Page 20 of Trust Me With Forever

Which was easier said than done.

Rafe lifted his hand and traced my cheek with his forefinger. I leaned into his touch, and when he cupped my face, I closed my eyes and sighed. His hands were big and warm and a little rough.

But more than that, being near him felt…safe. Which didn’t make any sense.

His voice was lower than before as he said, “I won’t bring up past women unless I have to, but it’s common knowledge that I always touch and hold and show affection to any woman that I’m with. So I’ll have to touch my wife in public, Abigail. Often.”

The way he said my full name, deep and growly, made my eyes fly open. But his expression was unreadable, even as he stroked my cheek.

His eyes were a deep brown, almost black, and he had some of the longest eyelashes I’d ever seen on a man. It nearly made me smile, as it was a huge contrast to his rugged jaw, chiseled cheekbones, and faint dusting of scruff on his face.

Scruff that would tickle my inner thigh as he licked my pussy.

Holy crap, how was I ever going to fall asleep being in a bed only a few rooms away from his? The whole marriage consummation thing was starting to look more like a necessity, otherwise I’d never get anything done.

I finally croaked, “Okay.”

His eyes searched mine. “If I ever make you feel uncomfortable, you tell me. Poke me, step on my foot, or whatever to signal for me to stop, and I will.”

For a second, I merely stared at him. My past experiences with men, even beyond Travis, had often involved creative ways to avoid an unwanted touch or kiss.

Maybe you’ve been with the wrong men.

Even so, I wasn’t about to instantly throw down my barriers and think Rafe really wanted to be married to me.

Cynical AF Abby, that’s what I needed to be.

“Get too handsy, and I’ll punch you in the balls.”

He blinked. “Noted.”

“My brothers are overprotective, too. All five of them. Think you can handle that?”

“If you’re trying to scare me away, it won’t work, Abigail. Over the years, I’ve had to face hundreds of adrenaline-filled men on the pitch. I can handle your brothers.”

“Ah, but those men were merely playing a game. I’m their only sister.”

“Just a game? Are you trying to start another argument?”

“Well, technically, itisjust a game. Sure, you got paid millions of dollars to play it. But at the end of the day, the world won’t collapse without soccer. Oh, sorry,football.”

His hand darted to my side, and he tickled me. I squealed and tried to get away, but he merely followed me until he had me pinned against the counter.

As soon as his front touched mine, his fingers stilled, and I quieted. His heat and scent surrounded me, and I wanted nothing more than to wrap my arms around his neck, pull his head down, and kiss him.

Would it be hard and desperate? Or slow and lingering?

Would it be better than when I’d kissed him in my dreams?

Would it make me forget about everything and everyone but him?

Time passed slowly, like hours, and eventually Rafe cleared his throat and backed away from me. “I think we can act thepart of a married couple just fine. The dinner is in three days, so we have time to practice some more. Well, a little. I have some meetings with my other head trainer and a walkthrough to do with the contractors.”

“Oh, right. Your business.” I bit my bottom lip and hesitated.

“Ask me, Abigail. Always at least ask.”

“Can I see where the tutoring section will be?”

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