Chapter Three
Rafe moved through the dimly lit barn, his boots echoing softly on the cement floor as he checked each stall, ensuring the horses were settled. The earthy scent of hay and the gentle sounds of the animals filled the air. He paused and turned abruptly when Fred’s voice carried through the barn’s open doors, calling his name.
“Hey, Fred. Is there something you need?” Rafe asked, his tone warm and friendly.
“Could you give me a ride into town? My damn knees are bothering me, and the picture frame I ordered from Maggie arrived. I want to go pick it up,” Fred replied, a slight grimace crossing his face as he shifted his weight.
“I can just go get it. No need for you to worry about it. I’ll bring burgers back from the diner. I can do it on my lunch break,” Rafe offered with a reassuring smile.
“I hate asking you to do that, Rafe,” Fred said, his voice tinged with reluctance.
Rafe chuckled. “You didn’t. I was going to head into town anyway.”
“If you’re sure?” Fred asked, looking hopeful yet hesitant.
“I am. I’ll go in a few minutes,” Rafe assured him with a nod.
“Thanks, Rafe. My usual is fine. I’ll just head to the house then,” Fred said, turning to leave.
“Alright. Did you take your meds for your arthritis?” Rafe inquired, concern lacing his words.
“Yes, but some days, it’s worse than others.” Fred glanced up at the sky visible through the barn doors, the clouds gathering ominously. “I think we might be in for some rain.”
“Yeah, it’s calling for it. Go inside, Fred. I won’t be long,” Rafe encouraged, gesturing toward the house with a tilt of his head.
“Okay. You know where she works, right?” Fred confirmed, pausing in the doorway.
“Yes, sir,” Rafe replied.
“Alright. It’s already paid for. See you soon,” Fred said, offering a grateful smile before heading out.
Rafe watched as Fred sauntered away, his pace surprisingly brisk for someone complaining about his knees. Rafe frowned slightly, suspicion creeping in as he observed Fred crossing the yard with ease.
“Fred Hancock, if you didn’t want to go, why not just say so?” Rafe murmured to himself, shaking his head with amusement as he made his way to his pickup truck, climbed in, and started it to head into town. The engine rumbled to life beneath the gathering storm clouds.
As he parked his truck across the street from Timeless Treasures, a smile spread across his face as he observed the steady stream of people entering and exiting the shop. With a sigh, he pushed open the truck door, stepped out, and patiently waited for a lull in the bustling traffic before crossing the street.
Upon entering the crowded shop, the air was filled with the nostalgic scent of aged antiques. His eyes roamed the room in search of Maggie.
“Hello. Welcome to Timeless Treasures. Is there something I could help you find?”
A soft voice drew his attention to a striking woman with dark red hair cascading over her shoulders and piercing blue eyes that sparkled like sapphires. She was absolutely stunning.
“I’m looking for Maggie,” he said, with a smile.
“I believe she’s with a customer right now.”
“Okay. I’m picking up a picture frame for Fred Hancock.”
Her face brightened with a welcoming smile. “I’m Savannah Collins. I own the place.” She extended her hand gracefully for him to shake.
Rafe took her hand in his firm grip. “Rafe Marshall.”
“Nice to meet you, Rafe. Let me get Maggie for you.”
“Yes, ma’am.” He nodded and casually glanced around the shop. The room was alive with antique treasures, each piece whispering stories of bygone eras. Several women were eyeing him with interest, prompting him to touch the brim of his hat and grin. Rafe never struggled to find a date; in fact, his best friend, Nate Jefferson, constantly teased him about the attention he garnered from women.
“Rafe?”
He turned to see Maggie approaching, her beauty radiant and captivating.
“Maggie, I’m picking up the frame Fred ordered.”
“Oh, I was going to take it to him this weekend, but that’s fine. Let me get it.”
Rafe followed her to the counter, his eyes skimming over the intricate displays of antiques. The variety was astounding, yet he couldn’t distinguish an authentic antique from something crafted yesterday.
Maggie returned with a box, set it on the counter, and met Rafe’s gaze.
“Here you go,” she said, just as a thunderous boom echoed overhead, making the windows tremble and Maggie jumped. “God! I wasn’t expecting that,” she exclaimed with a laugh.
Rafe grinned. “I think we’re in for a storm.”
“Please be careful going home.”
“Worried about me?”
“I’d worry about anyone out in this.”
Rafe held her gaze for a moment, then nodded as he picked up the box and strode out the door. He crossed the street, climbed into his truck just as the sky unleashed a torrent of rain, the droplets hammering down like a drum.
****
Maggie watched as Rafe skillfully maneuvered his truck onto bustling Main Street, heading in the direction of the diner. She sighed, a soft sound filled with longing and admiration.
“Boy, you weren’t exaggerating about him,” Vanna remarked from beside her, her voice laced with appreciation. “He is one handsome man.”
“I know,” Maggie replied, feeling as though her heart might just melt whenever Rafe was nearby. The warmth of his presence seemed to envelop her, igniting a fluttering sensation in her chest.
“His eyes are gorgeous,” Vanna continued, her gaze lingering on Rafe’s retreating truck.
“Yes, the color of ripe blueberries,” Maggie agreed, her eyes scanning the surroundings. A few women had turned their heads, casting appreciative glances in Rafe’s direction. “Looks like a few women in here noticed him too.”
“They’d have to be dead not to.” Vanna laughed.
“That, right there, is the truth,” Maggie said.
Vanna chuckled, her eyes sparkling with amusement. “There’s nothing wrong with admiring a good-looking man. I mean, I think Grady is incredibly handsome, but I still let my eyes wander. I know he notices pretty women too.”
“I agree with you completely. So, how are things going between you two?” Maggie inquired, a curious glint in her eyes.
Vanna sighed, a dreamy smile spreading across her face, which made Maggie break into laughter. “We’re wonderful. I love him so much,” Vanna confessed, her voice sincere.
“No wedding date set yet?” Maggie asked, raising an eyebrow.
“Nope,” Vanna replied, shaking her head lightly. “And it doesn’t bother me one bit. I know how hectic his schedule is this time of year with the cattle. So, whenever he’s ready, I’m fine with it.” She shrugged casually. “We already live together, so a marriage license won’t change that.”
“True enough,” Maggie nodded. “Have you visited Randi’s shop yet?”
“No, but I’m planning to go this weekend,” Vanna said, determination in her voice.
“She finally hired someone, so the shop will be open all weekend until the tourist season ends, though I don’t think she’ll be there,” Maggie informed her, her tone conspiratorial.
“I’m going to drop by after we close on Saturday,” Vanna decided. “I can’t wait to explore everything she has. Those bath salts you bought smelled divine.”
“Oh, I know,” Maggie agreed enthusiastically. “I need to restock. I use them all the time, and the soaps are fantastic too. Oh! And don’t forget the candles. That shop has the perfect name: Randi’s Scented Haven is exactly what it is.”
“I bet I buy too much,” Vanna teased.
“No doubt. I always do.” Maggie sighed. “I’m so happy that she’s doing well now.”
“That was so scary. She’s lucky he didn’t kill her.”
The door opened and more customers entered. Maggie sighed, but maybe it would keep her distracted from thinking about Rafe. Yeah, right.
That man was constantly in her head. Since the first time she set eyes on him, she was captivated. He didn’t shake her hand, just stared at her and nodded, but when he turned his eyes to Frederick, she could see how much Rafe couldn’t stand the man and who could blame him. She hated her ex with a passion, and she was terrified that one day he’d be out of prison, and no matter how much time had passed, she knew he’d be looking for her. That was a nightmare she had regularly. With a frustrated sigh, she got back to work.
****
Rafe pulled open the diner’s door and stepped inside, nodding and giving a casual wave to those who called out his name. He walked over to the counter, his eyes scanning for someone to acknowledge him.
“Hey, Rafe. What can I get you, hon?” Connie asked from behind the counter.
“A usual for me and Fred’s usual too. To go, please, Connie,” he replied.
“Right away, hon,” Connie responded with a friendly smile as she turned to pin his order to the metal wheel. Rafe then leaned casually against the wall, his gaze wandering as he waited for his food.
The diner’s door swung open again, and instinctively, Rafe glanced over, a grin lifting his lips as Randi Guthrie stepped through. The afternoon light caught her features, and she returned his smile with one of her own.
“Hi, Rafe,” she greeted, her tone laced with genuine warmth.
“Randi. How are you?” he asked.
“I’m great. And you?” she replied, her voice smooth as silk.
“Same. Still keeping busy these days?” he queried, curiosity evident in his tone.
Leaning in a bit as if sharing a secret, she replied, “Some days, I’m almost too busy.”
Rafe’s grin broadened. “I’m sure you are. But once the tourists leave, you’ll get a nice break.”
“I hope so,” Randi murmured softly.
“Randi, are you picking up?” Rissa Maddox asked from behind the counter.
“Yes, I am, Rissa,” she confirmed with a nod.
“Okay, I’ll be right back with your order,” she said.
“How’s Jack doing?”
“He’s wonderful,” Randi sighed contentedly, her tone so rich with affection that it made Rafe chuckle.
“And you? Are you okay now?”
“I am. I’m completely healed.”
Randi had been viciously stabbed by her stepbrother; a man she never even knew existed until the tragic passing of her mother. Her mother, Marla Guthrie, had abandoned Randi shortly after she was born. At just sixteen, Marla panicked and left Randi with her grandparents. She eventually married a wealthy man, and upon his death, she inherited his entire fortune. In her will, she left nearly everything to Randi, leaving only a modest portion to her stepson, who had cruelly mistreated her. Colin Phillips, filled with resentment, was now incarcerated for attempted murder. Despite the dark shadows of the past, Randi’s life had taken a brighter turn. She was now engaged to Jack Lawrence, a close friend of Rafe’s. Their lives were filled with happiness, and Rafe was happy for them.
Rissa returned with a small bag in hand, holding it out as she said, “Here you go, Randi.” Randi moved toward the cash register, paid her bill and turned to face Rafe.
“I’ll see you later, Rafe,” she said as she prepared to leave, her smile lingering.
“Yes, ma’am,” he responded, a note of respect woven into his tone.
Just as Randi disappeared out the door, Dr. Markie Russell walked in, a grin lit up her face at the sight of him, and without hesitation, she moved to embrace him.
“Rafe,” she said, her voice a mix of relief and excitement as she hugged him tightly.
“How are you, Markie?” he asked, his words soft with genuine concern.
“I’m good. Nate was just talking about you,” she said, a sparkle of mischief in her eyes.
Rafe raised an inquisitive eyebrow. “What did I do now?”
“We were discussing Jarrett. He pleaded guilty and was sent off to prison without a trial,” she explained matter-of-factly.
“Well, that’s good news. Especially for you and your mother,” Rafe replied, his satisfaction evident in his steady tone.
“Yes, it is. I truly hope he rots in there,” Markie added, her voice tinged with a deep-seated grudge.
“You and me both,” Rafe said, a hint of humor threading through his words.
“Rafe—” Markie began, but he interjected.
“Markie, please don’t thank me again,” he said, his voice light yet resolute.
“But if you hadn’t answered my text—” she started, only to be cut off.
“But I did. It’s over,” he said with a grin. “It felt good holding that rifle to his head.”
Markie laughed, a soft, knowing chuckle that spoke volumes. “I bet it did.”
Before long, Connie called out again, “Rafe? Here’s your order, hon.”
“Thanks, Connie,” he replied gratefully. After paying for his meal and collecting the bag, he turned his attention back to Markie.
“Tell Nate to give me a call, and we’ll grab a beer,” he suggested casually.
“I’ll tell him,” Markie said, surprising him by planting a quick, affectionate kiss on his cheek. Her eyes softened as she added, “I know you don’t want to hear it, but thank you.”
“Yes, ma’am,” he responded respectfully, touching his hat. With that, Rafe stepped out the door, heading toward his truck.
As he climbed into the driver’s seat, shaking his head with a small, satisfied smile, he felt a sense of contentment. Things had worked out well for Markie and Nate, his best friend, even after their rocky start. Nate had asked him to be his best man, and even though Rafe detested wearing suits, he knew he’d do it for Nate in a heartbeat.
****
The following Sunday, Maggie drove to Fred’s ranch. It was something she did almost every other weekend. He was all the family she had left, and she knew he loved seeing her too. It didn’t matter that she had divorced his son, Fred loved having her visit.
She pulled up to the house, stepped from her vehicle and looked in the direction of Rafe’s place and wondered if he was swimming. In the nude.
“Of course, if he’s swimming, he’s nude,” she murmured.
She heard the back door open and turned to face her father-in-law with a smile.
“Hi, Dad.”
“Hey, honey. Come in out of this heat.”
“Alright.” She shoved the door closed, walked up the steps, hugged Fred, then entered the house. “Oh, it feels so good in here.”
“It’s a hot one today, isn’t it?” Fred asked as he poured himself a cup of coffee.
“And yet, you still have to have your coffee.” Maggie grinned.
Fred laughed. “You know I do. Any plans for today?”
“Other than seeing my favorite father-in-law, you mean?”
“I’m your only father-in-law,” Fred teased.
“True, but no matter what happens, you will always be my favorite.” Maggie pulled a chair out from the table and took a seat.
“Do you want something to drink, honey?”
“No, thanks. Did you put your frame up?”
Fred grinned. “I did. It’s a beautiful frame and it suits the photo of my wife.”
“I wish I’d known her.”
“She would have loved you, like I do.” He shook his head and sighed. “Though she would have been very disappointed in her son for not only the things he did, but how he treated you.”
“It’s in the past now. He’s where he deserves to be. I don’t like saying this to you, Fred, but I hope he rots in there.”
“I know you do, honey. I still can’t get over him stealing my horses. Where did I go wrong?”
Maggie touched his hand. “Oh, Fred, you didn’t go wrong. Frederick was old enough to know what he was doing was wrong.”
“I suppose. Let’s head to the living room.”
“Okay.”
After an hour, Maggie looked at Fred. “Would you mind if I took a horse out?”
“Of course not. You know you can ride here anytime you’d like.”
“Do you want to go with me?”
“No, thanks, honey. If you’re going riding, I’m going to take a nap. I love my afternoon naps.” He grinned.
Maggie laughed. “Alright. I’ll probably take the Paint.”
“She’s your favorite, isn’t she?”
“Yes, she’s so gentle and just a beautiful horse.” Maggie stood, kissed Fred on the cheek, then headed toward the back door. “I’ll talk to you soon, Dad. I love you.”
“I love you too, honey. Be careful.”
“I will and I’ll take the walkie-talkie with me. Bye for now.”
Maggie stepped onto the porch, pulling the door closed behind her, then strode across the yard, her boots kicking up billows of dust. She entered the barn, then walked to the tack room, and lifted a saddle then walked back toward the stall and placed the saddle on the rail, then returned to the room to gather the rest of what she needed then headed back to the horse again.
She glanced around and hissed in a breath when she saw Rafe coming from a stall pushing a wheelbarrow… without a shirt. Her eyes locked onto his, and his steady gaze held hers in a magnetic pull. In that charged moment, every fiber of her being ached with desire, yet the fear of rejection threatened to shatter her confidence. When he tilted his head just slightly, a rush of heat flooded her cheeks, deepening them with a blush of longing. She watched as his eyes dropped to her breasts and mentally swore about not wearing a bra. When his eyes met hers again, a slow, enigmatic smirk tugged at the corner of his lips.
“Maggie?” he asked, his voice low and rich as he reached for his T-shirt, hanging on a nail, then smoothly pulled it over his head, letting it fall languidly over his sculpted chest.
“Uh, I’m going riding. Fred said it was fine with him,” she replied, her voice betraying a tremor of both anticipation and anxiety.
“I see. Alright. Well, you know where everything is. Let me know if you need any help,” Rafe said, nodding with assurance.
“I thought you didn’t work on weekends?” she asked.
“I don’t, but one of the guys couldn’t make it today.”
“I see.”
Rafe stared at her a few seconds, then grasped the handles of the weathered wheelbarrow and pushed it out of the barn.
Maggie had always been irresistibly drawn to him, even though he had never shown any interest in her.
Standing in front of the stall, she watched him re-enter the barn. He steered the wheelbarrow into the toolroom. Stepping out once more, he removed his well-worn hat, slapped it against his thigh and sending a flurry of dust and straw swirling in the light streaming through the barn.
He moved almost directly toward her until he paused abruptly, catching sight of her, then he slipped off his leather gloves and stuffed them into a pocket at the back of his jeans, folded his strong arms across his broad chest as his gaze never wavered from hers. Maggie, gathering her courage, cleared her throat, inhaled deeply, and exhaled slowly before she asked, “Will you go with me?”
The surprise that flickered across his face spoke louder than words; he hadn’t expected her invitation. “Go with you?” he echoed; his tone tinged with confusion.
“It’s okay. You don’t have to,” she quickly reassured, a slight shrug punctuating her earnest admission. “I just thought that after working on the stalls, a ride might feel good.” With that, she turned away and opened the gate to the stall. Attaching a lead to the horse, she led the mare out into the open.
Surveying the area, she didn’t catch sight of Rafe anywhere. A lump of hope and disappointment tightened in her throat, forcing her to blink back tears as she realized his absence was a silent rebuke of her invitation.
Just then, while she was tossing the saddle onto her horse’s back, she glanced over her shoulder. Rafe was emerging from another stall, leading his own horse into the barn’s aisle. Soon, he saddled his horse, Rocket, a chestnut beauty with glossy coat, striking black legs, mane, and tail, mounted him and began riding him directly toward her.
Rafe looked impeccable astride Rocket, a living portrait of rugged grace. She hid a grin as she mounted her horse, then nudged the mare with her knees. As they rode side by side through the expansive pastures, Maggie lifted her gaze to the vast, clear blue sky, unmarred by even a wisp of cloud.
“How about stopping by the pond? Rocket could use a drink,” Rafe suggested.
“Sure,” Maggie agreed with a nod, and together they rode toward one of the property’s serene ponds, its water shimmering like a liquid mirror under the gentle caress of the sun.
After dismounting, they led their horses to the water’s edge. Both took long, refreshing sips, the cool pool soothing the heat of their exertions. Maggie sank onto the soft grass, surprised when Rafe joined her, settling down beside her in a companionable silence.
The sun hung heavy in the sky, its golden rays spilling over the rolling pastures, but Maggie barely noticed. Her entire world had narrowed to the man beside her, the heat of his body radiating like a furnace, making her skin prickle with want. Rafe was a damn masterpiece, his rugged face shadowed under the brim of his hat, his broad chest heaving ever so slightly as he breathed. She could smell him; sweat, leather, and something utterly masculine that made her mouth water. His jeans clung to his powerful thighs like a second skin.
Maggie’s heart hammered in her chest as she leaned back on the grass, her fingers twitching with the need to touch him. She watched, transfixed, as Rafe removed his hat and lay back, placing it over his face like he didn’t have a care in the world. But she knew better. There was tension in the air, thick and electric, and it crackled between them like a live wire.
“Did you come here to nap?” she teased, her voice trembling slightly despite her efforts to sound casual.
“No,” he murmured, his deep voice sending a shiver down her spine. “But I could.”
Her eyes roamed over him shamelessly, drinking in every inch of his body. His chest was a work of art, the kind of muscle that came from years of hard labor, not some sterile gym. Her gaze dropped lower, over the flat plane of his stomach to the fly of his jeans, which strained against something she couldn’t see but could certainly remember.
“How tall are you, Rafe?” she asked, her voice barely more than a whisper.
“Six five,” he replied as he lifted his hat, his lips quirking into a smirk as he opened one eye to look at her. “Shorty.”
“I’m five foot five.”
“I’m a foot taller than you.”
“That’s true,” she sighed, her voice trembling with something she couldn’t quite name. She turned her head to look at him, her heart skipping a beat when she found his eyes already on her. “You won’t get in trouble for taking off, will you?”
Rafe chuckled, sending her heart into a wild, dwarfed rhythm. His smile glowed with an honesty that made her pulse quicken. The man was way too handsome.
“No. I’m the boss. I can disappear whenever I want,” he stated. He sat up, bent his knees casually, and rested his wrists on them as he stared out at the rippling, sunlit water.
“I didn’t think Fred would get mad at you,” Maggie said, her eyes meeting his in a silent exchange that held more meaning than words.
In that charged moment, their eyes spoke a language of longing and vulnerability. His gaze dropped briefly to her lips before returning to her eyes, coaxing her forward until she closed the remaining distance between them. Rafe’s fingers wove gently through her hair as he brought her lips to his, deepening the kiss with a passion that seemed to suspend time itself. Slowly, he eased her onto her back and lay beside her, their proximity igniting a blaze of sensation.
Maggie ran her fingers through his hair in a tender, exploratory caress. Every touch, every whispered moment of intimacy was unparalleled, a stark contrast to what she had known before.
“Rafe…” she whispered when she finally pulled back, her voice trembling with wonder and desire.
“Do you want me to stop? I will, Maggie. You never have to worry,” he murmured reassuringly.
“No, I want you to kiss me again,” she replied, her words husky with yearning.
With renewed fervor, he pressed his lips to hers, shifting over her as his knee gently spread her legs before settling himself between them. In scarcely a moment, the world around them dissolved as they tore away at each other’s clothes with an urgency born of deep, unspoken need, leaving nothing in their wake save for her black lace panties. Maggie’s eyes glistened with awe as she watched him retrieve a condom from his wallet, a detail that underscored the raw, unfiltered intimacy of the moment. Her admiration for his perfectly honed body was nearly overwhelming, and she could barely contain the hunger that surged within her as he rolled the condom onto his aroused cock.
“Rafe, please,” she pleaded softly, her voice quivering with anticipation.
Once again, his lips engulfed hers as he resumed his passionate exploration between her trembling legs. His kisses trailed a sensuous path from her cheek down to her earlobe, along her neck, and over her breasts until he captured her nipple in a tender, intense suck that made Maggie gasp in breathless astonishment.
As his lips continued their journey lower, she gripped his hair, her body already aware of the promising pleasure to come. Though she had anticipated this touch, every sensation was utterly new to her. Unlike the restrained intimacy of past lovers. Now, she reveled in the freedom of being touched without reservation.
A soft moan escaped her when he tugged at the elastic of her panties with his teeth, his thumbs sliding within to pull them down her legs before tossing them aside. His kisses continued their intimate odyssey, climbing upward along her legs until they reached the juncture of her thighs. There, he lowered his mouth to her clitoris, sucking with a passion that rendered Maggie breathless.
In that profound moment of bliss, as her belly fluttered with the surge of an orgasm, an experience so unlike the hollowness she had known with Frederick, she gasped, her breaths coming in rapid bursts.
“Let go, Maggie. Let go, baby,” Rafe murmured tenderly, his words sending her spiraling over the edge into a realm of ecstatic abandon. Her scream, mingled with laughter, echoed off the distant mountains, a wild celebration of pure, unadulterated passion.
Rafe shifted upward along her body, pressing his lips to hers once more as he inched himself deep inside her. A low groan of satisfaction escaped him as he settled in as far as he could, while Maggie instinctively wrapped her legs around his waist. With a whispered, “Move with me,” he deepened the rhythm of their union, his lips returning to hers in a fierce, demanding kiss as he rode her with a rough intensity that left nothing unsaid between them.
Maggie moved her hips to meet his every thrust. The sensation was overwhelming, and she could feel another orgasm building low in her belly.
“Rafe…” She gasped, her nails digging into his back as she teetered on the edge once more.
“I can feel you clenching around my cock, Maggie. Damn, you feel so good,” he growled, thrusting harder and faster until she shattered around him with a cry. Her body convulsed with pleasure as Rafe followed her over the edge, his cock pulsing inside her as he groaned her name.
They lay there for what felt like an eternity, their bodies tangled together in the grass as they caught their breath. Maggie could still feel the aftershocks of her orgasm coursing through her body, and she knew without a doubt that nothing would ever compare to this. Rafe had ruined her for anyone else, and she didn’t give a damn.