Daring the Wild Sparks by Ren Alexander Read Free Book Online Page B

voice, shrill and on the defensive, Chrishelle’s mocking sneers, Julie’s sing-songing, and Ricky’s laugh mingle together in a comfortable harmony. Now I suddenly feel awkward. Like an outsider. Ricky probably feels more at home here than I do.
    As soon as I hit the gray-tiled foyer floor, Finn is in front of me, blocking my path with a hand on the banister and the other ready to catch my arm if I try to walk past him, his big, brown eyes already pleading with me. How does he do that?
    He indomitably declares, “We need to talk.”
    I see he changed into jeans. I’ve always loved the way he looks wearing jeans. The denim showcases his perfect ass. My favorite part is the sound of the zipper as I pull it down.
    Focus, Beckett . I have to lick my lips before retorting, “We already did talk .”
    Finn swipes his hand through his sandy brown hair before he reaches for my hand; however, I yank it away and tuck my hand into my back pocket. He drops his arm and impatiently sighs. “Becks, I don’t want to fight. I hate it. We hardly ever do.”
    “I hate it, too, but you were…less than charming.” I frown at him and glance toward the dining room to see if we have an audience.
    He grabs my arm, thus pulling my hand out of my pocket, tugging me closer to him. “Baby, I… I’m sorry.”
    Sighing, my gaze flickers from the doorway to his face and I entreat, “Let’s talk about this later. I don’t want to argue with you anymore right now.”
    “After dinner.” He quickly shakes his head. “Not to argue. I mean for us to talk. We’ll go for a walk or drive. Please?” His voice drops to a low and sexy entreaty.
    Once again sucked into his alluring and inescapable orbit, I crisply nod, but focus on the olive green wall, avoiding his sharp stare. With the hand he had parked on the banister, he grips my chin, making me look up at him. He determinedly declares, “I love you.”
    I try to keep from peering into his eyes, but he moves my head with his, this time forcing me to look at him. “Becks, we really do need to talk… I’ve been thinking.” About ?
    “Since our fight? Really?” I snap sarcastically.
    “Actually, yes. After dinner, okay? We need to be alone.”
    Swatting at his hand, I glare at him as I acidly retort, “We tried that.” I move to walk into the dining room, but he grabs my arm.
    “Damn it. Just go with me, okay?” He jerks me to him and kisses me as Chrissie walks into the room.
    “Aww. Look who made up. Great job, baby bro.” I automatically pull away from his mouth and run a hand nervously through my hair, giving Chrissie a stiff smile. He’d better not think we made up and everything is fine.
    As I watch her leave the room, Finn leans close to my ear and whispers, “Yeah. We really do need to be alone.” He firmly takes my hand and leads me into the dining room.
    When we walk in, Ricky, seated at the long table, can’t help the complacent grin he bestows us, particularly aimed at me. Finn walks us over to the chairs next to him. Of course. Those two most definitely were separated at birth. No lie. Ricky keeps staring at me as we sit, instantly unnerving me more so. I want to know what Finn told him when they were out. Ricky must hate me for the demands I pile upon his best friend. I’m sure he, like Morgan does to me, tells Finn he’s better off dumping my ass.
    Finn reaches under the table and picks my hand up from my lap, sliding his fingers between mine, pressing them tightly together. I know he’s staring at me, but I keep my gaze concentrated on the steaming bowl of corn in front of my plate. Finn tugs at my hand and I sense him leaning toward me, however, Ricky interrupts his quest and he pulls away from me to answer him.
    Simone takes the seat across from me. As she does, she glances at Finn, who is talking to Ricky, and then to me. Right off, she notices Finn’s arm against me and surmises that we’re holding hands. Her blue eyes sparkle, but she warily smiles at