Page 56 of Resilient Love

“It’s worth a lot,” she says, pressing onto her tiptoes, leaving a quick kiss against my cheek. “Goodnight, Rafa.” She tosses a wink over her shoulder as she enters the elevator, the glossy metal doors shutting behind her a moment later, leaving me to stare at my reflection. A goofy grin is plastered on my face, and it’s a sight I haven’t seen since high school.

My shoulders sag as I let myself back inside, heading to the TV. Mrs. Purrito is curled up in Elise’s spot, and I can’t even blame her. I’d want to be anywhere she’s set that perky ass too.

She texts me shortly after she’s arrived home, and my heart pangs in my chest.

Sunshine

Thanks for your help tonight.

Anytime.

Sunshine

And Rafael?

Now who’s diminishing the point of code names?

Sunshine

Shut it.

I think I really like you.

My heart swells, and I tuck my shoulders back; pride that we’ve somehow managed to move past our rocky start whips through me.

I think I really like you too, trouble.

Sunshine

Don’t break my heart, okay?

I don’t think you’re the one who has to worry, sweetheart. So please, don’t break mine.

Sunshine

I’ll do my best. Goodnight <3

Goodnight <3

This is unfamiliar territory for me, and for every ounce of fear I feel, I’m met with an equal amount of wonder.

CHAPTER FORTY-THREE

FRIDAY, MAY 16

Sunshine

Open up.

I answer the door,and my jaw nearly drops to the damn floor.

This woman is going to be the death of me.

Elise is standing in the hallway outside of my apartment with her silky dark strands cascading over her shoulders. Her athletic frame is draped in a short black trench coat, and her mile-long legs are lightly tanned and bare beneath the coat. Those cool blue eyes of hers are even more striking framed by thick, darklashes coated in a thin layer of mascara, and the rest of her face is completely free of makeup.

She’s stunning.Always is, but especially when she doesn’t have anything covering the light dusting of freckles over her nose or her otherwise luminous complexion. She bats her lashes at me, stepping forward, and purposefully allows the bottom of the coat to gape between her thighs. Drool is pooling in my mouth, and I release a long groan, squeezing my eyes shut and dropping my head back.

“You’re killing me, woman,” I whine, my fingertips tingling with the need to tug on the belt looped around her waist, undressing her like my very own present.

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