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I’ve just finished wiping down the last table in my section when Rafe walks into the coffee shop. I straighten and just watch him for a long moment, my heart tripping like every time I see him. His broad shoulders fill the door, his presence fill the room, and then he looks up and grins, and my breath stops.
“Meg.” He winds among the tables, his golden mane catching the overhead lights, his cat-like eyes glinting. Without even checking if anyone is looking, he grabs my hips and crushes his mouth to mine.
“Missed you, too,” I whisper, laughing, when he finally pulls back.
“You did?” One golden brow lifts, and he presses himself to me. “Me, too.”
I shake myself when I feel him hardening. “I noticed.”
&n
bsp; His grin is totally unrepentant.
“Wanna catch a movie?” I smile up at him. “And some dinner?”
“Or I could catch you and eat you for dinner. He waggles his brows.
“Sounds…”
“…good?” he suggests.
“I was gonna say…” I trail off as two people enter the coffee shop, both vaguely familiar. I frown and move around Rafe to see better. “What the hell?”
“What is it? Is there a problem?” Rafe’s fists clench, jaw set. Ready to fight for me, like always.
“I know them. I know…” I tilt my head to the side. “Raylin?”
“Your roommate? The bitch who vanished and left you her cat and the rent to pay?” Rafe’s eyes narrow and his voice is low and tight. “That the one?”
“It’s okay.” I pat this arm, the corded muscles straining under the skin. “I’ll talk to her.”
He follows me, a menacing six-foot tall shadow trailing after me.
It’s really her. Raylin. And yet she’s unlike the Raylin I knew. Her long hair is shiny, brushed up in a ponytail, her eyes sparkle. Her dark jeans and lacey blouse, her boots and her coat, they all scream new and expensive. She seems apprehensive, but also happy.
The tall, handsome man accompanying her puts a hand to the small of her back. His left arm is in a sling. Why do I think I’ve seen him before?
“Hey,” Raylin whispers, gaze flicking to Rafe behind me. She pales a little. “Megan.”
I’m angry with her. She left me during one of the worst times of my life. But I can’t help myself. I step forward and put my arms around her. Because my relief is greater than my anger.
“You’re all right,” I whisper on her shoulder. “God, I was so afraid something bad happened to you.”
“I left you a note,” she says, her voice choked.
“I know. But it wasn’t like you to run, and then Rafe found out you had a stalker and… I was worried.” I pull back. “So glad you came to see me.”
Rafe harrumphs.
“How’s Horatio?”
It takes me a moment to figure out what she’s talking about. “The kitty? He’s fine. His name’s Raf now.”
“Raf.” Her lips twist as if not sure whether to smile or not. “Oh God… I’m so sorry I left like that. I’m just…” She waves a hand, presses it to her mouth. “I was out of options. The Chinese mafia were after me, and if I stayed, you would’ve been caught in it.”
Jesus. I hear Rafe’s sudden intake of breath. He wraps an arm around my shoulders.
“What happened? Are they still after you?” His low raspy voice holds a hint of threat.
