Page 47 of My Silver Lining

We walked across the dock, and I stepped aboard, reaching my hands out to him for the picnic basket. Once we were both on, I moved to the front, and he offered to drive, telling me he grew up on boats on the river.

I nodded and pointed in the direction of my favorite peaceful spot on the water. The sun was out, but it was January, so I reached for two blankets beneath the seat and pulled them out. There was a cover on the boat, so it provided protection from the wind.

I pointed to the cove for him to pull into. He turned off the engine so we could just float out here. No one was out today, so it was quiet.

He moved to sit beside me, and I pulled the picnic basket between us, and we both started eating.

“So, what’s the problem? We killed it,” he said, and I tore open the bag of gummy bears he’d given me and popped a few into my mouth. They always helped me relax, like a shot of straight dopamine.

“That was theWeekday Morning Show, Rafe. The whole world is going to think we’re dating. This is a lot more than just my family and your boss.” I blew out a breath.

“So what? It’s not like we’re dating anyone else. No one is going to get hurt. Who cares?”

“I don’t think you realize how much attention this could get. I mean, maybe they won’t focus on us. Maybe the story will be about my uncle and Hunter, and we’ll barely be mentioned. He just asked you so many questions, and I’m afraid they are going to make it a big deal.”

“We’re fine. You worry too much.” He took a bite of his sandwich and groaned as he leaned back on the seat.

“What if your family hears about it? What if the press comes to Rosewood River?”

“We already have theTaylor Tea,” he chuckled.

“Shit. I dragged you into this,” I said, rubbing my hands over my face. This was going to be a big deal. I knew it in my gut.

“Lulu, relax. People thinking that I’m dating you is not a bad thing. I’m single right now. My boss thinks I’m in a relationship. It’s fine.”

I studied him for a few seconds.

Man, this guy was too good-looking for his own good.

“Rafe.”

“Lulu,” he said, his voice all tease.

“If Beckett hears about this, he’s going to lose his shit and make this a big deal. He loves a good show. The press will play into that. You’re going to be dragged into my shit, and I feel bad about it.”

“So, flash me your tits, and we’ll call it even.” He smiled, and damn if a rush of butterflies didn’t flutter in my stomach.

“This isn’t a joke. Maybe we can keep it under the radar. Charlotte is on a mission to make this about her father and Hunter. Hopefully, she gets her way this time.”

He reached for my bag of gummy bears and set it down before handing me some bread and cheese. “Eat something solid. You can’t live on gummy bears alone.”

His words startled me, and I didn’t even know why.

He was right, but no one had ever really commented on the amount of gummies I ate as an actual meal replacement.

I ate a bite of my sandwich and then reached for the fruit. “You’re much nicer than I thought you were when I first met you.”

“Really? Would that be when you karate-chopped me in the neck? This is such a surprise. I thought that meant you liked me,” he said, making no attempt to hide his sarcasm.

I chuckled. He was funny and easy and smart and handsome.

“So, why aren’t you in a relationship? I mean, you’re unfairly good-looking by most women’s standards. You’re funny and charming—even Ray Coffee was captivated, and he hates everyone.”

“I don’t know.” He shrugged. “I’ve dated plenty. I just haven’t really found anyone that I wanted to get serious with since college. And even then, I was one foot out the door the minute she mentioned moving in together after we graduated.”

“Commitment-phobe?” I asked, taking another bite.

“I don’t think so. I’ve never been unfaithful. I’m a straight shooter when I date a woman.” He shrugged as he took a sip of the sparkling water right from the bottle before passing it to me. “My dad told me that when he and my mom were dating, she was about to leave to study abroad, and a sick feeling came over him.He said in that moment, he just fucking knew that she was the one, you know? And I guess I’m waiting for that.”

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