skirt with two color blocks, falling to just above her knees. The top part was purple, the middle block was a sandy beige and the bottom was two or so shades lighter. It was something she’d never have chosen on her own. But it made her feel beautiful. And that was a lot.

Neutral-toned heels completed the look. She’d kept her hair down but pulled back from her face with a band. A cardigan would keep her warm and also hide her ink. She wasn’t ashamed of it or anything, but there was no use showing it off the first time she met most of his family.

She got out and headed to the front door and knocked. He answered with a smile. “You’re here.” He kissed her, turning to put an arm around her shoulder and guide her into the house. “I like that dress.”

“Gillian gave it to me a week ago. Everyone says hello. Daisy and Levi said they’d see you later tonight.”

A lovely young woman came downstairs.

She looked Raven over and then smiled. “You’re Raven.” She held her hand out. “I’m Carrie. My dad talks about you all the time.”

Raven shook her hand. “Does he? He talks about you all the time too. You make him very proud.” She’d practiced that one a few times. She meant it so she hoped it sounded genuine.

She had great teeth. Holy cow, that smile was big and bright. Her hair was long. Dark like her father’s. The cut was perfection. It fell around her face just right, emphasizing her eyes, more green than brown. This girl’s mother must have been stunning. Correct, must
be
stunning. Raven tried not to think about Charlotte, but damn, if this child was any reflection on her, Raven was going to develop an even bigger complex.

“My dad showed me the tattoo you’re doing on his back. It’s amazing. I said I was going to ask you to do one for me.”

Raven laughed as she allowed herself to imagine Jonah’s look of horror when his kid sprung that on him. “I’m going to guess he gave you a lecture about how you should be older before you made such a permanent choice for yourself and your skin.”

Jonah made a little sound and suddenly Raven was all right. His kid was all right. She could have been snooty and spoiled, but she wasn’t.

“That’s pretty much exactly what he said. So I told him I’d catch you in the summer before I went off to college. I’ll be eighteen then.”

Raven put her hands up in surrender. “I tend to agree with the being-older-and-really-think-hard-about-how-you’re-permanently-changing-your-skin viewpoint. Plus, I’m afraid he might send your grandmother to rough me up if I did that without his okay.”

Carrie’s eyes widened, lit with amusement. “I heard you met her. She’s something else, isn’t she? She is a good person most of the time. She’s really old school and sometimes she forgets her manners.”

“I just figured she was bossy and powerful and liked it that way.” Oh, for god’s sake, did she say that out loud? She winced, but Jonah just squeezed her shoulders.

“That too. Are we ready?”

“I have something to take along with me. Jules, she’s a pretty talented pastry chef. She makes these cherry walnut things. I brought some. Don’t worry, Gillian put them on some fancy plate she said would be a nice gift. And in case someone was allergic to nuts, I have an apple cranberry tart too.”

“We’ll get them on the way out. Oh, you left your coat here. It’s in the hall closet. Carrie, get the stuff you brought back for your grandparents.”

Carrie ran upstairs and Raven turned to him. “I didn’t leave my coat here.” She gave him a raised brow. “Maybe one of your other girlfriends did.”

“I know. I didn’t want you to be uncomfortable. I bought you one.”

“You did what? I don’t need a coat. I have a parka thing I got when I agreed to go snowboarding a few years back.”

“Yes, you do. Your
parka thing
is too heavy and not pretty for events like this. Plus that sweater you have on is lovely, but not warm enough.”

“It’s not fur, is it? Because I don’t wear fur.”

He fought a smile, turning to pull the coat from the closet. He was charming. Far too charming for her peace of mind because she had trouble saying no to the man. This was nothing she’d encountered before. She loved saying no. It was a favorite. But not with this guy.

“Not fur. Cashmere.”

It was a simple but beautiful black coat, and when she put it on, she nearly moaned. He’d clearly thought about what she’d like and what would look good on her. Another reason she was helpless against him. He gave presents, yes, but he put effort into everything he surprised her with. The material was soft and very warm, the hem had movement—she thought they called it a swing coat. Daisy would know that sort of thing.

“Thank you. It’s gorgeous.”

“Any time. I don’t like to see you shiver.”

“I usually go south or west in the late fall and winter. I hate the heat, but I really love to be somewhere balmy and sunny when it’s cold here.”

“We’ll go to Maui soon.”

“Dude. You spoil me. The coat is plenty.”

He kissed her temple. “It’s my job to spoil you. Anyway, you like to travel and I like the idea of you in a bikini. That’s a win/win for me. Now, come on. Time to have dinner at the Warner household.”

She sucked in a breath and staved off the panic. “If you say so.”

She had an idea the Warner house would be pretty swank. But what greeted her when they got to the end of the drive was of course swank, but also understated and elegant. Sort of a Cape Cod, maybe? She didn’t really know what the real name for it was, but this seemed to be a more historic part of Seattle so several in this style had dotted their way here, though other big, clearly newer modern homes had been erected in the place of the older house that came with the lot.

The front of the house had a smallish yard, but it was well manicured with big trees dotting the area.

Other cars were already there. Plenty of BMWs and Mercedes. She saw the truck though, but pressed her lips together hard to keep from commenting.

“Uncle Toby is here already.” Carrie, who insisted on riding in the back rather than Raven, who’d wanted to. She’d said Raven was her dad’s girlfriend and could ride in the front. Jonah had sealed it when he put an arm around Raven’s waist and opened the door for his daughter to slide into the back. Raven had given him a look but he smiled and kissed her nose.

Carrie had chattered on as they’d made their way the short distance to the neighborhood where Jonah’s parents lived. Raven had asked many questions and Carrie had answered with the openness only kids who were as happy and well loved as this one had. She appeared to be thrilled with the program, with the choice of college she’d made, with Italy and the other parts of Europe she’d seen. She was well spoken, intelligent and gracious.

Jonah had done a good job with her.

“Toby is an architect. His is the truck. He’s got a really nice car too, but he drives this one here to agitate my grandmother.” Carrie shook her head, grinning as they headed for the front door.

“I think I’m going to like Toby,” she muttered, and Jonah barked a laugh.

“You will. Everyone does.”

Jonah carried flowers for his mother and grandmother, Carrie helped Raven, holding the apple cranberry tart, and Raven had the plate with the cherry things. She was so nervous she was afraid she’d break the plate she held on so tightly to. So she concentrated on not squeezing so tight and that seemed to make things a tiny bit better.

An older man who was so clearly Jonah’s father answered, his gaze going straight to Carrie. “Hello, sweetheart.”

“Grandfather.” Carrie went to him, giving him a big hug and kiss on the cheek.

“Glad you’re here. Come in, come in.” He looked to Jonah and then Raven. “You’re Raven.” He kept an arm around Carrie, but held a free hand to Raven. “I’m John Warner, Jonah’s father. Welcome.”

He was much less frosty than his wife, Raven gave him that. She smiled and shook his hand.

Jonah steered her into the house. The outside may have been understated, but the inside was punctuated by the wall of glass overlooking Lake Washington. Views to the Eastside were clear, even on a cloudy day. There was a dock with a boat and the back lawn sloped down to the water with little clusters of tables and chairs.

“Wow.”

John smiled at her again. “We looked at houses for six months. Liesl is very particular, and to top it off, she was pregnant with Jonah so the hormones and the nesting thing only accentuated that. Must have seen three dozen homes. But when we walked in and stood here, looking out at that view, she simply turned to me and said, ‘This is the one, John.’ And that was it. We’ve lived here ever since. Raised five boys and it’s still standing, so that’s a testament to the architecture of the late twenties when it was originally built.”

“For heaven’s sake! Don’t just leave them standing in the hallway. They still have coats on and are holding things.”

“This is my mother, Beth. Mom, this is Jonah’s lady friend, Raven.” John indicated Raven, and the older woman, who was maybe five feet tall, gave her an imperious look from head to toe.

“I see where Jonah gets it,” Raven said.

Whoops, starting early on the offensive stuff.
Go me
.

Raven held her hand out, hoping to get past the statement. Beth took it and shook.

“Gets what?”

Jonah didn’t say a single thing, the jerk.

Oh well, in for a penny. She could have said good looks, but he didn’t much resemble his grandmother at all.

“The imperious-look thing. He does it too.”

John tried not to laugh, and barely succeeded. His eyes lit with amusement and Carrie didn’t bother hiding it; she laughed full out.

“He really does.”

Beth narrowed her eyes long enough that Raven started to apologize, and then longer so she didn’t because what the hell, it wasn’t that offensive after all.

Instead Beth nodded. “He does. I got it from my mother. It’s a good tool when you’re a bigshot like he is. Me? It keeps everyone on their toes because they’re scared of me. What is it you’ve got in your hands?”

“Walnut cherry bars. Oh, and an apple cranberry tart.”

“Bring them through to the kitchen. John, get the flowers. Jonah, for goodness’ sake, get their coats.”

The kitchen was nice, but it was also clear actual cooking happened there. Smelled good too.

Liesl came out and smiled at the sight of her granddaughter. “Hello, darling.”

Carrie hugged her. “Hey, Grandmother.”

Still smiling, Liesl looked to Raven. “Hello, Raven. I’m pleased you were able to come today.”

It was a genuine statement. Liesl was cool, like pale blue, and white carpets. But she clearly loved her family, and that made her all right in Raven’s book.

“Thank you for inviting me.”

“Oh, you brought dessert.” She cast an eye at the food, but must have found it acceptable. “We have pies and things, but thank you.”

Also, she had very few filters. Raven knew it was sort of rude, but she suffered the same problem, and so on some levels she wasn’t bothered, though she knew it was sort of a slap. But it was pretty halfhearted, so she must have liked Raven well enough or there’d have been more said.