Rafe relaxed a little and leaned against the counter. “You’ve entered a kid-free zone.”
“Okay. First of all, let me apologize for Drew’s behavior this morning.”
Rafe waved her off with a shake of his head. Her ex-husband was piece of work and a complete dick, but he’d met plenty of dudes like him before. At some point, posturing became a part of their personality. Drew wasn’t blameless, not by a long shot, but Rafe refused to waste his weekend thinking about their interaction. He was more worried about Sloan and the girls.
“Are you okay?” he asked. “I know you said you didn’t like him, but—”
“Breaking up with someone is hard. Ending a marriage is harder, but people downplay how impossible it is to end a relationship with someone when you have kids with them.” She pouted, then dramatically stumbled across the kitchen and into his arms, even though he was covered in flour. “I hate him so much and I can’t kill him and make it look like an accident.”
“As someone who has been on the wrong side of the law, getting revenge in the form of a happy life is better than murder. Trust me. I don’t know how to make anything look like an accident and I’m sure you wouldn’t like womens’ lock-up. Also, you’re hot, but I’m not going back in for you.”
Sloan snorted and snuggled closer. “I believe you. And don’t worry. Xeni has connects. I’d have her handle it.”
“I’m sorry you have to deal with him, but I got your back.” Rafe cupped her face and kissed her soft lips.
“That means a lot. Thank you,” she said, before she looked him up and down. She frowned, then turned and looked at the center island. He hadn’t mastered the art of cleaning as he went.
“I’m about to take care of this.”
She turned back to him and smiled. “Were you baking?”
“My extra flaky pie crust needs to chill for at least twelve hours.”
“You’re baking pie from scratch?”
“Quiche. For breakfast tomorrow.”
“Oh my god, I might have to marry you.” She stepped back and hopped up on the far counter. Rafe couldn’t help but think about how they’d fucked in that exact spot just the night before. He’d also never forget the sound of Sloan’s laugh has she cleaned the counters with Clorox when they were done. She cocked her head to the side and bit the inside of her lip before she shot him a seductive smile. “Do you have any other plans this weekend? Besides serving the perfect quiche.”
“Do you?”
“Doyou? My kids are gone. You have two full days and three nights free. You’re off the clock, Mr. Whitcomb. I am in no position to tell you what to do with your time.”
“That’s true. I was thinking about spending some time with the woman I just started seeing.”
“What a lucky girl.”
Rafe shrugged. “You could look at it that way. I think I’m the lucky one.”
“Such a flatterer. Literally all I want to do this weekend is have uninterrupted sex all over the house.”
“I’m down with that plan. When we aren’t having sex, I was hoping to take you out on a real date and my parents are throwing a block party on Sunday. We could go to that if you’re interested.”
“Both sound great. I haven’t been on a real date in two hundred years and I’d love to hang out with your family.”
“Some of my buddies will be there too.”
“You’re ready to introduce me to your friends?”
“I mean, I met your friends. Only seems fair.”
“You’re absolutely right. I’m gonna shower and then we can sort out dinner?”
“Sounds like a plan.” Rafe watched Sloan as she hopped off the counter. When she disappeared around the corner, he got to work cleaning up the kitchen island. He didn’t get very far before Sloan’s face peeked around the corner again. “How can I help you, doctor?”
“When you’re done here, feel free to come join me. In the shower.”
“I’ll be right up.”
