Page 6 of Spring Rayne

Does Rayne really want to settle down in Wintervale? Is that why Sutton wants to set up a speed dating party for Rayne?

I have so many questions I want to ask Rayne, but I don't want to ask them in front of Sky and Tucker and risk having Sky answer for her again. I want to hear the truth from Rayne's lips.

"Beer?" Rayne jumps up. "I'm going to grab one; would anyone else like one?"

Sky and Tucker politely decline. "I'll take one." I eye her warily. What is she hiding? "Let me help you grab those beers."

"You don't have to. I can get them myself." With a wave of her hand, she walks toward the patio door.

Without giving her a chance to refuse again, I follow after her. "It's no trouble at all." As I slide the door shut behind me, I can't help but admire the way her hips sway as she gracefully glides across the kitchen to the refrigerator, searching for those beers.

I follow her across the room, waiting for the perfect opportunity. She pulls out two beers before shutting the door, giving me the opening I need to press her about her love life. "So, you're looking for a husband here in Wintervale. I'd like to throw my hat in the ring."

She visibly blanches at my words. If I were a less confident person like Tucker, I would tuck my tail between my legs and run away. Instead, I hold my ground, waiting for her to explain her reaction to me. I know we have chemistry; I felt it all the way through my hazmat suit.

With a sigh, she hands me one of the cans of beer. "It's not you, okay. I barely know you, but I don't think we'd be a good match."

"What do you mean, it's not me? Aren't you even going to give me a chance?" My anger flares, but I keep it in check.

"Look, Tessa told me you'd rather hang out with your friends. I grew up in a household like that. It was tough on my sisters and me. It's not something I want my kids to have to go through day after day, watching a father who would rather spend time with his friends."

Shit, I did say those words. Tessa just repeated what she thought she knew about me. The only one to blame is me. "Tessa's wrong. I mean, she was right, but after I saw you on stage last night, all thoughts of hanging out with my friends flew out the window,” When she doesn’t seem convinced, I press on. “There’s something between us. I felt it and I know you felt it the way your body reacted to the way I was hosing you off in the tent.”

With a sad smile, she opens her beer can with a loud pop. "I won’t deny we have chemistry. I felt it the first moment I laid eyes on you. But I don’t want to build a life on lust, no matter how great it would be. I want to build a life based on love and trust. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’d like to go back on the deck and talk to Sky.” She takes a step toward the door.

Damn it. I’m making a mess out of this. I need to say something quick, “Let’s go out on a date, and I’ll explain everything.” I grab her arm to stop her from leaving the room.

“What are you doing?” She tries to free herself, but I squeeze tighter.

Before I can explain my actions, the sliding glass door opens to a confused-looking Sky and Tucker. “Tanner, what’s going on?” Tucker looks to where my hand is gripping Rayne’s arm.

Unable to think of a good excuse as to why I’m manhandling Rayne I act on instinct and roll Rayne onto my back in a fireman’s carry securing her hands and legs with my arms as the rest of her body hangs over my back and neck. All the while Rayne is kicking and yelling for me to put her down.

Realizing I don’t have a car to take Rayne to my cabin because Tucker drove us here, I release my hold on Rayne’s legs and hold them out to Tucker. “Give me your keys.”

“No way. I’m not going to be party to a kidnapping.” Tucker shakes his head.

Surprisingly, Sky steps forward, placing her hand on Tucker’s arm. “Give him your keys. I’ll give you a ride home.”

“But he’s trying to kidnap your friend.”

Impatiently, I wait for them to either give me the keys or call the cops because either way I’m not letting Rayne go until I can talk to her in private or I’m locked behind bars.

“I think it’s romantic.” Sky sighs, the sound causing Rayne to stop her wiggling and yelling.

“You’re on his side. Unbelievable.”

“I think you’ll thank me one day for being on his side this time.” Sky snatches the keys out of Tucker’s hand as he slides them out of his pocket and hands them to me. “As for you. If you hurt her, I’m make sure you regret it.”

I’m left speechless. For such a timid little thing, Sky is a force to be reckoned with if you cross her.

Grabbing the keys out of her hand, I nod and dash out of the house before Sky changes her mind and calls the cops.

To my surprise, Rayne stops struggling and lets me place her in Tucker’s truck. She sits in the passenger seat like a good girl, waiting for me to get into the driver’s side without trying to escape. Which I’ll take as a win because I have a feeling winning against Rayne is going to be few and far between.

five

Rayne

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