Page 25 of Rafe

“Yes. More than once and we’re going out tonight. We’re going to see if we have something. I’m hoping we do.”

“That’s great, Maggie. I know how much you like him, and it looks like he feels the same.”

“I hope so. I’ve always been attracted to him, but you know that.”

“I do. I hope you have a good time tonight.” Vanna smiled.

“I’ll let you know on Monday.”

When a firm knock echoed through the room, interrupting her thoughts, she startled slightly, then rose to her feet. With a quick, steadying breath, she smoothed the fabric of her dress, hoping it met his approval. It was a daring, skintight red number with a scooped neckline, revealing a hint of cleavage, that she had recently picked up from Paige’s shop, perfectly paired with the sleek stilettos adorning her feet. But it was the secret beneath that truly set her pulse racing—a sultry red teddy that clung to her curves, accentuating her silhouette in a way that filled her with confidence. She yearned for the moment his eyes would widen, speechless, at the sight of her.

She walked toward the door, her heart racing as she took a deep breath, and opened it, barely suppressing a moan. Therehe was, just so incredibly handsome. His dark blue jeans hugged his frame perfectly, and his blue dress shirt complemented his broad shoulders. The distressed cowboy boots added an air of rugged charm, and atop his head sat a pristine white straw Stetson, casting a shadow over his striking features. No man had ever left her breathless until she met Rafe Marshall.

“Hi, you look gorgeous,” he said, his voice smooth and warm, as he handed her a delicate pink carnation. “I like your hair like that. It makes me want to remove those pins and let it fall around your shoulders.”

Maggie couldn’t help but smile as she accepted the flower. “You can certainly do that later. Come in while I put this in water,” she replied, her voice full of warmth and invitation.

Rafe removed his hat, wiped his boots on the mat, and stepped into the apartment, closing the door gently behind him.

“You’re trying to kill me, aren’t you?” he teased, his eyes sparkling with mischief.

“Me?” Maggie feigned innocence.

“I’m not talking to myself,” he quipped, eliciting a burst of laughter from her.

Maggie moved toward him, slipping her arms around his waist and gazing deeply into his eyes. “I wouldn’t want to do that. I like you too much,” she teased, her voice a soft melody.

Rafe’s grin widened. “That’s good to hear. Are you ready to go?”

“Yes. Let me grab my purse,” she replied, her excitement intense.

Once she retrieved her purse, they moved toward the door together. Rafe opened it, took her keys, locked the door, and handed them back with a smile. He took her hand, guiding her down the stairs. At the bottom, he led her around to the passenger side of his vehicle, opening the door and offering his hand as she slid onto the seat. He then walked around the frontto the driver’s side, climbed in, and turned to her with a grin.

“You smell amazing,” he complimented, his eyes fixed on her.

“Thank you. So do you,” she replied, the sincerity in her voice undeniable.

“I hope you’re hungry,” he said.

“I’m starving. I skipped lunch today so I could do a meal justice tonight,” she confessed, her anticipation growing.

“Did you work today?” Rafe asked, his curiosity genuine.

“Yes. I’ll be glad when the tourist season is over. I’ll have a whole weekend to myself,” she said, a hint of longing in her voice.

“I hope not always to yourself,” Rafe interjected, a teasing note in his voice.

“No. Okay, I’ll have a whole weekend with you… if you want,” she offered, her eyes meeting his with an unmistakable invitation.

“Oh, I want,” Rafe chuckled. “When it snows, we can sit inside and watch it.”

“With a fire?” Maggie inquired, her voice soft with hope.

“Yes, ma’am. If that’s what you want,” he assured, his tone gentle and promising.

“I’d love it,” Maggie said, her voice a whisper of anticipation. She cleared her throat, hesitating slightly. “Will you stay with me tonight?”

“No, you’re going to stay with me,” Rafe replied.

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