Page 78 of Protected from Malice
I’m more than okay with it. And there’s one thing Indy’s wrong about. Rafeisgentle. Not to everyone, but he is to me.
Of course, Indy had to give the requisite warning. I think it’s right there in the first chapter of the big brother’s handbook. “I love Rafe like a brother,” Indy concluded our conversation with, “but if he hurts you in any way, I won’t stand for it.”
Zada’s message blinks onto the screen.
I’m so happy for you. Aside from the stalker thing. But sexy Rafe won’t let anything happen to you.
A beat.
Okay. I have to get back to work. Step away from the mirror. Now. Go work on one of your brain melting puzzles until he arrives. And you’d better call tomorrow to tell me everything!
Belatedly, I realize my cheeks hurt from smiling.
I will. I promise.
Clicking the screen off, I follow my friend’s instructions and hurry from the bedroom. Because she’s right. Despite my selfconfidence in other areas of my life, I know darn well I’ll work myself up into a frenzy of insecurity if I keep looking in the mirror. And I’ll end up washing my makeup off and changing into jeans and a T-shirt and I’ll look just like boring, normal Eden when Rafe gets here, whichisn’twhat I want.
As I enter the living room, I’m struck with how quiet it seems. After almost a week of having constant company, it feels strange to have the place to myself. Although I’m not technically alone, given all the security in here. Plus, Indy, Ace, and Tyler are right next door, ready to jump into action at any moment. And Webb—lovely, thoughtful Webb—volunteered to stand guard in the hallway, just like he did when Rafe took me bowling.
It’s too bad my cooking is absolute crap, or I’d bake some cookies or brownies to give him in thanks. But since I don’t think Webb wants to crack a tooth or end up with food poisoning, it’s probably better I don’t. Once all this is over, though… I know Webb loves craft beer. So I could hit some of the better breweries in Portland, buy some six packs, make a big sampler with them… And since Rafe said he was staying for a while, he could come with me. Maybe to one of the places that hosts trivia, and it could be our first challenge. And then?—
Three quick knocks sound at the front door.
My heart stutters.
Then in that low, husky rumble that always makes my belly flutter, “Hey, Brain. It’s me. You ready?”
Rafe!
I toss my phone on the couch and hurry over to the door, wrestling with the three—because the standard two weren’t enough—locks before opening it.
The moment I see Rafe, my breath catches.
He’s always handsome in my opinion, whether he’s wearing sweats and a T-shirt or his standard jeans and a dark-colored Henley. But tonight he’s dressed up for the occasion, just likeme, looking dark and mysterious and the tiniest bit dangerous in dark gray pants and a black button down with the sleeves rolled up to expose his tattooed forearms.
His hair is still slightly damp, the dark brown flecked with bits of bronze, and he smells so delicious I’m tempted to bury my face in his neck to get a better whiff of him. As he looks at me, his eyes light in appreciation and his normally solemn expression brightens into a smile.
“You look gorgeous,” he says. Then he steps forward and pulls me into his arms, lowering his mouth to mine. When we break apart, he sets me away from him again. His gaze moves up and down my body. “Ireallylike that dress.”
I feel my cheeks heating. “Do you?”
One big hand comes to my waist, curving around it. “I do.” He pauses. “Not that you don’t look beautiful all the time. But this—I love how I can see your perfect curves in it. How it brings out the blue of your eyes.” His gaze darkens. “You’re the most gorgeous woman I’ve ever seen. I’ve always thought that. And seeing you like this… it just reinforces it.”
My heart erupts into crazed flutters. Desire coils inside me; aching in the most exquisite way. “You look really handsome. Not that you don’t always. But I really like you like this. All dark and mysterious.”
The corner of Rafe’s mouth quirks. “You like dark and mysterious?”
“I do.” Tracing the intricate lines of a tattoo on his arm, I add, “And I really like seeing your tattoos like this.”
“Oh?” He cups my cheek. His voice goes husky. “You like my tattoos?”
Breathlessly, I reply, “I do. I remember going to the beach with you and Indy. And I couldn’t stop sneaking looks at you. Wishing I could get a closer look at all your tattoos. Wishing I could touch them.”
“Eden.”It’s rough. Hungry. A quick glance below Rafe’s waist shows an obvious bulge in his pants.
Need rushes through me, more powerful and demanding than anything I’ve felt before.
And with it a determination that tonight we’ll be doing more than kissing. Because I’ve been thinking about it a lot—the whole having sex with Rafe thing. I know he’s worried about rushing me, though he hasn’t come right out and said it. But I’m not worried. I’ve known Rafe for over a decade and I’m certain he wouldn’t do anything to hurt me. And if I do get anxious about anything, he’ll help me through it.
