Total pages in book: 105
Estimated words: 100277 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 501(@200wpm)___ 401(@250wpm)___ 334(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 100277 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 501(@200wpm)___ 401(@250wpm)___ 334(@300wpm)
He patted my shoulder as Rafe reappeared, looking more pissed off than when he’d left the room. Greg gently nudged me toward him. “Looks like he could use you right about now.”
With a grim smile, I bridged the distance between me and Rafe, who slid an arm around my waist. “You okay?” My gaze met Elle’s as I turned with him to walk back to his parents.
She stared at us in obvious disappointment, and I felt a confusing thrill of triumph that was very unlike me. I was not a jealous or possessive type at all.
Really.
Usually.
Rafe’s hand tensed on my hip. “I think it’s time to go.”
Shit. Shit. Shit.
I didn’t want to be the reason for a rift between Hugo and Rafe. This family was awesome and I would not be a problem for them.
“Don’t even think about using this as an excuse to say no to me,” Rafe warned, and I gaped at him. How the hell did he know what I was thinking? His mouth curled at the corners. “I’ve gotten to know you pretty well, Ms. Meadows, and I know how your mind works.”
“Stop reading my mind, Mr. Whitman. It’s creepy,” I murmured.
He laughed, and warmth flooded me. I really loved that I could turn his frown upside down. Once we stopped at his parents, he waited for them to turn from their conversation with the couple whose name I’d forgotten as soon as Pippa said it at dinner because I’d been preoccupied with Rafe. “Mom, Dad, we’re leaving.”
“It’s a little early to leave.” Jen pursed her lips.
“I have an early surgery tomorrow.”
“Oh. Of course, then.”
Greg eyed his son. “All okay?”
Rafe’s expression hardened and I was curious to know just what Hugo had said to him.
I asked as soon as we left the apartment.
“The same stupid nonsense he said to you. Prick.” Rafe hit the button on the elevator and turned to me angrily. “But he will never, ever accost you like that again. He’s been warned, and I don’t give second warnings.”
My stomach roiled nervously. “Rafe, I don’t want to cause conflict between you and your brother.”
We got in the elevator and each leaned against the opposite side as if subconsciously preparing for battle. As the elevator descended, I held his fierce gaze.
“I already told you, you’re not. Hugo and I have disagreed our whole adult lives and I don’t see that changing anytime soon.”
“I’m sorry.” I still didn’t like the idea that I would be another thing for them to disagree over. The Whitmans were such a beautiful family, and they deserved to be happy.
“You’re not the one who needs to be sorry.”
My skin flushed in remembrance of what had happened less than an hour ago in his brother and sister-in-law’s bathroom. “I think you’ve already apologized, and very thoroughly.”
Rafe’s gaze was hot as he dragged it down my body and back up again. “You have no idea how much I want to be inside you right now.”
Arousal flooded deep in my belly so abruptly at his words that I sucked in a surprised breath.
His nostrils flared at my reaction.
“We could go back to your place,” I whispered.
Rafe squeezed his eyes closed as if he were in pain, and he dropped his head with a groan.
“What?”
When he raised his eyes, he let out a slow exhalation. “I can’t. Not until I know where we stand.”
Oh boy, he really was Mr. Commitment.
I had never met a guy quite like Rafe Whitman.
Weeks ago, he’d told me he’d had one-night stands but he was over that phase, and obviously he’d spoken the truth. I commented as much.
Rafe shook his head. “If it were just a blinding attraction, I’d fuck you right here in this elevator.”
And now my nipples were hard.
“But it isn’t. I have real feelings for you. So I can’t do the casual thing. I’d just be asking to get hurt.”
I couldn’t believe as I stood there gaping at this intensely deep man who was being open and vulnerable with me that he was the same guy who’d been so closed off when we met. Unfortunately, despite all the good things his words said about him and his intentions toward me, I felt that crushing pressure on my chest increase in intensity. It almost killed my arousal.
Before I could find the words to respond to him, my cell rang in my purse and I fumbled to shut it off, only to see Arlo’s name flashing on the screen. “It’s my father,” I told Rafe, giving him an apologetic look. “He never calls.”
If the interruption frustrated him, he hid it well. “You better answer, then.”
The elevator doors opened just as I picked up the call. “Arlo?”
“Hey, Star Shine.” Arlo’s lazy drawl filled me with a flood of emotions because apparently Rafe had opened a floodgate tonight. “Need a big-ass favor.”