Page 22

Chapter Twenty-Two

Abby

Aunt Lori: Make sure to leave the hotel room once in a while, for food and fresh air. winking emoji

Me: I told you, it’s a business trip. Rafe and I need to buy furniture and supplies for the training center. That’s all.

Aunt Lori: I remember what it’s like to be a newlywed, Abby. If he’s not making you sore from all the sex, then you’ve got problems.

Me: Aunt Lori!

Aunt Lori: Those dark eyes of his and the tattoos on his upper arms…rawr. Makes me wish I was twenty years younger.

Me: What about Fernando? I thought you liked him?

Aunt Lori: That man doesn’t seem to know that I exist. But enough about me. Enjoy your trip, child. And make sure to get me an ugly mug for my collection.

Me: Of course. And I know Fernando will come around. You’re quite the catch, Aunt Lori.

Aunt Lori: Give Rafe a kiss from me and enjoy yourself, Abby. You deserve it.

Me: I’ll try. heart emoji

A little over a week after Rafe had kissed the whipped cream from my lips, I was on my brother Nolan’s private plane, wishing it wasn’t dark outside so I could look out the window.

Rafe sat across from me, asleep. He was one of those annoying people who could sleep anywhere, I’d discovered.

Me, on the other hand, well, I had never been able to sleep on anything that moved. No matter if this plane had a small bedroom and I could’ve tried lying down, my mind buzzed trying to decipher Rafe’s clues about where we were going.

As soon as I’d turned in my construction needs for the tutoring center, Rafe had declared we were going on a business trip. All he’d said was that I needed my passport, warm clothes, and that the flight would be a long one.

I’d tried asking the flight attendant about our destination, but he’d smiled and replied that it was a surprise.

And now, after far too many cookies and cups of coffee, all I wanted to do was jump up, dash back and forth, and get rid of some of my pent-up energy. But I settled on tapping my fingers against the table.

A sleepy voice interrupted my thoughts. “You never were patient when it came to secrets. You and Emmy searched our house from top to bottom each Christmas, looking for the presents. But you never found them.”

“No. Because you hid them too well.”

He smiled. “I like surprises. Besides, I had to irritate Emmy. It’s every big brother’s duty, especially when their little sister trails behind their every move.”

I huffed, too irritated to reminisce about the past. “It’s been hours, Rafe. Hours. Can’t you tell me where we’re going?”

He glanced at his watch. “We’re nearly there. Have you slept at all?”

“No. I can’t.”

He yawned and stretched his arms overhead, and I couldn’t help but drool over his broad shoulders and big hands.

Hands I’d dreamed about far too often in recent days.

Stop it. Until you securely lock your heart away, you can look but not touch. You need to protect the both of you.

It’d been hard pulling away from Rafe, and I’d nearly caved the first time hurt had flashed in his eyes. But it was better this way. As soon as Travis tried to blackmail me again or who the hell knew what, Rafe would recognize how much trouble I was and wish he’d never met me.

Yes, he’d said he would protect me. And I mostly believed him.

But when things turned bad, really bad, I’d be the liability. So, keeping him at arm’s length was better.

It was.

The flight attendant returned to say we were about to land. Once he left, I looked out the window. It was still dark, but there were lots of lights below. As the minutes passed, the lights grew in number, to the point I knew we flew over some kind of city.

But what city was more than ten hours away by plane?

Still, I’d always loved watching as a plane descended into an airport. While I couldn’t see the houses or roads or businesses, the lights grew brighter and eventually I saw the straight lights of a runway. Within minutes, the plane touched down and made its way across the tarmac. I noted the planes and companies as we went, and there were a lot of British Airways, Ryanair, Air France, and a number of other European and American companies.

“Are we in Europe?”

“Yes.”

I turned to meet his gaze. “Are we in Manchester?”

He smiled. “How did you guess?”

For a second, I nearly squealed and danced in my seat. I’d never been to England, but had always wanted to go. Not just because Rafe had played soccer here, either. I loved old buildings, and they were everywhere in the UK.

I finally replied, “Well, the time it took to fly, combined with the fact you mentioned needing to go to Manchester a few times back when we discussed whether or not to stay married, made it my first guess. But why am I here?”

“I didn’t lie when I said we were going on a business trip. I have some former teammates who might be interested in donating to the tutoring center, and I need to finalize a few things myself. But I thought you might like to take a break and have some fun. We can go anywhere you like, do anything, and I have a townhouse here we can stay at, too.”

I should be grateful and say thank you. But I couldn’t help but blurt, “Why did you really bring me here, Rafe? I could’ve handled things via video conferences.” Then it hit me. “It’s your image. You want them to see us together as a happy couple.”

“Abby, that’s not why?—”

The fact it was such a practical reason made me mentally sigh in relief. “No, I get it. Don’t worry, I know our marriage isn’t real, we’re not in love, and there’s no need to pretend otherwise when we’re alone. But you should’ve just told me, Rafe. I didn’t pack clothes worthy of a famous soccer star.”

He took my hand and stilled my tapping fingers. “I brought you here because I wanted to, because I thought you might enjoy seeing where I lived and played soccer, because I thought you might like visiting another country. But if not, we can hide out the entire time in my townhouse, or we can travel incognito and avoid the paparazzi.” He leaned forward and gently squeezed my fingers. “But I brought you here because I thought you’d like it. And I wanted to show you a little of my life. That’s it, Abigail. Do you believe me?”

My first impulse was to say no. And yet, we’d agree to try and believe each other. “You’d really do that? Hide away the entire time, if I asked?”

“Yes. I don’t ever want you to feel like a prop, Abigail. Because you’re more than that to me.”

At the intense look in his eyes, I sucked in a breath and my heart thumped harder inside my chest. His words sounded so sincere.

But then again, so had Travis’s.

Biting my bottom lip, I searched Rafe’s eyes. At least try to trust him. You’re not handing over your heart. You can be friends.

After a long pause, I placed my other hand over Rafe’s. “I don’t want to hide out the whole time. But seriously, I don’t have anything fancy to wear.”

“You could wear yoga pants, for all I care, Abby. But if you want fancier clothes, there are plenty of shops. Manchester might not be London, but it’s not a small town, either.”

“Well, maybe we can get a few things. High heels aren’t my jam, but I’d like to look a little fancier than a former schoolteacher turned winery worker.”

He lifted one of my hands to his mouth and kissed it. The soft brush of his lips sent a rush of heat through my body.

Who knew that such a small touch could suddenly make the cabin way too hot?

How easy it would be to go to him, sit in his lap, and kiss him again.

But the flight attendant returned, and Rafe released me. Apparently, we’d disembark momentarily to go through customs.

Rafe said, “Technically, I still hold a visa until the end of the season. But we’ll go through the foreign customs section together.”

“Oh yes, the amazing experience of a longer line,” I drawled and then smiled. “You must like me at least a little if you’re willing to go through that.”

“I like you more than a little, wife.”

At his growly words, a shiver ran down my spine. And then something hit me. “As your wife, don’t I get included in your visa?”

“I would need to file some paperwork, and the visa would probably expire before it went through. But it’s okay. Standing in a regular line won’t break me.” He lowered his voice and humor danced in his eyes. “If I can handle my wife kneeing me in the balls all the time, I can handle a longer line.”

“Hey, I haven’t done it again since that one disastrous day.”

“I brought a cup, just in case.”

He winked, and I laughed. Even though I should change the subject and put some formality back between us, bantering with Rafe was too tempting. So I lifted my leg and patted my knee. “If you need someone to test how effective the cup is, then I’m your woman.”

“I’d rather not have to walk hunched over in public. I don’t want to be the playboy any longer, but a guy still has his pride.”

His words hit me. “Oh, so you’re going to be yourself this time?” He nodded, and I asked, “Are you nervous?”

He shrugged. “Yes and no. Not because I miss that life—because it was fucking exhausting—but I don’t want the press to tear you apart.”

I reached over and took his hand again. “Don’t worry about me, Rafe. I’m made of stronger stuff.”

“I know you are. And yet, you shouldn’t have to suffer because of me.”

Maybe his words were a throwaway comment. Or maybe he was trying to play the nice husband, to practice for when we were in public.

And yet, at the sincerity blazing in his gaze, I swallowed the tightness in my throat.

If only I could truly believe he would be there for me, wanted the best for me, and wouldn’t leave me at the first sign of trouble.

Don’t ruin the trip. He went to a lot of trouble, and you are excited to see Manchester and maybe do a little sightseeing.

So I pushed aside my doubt, at least for now, and said, “Thank you, Rafe. But I knew you were famous, especially here, when I agreed to our bargain. I’ll just be the charming American, not the annoying type, and it’ll be fine.”

“Oh no, you’re not going to buy a cowboy hat and suddenly develop a southern twang, are you? Not that I have anything against either one, but it’s not you. And the world deserves to see the real you.”

I nearly asked why he kept saying such nice things, but resisted and shook my head. “No, I plan to be me. Well, mostly me. I’m not sure if dancing in public will go over well for either of our images.”

He grinned. “I’d love to see it. Especially if you want to go to a match while we’re here.”

I squealed. “Really? We can see a Dragons’ game?”

“Yes, if you want. Although it’ll have to be in a private area as being in the stands could be dangerous. Some people will love me, and others will still blame me for that one championship match we lost five years ago.”

“That wasn’t your fault! That French player tripped you and the ref was blind. I still can’t believe he missed it!”

Rafe smiled. “You really did follow my games, didn’t you?”

I should say no, but I nodded. “When I was younger, it was because of that childhood crush. However, it only took a few games before I saw how fast-paced and interesting soccer was, and soon became a fan. It was hard to watch some of the matches because of the time difference, though. The internet helps with replays, but I always wanted to watch you live. It got me into trouble a few times when I stayed up late, but once Aunt Lori learned about it, she would stay up to cheer you on with me.” I dramatically lowered my voice. “Although she’s always had a thing for the Dragons’ goalie in recent years instead of you. But don’t tell her I told you that.”

Rafe laughed. “Your secret is safe with me. And James has a lot of admirers, for sure. Probably because of that perfect smile of his.”

“Don’t sound so grumpy. I never noticed his smile.”

Damn. Had I really said that?

Before Rafe could reply, the flight attendant returned, and we were soon ushered off the plane and had to deal with customs.

Thankfully, it was one in the morning and very few people were arriving at the same time as us, and we went through quickly.

I kept staring at the Manchester stamp as we collected our luggage. Eventually Rafe whispered, “I wish we had time to visit some more countries, but I can only be away from the training facility for a few days right now. However, we can come back, if you want to, Abigail. Just say the word, and as soon as my schedule clears up a little, we’ll go wherever you want.”

Looking up, I saw the truth in Rafe’s gaze. “Thank you.”

He leaned down, and I thought he might kiss me. However, he cleared his throat and gestured. “This way. A car will take us to my home and we need to go to sleep soon so we can get used to the time difference. In the late morning, we’ll go shopping and then I’ll take you on a tour of Prestwich Stadium afterward, if you like.”

Prestwich was the home of the Manchester Dragons. “Can we? I’ve always wanted to walk on the pitch. Maybe even kick a soccer ball around. Oh, but your knee.”

“It’s fine. I can handle a few friendly kicks. Just don’t expect me to make a mad dash down the field and do some kind of dramatic goal score.”

Part of me was sad he couldn’t do that any longer. And not just because watching him play live would’ve been one of my fantasies come to life. Well, when you included him finishing the game, all sweaty and in need of a shower, and we headed to the locker room…

Stop it, Abby. Not going to happen.

Instead, I smiled at him. “Thanks, Rafe. I can’t wait! I just hope I can fall asleep.”

“I’m sure once you’re in bed, you’ll be fine.”

An image of the pair of us in bed, naked and cuddling, flashed into my mind.

But I barely had time to think of how nice that would be, or if Rafe only had one bed or not in his home, before we were in the car and heading toward town.

Within minutes, I leaned against Rafe’s side and surprisingly fell asleep, dreaming of him whisking me around Europe, showing me off as his wife, and loving me for real.