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“That’s more like the welcome that I was waiting for, little one,” he purrs against my lips. The kiss is sweet and slow, Raphael not bending down to give me better access. “Now, we still going on that date?”
I nod furiously and throw my hand out for the keys, grinning when they fall into my outstretched palm. “Yes and I know just where I’m going to take you.”
Raphael groans I round the car and pull open the driver’s door. “Why do I feel like I’m going to regret this?”
“You won’t! I promise.” I’m lying, however. I’m making up for that night he made me come in my pants. Because as luck would have it, Raphael isn’t a fan of trying new things. Especially fish. And he makes the funniest faces when he places them in his mouth. Granted, the few weird flavored chips I’ve brought for him to try he’s actually enjoyed. This will probably be no different. “Ready?”
I glance over to see Raphael strapped in, holding the seat belt like an old man. “I’ll have to be. Just don’t drive too fast.”
“Okay, granpa,” I mutter but not quietly enough because the heat in Raphael’s expression as I turn the car on nearly has me heading home rather than the restaurant.
We park at the end of the wharf, my excitement manifesting in little hops as I nearly drag Raphael out of the car. We didn’t die even if I hit a few turns a little too sharply. Don’t blame me for enjoying having my baby back with me. The bill is probably going to kill me but I wouldn’t trade having my car back for the world. Not even a new one.
Raphael grabs my hand to slow me down, pulling me into his side and I remember that these moments should be cherished. I wrap an arm around his waist and he mirrors the movement around mine. “How are you, little one? Really. I feel like we jumped into this and so much has happened in the last week.”
“I’m good. There’s a lot of things to work out but I like where it’s all headed.” My mind dwells on my living situation or lack thereof, as well as the café and whatever else comes after graduation. I’m sure Shawn will give me a chance but that’s beside the point.
Raphael leans down to kiss my head as we walk down the wharf, heading for the little shops along the way. We stop before a quaint little shack that seems out of place, Raphael’s hold on me tightening when we step inside. “What’s here?”
“Seafood! It’s like a little place I used to come with my mom when she was alive. She’d always get the pasta and I’d get the boiled clams.” I point to an open table, rushing toward it with Raphael in tow. He slides in across from me at the booth, eyes wide as he tries to get a handle on this place. Not only does he seem out of place with his fancy suit, but I also think that maybe this isn’t the right venue for him. “We can go somewhere else, Raphael. I didn’t-”
“Atlas,” his voice drops an octave and he leans across the table, the conversation suddenly turning serious. “I’m not uncomfortable. I’m shocked that there’s so much here that I haven’t seen. I’ve lived far longer than you, Atlas, and I’ve never known that this place existed. I also love that it’s a comfort to you, that you brought me to a place that your mother did.”
A wide smile spreads across my face as I reach for the menu and start explaining the different entrees, Raphael nodding until I stop at the mussels and he chooses that one.
“Have you ever eaten mussels?”
“No.”
“Then why-”
“Because you mentioned it was your mother’s favorite. And I’m sure whatever your mother chose was good.”
Chapter 20
THREE WEEKS LATER
ATLAS
Saying goodbye to the café was a bit difficult but I don’t miss it as much as I thought I would. Heather and I still talk from time to time and Tracey visits in the afternoons to play with the reptiles on occasion. Raphael misses our little coffee moments but I’ve heard from Karla that he’s been able to get a lot more work done during the day knowing that he can’t just walk downstairs to come see me.
Raphael was definitely the quietest at my graduation, however, I think his statement was the loudest as he gathered me against his chest and then kissed the hell out of me before whispering what he was going to do to me when we got home. My face bright red, I still had to spend the rest of the afternoon with Heather, Tracey, and Gerald while trying to keep my mind off of Raphael’s cock. I wasn’t successful but at least I tried, right?
However, the texting situation became a little more chaotic when I started working full days at Shawn’s clinic. And Tracey was right. It is a resort, a full on sanctuary holding every type of animal possible. All of my wildest dreams have come true as I get to play, handle, feed, and take care of creatures that I would never get to otherwise.
I look forward to my evenings as I race home and jump into Raphael’s arms for much needed comfort. We still haven’t talked about our future, a conversation that we’ve been dancing around. Do I need to find a place? Do I stay until I have enough saved? Should I take Shawn up on the little dorms attached to the sanctuary? I try not to think about it, focusing on my work and time with my boyfriend.
However, it’s hard to focus when there are so many unknowns.
I return my attention to the paperwork that needs to be filed, wondering how I drew the short stick today. The few other new graduates I work with all want to handle the animals so we rock, paper, scissors who has to man the front desk. Today, that’s me. I huff out a sigh as I start organizing them by the species written out along the time to make it easier to file later.
My phone buzzes on the counter and I look over at it, laughing when Raphael’s text pops up.
I’m coming for coffee.
I grab my phone and text him back.
You have a whole café at your job.
