Chapter 4 #2
“You really scored tonight. And I don’t mean just in sales.” Sophie came over to the table, her impish smile contagious. She nodded toward Rafe, who was trying to extricate himself from an older lady who was pointing to a book in her hand.
“Oh, no. He’s my, I mean, my sister’s neighbor. When my car wouldn’t start, he offered to drive me here. But I told him he could leave after he helped bring my stuff inside. Not sure why he’s still here. Told him I'd call a rideshare. He’s just so stubborn.”
Sophie kept smiling. “Well, where would we be without stubborn men? They see what they want and don’t give up till it’s won.
I may not know the Major very well, but he’s come in a time or two.
Picked up a military thriller and then a biography of a general.
But I do know he’s never been serious. About anyone. ”
“Oh, really?” I tried to play it cool. Yes, I was attracted to Rafe, and I was almost positive he was interested in me, but it couldn’t go beyond that.
He’d be moving soon, but I couldn’t help the feelings he stirred in me.
“He is handsome; you’d have to be dead not to find him attractive.
But did you know he’s moving away after retirement? ”
“I must have missed that news. Well, there are plenty of eligible bachelors on base. When you’re ready, let me know. I have a knack for matchmaking.”
Rafe appeared at my side just as Sophie made her offer. “Jaci, looks like your event was successful. I’ll take these boxes out to my truck and come back for the display table.” His words were gruff, his posture stiff, as he nodded at Sophie. “It was good seeing you again.”
We both watched him walk away. Sophie spoke first. “Well, seems someone didn’t like my offer to set you up. Too bad he won’t be here much longer.” The bookstore owner sighed, then gave me a quick hug and an offer of coffee the next time I was in town.
I picked up the remaining items I’d brought with me and the folding display table so he didn't have to come back inside, and then I left the shop. Why would Rafe care if Sophie was good at matchmaking? Or maybe his mood shift was because of something else. Did he regret staying?
I reached the truck just as he shut the door to the back seat. When he saw me with the table, he frowned. “I thought I told you I’d get that for you?”
“I’m not one of your airmen, Rafe. I’m perfectly capable of carrying it. And as grateful as I am for your help tonight, I’m not sure why you you’re suddenly mad?” My words seemed to add fuel to the fire. His lips thinned out, and we stood there staring at each other in awkward silence.
“Not mad at all. Just didn’t expect to see you doing it yourself, is all. Let’s go.” Rafe didn’t follow me as I got into the truck as he’d done before. And his movements were too controlled as he drove us home not to be miffed about something.
Now I was really confused, but I wouldn’t try to coax him out of his mood. I’d spent too many years doing that in my marriage, learning a hard lesson that trying to smooth things over just to keep the peace never solved the underlying issue. If he wanted to stew in silence, let him.
The short drive home went quickly, but not quick enough. I couldn’t shake the way he’d looked at me all evening, and it wasn’t easy taming my heartbeat sitting so close to him, especially in the cozy confines of his truck.
When he pulled into the driveway, he got out and gathered items from the backseat before I could stop him.
“I’ve got a space in the garage where I store everything. Give me a moment and I’ll open it.” I used the remote in my car and then rushed back to the truck to get the rest of my things before he did.
With everything stored on the shelves Becca had cleared off for me to use for my inventory, things became awkward between us again. He stood in front of me yet was looking everywhere except at me. “Tomorrow, give Tomas at Alvarez Auto Repair a call. He’s the best in town and will treat you fairly.”
“Uh, thanks for the recommendation. And thank you again for helping me out tonight. You really went above and beyond by staying for the whole thing. If you won’t let me pay you for gas, how about you pick out one of my jewelry designs? You could gift it to your mom or a…a friend.”
His features relaxed, and whatever had triggered his grumpy mood earlier disappeared. “Thank you. That’s nice of you. And I’m sorry for my abrupt behavior. I’m not sure what brought it on.”
“No, that’s okay. I guess it wasn’t as fun for you tonight as it was for me. So, uh, thank you again.” Ugh, I sounded lame. Then I said nothing else, and neither did Rafe. We simply stood there staring at each other like a couple of people at the end of an awkward first date wondering what now.
But what I really wanted to do was ask him why he kept staring at me all evening like I was a juicy steak, and then I did something even more reckless. I said, “Goodnight.” And without waiting for his reply, stood on tiptoe and kissed him.
It began innocently enough. Soft. And then Rafe’s husky moan emboldened me to continue.
But he deepened the kiss before I could.
A volcano level heat filled me as he swept his tongue between my lips.
Hot, desperate need took over. His hands wrapped around my upper arms, dragging me close until I couldn’t tell if it was his heartbeat or mine thundering through my body.
“Hey, Mom. Oh, Hi Major Rafe.”
Jumping apart like two teenagers caught making out under the bleachers, Simon’s greeting was like a bucket of ice water.
My fingertips flew to my lips, and Rafe pulled in long gulps of air. “Hey bud. I need to call it a night. Uh, sleep well.” His gaze returned to mine. The banked desire in his eyes ensured my sleep would be restless, filled with visions of that kiss on repeat.
And now I was more confused than ever about what to do about Rafe.