Page 49 of Rafe’s Future

“When I said I’d do everything in my power to protect Rafe, that includes his emotional well-being.” Lena wiped her hands on a nearby towel and sighed. “I like your father, Alice,” she admitted aloud. “The last thing I’d ever want to do is hurt him.”

After waiting a beat, the young woman’s lips curved into a genuine smile. “I believe you. And for what it’s worth, I’m pretty sure my father likes you, too.”

I sure hope so.

“Yeah?”

Alice chuckled. “Oh, yeah. I saw the way he was looking at you during breakfast.”

“There was a look?”

“Uh . . . yeah.” Rafe’s daughter snorted. “The man could hardly keep his eyes off of you that whole time.”

Really?

“I didn’t notice.”

“Probably because you were too busy trying to hide all those little sneaky peeks of your own.”

Her heart gave a kick, but rather than waste her time trying to deny the allegations, Lena started to laugh. “You’d think with my training, I’d do a lot better job at keeping a lid on my emotions.”

“It’s this place.” Alice glanced around the magnificent, up-to-date kitchen. “It’s huge and imposing, and I can’t even begin to wonder how many ghosts wander these halls, but . . . I don’t know.” She released a breathy sigh. “There’s just something about being here that instantly puts me at ease.”

“It’s comfortable,” she offered. “Peaceful.”

“Exactly.”

She smiled as the two women left the room. As they walked side-by-side toward Rafe and Slade—who were still sitting together at the table—Alice leaned in closer, speaking low enough only Lena could hear.

“For the record, I’m all for it.”

“It?”

“You and my dad.”

Lena’s eyes swung her way. “Yeah?”

“He deserves to be happy.” Alice sent her a knowing nod. But then, “That being said, you should know I’m a literal genius when it comes to computers.”

“In other words, I hurt your dad, you hurt me?”

“Pretty much.”

I think I like her even more now.

“You realize threatening a federal officer could get you thrown into prison, right?”

“I know.”

She just didn’t care.

Yep. Even more.

“Duly noted.” Lena grinned as they made their way back over to the table.

“What are you two smiling about?” Rafe sent her a questioning stare.

She sent the sexy Brit a wink. “I’d tell you, but then I’d have to kill you.”