Page 47 of Running Winter

I finished the last of my drink, wiping my mouth as I noticed Rayna focusing on me as though seeing me for the first time.

“Are you alright?”

“Yeah, I’m just—”

I looked behind her, chuckling to myself as Heather walked past us, ignoring me altogether. She was followed by Rafe, who sat beside us, pushing his hair out of his eyes.

“You didn’t just—” I began as Rafe glanced at Rayna, who was staring at her glass with intense concentration.

“She won’t bother you anymore. Let’s just say she isn’t as thirsty,” Rafe smirked, nodding at my empty glass. “Another JD?”

I’m about to say yes when Rayna interrupted, her eyes on mine.

“Actually, we’re leaving.”

What the fuck? Have I missed something?

Rafe smiled to himself before shrugging.

“No worries. I’m gonna stay here though, some of the guys from football are here. You guys okay getting back?”

I had his car keys, so I knew he would be ok. I didn’t like leaving him, though, so I pulled him to the side.

“Will you be alright? You just fucked Heather, didn’t you?” I hissed, groaning.

My cousin knew how to attract drama, alright. I wasn’t comfortable leaving him alone if any of the Herrod boys were here.

“Chase, I’m all good. Look, there are the boys, by the pretty little things. See?”

He nodded over to the group of guys I recognized as his football buddies, so I nodded slowly. They were big guys, and if Rafe had any problems, he would have back up.

Yet I still felt uneasy about leaving.

“Why don’t we wait? Rayna will stay—” I began, as he put both hands on my shoulders, looking at me directly.

“Chase, I don’t ever get involved in your shit, but I think I’ve got to be blunt with you. A girl like that—”

Rafe’s eyes traveled behind me to where I knew Rayna was waiting for me. Something changed in his eyes, and the same envy I felt whenever Rafe and Rayna shared the same oxygen returned.

“—Won’t be single forever. Make a fucking move.”

“But-”

“Just fucking tell her how you feel, you dumb shit,” Rafe mumbled before clapping me on the back. “Tell her I said goodbye.”

I watched as he walked towards the guys, a frown forming on my brow.

Why didn’t he say goodbye to her?

What the fuck is going on?

I moved my gaze to Rayna, who was studying her fingernails, her hair spilling over her shoulders as she stared down.

My heart skipped a beat, and I knew Rafe was right.

How does he know how I feel before I’ve even told him?

I shook my head as I walked back over to Rayna as she looked up at me with a smile.

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