Page 48 of Trust Me With Forever

With a growl, he crossed the room and tickled my side. I laughed, trying to kick him away, and eventually I made contact with something soft.

“Abigail, fuck, my balls aren’t going to survive much longer around you.”

“Oh, I’m so sorry, Rafe! I didn’t mean to kick you there.”

I rubbed his back, and he curled onto his side, cupping himself. “I thought I was done wearing a cup, but I guess not.”

I felt bad, and yet, I still couldn’t help but laugh. “What, so one day you’ll just show up and walk around the house in full football protective gear? American football, that is.”

“If I can handle an asshole kicking me with cleats, I can handle my wife.”

“Hmm, cleats. Now there’s an idea…”

He growled, and I laughed again, unable to help it. Teasing him was so much fun.

“It’s good to see you smile and laugh, Abigail. Your tears just about tore out my heart.”

My gaze shot to his, and something electric passed between us. “Is that part of your husbandly duties now? To make me laugh?”

“One of them.” He slowly sat up, wincing, and added, “I need a bag of frozen peas.”

“I could go get some and help you until you recover.”

“No.” The word was harsh, but then his voice softened. “No, Abigail. Rest. I’m just going to watch whatever game I can find, drink a beer or two, and freeze my balls until they stop hurting.” He added something under his breath that I couldn’t hear.

But he stood before I could ask him about it, and he almost waddled to the door.

I bit my lip to keep from laughing again. “Good night, Rafe.”

“Good night, Abigail.”

He paused, as if debating about saying something else, but then he was gone.

I plopped back on my bed, smiling, and wondered about two things. One, would he truly make time for me every morning for breakfast? And two, would he ever kiss me again? Because not asking him to stay the night in my bed had been hard. Way too hard.

Time would tell just how far I’d take being honest with Rafe Mendoza.

Chapter Twenty

Abby

Katie:Have you and Rafe broken the bed yet?

Me:Er, no.

Katie:Try harder! Nolan’s finally gave out last week.

Me: No. Just no. He’s my brother.

Katie:He’s not mine, thank goodness. But that’s not why I texted you. Okay, not the only reason. Nolan and I want to help with the tutoring center. What can we do?

Me:I’m not sure yet. But you might want to ask Rafe. It’s his place. I’m just an employee.

Katie:And his wife. Besides, he said it’s up to you. So when you have a better idea, let us know.

Me:Thanks, Katie. And tell Nolan the same. It’ll probably be supplies, especially computers and laptops. But I’ll let you know soon.

Katie:Maybe we can double date and talk about it. Nolan keeps saying he knows this amazing hidden gem in San Francisco.We could make a day of it. Especially since Rafe could use some friends, and Nolan doesn’t have the history like a certain other Wolfe brother.

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