The Same Side (University Park #2) (7 page)

“Okay.” Raven made a U-turn at the next light and pulled into the parking lot.

I opened the door and Delaney and I got out of the car. “We’ll be right back.”

“I got this.” Delaney urged me to get back in the car.

“Are you sure?” I gave her a confused look.

“Yeah.” She winked, but I wasn’t sure what she was trying to tell me. “Is apple pie and vanilla ice cream okay?”

“I guess.” I turned to Raven as I got back in the car.

“Yeah, that’s fine.” Raven reached in his pocket. “Here’s a twenty.” He waved a crisp bill in front of me. I took the money and handed it to her.

“That’s okay. I’m the one who asked for this favor, I can at least bring something.”

“Okay,” Raven responded and I handed him back the bill.

I closed the door. “Thanks for agreeing to help Delaney.”

He flipped through the radio and I could tell he was avoiding my comment. The muscles in hand tensed and his jaw jutted out.

“Raven.”

“Huh?”

“You don’t have to do this, you know.” I placed my hand on his arm. “She’ll understand.”

He stopped flipping stations and
Boom Clap
started playing over the radio. He turned toward me and I shifted closer to him. His jaw relaxed and he let out a full breath. “I’m not going to lie to you, this project of hers will stir up some past hurts.”

“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have offered for you to help her. It really wasn’t my place.” Even though I knew bits and pieces about him, I realized that his story wasn’t a lighthearted one. He had some serious baggage and I felt guilty for placing him in that position.

He looked down and picked at the leather that wrapped around the gearshift. “But that’s just it. I do want to do this. I’ve been holding it all in, maybe this will help me.” He glanced at me and I saw the hurt embedded deep in his eyes. “Like bring some closure or serve as therapy.”

“I’m definitely no therapist,” I cupped his face with my hand, “but like I told you, I’m here for you.”

“I don’t know what it is, but when I’m with you, I feel like I can conquer the world, like I can defeat any obstacle that I encounter. You’ve been more than a tutor to me, you know that?”

I inclined my head. “Damn, Raven, you make me sound like I’m your heroine or something.”

“That’s because you are. Being around you does something to me. I want to be good… do everything right.” In a gentle motion, he pulled my hand away and raised it to his lips, giving me a tender kiss. His eyes meet mine and for a moment, we simply stared at each other.

“My world is so much better with you in it, Lexi.”

I took in several deep breaths, trying to calm my racing heart. Raven definitely knew how to make me feel like I was the queen of his trap. I didn’t mind because it was a kingdom I wanted to be a part of. “When I’m with you, I feel so safe. I know there’s nothing in this world that I can’t face.” I covered my mouth, hiding a snicker. “I do have to admit something, though.”

“What’s that?”

“When I’m around you, I want to be bad.” I traced a finger down his chest, not afraid to show him how I really felt. “A very bad and crazy girl.”

His eyes drilled in to me and in an instant, Raven captured my lips with his. Our breathing became rapid as our kiss intensified. It was as though we couldn’t get enough of each other. His sex appeal was more than I could handle and I was ready to tell him to take me right there. My hands spread across his chest and I squeezed his shoulders tightly. Without notice, his hands flew to my waist and he pulled me closer to him. I started to cross over the console when I remembered Delaney was in the store. I pulled back slowly, letting out a slight moan.

“Sorry.” I licked my lips, savoring his sinful taste.

He didn’t move, keeping his position like he was ready to take me at my command. “Remember what I told you. You don’t ever have to apologize to me for anything you do.”

I straightened my shirt, trying to regain my composure. “You also said that you wouldn’t do anything unless I asked you to. Is that still true?”

“Yes,” he whispered. “Because when it comes to you, Lexi, I don’t want to screw things up. The last thing I want you to think is that you’re just another girl to me, because you’re not.” His eyes appraised me with finite detail. “You’re so much more.”

I felt the boom of my heart as he dressed me up with his luring words. Raven knew how to deliver the reassurance I needed to hear and within them, I sensed his sincerity. “Good, because I want to be so much more.”

“So, you’re not keeping count of why you shouldn’t be with me?”

I had to stop and think for a moment. “Oh, you mean the fifteen reasons I gathered?”

“Yes. Are you still keeping count?”

I shook my head. “No. I’m actually thinking of all the reasons I should be with you.”

He smiled. “I was hoping you were going to say that because all I know is that together we will stand tall, but apart we will fall.”

“Oh my God.” I snickered. “Is that another one of those sayings you’ve heard?”

“I don’t know. Maybe.” He nuzzled my ear and my body hummed in delight. “I just like the way it sounds.”

Just as he was about to kiss me again, Delaney knocked on the window.

I opened the door and leaned forward so she could crawl in the back.

“Damn, were y’all making out or what? The windows are all fogged up and it’s hot as hell in here,” Delaney huffed.

My cheeks flushed with heat, but I didn’t say a word.

“Sorry,” Raven commented before cracking the window and turning the defrost on.

We passed several neighborhoods before slowing to a small wooden frame house. A single car driveway led to the house and Raven parked in the street. Cream-colored paint matched the reddish brick along with the black shutters and the front door. “It’s not much, but my mom makes the best of it.”

“I think it’s charming.” I opened the door and got out of the car.

Delaney handed me the bag with the pie and ice cream. I moved the seat forward and she crawled out of the back. “Oh, it is cute. I like it.” She pulled up her jeans and huffed as though it was a chore to wiggle her way out of the vehicle.

“Thanks.” Raven took the dessert from my hands and led us to the door. He knocked and opened the door. “We’re here.”

The smell of home cooked food wafted through the air and my stomach growled. We entered the living room consumed by a large, overstuffed, black leather sectional and a huge flat screen TV. Trophies were stacked from the floor to the ceiling on bookcases, along with pictures of Raven and his brothers, leaving no wall bare. The accomplishments between him and his brothers were shown with great pride.

Raven’s two brothers were sitting on the couch, playing a video game. The older one gave a slight nod to us while the younger jumped at the sight of Raven.

“Raven! You’re home.” The young kid high-fived Raven while revealing a mouth full of braces and rubber bands. “Great game! You kicked their butts.”

“Thanks, Ashton.” Raven rubbed his head. “I’d like you to meet some of my friends. This is Lexi and Delaney.”

“Nice to meet you, Ashton,” I said, shaking his hand.

“You kind of resemble your brother.” Delaney smiled at him and waved.

“Hey, Trey, put the game on pause for a minute,” Raven told his other brother.

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw a tall, slender woman with bleach blonde hair and fair skin come around the corner. She wiped her hands on a dishtowel and then swung it over her shoulder. “Hi. I’m Trish Williams, Raven’s mom.” She had a strong Louisiana accent that fit her perfectly.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Ms. Williams.” I shook her hand and immediately noticed the resemblance between her and Raven from the shape of their eyes to their big smile. She appeared to be in her forties, but the wrinkles around her eyes showed the stress she’d endured through the years.

“Please, call me Trish.”

“Thanks for inviting us to dinner, Trish. A home cooked meal is always nice.” Delaney gave her a slight hug as if she knew her. I tossed the idea out because I knew that was just how Delaney was — everyone she met was automatically her friend.

“Sure. I’m glad you guys could break away from studying.” She leaned toward Raven and he wrapped an arm around her, giving her a hug. “How was Thanksgiving? Your granny sure missed you.”

“Okay. Josh’s family made a great dinner.” He leaned forward and kissed on her on the forehead. “But not as good as yours.”

“I brought some leftovers home so you can take a plate back to your apartment.” She squeezed him tighter. “I’m so proud of you. You played like a champ. We all watched the game. Your aunts and uncles, too.” She looked over her shoulder. “Trey, where are your manners?”

“Huh?” Trey looked up for a quick second before placing the game on hold.

“Get over here now,” she scolded.

Trey rose from the couch and slowly made his way toward us. “Hey, what’s up?” he mumbled, nodding slightly

“Hi, I’m Lexi.” I shook his limp hand. “And this is my friend, Delaney.”

“How’s it going?” She shook his hand and gave him a big smile.

A timid smile formed across his face but he didn’t say anything. He casually walked back to the couch and plopped down, grabbing the remote for his game. Like Raven, I could tell there was more to his story.

“We brought dessert. Apple pie and ice cream.” Delaney pointed at the bag in Raven’s hand.

“Thank you.” Raven handed his mom the sack. “You girls want to help me in the kitchen?”

“Sure.” Delaney and I followed her into the kitchen.

“I’ll be playing a game with my brothers.” Raven touched the tips of my fingers while winking at me.

“Okay.” I held on to him, keeping a steady gaze as I walked toward the kitchen until the space separated us. I was pathetic. And no matter how hard I tried to fight the feeling, I couldn’t. He was like a drug that I wanted more of. Being around Raven was exhilarating and I wanted to spend every passing minute with him.

Black appliances and bright red decorations gave life to the slightly outdated kitchen. It was apparent that Raven’s mom took pride in her small home, giving it a warm, homely touch with each item she had hung.

“If you girls would set the table, that would be a big help.” She pointed to one of the cabinets.

“Of course.” I opened the cabinet, removed a stack of crimson ceramic plates, and handed them to Delaney. We continued removing the dishes, glasses, and eating utensils from the cabinets and drawers and then worked on setting the table in the kitchen.

“Raven tells me you’ve been helping him with his writing.” Trish glanced at me as she placed rolls on a tray.

“Yes, that’s right. I work in the writing lab and Raven was assigned to me. I’m an English major studying to be a teacher, so I enjoy tutoring people.” I stopped, momentarily thinking about what I had just told her. Aside from the slight lie about still working in the writing lab, I contemplated if I really wanted to be a teacher. Growing up, I always liked helping people and teaching others came naturally. As I recalled that Collin and my parents planned for me to homeschool our children, I began to have second thoughts about being a teacher.

“That’s great. No wonder he’s doing so well.” She smiled at me.

“He’s been working really hard.” I wanted to reassure her that I wasn’t writing his papers for him.

“Thank you for helping. Writing has never been a favorite subject for Raven.” She tossed the empty plastic wrapper in the trash. “So, you two are roommates?”

“Yes.” Delaney filled each glass with ice and then handed them to me to pour the tea. “We’ve been rooming together since last year.”

“How nice. Are you studying to be journalist or something?” Trish removed a roast from the oven and placed it on top of the stove. Then, she placed the tray of rolls on the rack and closed the oven door.

“No, I’m actually working toward being a professional photographer.” Delaney closed the freezer door.

Looking over her shoulder, Trish replied, “Okay, that make sense. Why you needed old pictures of Raven, that is.”

“I really appreciate it. I had no idea who to base my project on until he agreed,” Delaney said. “Do you mind if I take candid pictures of everyone today?” She picked up her camera case sitting on the hutch.

“No, not at all.” Trish gave a slight pose and I could immediately tell that she was fun to be around. Unlike my mom.

“You didn’t have to make us dinner, but we appreciate it.” I leaned against a chair, unsure of what to do next.

Trish waved, holding a carving fork in one hand a knife in the other. “It was no trouble. These boys were complaining that they didn’t want any more turkey leftovers. Besides, I really wanted Raven to eat a nice, home cooked meal since he didn’t get to go to New Orleans with us for Thanksgiving.”

“It’s very thoughtful of you,” Delaney added.

“To be honest, Raven’s never brought home any girls from college. So when he told me he had a friend that wanted to tell his life story and needed pictures, I figured it was the least I could do. Then when he said he wanted me to meet the girl that had helped him improve his writing, I knew I had to make a nice meal.”