Total pages in book: 73
Estimated words: 67991 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 340(@200wpm)___ 272(@250wpm)___ 227(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 67991 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 340(@200wpm)___ 272(@250wpm)___ 227(@300wpm)
A truly good man.
“Okay,” I breathe out. “That sounds like a great plan.”
It takes a while to make our way to Brienne. She has a line of people wanting to extend their thanks and when we do finally reach her, she’s as graciously kind and personable as she was at the wedding. She even extends an invite to me and Cooper to join her in the owner’s box for a game this season and said she’d “have her people reach out to me.”
I’m on cloud nine as we make our way through the house back to the front door when we’re drawn up short as Tansy steps into our path. We both knew she’d be here since everyone in the Titans’ organization was invited, and she’s Brienne’s cousin, but there are so many people filling all the nooks and crannies of this massive home, we had yet to see her.
She’s beautiful, and for a split second, I decide to give her the benefit of the doubt, willing to wish her a genuine Merry Christmas. She glances between me and Rafferty. Her lip curls and her tone is artificially sweet. “Still keeping up this little charade? It’s adorable.”
I feel Rafferty’s arm tighten around my waist, his body language as protective as it is defiant. “Tansy,” he replies, “I’ve decided that whatever Tempe and I are, we’re absolutely none of your business. We’re here to enjoy the evening, just like everyone else.”
Tansy’s smile doesn’t reach her eyes and I can tell she’s about to say something caustic. But Rafferty beats her to the punch. “Stop being pathetic, Tansy. You need to move on.”
I’m shocked he’s insulting her, because I don’t want him to provoke her into causing trouble with Brienne.
I brace over her sharp, bitter laugh. “Move on? From what, Rafferty? From you using this poor girl as a shield against your own mistakes?” Tansy’s glare flicks to me, challenging. “How does it feel to be used like that, Tempe?”
I’m about to speak, to defend us, when Rafferty’s grip on me tightens. “That’s enough,” he says, his tone final. “You don’t get to talk to her like that. We’re done here.”
“But are we, Rafferty?” Tansy’s voice is menacing. “What would Brienne think of your little arrangement? Maybe I should ask her.”
Rafferty leans in toward Tansy, his response dangerously low and cold. “You do what you have to do, Tansy. I’ve done nothing wrong, and I’m not going to let you threaten me or us anymore. In fact, I’m thinking that the next time you try this shit with me or Tempe, I’ll go straight to HR and let them sort this out.”
Tansy glares at him for a tense moment, then scoffs. “You don’t have the guts,” she says flippantly before turning on her heel and striding away, her exit as dramatic as her entrance.
As she disappears into the crowd, I let out a huge sigh, =Rafferty’s eyes searching mine for any sign of doubt or fear. “I’m sorry you had to see that. I’m done worrying about what Tansy might do.”
His words are meant to reassure, but a knot of worry lodges in my throat. “What if she goes to Brienne?”
He smiles, a wry twist of his lips. “Then she goes. We have nothing to hide. Let’s not let her ruin our night, okay?”
I think about Rafferty’s idea to make hot chocolate and watch a movie, and I can’t help but think there’s nothing that could ruin this night.
CHAPTER 17
Tempe
The oven timer dings just as a plume of smoke wafts out, sending me into a mild panic. I yank open the door, and an acrid cloud billows into the kitchen. The green bean casserole is officially a casualty of Christmas dinner.
“Great,” I mutter under my breath, fanning the smoke with a dish towel before it sets off the smoke detector. I pull it out, examine the burned edges and wonder if I can just scoop out the interior.
That’s when the doorbell rings—perfect timing. “Cooper,” I yell over my shoulder, having no clue where he is. “Can you get the door?”
I’m met with silence, which means he’s upstairs playing video games with headphones on. My mom was resting in her room and wanted me to get her when our company arrived.
With a resigned laugh, I abandon the ruined food and rush to the door, still holding the dish towel. Opening it, I find Rafferty and Farren, both bundled up in winter gear, snowflakes dusting their hair. It had been forecasted to be a white Christmas and the flakes started falling around midday. Already the small lawn has a thick layer of fluffy snow and that always makes the holidays better.
“Hey! You’re just in time to witness my cooking disasters,” I greet them, turning away and heading back into the kitchen. Over my shoulder, I say, “Drop your coats and come on in.”