Page 23 of Love Under Protection

“What are we, twelve? Are you trying to bribe me?”

“Maybe. Is it working?”

“What time and where?” I grumble. Somethings will never change, and Jameson likely will never grow up.

“Liv said she made reservations for five o’clock sharp at Hoku’s. Dinner first, then drinks.”

“I’m so glad you’re only getting married once,” I joke. “You’re a pain in the ass. I’ll be there at five.”

I would have gone out with them either way; Raylynn coming along only sweetens the pot. Especially since I haven’t seen her in about twenty-four hours. I checked in on her last night. She swore she was feeling better and said she planned to spend the rest of the night reading and relaxing. I almost offered to join her, but I got the impression that she wanted time to herself, so I let her be.

Dinner and drinks tonight are the perfect excuse to get together with her again.

Thanks to Jameson and his last-minute plans, I’ve got exactly an hour and a half to get ready.

I’m pleasantly surprised when I get a message from Raylynn asking if I’ll be there.

Me:You bet I will be. Will I get to see your gorgeous face?

Raylynn:Hmm. I’m considering it. ;) Guess you’ll just have to wait and find out.

Me:Tease.

Raylynn:Maybe.

Her last message ends with a kissy face.

Satisfied that we’re done talking for the moment, I take a long hot shower and get ready for the night.

Raylynn is the first thing I see when I step off the elevator and into the lobby a little while later. She looks even more breathtaking, or maybe I’m just losing my mind. Her hair is pulled back out of her face but flows down her back in soft waves and she’s got a flower pinned behind her ear. The pink-flowered dress she’s wearing blows in the breeze as the lobby doors open.

I pick up my pace and call her name. The smile she flashes me when she turns around, hits me right in the solar plexus.

“Looking good,” she says, reaching for my hand. When our fingers connect, she pulls me closer and kisses my cheek. “Thank you again for looking after me.”

“Mmmm. Someone is really feeling better,” I muse.

Raylynn lifts up onto her tiptoes and whispers in my ear, “Much better. Wait until you see what I’mnotwearing under this dress.”

My mouth goes dry, and I nearly swallow my tongue. Her forwardness in letting me know exactly how tonight is going to end is sexy as hell. Wrapping my arm around her waist, I press against her and let her know exactly how sexy she is. “I hope you can handle what you’re starting.”

“I sure as hell plan to find out.”

Jesus Christ.

“Hmm. Who are the newlyweds here? Did you two run off and tie the knot without us?” Jameson’s voice booms behind us, and Raylynn practically jumps from my arms.

“Don’t shy away because of us,” Olivia adds.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Raylynn plays coy, and I grunt.

There’s no hiding my amusement. “Yeah, nothing to see here.”

“Smooth,” Raylynn mumbles under her breath.

Jameson shakes his head. “Well, if you’re both done with nothing, then let's get to dinner. Shall we?”

I extend my arm. “Lead the way.”

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