Page 80 of Red Hot Roaster

“Does he know?”

“What do you mean?”

“Did you tell Rafewhyyou’re afraid to count on anyone for help?”

“I’m not afraid of anything!” I protested. “I’ve got it all under control.”

“Sure, girl, sure,” she said soothingly. “But did you ever think thatRafemight be the one who needs to be needed?”

Ooh…with his past, with his growing up. Maybe I need to get over myself.

I squeezed my eyes shut and pinched the bridge of my nose. One tear worked its way down my cheek before I brushed it off with my fingers.

“Rose, I’m sorry, I didn’t mean—”

I interrupted her. “It’s okay, Lauren. There’s just too much right now—I can’t process it all. You know what I’m going to do?”

“What’s that?” my patient friend asked.

“I’m going to cram my groceries in the fridge, take Pi-Pi for a walk and lock us in for the evening,” I informed her. “After wrapping up in my old flannel robe, I’m going to self-medicate with a pint of chocolate peanut butter and binge on Elvis movies. Hopefully, I’ll be tired enough to fall asleep.”

“Or crash from all that sugar,” she said helpfully.

“Hey,” I protested. “I figure the protein in the peanut butter cancels the carbs in the ice cream.”

Lauren snorted. “Girl, the only thing healthy about you is your imagination.”

We ended our call in the usual way—a kiss for Baby, an ear rub for your pup—and I proceeded to hunt down space in the fridge and pantry for all my stuff.

When I said, “Pirate, let’s go for a walk,” he nearly ran me down getting to the front door. I followed at a more leisurely pace, passing by the bookcases in the living room.

“Dusty, dusty,” I muttered to myself, sliding my fingers along a shelf. I hadn’t dusted recently, even for Thanksgiving. I stopped where there was a long gap between two framed pictures.

Huh. Did one of them fall? I glanced at my feet. Nothing. Shoved behind the other photos? I did a quick survey. No.

The penny dropped.While Rafe left a lot of things for me, he left with something for himself.

Chapter 40

Rafe

Tuesday * 10:32 a.m.

Me

Just got in. Easy drive, no snow. Straight to roastery to meet owners. Sending house address later. Princess pissed at me. Set alarm? Eat breakfast?

Tuesday * 11:47 a.m.

Rose

Thanks for letting me know. Pirate pining. Yes. No.

Dammit, babe. Not the only one.

Wednesday * 6:20 a.m.

Me

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