Page 97 of My Silver Lining

“Thank you.” Lulu sighed and then left me standing there as she walked toward the locker room to change.

The woman was so bold and fierce, and I was in awe of her most days. She lived the way we all should.

No bullshit.

“So it’s not that serious between you two, then?” Jolie asked, and I forgot she was still standing there.

“What?” I asked.

“You and Lulu. She said she’s leaving soon. So I’m guessing it’s not that serious between you two. And, I’m not sure if you heard, but Josh and I broke up. I’m back on the market,” she said, waving her hands in the air. “Single and ready to mingle, Rafe Chadwick.”

“She was right about me being a loyal guy, Jolie. You’ve been really rude to my girl, and I’ve noticed.” I shrugged. “And for the record, Lulu might not think it’s serious, but seeing as I’m all in, I’d call it about as serious as you get. Have a good night.”

I changed into my gear and tried to shake off the fact that her words had pissed me off.

What about this wasn’t serious?

It was fucking offensive.

I tossed my bag over my shoulder and walked out to the courts, where Lulu was bent over stretching. We were the first ones here, and I stalked in her direction.

“Hey, why’d you say that back there?” I asked, not hiding my irritation.

“Seriously? Because she’s rude. If you want to date her after I’m gone, go for it. Hell, if you want to date her now, just tell me and go back to the guesthouse. No one is watching us anymore, so you don’t need to stay in the house with me for appearances.”

The fuck?

“I’m not staying there for appearances. And I’m not talking about dating Jolie. I have zero interest in her. I’m talking about the fact that you said what we have isn’t serious. Or that it isn’t that deep. Whatever the fuck you said, it’s fucking offensive,” I hissed.

She narrowed her gaze, hands on her hips as she tipped her chin up to look at me. “That was a lot of fucks. You’re offended by that comment?”

“Well, it’s offensive, so yes. I am.”

Her lips turned up in the corners, and she flashed me those white teeth. “Sorry, Rafael. I just meant that I’m leaving, so things can’t get too deep when we both know that there’s an expiration date.”

I groaned. “I’ve never met someone that talks more about an expiration date. So fucking what? Most relationships have expiration dates; they just don’t know it at the beginning. I think that we’re lucky because there won’t be any surprises. What we have right now is great. And I don’t appreciate you demeaning it.”

She wrapped her arms around me. “I’m sorry. I’m very happy with what we have right now. It’s been the best surprise about coming to Rosewood River. It’s been my silver lining.”

“Thank you. It has been for me, too.”

She stepped back. “But it is going to end because I have plans, Rafe Chadwick.”

“For fuck’s sake. I am more than aware. And I want you to go chase your dreams. But you’re here now, and I’ve got plans for you these last few weeks. Because…” I let out a breath. “I like you, Lulu Sonnet.”

I like you way more than I ever thought possible.

“I like you, too, Rafe Chadwick. So, what are these plans?”

“Pickleball. Sex. River rafting. A few new Netflix series. And of course, we’ve got my sister’s wedding, which will be several days of activities. So we’ve got lots to do before you leave. Don’t be running for the hills just yet. And stop reminding me that you’re leaving.”

She smiled, her eyes looking a little wet with emotion before she slipped her sunglasses back onto her face.

“I’m all yours for a couple more weeks,” she said, before pushing up on her tiptoes and kissing my cheek.

I intended to enjoy every last damn minute I had with her.

twenty-six

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