A gorgeous grin covers his face, showcasing a profound dimple on his left cheek. It’s nearly enough for me to tell him we can start the rebound right here, right now, but somehow, I hold my tongue.
“I promise you won’t regret it. We’ll spend the days together, our evenings, whatever you want until you feel comfortable enough to stay with me. We can get to know each other, however long you need. But, Brie, when he’s back, I don’t want you here.”
Sighing, I place a hand on my hip and look up at him. “Rafe, we’ve met once, had one conversation. I don’t think I can just move in with you, no matter how much I want to get away from here.”
“I know, and it’s crazy, but in just six days, I haven’t been able to get you off my mind. Tell me you felt our connection that night. That you still feel it now.”
I nod slowly, and even though I’m feeling whiplash from this conversation, I can’t help but agree with him. “I do,” I admit, feeling a fluttering and a stirring in my heart that I hope is more than just physical.
He’s right. It is crazy, but it’s what I feel. And I’m not sure I want to fight it. But how can I not?
A slow smile forms on his lips as he gazes at me. “I’m so drawn to you, Brie. I was from the moment I saw you, even if you were with him. It took everything in me to just stand by and let him treat you like trash. I wanted to snatch you away from him and show you how a real man treats his woman. And I still want to do that. It’s my duty—hell, my fucking privilege—if you’ll let me do that.”
My lips quirk up, and I can’t help but tease him. “A real man, huh?”
He smirks knowingly. “A real fucking man. But until then, we’ll go slow if that’s what you need. If all you want is a rebound, I’m all in. I’ll let you set the pace. All I want is for you to be comfortable and safe.”
Warmth spreads throughout me, and I tilt my head to study him. His expression exposes his confliction. He wants me, and, I can only guess that a man like Rafe gets what he wants when he wants. But with me, he’s cautious. Gentle, even. All because of how Adrian treated me.
However, the funny thing is that it only serves to make me want him more. But even still, isn’t that what got me into this mess to begin with? Jumping into things with Adrian before actually getting to know him? Shaking my head, I know I need more time.
“Thank you, Rafe. For everything.”
He swallows hard and gives me the slightest nod of his head. “Okay. Well, since that’s settled, why don’t I quickly show you the ropes? Get you acquainted with my system? And then I’ll get back out to the site.”
I agree, and he gestures for me to take a seat at the second desk. For the next hour or so, Rafe is at my back, hovering over my shoulder, his close proximity making it hard to concentrate. His scent is a heady mixture of sweat and soap, the simplest of aromas. Yet it’s so tantalizingly arousing that I have half a mind to tell him to forget slow and take me now.
As we continue to work, his hands brush mine every so often. Each time causes my nerve endings to burn hotter. I have a feeling he knows exactly what he’s doing, but when I lift my head and raise an eyebrow, he gives me an innocent smile before pulling away and moving towards the filing system.
“So that’s about it,” he says all too soon, bending over the desk to jot a number down and then hand it to me. “I’ll just be out there, but if you get in a bind or need something, give me a call. Day or night.”
“Day or night?” I ask.
“Just keep my number close by, Brie. You never know when you’ll need it. Are you good here?” he asks, looking painstakingly at the door and then back at me as if he doesn’t want to leave. The air in the trailer is thick and swirling with the effects of our chemistry. “I’ve got to get back out there.”
I’m not ready for him to go, either, but I know I need some space to clear my head. “I think I’ve got the hang of it. Go on. Don’t worry about me.”
His expression softens. “I’ll always worry about you, Brie,” he says, his voice low and husky.
For the first time in so damn long, I actually believe the sentiment. That perhaps I’m not as alone as I feel. As I’ve been feeling. And instead of fighting it, I decide to accept it. To accept that he really does mean it.
“You’re the only one who does.” I smile wistfully before continuing. “Now, go. I’ve got work to do. I’ll be fine here.”
His intense gaze causes me to squirm in my chair, and I can tell he doesn’t want to go. But knowing he can’t stay, he crosses the room and pulls me out of my chair, hauling me up against his hard chest. Tilting my chin, he takes my mouth like a starving man. His kiss is rough and hard. His lips caress my own as blasts of heat assault my senses. My hands slide up and grip his shoulders, holding on for dear life. I know that, if I let go, I may just go weak in the knees. Attraction sizzles between us and I no longer care about the where, when or why. I only care that the who is him.
Just as his hands slide down my back and come to rest right above my ass, he tears his mouth away from mine, eliciting a whimper from me. “Jesus Christ, Brie. What the fuck are you doing to me?” he asks, staring down into my eyes.
I can see the desire there, and I wonder the same damn thing.
Because right now, a rebound is the furthest thing from my mind.
I’m screwed and I don’t even care.
Hours later, I’m exhausted yet rejuvenated. Rafe was right. He could help me, and I’d be a fool not to accept. Even though I am doing something as simple as filing and bookkeeping, I feel . . . useful. Something I haven’t been in far too long.
And being paid under the table?