Page 77 of Rafe’s Future

In short, he wanted her.

Moments later, they were curled up together under the covers. Rafe’s arms around her, and Lena’s cheek resting against his chest.

His eyes fell shut just as the sun peeked its face over the horizon. And for the first time in nearly thirty years, he fell asleep with a smile on his lips.

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

Lena woke slowly to the soft, wailing sound of seagulls. For several seconds, she had no idea where she was. But then, she smelled the faint scent of Rafe lingering on the pillow beside her, and the memories of that morning came rushing back.

Rafe.

Her heart gave a little twist as she smiled. When she opened her eyes, she discovered the afternoon sun spilling across the bedroom floor. She had slept soundly for hours.

Lena stretched beneath the white linen sheet, savoring the delicious ache in her muscles as an unfamiliar sense of peace settled over her. That was a strange word to her, peace. She hadn’t known much of that in her life.

She’d spent most of her adult years expecting the next phone call, assignment, or threat. Happiness was something she and those like her enjoyed in short blips of stolen moments. Because the minute she started thinking those little blips could stretch into any real measure of time, life always had a way of proving her wrong.

But somehow, this felt different.

Lena slipped from the bed and pulled on Rafe’s discarded shirt from earlier before walking toward the bathroom. Minutes later, she made her way out of the bedroom with her bladder empty and her hair and teeth brushed.

A warm breeze drifted past as she entered the living room and noticed the sliding doors had been left open. The scent of saltwater filled her nostrils, and beyond the glass, sunlight glittered across the water.

And there he was.

Rafe stood at the railing, one hand resting against the wood while he held his phone to his ear with the other. Lena stopped, taking advantage of the stolen moment by soaking in the mouthwatering view.

Seeing him like that—relaxed and happy—tugged at heartstrings she never knew existed. He was completely unaware that she was watching him, and for some reason, that made her smile.

“I know, honey,” he was saying. “No, I haven’t forgotten. I’ll call you later.”

Her smile grew.

He’s talking to his daughter.

She knew how much Alice meant to him. It was in his eyes every time Alice was mentioned.

Lena stepped through the sliding doors and slowly began walking to where he stood. Sensing her presence, Rafe turned to look at her from over his shoulder. Their eyes met, and something changed in his expression.

The warmth in his dark gaze deepened. The corners of his mouth lifted.

“She’s awake,” he spoke into the phone. “Okay, I’ll tell her. I love you, too.”

He ended the call and slipped the phone into his pocket. “How long were you there?”

“Long enough to hear you being a big, old softy.”

“Old?”

“Ancient,” she teased.

“Careful, Director Price. That one just might cost you.”

“I’ll take my chances.”

He held out his hand. She took it, and Rafe drew her against him. With his arms wrapped around her waist, Lena rested her cheek against his chest and closed her eyes. She sighed, feeling even more at peace than when she’d first awakened.

“I like this,” she whispered after a stretch of comfortable silence.