Page 85 of Unraveling Rain
Rain slips her fingers into mine and rests her head on my shoulder. I press a kiss to her hair.
Meadow starts singing, and her voice is mesmerizing—strong and sweet. A few folks sing along. Others sway, hands in the air, drinks forgotten on their laps. The energy is infectious.
I scan our group. Everyone seems to be having a great time. Even River looks relaxed. Almost happy.
But it’s Merlin who surprises me. He’s completely focused on Meadow. His lips move with the lyrics, but his eyes don’t stray from the stage. He doesn’t even blink.
Rain notices and snickers. “He’s had a crush on her forever. But he left town, and I don’t think they’ve kept in touch.”
“Looks like he’s still got it bad,” I murmur.
We sit back and take it all in—the music, the laughter, the warmth of a summer night, the company of my favorite person in the world, and the quiet magic of feeling completely, deeply at home.
Later, Rain and I end the night on Minx’s rooftop, watching the fireworks from a hill that overlooks the orchard.Wrapped under a blanket, our legs tangled, her head on my chest, I hold her close.
And right there, with Rain in my arms and laughter echoing against the crackle of fireworks, I make a quiet promise:
I’ll do whatever it takes to one day call her my wife.
Chapter 23
Xander
This is my last week of therapy. According to Dr. Gutierrez, my body has responded beautifully–his exact word—to the rehab routine. My performance test results are back to where they were before the accident. Sessions with Ruin have gone great as well. She’s given me a few good tips for reigning in my self-doubt when it starts to creep in.
For some reason, I thought I had more time. More time before I had to bring up my return to Raleigh with Rain. But I’ve been giving her space, just like Gio suggested. It turns out life has other plans. And its own timeline.
Today, we’re trying something new: yoga. In a barn.
At first, I was confused. Why would someone want to do yoga in a barn? But then Rain explained we’re doing something called goat yoga.
“It’s going to be fun,” she said. “Being able to pet adorable baby goats while you exercise? I can’t think of anything more relaxing than that.”
I just know I’ll be doing downward dog with a goat on my ass.
“Ready?” she calls as she steps out of the bathroom and into my room.
She’s wearing black yoga pants that mold to every inch of her thighs and round ass, and a baby blue sports bra that gives her breasts just the right lift. My jaw goes slack.
“Stop. There’s nothing here you haven’t seen—or touched—before.”
She walks up, taps my chin, and closes my mouth for me. My gaze drops again—because I’m weak—and she gives me a knowing smile.
“Are you sure we have to go?” I whine, leaning down to kiss her.
“Yes,” she says, smiling as she threads her fingers through mine. “I promised Daisy we’d be there to support her.”
I huff but follow her out of the room.
“But,” she adds, giving me a pointed look, ”if you promise to stop ogling me like a caveman, I might reward you afterward.”
I chuckle, drawing an X over my heart with my index finger.
She kisses my shoulder. “Good boy.”
I’m absolutely at her mercy. There’s nothing I wouldn’t do for this woman.
Before we head to the barn, we fill two bottles of water in the kitchen. I can only imagine how hot it’s going to be in there.
