Page 11 of Rafe

Rafe held her gaze for a moment, then nodded as he picked up the box and strode out the door. He crossed the street, climbed into his truck just as the sky unleashed a torrent of rain, the droplets hammering down like a drum.

****

Maggie watched as Rafe skillfully maneuvered his truck onto bustling Main Street, heading in the direction of the diner. She sighed, a soft sound filled with longing and admiration.

“Boy, you weren’t exaggerating about him,” Vanna remarked from beside her, her voice laced with appreciation. “He is one handsome man.”

“I know,” Maggie replied, feeling as though her heart might just melt whenever Rafe was nearby. The warmth of his presence seemed to envelop her, igniting a fluttering sensation in her chest.

“His eyes are gorgeous,” Vanna continued, her gaze lingering on Rafe’s retreating truck.

“Yes, the color of ripe blueberries,” Maggie agreed, her eyes scanning the surroundings. A few women had turned their heads, casting appreciative glances in Rafe’s direction. “Looks like a few women in here noticed him too.”

“They’d have to be dead not to.” Vanna laughed.

“That, right there, is the truth,” Maggie said.

Vanna chuckled, her eyes sparkling with amusement. “There’s nothing wrong with admiring a good-looking man. I mean, I think Grady is incredibly handsome, but I still let my eyes wander. I know he notices pretty women too.”

“I agree with you completely. So, how are things going between you two?” Maggie inquired, a curious glint in her eyes.

Vanna sighed, a dreamy smile spreading across her face, which made Maggie break into laughter. “We’re wonderful. I love him so much,” Vanna confessed, her voice sincere.

“No wedding date set yet?” Maggie asked, raising an eyebrow.

“Nope,” Vanna replied, shaking her head lightly. “And it doesn’t bother me one bit. I know how hectic his schedule is this time of year with the cattle. So, whenever he’s ready, I’m finewith it.” She shrugged casually. “We already live together, so a marriage license won’t change that.”

“True enough,” Maggie nodded. “Have you visited Randi’s shop yet?”

“No, but I’m planning to go this weekend,” Vanna said, determination in her voice.

“She finally hired someone, so the shop will be open all weekend until the tourist season ends, though I don’t think she’ll be there,” Maggie informed her, her tone conspiratorial.

“I’m going to drop by after we close on Saturday,” Vanna decided. “I can’t wait to explore everything she has. Those bath salts you bought smelled divine.”

“Oh, I know,” Maggie agreed enthusiastically. “I need to restock. I use them all the time, and the soaps are fantastic too. Oh! And don’t forget the candles. That shop has the perfect name: Randi’s Scented Haven is exactly what it is.”

“I bet I buy too much,” Vanna teased.

“No doubt. I always do.” Maggie sighed. “I’m so happy that she’s doing well now.”

“That was so scary. She’s lucky he didn’t kill her.”

The door opened and more customers entered. Maggie sighed, but maybe it would keep her distracted from thinking about Rafe.Yeah, right.

That man was constantly in her head. Since the first time she set eyes on him, she was captivated. He didn’t shake her hand, just stared at her and nodded, but when he turned his eyes to Frederick, she could see how much Rafe couldn’t stand the man and who could blame him. She hated her ex with a passion, and she was terrified that one day he’d be out of prison, and no matter how much time had passed, she knew he’d be looking for her. That was a nightmare she had regularly. With a frustrated sigh, she got back to work.

****

Rafe pulled open the diner’s door and stepped inside, nodding and giving a casual wave to those who called out his name. He walked over to the counter, his eyes scanning for someone to acknowledge him.

“Hey, Rafe. What can I get you, hon?” Connie asked from behind the counter.

“A usual for me and Fred’s usual too. To go, please, Connie,” he replied.

“Right away, hon,” Connie responded with a friendly smile as she turned to pin his order to the metal wheel. Rafe then leaned casually against the wall, his gaze wandering as he waited for his food.

The diner’s door swung open again, and instinctively, Rafe glanced over, a grin lifting his lips as Randi Guthrie stepped through. The afternoon light caught her features, and she returned his smile with one of her own.

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