Page 36 of Rafe

“What about commuting to work, Maggie? Junior could easily track your every move.”

A shiver ran through Maggie as she admitted, “I know, but I can’t let Vanna down. Tourist season is still here and we’re busy.”

Rafe’s brow furrowed in concern as he inquired, “Is there any direct way from the store to your apartment?”

She sighed with resignation. “There used to be a door in the shop, but Vanna told me it’s been sealed off.”

His voice grew edged with worry. “I don’t like the idea of you having to wander alone around that building.”

“Don’t worry,” Maggie assured him, a hint of relief in her tone. “Once I tell Vanna what’s going on, I’ll ask her if she’ll park by my stairs. That way, she will be with me. Sometimes she parks right behind the building by the stairs anyway.”

“Alright,” Rafe conceded, “but if anything happens and she can’t make it, call me immediately.”

“Rafe, I can’t possibly expect you to rush into town just to walk me to my apartment,” she protested, her tone gentle yet firm.

“Why not?” he challenged.

“Because it pulls you away from your work, and it’s a solid twenty minutes to town, both ways. I know you’re exhausted by the time your day winds down.”

He shook his head dismissively, his jaw set stubbornly. “It doesn’t matter.”

“No, it really does,” she countered. “I won’t let you sacrifice your rest on my account.”

“You’ve got to be the most hardheaded woman I’ve ever met.”

“That’s the pot calling the kettle black,” Maggie quipped with a playful smirk.

They locked eyes, an unspoken challenge weaving between them until Maggie noticed a glimmer of a grin threatening to break Rafe’s stoic expression. Her cheeks flushed with warmth as he tilted his head ever so slightly.

“You could stay with me,” he offered softly, the suggestion hanging delicately between them.

“Oh, hell no,” she retorted instantly, her tone half-mock, half-serious.

“What the hell does that mean?” he pressed.

“You treasure your privacy and…” she began, trailing off.

“And… what?”

“I don’t want to be a bother.”

Rafe stared at her then laughed. “You’re always a bother.” He cupped her face in his hands. “Maggie, you can stay with me. I’d like that.”

“Let me think about it.”

Closing the distance between them, Rafe stepped closer until his body nearly pressed against hers. The air between them seemed charged as he reached out, his long, careful fingers delicately plucking a few stray strands of her hair. His eyes, deep and unwavering, held hers captive while he tucked the soft tendrils behind her ear. In a low, seductive murmur, he suggested.

“I like having you sleep beside me.” His eyes flickering from the enchantment in her gaze to the gentle, inviting curve of her lips before settling back on the depths of her eyes.

Maggie met his intense gaze with a soft warmth blooming in her heart, her inner fire kindled by his closeness. “That would be nice,” she whispered, her voice carrying both hope and tenderness.

In that suspended, almost magical moment, as Rafe leaned in to press his lips gently against hers, fate intervened. The sudden, insistent sound of Fred calling shattered their intimate bubble, scattering the charged silence.

Clearing her throat, Maggie broke the spell, calling out, “I’m here, Fred.” Her voice trembled slightly, still echoing the fading remnants of their private world.

“Honey, I’m so sorry,” Fred said, his voice heavy with remorse as he stepped toward her, his concern etched into every line of his face.

“It’s not your fault, Dad,” Maggie replied softly, wrapping her arms protectively around his waist in a tender embrace. The warmth of his familiar presence was a soothing balm as she asked, “Did Luke and Bryce leave already?”

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