Jet’s father Finn walks over and leans his arm on Jet’s shoulder. If Finn is any indication to go by, Jet will remain a handsome man throughout his life, even in older age. Finn looks at Jet with such affection, such love. Tee told me Finn’s wife Elena refused to come tonight because of some kind of family drama. I find myself feeling slightly protective of Jet, although I have no idea why. I blush when I notice Jet blatantly checking me out, and staring at my chest rather than my face. Ryder notices and elbows Jet in the stomach.
“At least be subtle, son,” Finn adds with a chuckle.
“Dad!” Jet chastises, his face looking slightly flushed. Finn just grins, unrepentant. Jet’s dad is really lovable. I meet Ryder’s parents who are both lovely. Ryder is a spitting image of his father, with his chocolate brown hair and soulful gray eyes. I notice Ryder’s mother watching me thoughtfully, but Tee comes and grabs me before I can ponder it further.
“You alright? We’re a lot to take in. And half the family isn’t even here, my parents included,” Tee says dryly.
“I’m fine, your family is wonderful, Tee,” I tell her honestly. She just huffs in return. We both pile our plates high with delicious food, and sit down to enjoy our meal. Sasha and Ryder join us.
“You okay, Lexi?” Ryder asks me.
“I’m fine, you guys don’t need to worry about me,” I tell them with a chuckle. I take a huge bite of banana bread and groan, it tastes really good. I notice Ryder’s eyes are on me, watching my every movement. I purposely nibble in the bottom corner of my lip, my lip twitching when I see his eyes narrow heatedly.
“Oh my god! The sexual tension between the two of them is intense!” Sasha announces loudly. I cringe, and put down my slice.
“Try living with the two of them!” Tee says, taking a bite of her own food. I watch as Ryder palms his face in exasperation.
“Yeah, why didn’t you come stay with me, Tee?” Sasha pouts. Tee stares at her, passing a silent message between them, before both of them burst out laughing.
“Good call,” Sasha says suddenly, and then they both start laughing again.
Ryder shrugs. “Just smile and nod, Lexi, that’s what I usually do.”
One of Ryder’s little cousins comes running to him and sits on his lap. She must be about five, with a mop of dark curls and wide curious eyes.
“Hey, Kiara, how are you doing, baby girl?” Ryder asks her gently.
“I’m hungry, Ry,” she pouts.
“Here, love, eat some of my food,” Ryder tells her, passing her some from his plate. I’ve noticed that most of Ryder’s cousins are female; it must really drive him insane being as protective as he is. I purse my lips to stop myself from grinning and continue to watch Ryder treat this little girl like a princess. Tee and Sasha are both watching me knowingly. Tee looks thoughtful, and Sasha gives me a thumbs up. I shake my head at them and continue to enjoy my food.
About an hour later, Ryder pulls out his guitar, and I watch as he sings different songs with different family members. There is so much talent in his family, it’s insane. I love the fact that music brings them together, makes them closer. When I see Ryder staring at me, a question in his eyes, I quickly shake my head no. I’m not going to sing in front of all these people. Ryder nods back at me, respecting my choice.
I sit back and enjoy the music.
*****
“This is the perfect apartment!” I all but squeal at Tee. I love it. It’s modern, in a great neighbourhood, and fully furnished. The rent is a little steep, but considering all the other places we've seen, we could care less. The apartment has all white walls with one red feature wall, and all the tabletops are black marble. I love my bathroom, with its bright yellow walls and a huge bathtub. The lounge room has plush black carpet, and a comfy looking red leather couch. It’s just... us.
They tell us the apartment will be ours in three days, and we can’t wait. We head out to a bar for a few drinks to celebrate. The closest bar happens to be, from the looks of things, a biker bar. We walk in and eye the battered red leather stools and the old pool tables. We both glance at each other and shrug, hell, we’ve been to worse places. We take a seat and Tee orders two tequila shots and two vodka sunrises. What can I say, the girl knows what I like. I see Tee eyeing a cute guy, who kind of looks like Jax Teller from Sons of Anarchy. I can’t blame her, the man is fine. No way near as sexy as Ryder, but sexy enough. I nudge Tee when she stares at him without blinking for a few moments.
“Woman! We are not here for that!” I mock chastise. She shakes her head and downs her shot, not bothering with the salt or the lime.
“I know, but come on. That is grade-A ass right there,” she says, giggling. I shake my head at her, downing my own shot. I stick the lime in my mouth, sucking out the bitter goodness. Tee nudges me with her elbow, and I glance over to see why. Jax Teller is walking over to us; a grin on his masculine, perfect face, his blue eyes twinkling. He takes a seat next to Tee and gives us both a smile. Tee turns on her charm, giving him a flirty smile.
“What are you two doing at a bar like this?” he asks, signalling the bartender for another drink. The bartender walks over and pours him what looks like a scotch.
Tee frowns. “What the hell kind of a pick-up line is that?” she blurts out. Jax Teller laughs, his whole body shaking with the effort.
“I heard you were feisty,” he says, approval in his tone. He looks over at me.