Page 96 of Raine Out (Grand Slam 2)

Raine

When Alex walks me back to my room after our perfect beach day, Butch is waiting by my door.

“I’ve been texting you,” he says, holding up his phone.

“Oh, my phone’s in my room. I didn’t even take it with me.”

“Since when do you go anywhere without your phone?” Butch says, shaking his head. “I’m headed to the airport. My grandma died this morning. I need to get to Georgia.”

“Oh, Butch,” I say, throwing myself into him. “I’m so sorry.”

“It’s fine, Raine.” He lets me hug him for a second and then pushes me back. “I’ve known it was coming. I’m fine.”

“Sorry for your loss, man.” Alex steps forward and pats his shoulder. “Anything I can do?”

“Appreciate it,” Butch says. “Yeah. Look after Mighty Mouse and make sure she gets on her flight safely tomorrow.”

“I’ve got you.” Alex kisses the top of my head. “I’m going to run back to my room and get a shower before the wedding. I’ll pick you up in about an hour.”

I nod as he reaches out and shakes Butch’s hand. “I’ve enjoyed getting to know you, man. Hope we run in the same circle again.”

Butch looks down at me and smiles. “Somehow I’m guessing we will.”

I watch Alex turn the corner and then swipe my card. “Do you have to leave right now? Come into my room.”

“My car’s leaving in thirty minutes,” he says, plopping down on a chair.

“Where did y’all disappear to today? I looked for you when Roman and I got back from the police station.”

“A little beach on the north shore. We pretty much read and slept all day. This morning was a lot.”

“Yeah, it was,” he says. “The cops said Gentry’s going to jail when they take him back to Miami. The judge revoked his bail for leaving the jurisdiction.”

“Good. At least we know he won’t bother Sophie.”

“Does she even know this little subplot is happening? Or does Seb know?”

“I don’t think so,” I say. “And I want to keep it that way.”

“Do you think Roman will tell her?”

“No way. He loves her. He would never subject her to any pain. And I’ll make sure Alex doesn’t tell them.”

He smiles. “From his puppy-dog love eyes, I’m guessing Alex will do about anything you want him to do at this point. Are y’all going to keep up after tomorrow?”

I collapse down on the bed. “Don’t make me think about that right now. This weekend has been so perfect. I’m not sure how I’m going to be able to get on the plane tomorrow.”

“If you like him that much, keep it going. It’s not like you’re going to live in different countries or something.”

“Almost,” I say, grabbing a pillow and hugging it to my chest. “San Diego to Miami is a trek. And it’s really not even that. I mean, when are we going to have time to see each other? I’m starting the new assignment. You know how busy we’re going to be. And if he signs his contract, he’ll be tied down for at least nine months of the year. It’s just not going to work.”

“You sound like you want it to work though.”

“He’s amazing, Butch. He’s sweet and funny and smart and—”

“And apparently decent in the sack from those sounds you were making yesterday.”

“Shut up,” I say, throwing the pillow at him. “Remember—what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas. No talking about this when we get back.”

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