Page 106 of My Silver Lining

As he led me out to the dance floor, I heard them whistling and hollering behind me.

Rafe pulled me close as “Thank God” by Kane and Katelyn Brown played through the speakers.

The dance floor was packed with couples dancing, and I looked over to see Easton and Henley beside me. I couldn’t remember a moment that I’d ever felt such contentment.

Just out here on the dance floor with this beautiful man, surrounded by all these amazing people, and I was genuinely happy.

Rafe twirled me and then pulled me close as I slammed against his body.

My chest to his.

His hands moved to each side of my face.

And he leaned down and kissed me. Right in front of everyone.

And I surprised myself when I didn’t pull back.

Instead, I tangled my fingers in his hair and kissed him right back.

twenty-nine

. . .

Rafe

I’ve never beena man who worried about time. I’d been too busy living my best life.

But time was suddenly my worst enemy. A brutal reminder that everything good comes to an end.

Not everything was meant to last forever.

Lulu was leaving in a week. We’d prepared for it. We’d talked about it too many times to count. How we’d remain friends after she left. How we’d go our separate ways as we’d be living across the world from one another.

“Do you think you’ll want to get into a more serious relationship after I leave?” she asked, as if we were discussing the weather.

We were sitting on the couch, looking for a new TV series to binge.

We couldn’t pick a series with too many seasons, because we only had a week to finish it.

I glanced at her wearing her cute white flowy crop top and jeans. We just had dinner with Henley and Easton, which ended down by the water. Henley had insisted on snapping a fewphotos of us as we splashed around in ankle-deep water, almost as if she knew it was all we’d have left to hold onto.

“I wasn’t looking for anything serious before you arrived in Rosewood River, so I don’t know why that would change when you leave.” I shrugged as I moved to thrillers and mysteries and continued scrolling.

“I think you’d be a great long-term boyfriend, Rafael. You know, for someone looking for that.”

I chuckled and looked over at her. “Thanks. You, too.”

I tried not to let my irritation show. She was always inquiring about what I’d do after she left. For someone who wanted to make sure I knew she was leaving, she was awfully concerned about what I would do after she was gone.

“Do you think you’ll be sad when I leave?” she asked.

I set the remote down on the couch and pulled Lulu onto my lap. “Something on your mind, Wildcat?”

“You know I’m an inquisitive person. I’m just wondering how you’re feeling about everything. We obviously had this plan, and I just want to make sure you’re still okay with everything.”

“I’m okay. I mean, I wish you were staying longer, but I knew it was coming, and I know that going to Paris is important to you.”

Her gaze narrowed, and she ran her fingers through my hair. “It’s important that I stay focused, you know? It’s a big opportunity for MSL. For me.”

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