Page 63 of Unraveling Rain
I nod. “Thank you, Granny. That’s very kind of you.”
She pats my forearm. “Please remove your shirt.”
I give her a puzzled look. “Uh… what?”
She just stares.
Miles and River are losing it behind their hands while Joss shakes her head and covers her face. Rain is blushing furiously.
“Go on, dear. We don’t have all night.”
I laugh and pull my shirt over my head.
Granny retrieves a small bottle and a bunch of herbs from her apron pocket. She sprays them, thick flicks the blend at my chest while reciting what sounds like a chant—or maybe a prayer.
The scent hits me: strong cinnamon and citrus. Sharp, but not unpleasant.
I keep my eyes closed, trying not to laugh or inhale the mist.
She gently passes the herbs over the scar on my collarbone.
“That’s good. That was good, dear,” she says proudly.
Then she trails her fingers over my abs. I tense, frowning at her.
She gives me a devilish grin.
“I had to check if they were real, dear. I haven’t touched a man in so long, I needed to make sure I remember how it felt.”
I double over, laughing.
Then, louder, she declares, “Watch out, everybody! The next hockey champion is here!”
Laughter erupts around the fire while I use my shirt to dry off.
“Oh my gosh, Xander. I’m so sorry. I had no clue she was going to do that,” Rain says, mortified.
I grin and give her a peck on the lips. “Nothing to be sorry about. It was actually entertaining.”
She groans and hides her face behind her hands.
“As fun as this night was, it’s time for me to hit the hay. I have a new construction crew to train tomorrow,” Miles announces, already folding up tables.
River starts breaking down the babies’ camp. Joss and Granny head inside.
Rain and I walk hand in hand. I offer to help River, but he waves me off.
Rain hugs her brothers, and I shake their hands as we follow the others into the house.
“Oh, Ruru, I’m so sorry you missed the main event,” Rain teases.
“No kidding. Mama was just telling me.” Ruin laughs, and the sisters share a hug.
She whispers something in Rain’s ear, and Rain nods, grinning.
We say our goodbyes, then head to my SUV.
I open the door and help her climb in.
