Page 19 of A Game-Changing Christmas

The shift in his demeanor happened in stages, as if the memory of his choices were muddied by an unpleasant recollection.

“Nah.” Raphael glanced at her then back to the road. “Those days are gone.”

Bri knew there was a deeper conversation in this direction, but she was also sure Raphael wouldn’t be willing to share it with her now. She wondered if ever a time would come then quickly remembered her mantra.

Be careful with him.

“Would you like to talk about it,” she heard herself asking.

Silence filled the vehicle. “Maybe some other time.”

Bri rubbed her lips together. “Fun fact,” she said, needing to switch gears. “When I was in high school, I took up French and passed with flying colors.” She wiggled her brows at him, and Raphael’s face lit up.

“So you can speak the language?”

“Not really.” She laughed. “I haven’t put it to much use. Maybe you could teach me sometime.”

Raphael’s gaze twinkled as he looked between Bri and the road.

“Would you like that,” he asked, pulling to the gate of his father’s estate. Their eyes connected.

“I would.”

Heat spilled over Bri as Raphael eyed her with a soft caress that held her captive.

“Give me a second. I’ll be right back.”

“I’ll be here.”

He reached out and tugged her earlobe then forcefully pulled his gaze away and exited the truck. Bri sighed harshly, watching him disappear inside the house while mentally chastising herself. Even with the knowledge that flirting could be disastrous, it was as if Bri couldn’t stop herself. Every cell in her body leaned to him, wanting, craving, his attention. Why? Of all men to be smitten with, it had to be not only a broken-hearted man, but one Raphael Valentine, world renowned and most sought-after celebrity photographer. The odds or likelihood that this, whatever this was, would turn into a beautiful thing was rare.

And still, as Raphael jogged back to the truck, Bri decided she was willing to risk it.

---