Ray.

~~~

I couldn't sit still, not when I knew Samantha was just across the street, surrounded by newfound fans, signing her name on that book—the book that meant so much to her. The book that tied her to her grandfather's memory. I'd watched her from the back of the bookstore, unnoticed, as she charmed the crowd despite her nerves. God, she looked beautiful in that plaid dress, her blue eyes lit with a mixture of determination and anxiety.

I wanted to wait until she was done, but I couldn't resist. I slipped the book I'd brought—the book she left in our bunk before she left—onto the table when it was my turn. As I leaned close, her scent hit me—the familiar coconut smell I'd missed more than I wanted to admit.

"I'm going to wait in the cafe across the street," I said softly, close enough for only her to hear. Her eyes widened slightly, and I caught the faint flush of her cheeks. She nodded, speechless, as I turned and walked away. I didn't look back—I couldn't.

In the cafe, I tried to calm myself, scrolling aimlessly through my phone. But my mind kept drifting to her. I didn't expect to feel this... nervous? Excited? I couldn't quite pin it down, but seeing her again had flipped some switch in me.

When the bell above the cafe door jingled, I looked up, and there she was, standing hesitantly at the entrance. Her blue eyes met mine, and for a moment, the rest of the room disappeared. I stood, my chair scraping loudly against the floor.

"God, how I missed that coconut smell," I murmured as I pulled her into a hug, pressing a kiss to her temple. Holding her felt like coming home after being lost at sea.

"I missed you too," she said softly, pulling back just enough to cup my face in her hands. Her touch was gentle, her gaze searching, as if she was making sure I was really there. "You surprised me," she added, a faint smile tugging at her lips.

"That was the point," I said, grinning before leaning in to kiss her. The kiss was soft, warm, and far too brief, but it was enough to remind me why I couldn't stay away.

We sat down and talked, the coffee cooling in our cups as the hours slipped by unnoticed. I told her I could stay for a week if she wanted me to.

"Oh, I'll definitely have you," she said with a laugh, her smile as radiant as the sun breaking through a storm.

Later, we drove to her grandmother's house, the conversation flowing as easily as it always did with Sam. She smuggled me up to her bedroom, whispering about how her grandmother would bombard me with questions if she saw me. It was almost endearing how protective she was of our time together.

By the time we fell asleep, the room was dark, and Sam's head rested on my chest, her hand splayed over my heart. I stared at the ceiling, listening to her breathing, and felt a peace.

I woke up alone, the bed still warm where she'd been. I heard faint sounds from downstairs and slipped on my jeans, following the soft creak of her footsteps. I caught sight of her in the kitchen, her robe tied loosely around her, as she poured herself a glass of water. She looked deep in thought, her brows furrowed.

"Couldn't sleep?" I asked, leaning against the doorframe.

She jumped slightly, the glass sloshing water over the rim. "Ray, you scared me."

"Sorry," I said, walking closer. "What's wrong?"

"It's Alyssa," she admitted, her voice quiet. "She came home late, and something felt... off. She says she's fine, but she looked anxious."

I placed a hand on her shoulder. "She's a teenager, darling. You were her age once—probably gave your family a few scares too, right?"

Her lips curved into a reluctant smile. "More than a few. But it's different with her. She's not like me. She's always been the good one."

"Maybe she just needs time," I said gently. "Or someone to talk to who won't judge her."

Samantha nodded, but the worry in her eyes lingered. I reached out, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "You're a good sister. She'll come to you when she's ready."

She sighed, leaning into my touch. "I hope so."

At that moment, I wanted to promise her the world, to take away every worry she had. But instead, I just stood there with her in the quiet kitchen, holding her close as the shadows outside shifted and the night pressed on.

The next morning, I was up before her. Wrapping myself in her black silk robe—an amusingly snug fit—I made my way to the kitchen. Her grandmother, Rose, was there, a kind but tired smile on her face. We exchanged a few words, and though she mistook me for her son, Keith, I didn't mind. The warmth of her voice and the bittersweet familiarity in her eyes struck something deep within me.

By the time I returned to Sam's room, balancing a tray of coffee, mango slices, and grapes, she was awake, stretching lazily like a cat in the sunlight.

"Where did you go?" she asked, her voice hoarse and sultry from sleep.

"For breakfast, of course," I replied, grinning as I set the tray on the bed and perched beside her, legs crossed. "I met Rose," I added casually, the corner of my mouth lifting into a crooked smile.

Her blue eyes widened as she scanned the tray, then flicked to me. "You met my grandmother? Wearing that?" Her gaze dropped to my chest, where the robe gaped slightly.

"Yeah." I feigned a sheepish look, lowering my head just enough to sell it.

"And?" she pressed, raising a brow.

"I think she liked me," I said, popping a grape into my mouth. "Though at first, she thought I was Keith."

Her expression softened. "Keith?"

I nodded. "Yeah. I get it now," I said, exhaling deeply. "Why this is so hard for you? I see it in her eyes."

Sam sipped her coffee, her shoulders tensing slightly. "I can't change anything," she said quietly. "All I can do is be here for her."

I nodded in understanding. "That's more than enough, darling."

She hesitated, her gaze dropping to the coffee cup in her hands. "Ray, there's something I need to tell you. And I don't think you're going to like it."

I leaned forward, my chest tightening. "What is it?"

"I'm thinking of moving back here," she said, her voice wavering. "Rose's condition is getting worse, and I don't feel right leaving her for long, I can't live in LA anymore."

"I figured as much," I admitted, my tone even. I took a sip of coffee, letting her words settle before adding, "Which is why I'm moving with you."

Her head snapped up, her blue eyes wide. "You can't do that."

"Why not?" I asked, leaning closer. When she didn't answer immediately, I took the chance to explain. "Darling, I don't have a home. My life is on the road—buses, hotels, and venues. The only place I actually want to be is with you. I don't care where that is, as long as it's us."

I paused, my voice softening. "Unless, of course, this is your way of breaking up with me." Her lips parted, but no words came out. I gently cupped her face, the warmth of her skin grounding me.

"No," she finally said, her voice barely above a whisper. "I don't want to break up. I just... I don't know how we'll manage this."

I smiled, brushing my thumb across her cheek. "We'll manage, love. I believe in us."

She blinked, her brows furrowing slightly. "Why did you call me 'love'?"

I chuckled, leaning back. "Well," I said, a playful glint in my eye, "I was planning to say this in a more romantic setting—preferably not wearing your robe—but here we are." Her laughter was the sweetest sound.

"I called you 'love' because... I love you," I said, my voice steady. Her expression froze, her eyes searching mine as if waiting for the punchline. "I'll keep saying it until you're ready to say it back. No rush," I said as her eyes lingered on me for a while.

She nodded, her eyes glistening, and I kissed her lightly before standing. "Now, I'm going to change and brush my teeth."

I left her sitting there, her coffee forgotten as I disappeared into the bathroom. I stood at the sink, toothbrush dangling from my mouth as I scrubbed away last night's indulgences when the bedroom door slammed open.

"Alyssa! Knock!" Sam's voice rang out, sharp and exasperated.

I leaned against the bathroom doorway, toothbrush in hand, watching the scene unfold. Alyssa's eyes darted from her sister to me, widening in disbelief.

Sam smirked, completely unbothered. "Raymond, meet my sister, Alyssa," she said, gesturing to the doorway where Alyssa stood frozen.

"Nice to meet you," I said, flashing a grin.

I didn't linger. I slipped back into the bathroom and shut the door, letting the wood thunk softly behind me. Her reaction said it all—she hadn't been expecting me here. A smirk tugged at the corner of my mouth as I rinsed the toothpaste away.

Through the thin walls, I caught Samantha's low voice, muffled but teasing. "Told you." I leaned my ear against the door to catch more.

"I'm sorry," Alyssa whispered, though she didn't sound apologetic.

"Oh, you're going to do better than this, sister," Sam replied, her tone dripping with mockery. Alyssa mumbled something. "Relax, I'm joking. Did you need something?" Sam asked.

"It can wait," Alyssa muttered, her voice softening. She seemed to regain her composure, but I could almost picture her standing there, one hand on her hip, the other brushing her hair back. "I still can't believe you're dating him."

I opened the bathroom door quietly, just in time to hear Alyssa's next line. "Can you introduce me to his brother? Because wow."

Samantha laughed, the kind of laugh that said you wish. "Oh, honey, Logan would eat you alive. Besides, you're way too young for him."

"Wait," Alyssa said, her tone shifting as if she'd just pieced something together. "You told me you were traveling with your boyfriend. Are you saying—" Her eyes flicked to me standing in the doorway. "Did you go on tour with Purple Rain?"

"Yes, she did," I answered for Sam, grinning as I crossed the room and stretched out on the bed. I leaned against the headboard, resting a hand on Sam's knee. She tensed beneath my touch.

Alyssa smirked like she was holding some secret weapon. "Did you tell him about last night?" she asked, her eyebrows shooting up in challenge.

Sam clenched her jaw. "I was about to, but you barged in, sister."

With a twisted smile, Alyssa waved her hand dismissively. "Then I'll leave you to it." She strutted out, closing the door behind her with a hushed click.

I turned my attention to Sam, my eyes narrowing as I studied her. She looked nervous, her fingers twitching against the coffee mug before she set it down on the nightstand.

"Well?" I asked, my voice sharper than I intended.

She exhaled a shaky breath, then turned to face me. "Last night, as you know, we had a family dinner," she began. I tilted my head slightly, waiting for her to get to the point.

"My mom invited Tom," she said, and the name alone sent a cold spike down my spine, this fucking dude. My jaw tightened, and I saw her notice.

"Nothing major happened—"

"What's major to you?" I snapped, my voice low and dark.

"He kissed me," she said, barely louder than a whisper. Her eyes darted to mine, wide and cautious.

"That's major, Sam." My tone was clipped, but I wasn't about to let her minimize this. "And? He kissed you, and then what?"

"I pushed him away," she said quickly, reaching for my hand. Her touch was warm, but it did little to cool the heat rising in my chest. "I didn't kiss him back, Ray. It meant nothing—I felt nothing."

I stared at our hands, her delicate fingers brushing mine. "I want to believe you," I said, my voice softer now, though the ache in my chest lingered.

"But you don't," she finished for me. She sounded more resigned than angry, and when I looked into her eyes, I saw the hurt reflected back at me. She stood, tugging me with her. "Come on."

"Where are we going?" I asked, reluctant but following her anyway.

"To the study," she said over her shoulder, determination sharpening her voice.

She dragged me downstairs and down the corridor, her steps purposeful. The study was dimly lit, the faint hum of the computer filling the room as she woke it up. I hovered behind her, bending down to watch over her shoulder as her fingers flew over the keyboard.

"Just wait," she murmured, pulling up security footage.

The video played out in grainy black and white. I watched Tom appear by the pool, his body language said a lot to me—the cocky tilt of his head, the way he leaned in toward her. My jaw clenched tighter and my heart ached.

"Wait," Sam said again, her voice steadier now.

Then I saw it. The kiss. My gut twisted. But I also saw her shove him back, saw the sharpness in her movements, the rejection in every inch of her body.

I exhaled slowly, tension easing from my shoulders. "I'm sorry," I said quietly, the weight of my own doubt pressing down on me.

She turned in her chair to face me, her eyes earnest. "I promised I wouldn't hurt you, Ray. And I meant it. I want you, and only you." Her hands framed my face, her warmth grounding me. "That," she said, nodding toward the monitor, "won't happen again."

Her lips brushed mine, a feather-light kiss that steadied my fraying edges. "I love you," I whispered, the words coming easily now.

Her face lit up, but then I smirked, a flicker of mischief creeping in. "So, uh... are there cameras anywhere else in this house?"

Her hands slid to my neck, her brow furrowing. "Yeah, why?"

The heat crept into my cheeks. "Well, this morning... I may have done something embarrassing."

Her eyes narrowed. "What did you do?"

I hesitated, biting back a grin. "I, uh, did a little happy dance in the corridor."

Her eyebrow shot up. "You have a happy dance?"

"Don't laugh," I warned, my cheeks flaming.

"Oh, I have to see this now," she said, already turning back to the computer with a laugh bubbling out of her.

And just like that, the tension dissolved into something lighter. As the footage rolled, showing my ridiculous, impromptu dance moves in her robe, Sam's laughter filled the room, loud and unrestrained.

I groaned, burying my face in my hands. "This is why I said don't watch it!"

"You're adorable," she said through her laughter. Even I couldn't help but chuckle, the weight of the morning finally lifting.