Page 100 of Raine Out (Grand Slam 2)

“Well, at least I hope we’ll see you again,” Roman says, hugging her. “When you come to Miami, make sure we get to see you. Alex can’t take all of your time.”

“Wanna bet?” I say, shaking his hand. “Thanks for your hospitality down here. It’s an amazing resort. I can’t wait to get back.”

“Maybe you two will get married down here—”

“Roman,” I say, holding my hand up. “Stop. I’m having a hard enough time getting her to agree to keep in touch with me. Let’s not freak her out completely.”

“Alex.” I turn around to see Jack walking toward us. “Are you leaving early? I thought we had a van taking us to the airport at one.”

“Yeah,” I say, loading our bags into the trunk of the car. “I’m taking Raine to catch her flight—”

“You don’t have to—”

“Stop. When are you going to learn that I don’t give up?” I say, smiling at her. “I’m going with you. Jack, I’ll see you on the plane. Will you make sure my buddy Antonio gets to the airport?”

“Yeah, I’ve got you,” he says. “Just FYI, Caroline’s still in my room. She’s going to try to get on our flight. Any suggestions?”

“Yeah, stay out of it,” I say. “I’m sure Manny had her name removed from the flight list. There’s nothing we can do about it.”

“How’s she going to get back to Miami? Casey wants me to buy her a ticket on a commercial flight.”

“That’s up to you,” I say. “Or maybe Gentry will pay for it.”

“Uh, that’s going to be difficult,” Roman says. “He’s already back in a Miami jail. I think he’s going to be there until his court date. And just so we’re all on the same page, Caroline’s not staying here after you leave. She can sleep on the streets for all I care. No one comes after Sophie on my watch. Actions have consequences.”

“They do,” I say, shrugging. “She’ll have to figure it out. Come on, Raine. We have to get you to the airport.”

Roman pats me on the back. “All right, you two, travel safely. Alex, I’ll see you back in Miami.”

Raine smiles and waves at him as she slides into the back of the car. When I get in, she puts her head on my shoulder as I wrap my arm around her.

“I’m glad you’re coming with me,” she whispers. “I’m not ready to leave you yet.”

“I’m never going to be ready to leave you, baby. Never.”

* * *

After she checks in for her flight, I walk her to security. I have my arm around her so tightly that I’m a little surprised our bodies aren’t starting to physically merge.

“Okay. Do you have everything?” I say, handing her the parrot bag from my shoulder. “Phone, wallet, charger, ID.”

She takes the bag and collapses back onto my chest. “Why do I feel like a teenager leaving for summer camp?”

“I’m just making sure you’re set,” I say, inhaling the intoxicating smell of her hair one last time. “Although if you left something, I’m willing to meet you back down here to find it.”

“Then I’m leaving something,” she says, hugging me tighter. “I should go or I’m going to miss the plane.”

“Okay.” I lean down and give her one last, slow kiss. “Call me when you get to Virginia.”

She nods and starts walking toward security. When she’s about to disappear into the airport, she turns around again and smiles at me. Despite her smile, I know by the look on her face that I’m going to have to stay on her constantly if I want her to be in my life long term. And from the sharp pains that are shooting through my body right now, I can tell that’s definitely what I want.

“Bye, Trouble,” I say under my breath as she disappears.

* * *

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