Page 30 of Rafe

“Hey,” she greeted, her voice light, ensuring that Rafe turnedhis attentive gaze toward her.

“Hey. About time you got out of bed,” he replied, his tone teasing as he swam toward the steps with Booker paddling right behind.

“How long have you been up?” she inquired.

“About two hours,” he responded casually.

“I can’t believe I slept in, but you definitely kept me up late last night,” she said, amusement dancing in her tone.

Rafe emerged from the pool, naked, his skin still glistening with droplets. He picked up a towel and dried himself, then draped it securely around his waist. “I think you have that backwards,” he teased, “You keptmeup.” He picked up another towel to rub Booker dry.

“And you loved every minute of it,” she countered with a light, carefree laugh.

“Damn right I did,” he affirmed as he hung up the towel, then closed the distance between them, pressing his lips to hers in a slow, deliberate kiss. Grasping her hand, he led her back inside with Booker following. “How about we go riding?” he suggested.

“Okay,” she agreed, though her stomach gave a soft rumble. “I’m pretty hungry.”

“Let me make you something after I grab a shower and get dressed,” he offered.

“I can manage,” she said. “Really, go ahead, enjoy your shower and take your time. I’ll fix something. By the way, did you eat?”

“Yes, ma’am,” he replied. “Alright, let me shower while you eat, and then we’ll head out.”

“Can Booker come with us?” she asked, already smiling at the thought.

“Absolutely,” he agreed readily.

Maggie nodded; her excitement obvious as she made her way back to the kitchen. There, she prepared a couple of slices oftoast, spreading a generous layer of grape jelly on them, and took a seat at the island, savoring the quiet morning routine.

A few minutes later, Rafe reentered. “That’s all you’re having for breakfast?”

“Yes,” she replied. “Maybe we could go to lunch later?”

“Sounds good,” he affirmed, his voice warm as they planned the day ahead.

Chapter Seven

Rafe stepped into the barn on a crisp Monday morning, the air carrying a slight chill that marked the arrival of September. The sunlight filtered through the wooden beams, casting warm, golden stripes across the hay-strewn floor. As he began his routine tasks, a smile tugged at his lips, thoughts of Maggie swirling in his mind. They had been seeing each other for a little over a month now, and he was convinced he would never have enough of her.

Leading one of the sleek, Shire horses out from its stall, Rafe noticed Fred ambling into the barn, the familiar sound of boots crunching on the straw. He paused, waiting for his boss to catch up.

“Good morning, Fred,” Rafe greeted, his voice echoing in the spacious barn.

“Hey, Rafe. How’s your day so far?” Fred replied, a wide grin creasing his weathered face.

“Too early to tell.” Rafe shrugged, a playful glint in his eye. “What are you up to?”

“I have a date tonight,” Fred announced with a sheepish chuckle.

Rafe’s grin widened. “Really? Well, good for you. Who’s this woman and how did you meet her?”

“I met her at church a few weeks ago and finally got the nerve up to ask her out,” he said, a hint of nervousness in his voice. Then his brows knitted together. “Am I crazy?”

“Hell, Fred, every man’s crazy to get involved with a woman, but it’s worth it,” Rafe responded, clapping Fred on the shoulder reassuringly.

“You don’t think I’m too old to date?” Fred asked, a flicker of doubt shadowing his eyes.

“Of course not. You’ve been alone for a long time. You’re only, what? Sixty-two?” Rafe replied, his tone encouraging.

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