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“Yeah, this worked well back in the day, but currently…” She surveyed the room and shook her head. “It just doesn’t inspire me to order a bottle of wine—instead of just a glass—and stay a while. Oh,” she said as she placed a hand on Tad’s forearm, movement in her peripheral vision catching her attention and causing her to change the subject. “Ixnay on the critique of the restaurant. Some of Rafe’s family members have arrived. A very lively bunch. You’ll love them.”
Tad’s gaze followed her. “Good Lord. What a gene pool that man comes from.”
“I know. Disgusting, isn’t it? And they’re all as nice as they are attractive. Although…extremely loud.”
As it was, Jenna had to resist taking a step back when Rafe’s Aunt Zelda and Uncle Joe spotted her. The older woman squealed at the sight of Jenna and soon the entire party of sixteen descended upon her and Tad. It was all she could do to stand her ground as they each squeezed her tight and gushed over how wonderful she looked and how fantastic it was to see her and dio mio! how famous she’d become.
Ten minutes later, she got them all seated, though not settled down. As Gio swooped in to discuss wine, Jenna escaped to the kitchen for some much-needed air. She rubbed her throat absently, feeling on the verge of hyperventilating. She actually had to straighten her dress from all the hugs she’d received. And no dainty ones at that—when Rafe’s family gave a hug, it was of the hearty bear variety.
“Jesus,” she mumbled, and grabbed a bottle of water from the cooler.
Rafe stepped away from the grill and Tonio moved in to finish the steaks. Rafe crossed to where she stood, dragging in deep breaths, and gently rested a hand on her shoulder.
“You okay?”
She shook her head. Sipped more water. Sixteen people had groped at her, squeezed her hands, kissed her cheeks, all while lobbing a million questions at her at once…
Likes, seriously—a million!
Rafe groaned. “Aunt Zelda and Uncle Joe?”
“Et al.”
“They adore you, Jen.”
“And vice versa, but geez…” She sucked down more water. Fought to compose herself. “I’ve been swarmed by fifty fans at a time who were less invasive. Your cousins Britta and Nadia even tried to fix the strands that had come loose from my ponytail with all that pawing at me.” She tucked a lock behind her ear.
“Well, they are hairstylists,” he said in their defense, and offered her a conciliatory smile.
“I’m not complaining, Rafe. They just overwhelm me.”
“Take a few more deep breaths. Finish your water.”
He stood by her as she did as he instructed. His nearness, while fanning flames in her belly, managed to calm her erratically beating heart. Nervous anxiety never set in the way it did when surrounded by Rafe’s family. She hadn’t given much thought to this in the past, but what was it about being the center of their attention that put her on edge and freaked her out so damn much?
Was it because they were Rafe’s family? And being a part of his life meant being a part of theirs and that meant…what, exactly?
She sighed. Someday, she’d honestly have to examine all of this. But today was not that day.
Jenna tossed the water bottle into the recycle bin and said to Rafe, “Thanks for the support. I’ve got to get back out there. Tad will have them rolling on the floor with some tall tale, but there are other customers to seat. We’ve got six more reservations on the books before the kitchen closes at nine.”
He brushed his fingers over her cheek. “You’re amazing.”
She stared at him, perplexed. “I just hid out in your kitchen for five minutes because I couldn’t breathe.”
“And now you’re calm and collected and heading back out.”
“Don’t be surprised if you see me in here again before they all leave.”
He grinned at her. “Just remember they fawn over you because they like you.”
“I’ll try to remember how fortunate I am to not be wearing cement shoes.”
“Ha, ha. They’re not like that.”
“I know. I’m just teasing.” She gave him a quick smile, then returned to the dining room.
Jenna handled the rest of the reservations and two walk-ins with Tad’s help, and endured the departure of Rafe’s family as they treated her to the same hugs, hand squeezes and kisses as when they’d arrived.
