Rafe—
Pistol Pete’s is just like I remember it, even though I haven’t been here in years. Mom and Dad used to take us here when we were kids. They’d load us up on tacos—as many as we could eat. It was always Fiona’s favorite place.
She waves me over from a table by the windows.
I sit down and grin. “You ordered me a margarita. Thanks.”
Her eyes drop to it. “Sure. Right.”
I take a sip and then study her. “You okay? Mom said you were having some troubles.”
“Really? When did she tell you that?”
“A while ago. Are you?”
“I don’t want to talk about it. I want to talk about you and Tori.”
I stiffen and lean my elbows on the table. “Why?”
“Because you two are cute together. I like her. She suits you.”
“You barely know her.”
She shrugs and drags a chip through salsa. “I can just tell. She’s sweet, and she cares about you.”
“You got all that from the other night?”
“We talked in the bathroom. She’s got it bad for you, Rafe.”
“Could have fooled me.” I down a slug of the drink.
“Why do you say that?”
“She’s dating another guy, Fiona. So, don’t tell me how much she wants me.”
“I bet it’s not what you think.”
My eyes narrow. That sounds suspiciously like she’s talked to Tori about it. “Did you talk to her?”
“Maybe. She told me you won’t return her calls. You won’t even give her a chance to explain. Brother, don’t learn too late how much silence can cost. You like this girl.”
I sigh. “Stay out of it, okay? The last thing I need is my little sister involved in my love life.” I feel a presence next to me and grab a menu off the table, thinking it’s the waiter. I don’t even know what I want. When they don’t speak, I glance up and my mouth parts. “Tori.”
She pulls out a chair between Fiona and me. “I just want to talk to you.”
I glare at my sister. “Did you set this up?”
“Please don’t be mad at her. I asked her to call you,” Tori says.
I slam the menu shut. “I’m out of here.”
Tori’s hand lands on my arm. “Please don’t go. Give me five minutes.”
Fiona slips out. “I’ll go to the bar and let you two talk.”
“Traitor,” I mutter after her.
“I’m sorry, Rafe. I’m sorry for all of it,” Tori murmurs.
My gaze sweeps over her. Goddamn, she looks good.
Top to bottom, sex on a stick, but with a touch of sweetness.
I love the blouse she’s wearing, and the way it exposes her bare, sun-kissed shoulders.
My dick wants to know if she’s got anything on under it.
Down, boy. She’s not ours anymore . Maybe she never was.
“You were right. I shouldn’t have gone last night. I was trying to help my father. I didn’t think it was a big deal.”
“You’re still making excuses.”
“You’re jealous. I get that.”
“Damn right, I am. Either you're mine or you’re his. Which is it, Tori?”
“Rafe—”
“Until you make up your mind, I’m done.” I stand and walk out to my bike.
Tori chases after me and grabs my arm before I can throw my leg over the seat. “Rafe, wait. Please. I don’t want him. You have to believe me.”
“Do I?”
“It’s you I want.”
“You mean that, for real?”
“I’ve never meant anything more.”
“Then prove it. Come with me tonight.”
“Where?”
“Does it matter?”
She swallows. “No.”
Everything in me relaxes, and it feels like a weight just left me. I’ll be on my guard, but I’ve got to take the risk that Tori is telling me the truth, that this isn’t more of some game. I look at the restaurant. “We can’t leave my sister hanging. You still hungry?”
She smiles and nods.
I hold my hand out, and she takes it, and the moment she does, everything in me settles with a belief that somehow, we’ll work this out.
Walking past the bar inside, I tap Fiona on the shoulder. She turns, and I jerk my head to the table. “Come on.”
Her eyes drop to Tori’s hand in mine, and she gives me a huge smile.
We all order tacos, and over them, I reminisce with Fiona.
“Remember how much you loved these tacos as a kid?”
“Yep. I made Mom and Dad take me here for my birthday dinner every single year.”
I chuckle. “That’s right. I forgot about that. What’s going on with them, by the way?”
“What do you mean?”
“The last time I saw Mom, she was a little sad. She said Dad has seemed distant lately. I think she thinks he’s fooling around or something. I told her there was no chance of that. You know anything about that?”
“I think Mom may be going through the change, and she’s having a rough time with it. I think she’s afraid she’s not as beautiful anymore.”
“That’s crazy. As a matter of fact, I was just thinking that night she came by that she still is as pretty as the pictures I’ve seen of her when she was young.”
“Dad’s been leaving a lot lately. Maybe that’s got her concerned, but it’s not what she thinks.”
“What is it then, Fiona? Maybe you should tell her.”
“He’s trying to surprise her. He’s been working on something for their anniversary. I think he knows she’s having a hard time and wants it to be extra special.”
“You know what it is?”
“Nope. And I get that he wants to do this for her, and it’s probably going to be great, but I think what she really needs is to spend some time with him. You should talk to him. Tell him what I said.”
“Why me?” I ask. “You do it.”
“Come on, Rafe. Just do it for Mom.”
“Fine.”
“So? You two kiss and makeup?” Fiona finally asks with a waggle of her brows.
“None of your business,” I snap, then thread my fingers with Tori’s. “But yeah. We’re good.”
My sister’s face lights up. “Yay! I’m so glad. Are you going by Kyle’s tonight?”
“Kyle’s? Why?”
Her shoulders drop. “Sutton’s surprise birthday party, silly. Don’t pretend you forgot.”
“I did forget.”
She drains her drink. “I’m calling bullshit on that one, brother. Be there by eight and park down the street. He’s going to keep her out somewhere until we’re all assembled.”
Tori looks from me to Fiona. “Are we supposed to bring a gift? Do you have one, Rafe?”
“You don’t have to do that. I mean, most of us girls are getting her something, but…” She trails off, looking at me, then Tori. “Really, you don’t need to bring anything, Rafe. It’d probably be awkward if you did, anyway.”
I my arms, my knee bouncing under the table. I’m thinking the entire thing is going to be awkward, but I don’t want to be a dick and not show up.
Tori looks between the two of us. “Why do I get the feeling it’s going to be my turn to be jealous?”
Fiona touches her hand. “Sutton is beautiful, but she’s got the sweetest heart, and she’s totally in love with Kyle. So, you have nothing to worry about.”
Tori glances at me, and I wonder if it’s me she’s worried about, not Sutton.
The waiter brings the check, and I dig out my credit card and toss it on the little tray.
Fiona leans back in her chair and rubs her belly. “I’m stuffed, but it was so good.”
She can always drag a smile out of me. I crumple a napkin and throw it at her.
After the waiter returns with my card, I sign the receipt, and we walk out to the curb.
Fiona digs her keys out and beeps the locks.
“Where are you headed now?” I ask her.
“Headed home to get ready for the party.” She checks her watch. “It’s six, so I’ve got to get going.”
Tori looks at her clothes. “I need to change.”
“You look so cute in that,” Fiona tells her.
“You sure? I’m in cutoffs.”
“You’re fine,” Fiona says. “It’s casual. I promise.” Then she gives me a sly look. “Besides, I think my brother likes that outfit. I saw the way his eyes devoured you when you walked up to the table.” She waggles her fingers before I can reply. “Ta ta, you two. See you tonight.”
I stand on the curb, holding Tori’s hand. “Did you ride with her?”
“No. My car is over there.”
I gaze in the direction. “Want to leave it there and go on the bike with me? We can come back for it later.”
“I suppose so.” She looks at herself. “Can I ride in these shorts?”
“Yeah. If it gets cold later, I’ve got some chaps you can wear.” Actually, just the picture I’m imagining of her in chaps heats my blood.
“All right.”
I dig her out a helmet and swing my leg over the bike. She puts it on and buckles it under her chin.
“Ready?” I pat the seat behind me. “Climb on.”
When I feel her arms wrap around me, I squeeze her knee, then twist the throttle and roar off down the street.
For the moment, everything seems right in the world.