“Oh, yes, you did. It’s a little hum in your throat.”
He nuzzled me again, and I noticed what he was talking about.
After kissing my neck, he said, “Now you hear it.”
“Maybe.” He playfully slapped my ass, and I said, “Fine. Yes, I heard it.”
For a second, he stayed close, and I wondered if maybe we’d delay leaving for an hour and head for the bedroom.
However, he soon sighed and moved away from me. “If not for your surprise, I’d rub my stubble over all the sensitive parts of your body. But I’m too excited to see how you’ll react. So, your fifteen minutes start now.”
He made a big show of starting the timer on his phone.
While I could keep him waiting just because, I was too curious. So I raced up the stairs and briefly forgot about how reality could come crashing down as soon as I set one foot off Rafe’s property.
Chapter Thirty-Two
Abby
Amber:I have a new scone recipe I’d like to try out, and I need my taste tester. Will you come to the bakery today?
Me:I can’t.
Amber:Can’t, or won’t? I promise if anyone says anything to you, I’ll kick their butts to the curb.
Me:I know you would. But I can’t. Rafe is taking me somewhere. And no, I don’t know where.
Amber:Ooh, maybe it’s someplace romantic! Tell me about it as soon as you can. Maybe you two can stop by afterward for some scones. You can take them home and try them there.
Me:Thanks, Amber. I might do that.
Amber:And since you’re venturing out into the world, does this mean we can talk to Katie and Emmy soon, too?
Me:Maybe we can meet at your apartment and I can tell them. I’ll talk to you after my surprise with Rafe.
Amber:I’ll be here.
During the entire drive to Rafe’s mystery location, I couldn’t stop tapping my foot and drumming my fingers on my thigh. Part of me loved the waiting and anticipation. And yet, part of me still worried. “Are you sure no one will look at me with contempt at this place?”
“No, Abby. I promise you, it won’t happen.”
“But what if there are strangers who walk by? You can’t control every person’s movement in town.”
“I can where we’re going. It’s not in town proper.” His hand gently squeezed my knee before he removed it. “I’d rather stab my own heart than see you hurt, Abby.”
I bit my bottom lip and held my tongue. Rafe kept saying things that made me think he had feelings for me, beyond being a friend. Feelings I wanted to be true and was starting to share.
And yet, I still had trouble trusting my judgment.
Will I ever be able to throw off my past?Oh, how I wanted it. Maybe once Travis was no longer a threat and spewing lies, I could finally move on.
The car stilled, and I heard the engine turn off. “Can I take my blindfold off yet?”
“No, let me come around and I’ll guide you.”
“Okay.”
It wasn’t long before the door opened, and I felt the cool air on my skin. Rafe took my hand. “Just a little longer, Abigail. Come with me.”