Chapter 16 #2
I spent the next twenty minutes telling him the meaning behind the new “Forever” bracelet. It was all about loving yourself and being okay in your own skin. Because when you start loving yourself, you allow others to do the same.
He listened intently, as if my words mattered.
My ideas mattered.
Rafe Chadwick was more than just a sexy, charming man. He was a good man. A kind man. And I would be lucky to call him my friend.
We realized the day had gotten away from us, and I set up a makeup area in the room at the desk so he could take a shower. I was not going to cross that line again, even though he’d made several jokes about me joining him.
Things had shifted between us, and I liked him. I felt close to him in a way I couldn’t even begin to explain. This crazy situation that had brought us together, connected us in a way.
Which meant I needed to be careful.
I curled my hair before pulling it into a low chignon at the nape of my neck and applying my makeup. I did dramatic eyeliner and a smoky eye.
I wanted to make him proud to have me on his arm tonight.
It didn’t matter that it wasn’t real, he’d shown up for me when I needed him, and I intended to do the same.
He came out of the bathroom looking like he’d just stepped off a photo shoot for People Magazine’s “Sexiest Man Alive” edition.
He sat on the edge of the bed tying his shoes, and I tried not to stare.
His jaw was chiseled, and his hair was gelled tonight into a sleek style that worked with the fitted slim-cut suit.
“Henley and Easton sent us a screenshot of the Taylor Tea. Would you like me to read it to you?” His voice was all tease.
I applied my lipstick and moved to my feet to slip into my dress. “Ohhhh, yes, please. I’ll get dressed in the bathroom and leave the door open so I can hear you.”
“I’ve seen you naked. Just get dressed out here, and I won’t look if you don’t want me to,” he said, shaking his head as he stared down at his screen and then peeked up at me to see if I’d listened.
“Fine, you big baby. If seeing me in my bra and panties does it for you, have at it.” I tugged my dress from the hanger and dropped my robe before shimmying into the satin fitted dress.
He didn’t take his eyes off me as I did so, and once I pulled it up, he pushed to his feet and moved behind me, pulling up the zipper. His fingers trailed up my skin, and my body heated at the slight touch. He moved back to the bed and turned his attention to the phone.
“Okay, here we go.” He cleared his throat.
“Good Morning, Roses. Looks like our scoop this week is public knowledge, so we’ll just share what we know.
Our latest resident, the wealthy socialite bombshell who moved to town recently, is in a relationship with one of our local favorites.
He’s the boisterous one, and let’s just say he’s not only good with the numbers, but he’s good with the ladies, too,” he said with a groan.
“My God, they may as well just say our names.”
“I love that I’m the socialite bombshell.” I waggled my brows as I slipped my feet into the gorgeous red, strappy stilettos I saved for a special occasion. “Please continue.”
“Looks like the rock star ex-boyfriend is sharing his broken heart with the world. But I’m not buying it.
The rock star has been seen one too many times with other women to earn any form of sympathy from me.
I’d go with the charming local guy we all know and love.
The famous rock star may be loved by America, but in Rosewood River, we don’t care for all that drama.
Time will tell. I think this rose might get prickly with two suitors vying for her heart. ”
My head fell back in laughter. “Wow. She just tells us exactly how she feels.”
“Without saying actual names, even though everyone knows exactly who she’s talking about.”
“Who do you think is the author?” I asked him as his eyes perused me from head to toe.
“You look stunning, Wildcat.” He cleared his throat. “You know, I’m not sure. Bridger is certain that it’s Emilia Taylor. But I just can’t picture her writing this.”
“She’s a florist, and she’s so sweet. I don’t see that either. Why does he think it’s her?”
“Who knows, with Bridger? Once he gets something in his head, he can’t get it out. Her family owns the paper. She’s young enough to be writing this kind of crap…” he said.
“Hey. She just wrote about us, and she was rooting for us. That was not crap.”
Loud laughter bellowed from him, and he pushed to his feet. “Fine. Whatever it is. Gossip. It feels like it’s someone young.”
“Could it be Laney Waters?” I asked. Her parents owned Rosewood Brew Coffee, and she worked there when she wasn’t in school. “Every time I see her at the coffee shop, she brings up the Taylor Tea.”
“I’ve heard some people mention her name, but I just don’t think the Taylors would print something written by a teenager. But I guess if she’s sending it in anonymously, how would they know?”
“You’re exactly right. They wouldn’t know. Henley and I would have had so much fun writing an anonymous column back in high school.” I grabbed my black velvet Laredo clutch.
“I could see you two getting into a whole lot of trouble together back then,” he chuckled. “Come on. We’ve got a car waiting downstairs, and those two guys I promised a photo to are probably sitting in the valet, waiting to snap a few shots.”
“Okay, let’s do this, lover boy. I will let everyone know that my man is off-limits tonight.”
He smirked. “I’m down with that. And you look… fucking gorgeous.”
“Right back at you, handsome. Now, let’s go show everyone how ridiculously in love we are.”
We made our way through the lobby, and I didn’t miss the way all eyes followed us as people walked by.
When we stepped outside, a black car was waiting for us, but two men stood on the side, and Rafe held up a hand to the driver. “Give us two minutes.”
He pulled me close and dipped me back, and I burst out in a fit of laughter as he waggled his brows at me. Both men snapped several photos, and he pulled me back up and gave them a nod of thanks.
They continued snapping photos as we slipped into the car, and our driver closed the door before returning to the driver’s seat and driving us a block away to the venue.
“Just be prepared, all right?” he said as he rubbed his hands together.
“Chloe is a lot. She’s spoiled and used to getting her way.
Hopefully, she brings a date, but she was determined for us to attend this together, for some unknown reason, and she can be relentless.
It’s tricky because her father is my boss. ”
“Maybe that’s your sign that you don’t need to have a boss anymore,” I said, reaching for his hand because he appeared anxious, which was out of character for him. “I know why she wants to date you.”
He chuckled. “Because I’m easy to throat punch?”
“Because you’re loyal and funny and sinfully handsome. You’re the whole package, Rafe Chadwick.” I leaned close and whispered against his ear. “And I mean that literally. I’ve seen it, remember?”
His tongue swiped out along his bottom lip. “It’s yours if you want it.”
Those six words shot right between my legs. I squeezed my thighs together and tried not to react.
I did want it. But I shouldn’t want it.
It would be a terrible idea.
Not for my vagina, obviously, but for me as a person.
He was dangerous. Too good. Too smooth. Too likeable.
Too easy to fall for.
Thankfully we came to a stop, and our driver came around and opened the door for us. Rafe exited the car first, and then he reached for my hand as I placed mine in his and stepped out of the car, grasping my clutch in my free hand.
“Here we go,” he whispered against my ear and then kissed my cheek before leading me inside the country club.