It didn’t hurt that he’d gone by Piper’s office yesterday and chatted with her for a few minutes. It only took that long for him to feel comfortable enough to ask her if he could come back again. Only time would tell whether it would help, but Rafe was willing to try.
Whatever it took to be worthy of Bailey and Holt.
He moved to the couch and took a seat, his gaze shifting around the room. Again, he waited for the panic to come, but it wasn’t there. His stomach didn’t twist, and his chest didn’t tighten. He wasn’t itching to run out the door.
This was where he wanted to be.
The sound of footsteps had him staring at the end of the room, waiting for someone to emerge from the hallway. He expected Holt, geared up to give Rafe a scolding for attempting to flee.
Bailey was the one who appeared. She was naked and so beautiful it made his chest ache to look at her. He loved her so damn much.
“You okay?”
Rafe held out his hand, urging her closer. She came to him without pause, placing her hand in his. He pulled down so she was straddling his hips.
“I’m better now,” he admitted.
She placed her hand over his heart. “Are you havin’ a panic attack?”
“No.”
“Would you tell me if you were?”
“Yes.” As soon as the word was out, he realized it was the truth.
“I’m glad.” Her hands slid up to cup his jaw. “But I want you to know I’m here if and when you do. Even if it’s only to sit quietly by your side so you know you’re not alone. I’m here.”
Rafe cupped the back of her head, pulling her mouth to his. He kissed her slow and deep.
“I love you,” he whispered. “I always have.”
“I love you, too.” She leaned into him, her elbows on his shoulders, her fingers playing with his hair.
They were both naked, and her touch was affecting him. Just as he always knew it would. He managed to ignore the throbbing of his cock between them, but Bailey didn’t fare quite so well.
“Make love to me,” she whispered, shifting her hips, angling so his cock moved between her legs.
He heard a sound, noticed Holt was standing near the hallway, his shoulder leaning on the wall.
“How about you make love to me,” he said softly, angling his cock to the sweet juncture between her thighs.
“I can do that.”
And she did.
Right there, in the house Rafe had been terrified of for so long, Bailey made love to him while Holt stood across the room, quiet and content to watch. The second of many memories they would make in this house and together. The first was one Rafe would never forget for as long as he lived. The three of them joined as one.
But this … this was good, too.
No, amend that.
This was better than good.
It was perfect.
Epilogue
Thursday, September 1, 2022
