Page 64 of Unraveling Rain
“You think you want to spend the night with me?” I ask. “I don’t think I can finish that cherry pie your mom gave me all by myself.”
She winks. “Yeah, who can say no to a slice of cherry pie?”
Fuck, yes. The night is just getting started.
Chapter 17
Rain
Xander holds my hand the entire drive to Serene Lookout. I know we’re adults, but the way he makes me feel? It’s that fluttery, heart-racing kind of excitement I haven’t felt since I was young.
Which, of course, freaks me out.
I know Xander’s nothing like Dennis, but I never suspected anything bad about Dennis either. And we all know howthat ended.
The closer we get to Serene Lookout, the more my chest tightens. My mind starts spiraling.
What if I’m wrong again?
What if I let myself fall, only to land in the same kind of pain I barely survived?
He parks next to Minx and rushes around to open my door. When he reaches for my hand, I instinctively pull back.
His brows knit in confusion.
I’ve worked myself up so much that I’m pulling back from a man Iwantto be close to.
What the actual fuck?
I shove the intrusive thoughts aside and flash him a saucy smile.
He’s not Dennis.
I need to remember the red flags Savannah told me to look out for: extreme behavior, controlling tendencies, aggression.
Xander has never been violent. Never manipulative.
Low self-esteem? Please. The man plays professional hockey and walks around like confidence is stitched into his DNA.
Difficulty maintaining relationships or controlling his emotions? He has strong family ties, can easily make friends, and the way he handled my brothers? Mature, respectful, steady.
Xander is all man. Not a single boyish mind game in sight.
I take a deep breath and let it all go.
Iamsafe. And Iamallowed to enjoy the way this man makes me feel.
“I need to get something from Minx. Give me a sec,” I say.
He nods and heads to the back of his SUV, pulling out the cherry pie Mama gave us. She knew exactly what she was doing, handing that over. Watching her trying to play matchmaker is sweet, but honestly? There’s not much for her to do. Xander and I are already falling for each other.
I unlock the van and quickly grab a tote bag, tossing in a few toiletries and a change of clothes. After double-checking the lock, I rejoin him.
“I’m ready.”
Xander glances at my bag, eyes gleaming. “Does that mean you’re spending the night here?”
I grin. “Yes. Ruin said she was okay with it, so…”
