His woman.
My insides quiver at the words, and I wonder if now’s the perfect time to finally do something about my growing feelings for him. The way he says my isn’t out of ownership; it’s not the same way Adrian meant it. It tears my defenses down, and I find myself wanting to agree.
Letting out a deep breath, I smile up at him. “I’d love to, Rafe.”
He lets out a deep breath and bites the inside of his cheek, looking nervous. Why? Didn’t I just say yes?
“I’m probably overreaching here, but pack a bag, baby.”
I lean back in my chair, toying with my pen as I raise an eyebrow at him. “A bag? Just what kind of date do you think this is?” I ask teasingly.
“The overnight kind. And if I have my way, the kind the lasts all weekend.” He runs a callused hand through his thick, dark hair before bracing his arms on the edge of the desk, his muscles rippling. “These past few weeks have been incredible, but I want more. I want you away from here. From this trailer. This house. From any reminder of him. God, Brie, I love fucking you and how dirty and fast you like it on the desk . . . in the chair . . . against the wall . . . But I want more than that, and I refuse to fuck you in his bed. I want you in mine. More than that . . . I don’t want just physical anymore. I don’t want to be your damn rebound.”
Pleasurable sensations ripple through my body, and I want the same thing. I was fooling myself for ever having thought I could’ve gone into this without allowing my emotions to get involved. Still, the idea is as terrifying as it is thrilling.
“All weekend?” I ask, nerves creeping up at the thought of being away for so long. “That sounds incredible, but I’m not sure . . .”
He leans forward and presses a kiss to my lips. “Gabriella,” he whispers.
My eyes widen—he’s serious.
“Are you leaving him?” he asks, his voice raw and low, almost as if he doesn’t want to ask the question but knows he needs to.
I nod then quickly shake my head, knowing that that’s not right. His eyes narrow, and he pushes back from the desk, but I reach out and grab his hand, stopping him. As he gazes down at me, his jaw tightens and I see his eyes swirling as a storm of anger and hurt brews in them.
“Rafe, no. I mean, yes. I may not have left his house yet, but he and I are through. Completely, one hundred percent over. So all weekend with you? There’s nothing I want more.”
The raging storm calms, and his widening smile is spellbinding, reminiscent of the bright sun breaking through even the darkest of clouds. It lights the trailer up as he yanks me out of the chair and hauls me up into his arms. His hands tangle in my hair as he embraces me. Then they come to my face to cup my cheeks as he places a kiss on my lips.
“You have no idea how happy that makes me, baby.” He lets go and steps back. “I’m going to run home and get cleaned up. I’ll be back to pick you up at seven.”
“Rafe, if we’re spending the weekend together, wouldn’t it just make sense for me to come now?”
“Baby, you’ll be coming all weekend,” he promises with a cocky grin.
I swat his shoulder then place my hand on my hip. “I’m holding you to that. But seriously, there’s no reason for you to leave and come back.”
He tucks a strand of hair behind my ear. “I said a proper date—even if it’ll last three days, it’s going to start right. I’ll pick you up at seven,” he reaffirms. He’s about to leave the trailer when he turns back to me, a gleam in his eyes. “Oh, and, baby, it’s been a long day. I’ve worked up quite an appetite, so I hope you’re prepared.” After a quick wink, he’s out the door.
Turning back to the computer, I can’t wipe the smile off my face, and even though I have a couple of hours until he’ll be back, I can no longer concentrate. I spend the next few minutes wrapping up my work and leaving anything that can wait for Monday. Then I close the trailer and rush up to the house, eager to prepare for him just like he requested.
I’m giddy, excited, and completely on fire for this weekend. My face is flushed as I imagine being with Rafe for the first time in a bed. Anticipation and thoughts of tonight swirl around in my head while I think of all the possibilities this weekend could bring.
When I slide the back door open, I’m so lost in my thoughts that I almost miss the man standing at the counter before me. Stopping in my tracks, I utter out one small word.
“Adrian.”
Anxiety swells up and threatens to take over, but I close my eyes and take a deep breath, remembering that I’m not the girl he left a few weeks ago. I’m not his Gabriella. I’m not his anything. Mustering up whatever strength I have, I open my eyes and see his fingers tapping against the counter as he watches me intently.
“Don’t look so eager to see me, Gabriella,” he chides as he looks down and continues browsing through the stack of mail that’s piled up for him.
Trying to even my breathing so I remain calm, I muster up a small smile, probably only able to do so because he isn’t looking. “I’m just surprised to see you. That’s all. You weren’t supposed to be back until next week.”
He glances up at me, and I’m taken aback at the exhaustion on his face. Black circles mar the skin under his eyes, and he’s paler than I’ve ever seen him. The corner of his mouth turns up in an amused smirk. “Disappointed, I’m sure. But don’t fret, sweetheart. I won’t be here long. I just needed to update a few files and thought I’d check in while I was in town. You’re looking well.”
My cheeks flush, hoping he can’t see the glow. Yet I hope he does. “I am. Thank you. How was your trip?”