Found Obsession

Chapter 23: A piece of Cake.

"Well, lovebirds," Rebecca beamed, approaching with a bright smile, her heels clicking against the floor. "I am very sorry to interrupt, but I've heard Mr. Greco here is a wealthy man."

Both Rose and Riley chuckled, exchanging a knowing look.

"Would you be interested in donating?" Rebecca asked, eyes twinkling with hope.

Rose laughed lightly, her voice teasing. "Of course he would."

Before Riley could respond, Rose's attention was drawn to Raven, who had just arrived.

"Mind if I steal her for a dance?" Raven asked, his gaze locking with Rose's, an easy smile on his lips.

Riley chuckled too, stepping aside with a nod. "Go ahead," he said, though there was a slight hesitation in his voice, one that only Rose might have noticed.

As Rebecca turned her attention to Riley, she launched into stories about the hospital, painting vivid pictures of all the work it did. Raven took her hand, guiding her. His touch was familiar.

As they began to sway to the music, the contrast between Raven's calm demeanor and the fire that Riley had ignited in her just moments ago left Rose feeling conflicted. Yet, she couldn't help but enjoy the dance, even as her thoughts spun in a whirlwind.

"So, Riley and you?" Raven teased, his voice light, though there was an unmistakable curiosity in his eyes as he spun her gently across the dance floor.

Rose gave him an awkward smile, feeling the weight of the moment. "I've begun to date him, yes," she stated, her tone steady but her heart racing slightly. There was something about saying it out loud to Raven that felt strange, like a small admission she hadn't quite come to terms with.

Raven swung her smoothly, their steps synchronized. "I see," he murmured, a soft chuckle escaping his lips as he brought her back into his arms. "Can't say I didn't see it coming."

Rose forced a light laugh, but her mind was buzzing with thoughts of Riley and everything that had transpired between them.

They danced in silence for a few beats, the music and laughter around them.

Raven had a way of lightening the mood, and before Rose knew it, she was laughing, caught up in his animated stories about how he'd managed to secure a few large donations.

"You should've seen the look on the guy's face when I told him the hospital could name a wing after him!" Raven grinned, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "He practically threw the check at me."

Rose burst into laughter, her previous awkwardness forgotten as Raven spun her again, his charm as infectious as ever. "You're shameless," she teased, shaking her head. "I can't believe people actually fall for your tricks."

"Hey, it's all for a good cause," he defended with a mock-serious expression, though the playful glint in his eyes gave him away. "Besides, I'd say you've got a knack for this too. Look at you, putting on this party and everything."

Rose smiled, feeling a warmth spread through her. "It wasn't easy, but it seems to be working."

Raven raised an eyebrow with a playful smirk. "Is Riley gonna keep your parents from sending you to the altar?"

Rose chuckled, rolling her eyes at the teasing. "I sure hope so," she replied, her tone light but with a hint of truth behind it.

Raven chuckled, his tone teasing yet sincere. "He'll keep your parents off your back for sure-he's rich, successful, and let's be honest, a very good prospect. They must be thrilled."

Rose rolled her eyes but couldn't help the small smile that tugged at her lips. "You sound like my mother now," she joked, but there was a flicker of truth in his words that made her feel uneasy.