Page 97 of Hidden Raphael
Chapter 28
The rain poured faster than usual. Kimberly dropped her book on the table and smiled. For once it sounded more like the rain in the South Pacific or even Florida than the cold North Atlantic rain. A small laugh escaped her lips, and Kimberly took it as a sign. Now she'd find Raphael and face any storms that might gather.
She checked the slow cooker. Tonight there would be sweet potatoes and sesame chicken. She walked out of the kitchen and up the stairs. She'd start in his bedroom. At some point, he'd show up there to sleep. She bit her lower lip and walked up the stairs and across the castle.
The drafts no longer mattered, and she didn't need a candelabrum for this trip. She knew her way.
She reached the tower and then ascended the stairs. No more secrets lay between them except that she was knee deep in love. With time, he might love her back.
Kimberly unlocked his bedroom door and slipped inside.
Raphael walked out of his bedroom wearing only a towel. His eyes widened as he gazed at her. "What are you doing here?"
She closed the door behind her and refused to gawk at his hard, muscular body. "I came up to talk to you."
He crossed his arms. "Why aren't you on the ship?"
She lifted her chin and met his stare. He seemed cold or perhaps defensive. Her fingers ached to touch him, but she held back. "You need me."
His eyes sparked with whatever ran through his mind. She swallowed and hoped the warmth that grew in her head didn't interfere. She took a step toward him, but he stepped back. "Don't."
"Raphael, we have to talk."
"Kimberly, there is nothing left to say."
Her lips parted. There was so much to say, but an argument now was the opposite of what she'd hoped. Her heart shifted in her chest, and she refused to rush. "Can you please sit? There is something I need to say."
She took a seat on the bed and gazed at him. He paced the room. "Did the ship leave already? I don't know if I can stop it."
She refused to react. She was going to say what she came to say. "I'm not going, so it doesn't matter."
He stopped his trip across his floor and turned. "What?"
She stayed calm. "I'm not going."
He crossed his arms again and shook his head. "Why?"
She lifted her chin and pressed her hands into her lap. "Because I love you."
He took a step backward, like she'd sent a shock right through him. "No you don't."
Her mouth fell open. "Huh?"
"You don't love me."
She stood up and gazed into his eyes. Then she nodded. "I do. I love you."
He ran his hand through his hair and then checked to ensure that the towel stayed around him. "You told me you never wanted to see me again."
She shrugged. "I don't think I said that, and even if I did, I was upset. I'm over it now."
He shook his head. "You should be off to see your mother."
She crossed her arms but then dropped them. She didn't mean this to be a fight. "I should be here."
"Kimberly."
One word, but her name sounded good from his lips. She stroked her arms, though she wished to stroke him. "Raphael, I love you. You saved my life. You took care of me. And my place is here, with you."
