The ride over feels like it takes longer than usual. I stop when I’m halfway up his driveway. There are three other cars parked near his. Maybe this wasn’t a great idea.
There’s a silhouette in one of the windows. I’m sure my headlights just announced my arrival. If I tried backing out in the dark, I would probably end up on the grass. Great!
It’s either go all the way up and turn around or risk a lawn job. The door opens before I can decide, and I see Rafe standing next to the waterfall. I’m too far away to make out his features, but his body language isn’t very inviting. My phone rings, and I look over to the seat to see his face lighting up the screen. I hit the answer icon and tap the speaker.
“Are you going to make me come get you?”
“I didn’t realize you had company.”
“I can make them leave,” he offers.
“I should have called or just waited until tomorrow.”
“But you didn’t. Just a minute.” Louder, he yells, “Time to go!”
“No, no. That’s worse, don’t make them leave.” I lower my head.
“If it’s you or them, it’s always gonna be you.”
No fair. That makes my knees weak, and I’m not even standing. “Can’t you just sneak me in the back or something?”
“Park the truck, Lucy.” Rafe walks across the bridge and waits near his garages.
“Fine.” I smash the button to hang up.
Right after I park, Rafe approaches the side of my truck. He opens my door, and the interior light shows me his face. His brows are high, and his lips are quirked. He still has the phone to his ear, and I blush. Does he not know I hung up? “Go wait upstairs until I tell you to come down,” he orders roughly. It’s then I realize he’s on the phone with someone else, someone in the house. After ending the call, he takes my hand and pulls me from the truck.
“Who was that?” I’m curious about who’s here.
“Winger and Saddle,” he answers.
“There are three cars.” I point.
Rafe pushes me up against the side of my truck with his body and crowds into my space. He uses his nose to nuzzle me. “I didn’t think you would want to see me. I was giving you until tomorrow.”
I place my hands on his sides. “I wanted to make sure you were okay.”
Rafe pulls back abruptly, keeping only our lower bodies connected. “You were worried about me?” he says softly.
“Of course I was worried, and scared.” I tut.
Rafe strokes the side of my head and smooths down my hair. “I don’t want you to be afraid, not about this. I promise it will be fine.”
“What if we get caught?”
“We? Sweetness, there is no we, not in this. I promise this will never touch you, no matter what.”
“How can you be sure? And I’m not just worried about me. I don’t want you to get caught either.”
“There’s nothing to catch, nothing happened.” He continues to watch me. I wish I could believe that as seamlessly as he delivers it. “Will you come in?” he asks, tilting his head to the side.
“I guess I should, since you banished them upstairs.” I don’t make a move to push him away though.
“I don’t mind making them wait.” Rafe shrugs, and I believe him.
“Not nice,” I chastise. “Are you going to tell me who else is here?”
He steps back and tugs me along by my hand. “Iron came with Winger,” he informs me.
