Page 61 of Trust Me With Forever

Amber:Er, I’m not sure Jay would. It’s a little over-the-top for him.

Me (typed but deleted):Are you sure he’s really what you want? Because you need a little fun and silliness in your life, and Jay doesn’t have a sense of humor.

Me (actual reply instead):You all can have your Mr. Darcy fantasies. I’d rather watch Rafe on the soccer pitch. Without a shirt, all sweaty and…

Emmy:Ew. Okay, now I understand how you feel when I talk about West and sexy times.

Katie:I’m not related to either, so I’m always available and open to finding new ideas to try with Nolan.

Me: Okay, that’s my cue to leave. I have a city to explore!

Katie:With a sexy husband on your arm. Not too shabby. Take lots of pics.

When I’d first woken up in Rafe’s place, I dreaded leaving my room. Rafe had been so…nice on the plane. It’d felt so easy and natural to tease and talk, and I’d wanted nothing more than for him to kiss me.

But being separated overnight had restored some of my self-preservation skills, and I knew I’d have to find the balance of not completely being cold to Rafe while also not allowing him to burrow further into my heart.

Because each time he made me laugh or shared another part of his life with me, or even surprised me—like with this entiretrip—I yearned for the naïve woman I’d once been. The one who’d trusted so easily. The one who’d loved so easily.

Thankfully, my friends’ group chat had cheered me up. I’d long ago learned that Lyme Park, used for Mr. Darcy’s house in the 1995 version ofPride and Prejudice, wasn’t far from Manchester. My friends and I had watched that show more than we should’ve as teens, and I’d always dreamed of seeing Rafe play a game and then visiting Lyme the next day.

I hadn’t asked him yet if I could go, but I hoped he’d let me.

I just had to get through today first—facing the public, the possible paparazzi, and constantly wondering if someone would mention my ex.

Or if my ex would sell our story and embarrass Rafe.

Don’t allow what-ifs to control your day. You knew Rafe was famous, especially in Manchester. And you can’t do anything about Travis. So, buck up and try to enjoy yourself.

Once I finally got my ass out of bed and brushed my hair, I headed downstairs and found Rafe in the kitchen. After some banter and eating some food, he eventually said, “The only woman I want to see without a bra is you.”

My cheeks heated at the intensity of his gaze.

It was on the tip of my tongue to call bullshit. And yet, as regret and worry flashed in his eyes, I paused another second.

For all his chiseled jaw and hard muscles, in this moment, he looked almost…vulnerable. As if he thought he’d fucked up, or hurt me, or somehow had let me down.

And I hated it. Fucking hated it. He shouldn’t have to keep tiptoeing around me. Especially since Rafe had only tried to accommodate me, to make me happy, to ensure I didn’t feel awkward or out of place.

And what had I done in return? How had I compromised?

By giving him almost nothing. Not much at all.

He’s not Travis. Don’t make him suffer for someone else’s actions.

For the first time in a long time, that fun-loving girl I’d been surfaced, and an idea struck. One that I wouldn’t have dared do a few weeks ago.

But now? Oh, I wanted to do it. Badly.

So I lifted my tank top and flashed Rafe.

His eyes darted to my breasts, and my nipples tightened. He growled, reached out as if to touch me, and then stopped.

No. Don’t stop.

I must’ve said it out loud because Rafe’s eyes met mine again. “Are you sure?”

My heart raced, and my nipples throbbed. If I let him do this, there would be no keeping him at arm’s length to protect my heart.

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