Page 46

Rain

I ’ve been trying to move on with my life while I wait—still—for something to happen with Dennis.

I’ve thrown myself into the diner and into developing new recipes to sell here in Raleigh.

The diner’s doing great; our numbers haven’t slipped at all since I stepped down as the head chef, and that makes my heart soar with pride. Blair and Gael are crushing it. They’ve stayed on top of everything, and the local suppliers have adapted quickly to our new business model.

Maybe the seasonal slowdown is helping ease the transition—but honestly, I can’t complain.

I haven’t been back to Azalea Creek much this past month. Partly because the colder weather makes RV life harder. Mostly because word about Dennis spread like wildfire, and now people look at me with pity.

I fucking hate it.

I didn’t realize this ordeal would drag on for weeks. I thought once I filed the report, they were going to bring him in, realize what a sleaze he is, throw him in jail, and move on. I thought people would get bored and latch onto the next big town gossip.

Guess the joke’s on me for assuming life works like it does in the movies.

I shake my head and chuckle at my thoughts. I’m damn lucky Xander doesn’t care I’m not the brightest crayon in the box. Because now that he’s in my life, I can’t imagine it without him. He’s rekindled the spark I was missing in my soul.

Time’s flown by since hockey season started, and now Thanksgiving is practically here.

Xander has a game the day after, so even though I’m sad not being near my family, I’m staying in Raleigh to spend it with him.

I offered to cook, but of course, he said it was too much of a hassle just for two people, so he hired someone to cater the meal.

“Babe, I’ve been thinking. What if we dress up for Thanksgiving?” Xander asks, strolling into the kitchen with a devilish smirk.

I narrow my eyes, suspicious. He chuckles.

“Yeah, we could get all dolled up while we enjoy the fancy meal I ordered. It would be something different. I’m sure your family is like mine and dresses comfortably to have enough room for seconds.”

I laugh, picturing my family piled around the table, already angling for thirds on dessert.

“I’m not sure where this idea is coming from, but I like it,” I say, stepping in front of him and wrapping my arms around his shoulders. “Maybe it can be our new tradition.”

“I just want to make you feel special,” he says, rubbing his nose along my neck. I giggle as he keeps tickling me.

“I’ve never felt this loved,” I admit, and he kisses my collarbone.

“And I’ve never experienced a love like this. All-consuming. Real.”

I pull him closer, and he lifts me off the ground.

Laughter bursts out of me, a huge smile stretching across my face. I can only hope he feels just as loved as I do.

“Oh, do you think Matt and Trin would like to join us? It could be fun to make it a double date,” I say once he sets me down.

“Hmm… I’m not sure. I think they already have plans,” he says quickly and heads to the fridge.

Okay then. That was… interesting.

Things have been good since that first dinner with them. Trin and I have even hung out a couple of times. I wonder why he’s not into the idea.

A crazy thought flashes through my brain—something shiny, maybe diamond-shaped—but I quickly shake it off. There’s no way he’ll propose in the middle of the season. He needs to stay focused on the game.

I plop onto the couch beside him. ESPN is on, of course. He’s watching tape on his iPad while listening to the analysts on TV. I’m not sure how he does it, but it works for him.

He spreads his legs, nudging his thigh against mine. Always needing to be touching me when we’re in the same room. I love that about him.

I pat his leg, and he winks without looking up.

Smiling to myself, I grab my phone from the side table. Time to text Ruin for fashion tips—if we’re dressing up for Thanksgiving, I want to get it right.

Rain : Hey sis, do you have a minute?

Her response is almost instant.

Ruin : Hey, Raindrop! Yes, everything okay?

Rain : Yes, yes. Sorry to scare you.

Rain : Xander came up with the idea of dressing up for our Thanksgiving dinner. I have no clue what to wear. I went shopping for clothes the other day with him, but I don’t think I got any cocktail dresses.

Ruin : Dressing up? Interesting. Do you want me to go to Raleigh and go shopping with you? Or do you want to go somewhere else?

Somewhere else? What on Earth is Ruin thinking? It’s already Monday. Does she know something I don’t?

Rain : I don’t think we have time to go somewhere else, Ruru. Plus, I’m not married to a billionaire. It’s not like I can spend a couple grand on a dress. *laughing emoji*

Ruin : har, har. I can give you an early Christmas present. You’re my favorite twin sister after all. *wink emoji*

Rain : Nah, it’s okay. We can just go to Belk. Can you come tomorrow? Or do you want me to drive to Asheville ?

Xander’s phone pings, and he looks at it absentmindedly.

He hasn’t mentioned anything about his parents joining us for Thanksgiving.

I wonder if everything is okay between them after his dad had to step in with Dennis.

Ugh, I’m so embarrassed they were dragged into this mess.

My phone pings next, and I smile at Ruin’s message.

Ruin : I’m sending the helicopter to pick you up tomorrow morning, is that okay? We can spend the day in Asheville so you don’t have to deal with the gossip mill *eye roll emoji*

Rain : Sounds good, Ru. Thank you! Love you!

“Who was that?” I ask, putting my phone away and stretching my arms above my head.

“Huh? Oh, it was Nico, asking what time we leave tomorrow.”

Xander sounds a little too casual, and I frown.

“So, what time do you leave?”

He shuts off his iPad, turning to face me. His long arms wrap around my waist.

“Ten a.m. The game is Wednesday at seven, and we fly back right after.”

“That’s right,” I say, pretending I didn’t already know that. I know his schedule by heart. “Maybe we can drive together since Ruin is sending the helicopter to pick me up.”

His brow lifts.

“She’s helping me with dress shopping.”

A grin tugs at his lips, and he leans in close.

“What do you say we spend some quality time with some extracurricular activities before we fall asleep?” he says, voice low and loaded, wiggling his eyebrows.

“Do you want to fuck?” I ask deadpan.

He chokes on a laugh.

“Jesus, Cherry. Can you be more specific?”

“Sure.” I shrug, then hold my fingers, counting. “First, you feast on me. Then I feast on you. After that, I ride you.”

I straddle him. His hands immediately cup my ass.

“Then we can rest as you play with my hair and I kiss every inch of your chest. Once Gigantor’s ready for round two, we can have sex in the shower. Sounds good?”

He doesn’t answer—just stands with me in his arms. I giggle, already feeling desire pooling in my core.

“I need to teach that foul mouth a lesson,” he growls, gently laying me on our bed.

He undresses me with a reverence that makes my heart stutter.

“Oh, yeah?” I murmur, a wicked grin on my lips. “I’m not sure you can handle me, Hotshot.”

He bites his lips, eyes darkening. “Oh, I can handle you just fine, Wild Cherry. My cock is ready to do the heavy lifting.”

He presses himself against me, and I can feel just how ready he is.

There’s nothing in this world I enjoy more than bantering with this man.

As his hands and mouth worship me, I close my eyes and repeat a quiet prayer in my head:

Let us always be this happy. This connected. This committed to each other.