God, if this doesn’t go well, I’m done. “I’ll let him in,” I call out to some guy named Larry. I’m still meeting everyone. It’s not like Jett has a huge number of people in his house, but I am starting to see a few familiar faces.

“Mr. Powers knows this man is coming?” Larry looks at me like he knows he doesn’t, but is covering his ass by asking.

“Yes, he’s my boyfriend.” I smile at him.

He rolls his eyes but nods and walks toward the area of the house I haven’t seen yet. I smooth my dark blue slip dress and open the huge door.

Brody bounds up the stairs holding a bouquet of flowers in his hand and a bottle of wine under his arm.

He’s about six feet and has always been on the thin side, and if it’s possible, he looks like he’s lost weight. For a guy who grew up on the beach, his pale skin just screams vitamin D deficient.

“Raven. You look so beautiful.” I go to take the flowers, trying hard not to be disappointed. So he doesn’t have Jett’s striking looks or body. Brody is a good man, though. He’s on track to become an architect.

“Aww, thank you.” I go to hug him, then realize I’m acting like his friend, so I get on my tiptoes to touch his lips. He looks a little surprised. I guess he thought I was just going to hug him.

“I missed you.” I smile again, pushing all thoughts of anyone but him to the back of my mind as I take his hand and drag him inside.

“Wow. So this is the famed Jett Powers’s house. How is he?” He looks around, then down at me.

“He’s a dick. But perfect for my mom. She’s a bitch, so…”

“Raven.” His brown eyes widen. “You don’t mean that.” I stop walking and turn to look at him.

“I do. Is that a problem?” He stares at me then shrugs, staying quiet, and I almost start laughing. What was I thinking? Whatever. He’s going to take my virginity, and then if he doesn’t like that I can’t stand my family, he can leave.

“Come on, I’ll show you the kitchen. Are you hungry?” I head in that direction only to have him move forward and grab my hand.

“I’m sorry. I’m nervous.” He smiles, and I almost sigh in relief, because he does have a nice smile.

“I’m nervous too.” I wrap my arms around his neck, but he clears his throat and backs away, holding the wine.