Page 48 of Rafferty

“Where did he go?”

“Got in his car and left,” King says, looking back down the block. “He wasn’t drunk though. Pretty sure of that. We tried to offer him a lift, but he wouldn’t take it.”

“Something needs to be done,” I say gravely.

King’s attention comes back to me and it seems as if he wants to say something that would throw some light onto the matter, but then he just shakes his head. “I’ll try to talk to him tomorrow.”

We say our goodbyes, Willa reminding Tempe that she’ll see her on Thursday.

As we walk down the block to my truck, my arm around her shoulders to tuck her in tight to my warmth, I ask, “What’s going on Thursday?”

“The girls are getting together to watch the game,” she says.

We’ve got an extended road trip coming up, Thursday in Atlanta and then on to Washington Saturday. Luckily, we’ll be back Sunday, which is New Year’s Eve, and Foster and Mazzy are throwing a party at their house.

“I love that you’re gelling with the SOs,” I say.

“SOs?”

“Significant others,” I explain.

Tempe laughs. “Is that what I am?”

I give her a squeeze. “You’re more than significant.”

“So are you,” she says, and that right there is an admission by both of us that we’re in way deep.

CHAPTER 19

Tempe

“Is your momcool with you staying the night with me?” Rafferty asks as he unlocks the door to his condo.

I chuckle. “Yes. I think she understands that we’re having sex.”

Rafferty rolls his eyes, pushes the door and motions me in. As I walk past him, he gives me a sharp, playful slap on the ass.

I turn to retaliate but he’s on me as soon as the door closes. Hands to my face, his mouth to mine, I expect ferocity except we meet in a gentle kiss. It’s tender but ignites a fire within, making me ache for more of his touch. I tentatively push my tongue forward into his mouth and his breath hitches. His fingers tighten around my lower back, silently encouraging me to continue.

So I inch my tongue farther inside, savoring the taste of him. His response is immediate—a guttural moan that comes from deep down. Suddenly, his hands are gripping my head, holding me in place so he can take control.

And I let him, lost in the moment as our tongues dance. Every nerve ending in my body tingles with pleasure as our bodies press closer together. This is what I’ve been yearning for all night—the taste of Rafferty, the feel of him against me, the way he takes control.

The way he possesses me.

His lips are soft yet commanding, urging me to respond to his every touch. And oh, how my body responds. A soft moan escapes my lips as I feel his arousal for me, and it only intensifies as his tongue expertly explores my mouth.

I’m completely lost in the moment, giving in to every sensation coursing through me. It’s like every cell in my body craves his touch.

Rafferty breaks the kiss, only to peel off his jacket and urges me to do the same. I drop my purse to the floor and then he has me by the hand, leading me back to his bedroom. Once again, his mouth is on mine, palms gently cradling my face as the kiss begins anew with such tenderness.

He guides me until the back of my knees hit the edge of the bed. We both collapse onto its soft surface, his erection pressing against me and sending shivers down my spine. Unable to resist, I grind my hips against him, creating delicious friction between my legs that has me gasping aloud.

Even as our bodies move together—against each other—Rafferty maintains control over our kiss. His lips are demanding yet tender, exploring every inch of my mouth with his tongue, leaving me breathless and occasionally nibbling on my bottom lip with just enough force to make my body tingle.

As his hand slips under the soft knit of my sweater, I go still. His touch is like a feather, trailing up my ribs and leaving a spidery sensation in its wake. When he pulls down the cup of my bra to palm my breast, his body heat seeps into my skin, hardening my nipple against his touch.

Rafferty lifts his head and gazes into my eyes, his own filled with a mix of desire and wonder. “You’re so fucking sexy, Tempe. I could spend hours touching you.”

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