Tell Me Lies, page 19
“Where’re your parents?”
“Picking up Kat’s mom and dad at the airport. Nicholas has their car, but he’s up at their cabin in Vermont and we can’t reach him. Probably some freak snowstorm took the lines down again.”
Rafe snorted at her mention of a cabin and she didn’t blame him. It was more like a chalet. Either way, it didn’t matter. What mattered was the fact that Kat was on an operating table fighting for her life, and she had no one in the waiting room waiting for her.
The receptionist informed them she was still in surgery and directed them to the large room filled with cushy chairs and multiple televisions. Lexie paced across the small section they claimed, too anxious to sit, silently berating herself for the accident. Halfway across the room, Rafe gently pulled her into his arms and just held her. A slight tremble shook his body, slapping Lexie back to the here and now. She hadn’t really considered Rafe’s feelings about the accident or what had gone through his mind when he heard about it. Guilt times two. The weight of which pressed harder onto her shoulders and she found herself leaning into Rafe for comfort and support.
“I’m sorry I didn’t wait for you.”
“Shh.” He ran his fingers through her hair over and over in an attempt to soothe her, but she’d bet it was just as much for his own sake. “Doesn’t matter, only that you’re okay.” Rafe kissed the top of her head. “We can talk about what happened later. Come on and sit down with me.”
She allowed him to guide her to the waiting chairs, to pull her up close to him and wrap his arm around her shoulders. Rafe’s warmth shrouded her, smothering the agitation rippling through her, calming her mind and body.
Lexie rested her head, using his chest as a pillow, concentrating on his steady heartbeat while she pushed thoughts of Kat away. Her eyes drifted closed, just to block out the glaring fluorescent lights.
Lights flashed around and around.
Tires squealed.
Horns blared.
Kat grabbed her hand, telling her to hang on. Her whole body shook as the spinning came to an abrupt stop. The power of the airbag shoved her head into the seat.
“Shh, it’s okay, baby. It’s over. You’re okay.” Gentle fingers ran through her hair. Strong arms held her still while soft lips caressed her forehead.
“I’m okay.” She shifted to ease the pressure on her bruised side. “Guess I dozed off for a minute.”
Lexie glanced at the industrial wall clock. Eight o’clock. How long had Kat been in surgery? She’d lost track of time. Looking toward the reception area, Rafe squeezed her hand and excused himself. She watched those broad shoulders as he made his way across the room. Caught a glimpse of a smile directed at the elderly woman staffing the desk. Tense muscles released as she watched the woman click away on her keyboard and return Rafe’s smile.
His gait was lighter, faster, more at ease when he sat down beside her again.
“They’re taking her to recovery now, and the doctor should be out in a couple of minutes to talk with you.”
Rafe placed another one of his gentle kisses on her forehead. The quiet of the room exploded with quick footsteps, several men’s voices, and the unmistakable sob of a woman. Lexie braced herself as Kat’s parents, Nick and Emily Jones, entered the room.
Will they blame me?
Both were disheveled and in their travel clothes, obviously having come straight from the airport. Never in her life had she seen Nick without a smile, but today his face was grim. Bloodshot eyes and smeared mascara on Emily’s pale cheeks and pale blonde strands of hair hanging from her French twist made her look like a woman who had been rode hard. Or a mother on the verge of losing her child.
Behind them stood their son, Nicholas, with a blank expression. Bringing up the rear were Lexie’s parents. Thankfully the surgeon, dressed in his immaculate blue scrubs, emerged from behind the secured double doors, drawing everyone’s attention to him instead of Lexie. He took his scrub cap off and Emily’s sniffles escalated to sobs. Nick pulled his wife into his arms and faced the man who held his daughter’s life in his hands. At least, that’s what Lexie imagined it felt like.
Growing up, Kat was forever trailing after her dad. If he went out to work in the yard, she was right there with him. Heading to the golf course, she would have her personalized mini set in her hands before you could blink. At one time, Lexie figured her best friend would follow in her dad’s career and become a physician.
“Dr. Jones, I’m Dr. Glen Kerry.” The surgeon stuck his hand out momentarily, before dropping it. “Your daughter is in recovery. She’s suffered several broken ribs, a punctured lung, ruptured spleen. We . . . lost her for a minute on the table . . .”
The room began to spiral. Colors dimmed while the people became a foggy mass. Try as she might the doctor’s words wouldn’t penetrate the fog surrounding her.
Kat! Oh, dear God, please no. Don’t take her. Take me. It was my fault. I was driving. Please not Kat, please.
Warm fingers slid along her back to her side before she was pulled up tight and close to Rafe. The citrus and sage of his cologne tickled her nose as the steady in and out of his breathing slowed her heart until it matched his rhythm.
“She’s got quite the recovery ahead of her, but she’s young and strong. We’ll know more tomorrow.”
Lexie stuck her fingers through the belt loops on Rafe’s jeans to help support herself. It was a miracle she hadn’t done a face-plant already and, if not for Rafe, she would be kissing the carpet right now.
Dr. Kerry swiped his keycard to escort the Joneses through the double doors and to the recovery room, leaving her parents standing across the room from her. Rafe assisted her to the nearest chair, mumbling something about water. Lexie’s parents crossed the room and cornered Rafe by the water cooler. After a few minutes of hushed conversation, they came to check on Lexie. As soon as they saw she was relatively fine, they gave her a quick kiss and hug and sent her home with Rafe.
Which made her wonder, was she the only one who had hit her head? Or were they trying to get rid of her because Kat was worse than they wanted her to know?
Chapter 18
Lexie plopped onto her couch feeling the coolness of the leather seep through her clothes into her bones. The doctor’s words played over and over in her mind. Kat almost died on the operating table, and she wasn’t out of the woods yet. Everyone knew about the first twenty-four hours. Blood clots, infection, complications. If she could have a superpower, right now she’d pick the ability to speed time up, or reverse it. Bear nuzzled her hand, slowly wagging his tail. Melted cheese, basil, and tomatoes scented the air and called out to be devoured. A rumble in her stomach sent a subtle reminder that lunch had been hours ago.
Wood slapped against wood behind her as Rafe inspected the contents of her kitchen cabinets. “What can I get you to drink? Water, soda, wine?” She shifted around to see Rafe, one hand rubbing the back of his neck and staring at the meager contents of the fridge.
“Water would be fine. I don’t think you’re supposed to drink with a concussion, and my body doesn’t really need a caffeine jolt right now.”
“Right, right, I knew that.” He handed her a glass of water and a plate overflowing with pizza. The couch cushion dipped with his weight. Half of the pie was stacked on his plate.
“Hungry?”
“Yeah, busy day, first with the sweep and then, well the hospital. How are you feeling?”
“Sore as hell. Thankful. Pissed off.”
“Wow, all that.” He smirked before filling his mouth with pizza.
They ate in companionable silence. It was nice, sitting here with Rafe, not worrying about what to say or what came next. Maybe too nice. Of course, the silence also gave her plenty of time to think about today, the dreams she’d had while fading in and out. Lucky her, she remembered it all, including the feelings—and the fear of never getting a real chance with the man sitting next to her.
However, the powers that be obviously decided that somewhere down the road a second chance had been earned. One best used to get her life in order, to face down her fears, and go after the really important goals in life. Trouble was, did she really know what she wanted? Making LexaKat PI Services a success topped the list. Or did it? What about outside of the job?
Marriage?
Children?
The whole white-picket-fence scene?
Maybe.
She knew one thing. She wanted the man sitting next to her in her life. Maybe. Possibly. If only she could push the fear of getting hurt aside and concentrate on the here and now.
Setting her empty plate on the table, Lexie settled back against the cushions.
“Rafe, about today.” She fidgeted with her glass, circling the rim with her finger. “I know I said I’d wait for you to go to Providence. I’m sorry I didn’t keep that promise. Sorrier than you can ever imagine.”
“Babe, the car accident wasn’t your fault. You can’t blame yourself. Just wrong place at the wrong time.”
“I wish that was the truth of it. The driver who hit us was wearing a black hat with glasses. I’m pretty sure it was the same guy who tried to break in here, or at least one of the ones who broke into Alan and Holly’s place.” A sharp pain struck in the middle of her chest. “Now, the one person who’s always believed in me might die.”
Rafe draped his arm across her shoulders, pulling her close. A gentle kiss caressed her temple. “Babe, Kat is one tough cookie, she’ll pull through this. I don’t see how the accident can be your fault. If I had been with you, who knows, I might be the one in the hospital. Could be lying in the bed next to Kat, or you could be the one lying there. We can play the ‘what if’ game all night long and it still won’t change what happened.”
He stroked her upper arm in a slow, soothing pattern. “And she’s not the only one who believes in you.”
Lexie shifted, tried to find a comfortable position. Unfortunately, with everything bruised and then some, it wasn’t an easy task.
“Come on.” Rafe stood, holding his hand out to her. “Let’s get you to bed.”
She cocked her eyebrow.
“Babe, if I thought you were up to it, I would take you up on that offer.”
Lexie let him guide the way to her room. While she did ache everywhere, she could still appreciate the view. Broad shoulders, tight buns, and long, strong legs. Hunger ran through her veins, heated her body, urging her to wrap her arms around his chest, and fill her with his warmth.
Probably not the best activity for a person after a near-death accident.
Rafe bent to pull the blanket and sheets back before turning to face her. Black eyes filled with lust met her baby blues. Lexie stepped into his embrace.
Warm. Spicy citrus. Safe.
All three thoughts wrapped around her bringing with them a sense of right, a sense of belonging, and a good dose of desire.
Her fingers traced the rigid muscles in his arms, shoulders, and down his back. Another hard muscle pressed against her stomach, demanding attention. She took a few minutes to enjoy the luxury of his arms, waiting to see if he’d make a move. Minutes passed.
Right, Sherlock, he knows you’re hurt.
Sliding her hand up and around the back of Rafe’s head, she pulled him down so her lips met his. He tried to pull back. Lexie deepened the kiss, sliding her tongue across his bottom lip before gently nipping. Rafe opened his mouth, probably to protest, and she stole his breath away. Somewhere between the rhythm of a Viennese waltz and a Paso Doble, Rafe stopped pulling away and instead pulled her tighter against his chest.
Lexie slowly pushed him closer to the edge of the bed, never letting the space between them widen until Rafe landed on her bed.
“Are you sure you’re up to this?”
“Well, I can’t promise you wild monkey sex, but I don’t think you’ll walk away disappointed.” Lexie carefully pulled her silk T-shirt over her head, dropping it on the floor before straddling Rafe. “I know I won’t.”
He cupped her bottom, holding her in place while they slowly explored the taste and feel of each other. She took her time, alternating from his deliciously warm mouth to his jawline, up to his ear and down the sensitive line to his collarbone.
Any other time, she imagined Rafe would have taken control of their lovemaking, leading the way. If you looked up “alpha male” in the dictionary, a picture of Rafe Barandas would be displayed. She knew he was letting her lead the way this time, and she appreciated the act. And while wild monkey sex was something she’d imagined several times with him, tonight she’d take it slow and easy.
Lexie sat up, reached out, and leisurely unbuttoned his chambray shirt, pushing the sides apart. She continued her exploration, moving down from his collarbone to his chest. Fingers played with the silky hair on his chest. Running her tongue feather soft across his nipple, she heard his breath hitch. His fingers dug into her bottom ever so slightly.
Ah, now he’s starting to let his control slip. Wonder what it takes to make it snap.
Slowly she scooted backward, gently placing kisses along his stomach until her mouth was a breath from the button on his jeans.
Lexie stood. Released the button on her jeans, and unhurriedly tugged the zipper down. Her gaze never left Rafe’s face, never broke eye contact as she shimmied her pants down over her hips.
How many times had she imagined this moment? Probably every day of her senior year. And every day since he kissed her outside of Buon Appetito. Honestly, it had been practically every hour since then. The man knew how to pack a punch without ever leaving a mark.
“Come here.” Dark desire turned his voice husky, igniting the fires, melting the ice she’d walled up inside her a decade ago.
“My beautiful Alexa.” He trailed the pads of his fingers up her backside, pulling her to him. His mouth covered hers, his tongue dipping in and making love to her mouth.
He didn’t hurry, instead he made a thorough exploration. His hands caressed, kneaded. Stoked the flames licking at her heart. Sent molten lava rushing through her core to pool.
He worshiped her body, careful not to jar her aches and pains as he rolled her onto her back. His sweet words wrapped around her heart, claiming her soul. His naughty suggestions drove her desires to the point of no return.
Cool air kissed her skin as Rafe stood and quickly discarded his jeans. A crinkle of foil heightened her nerves. Her lungs constricted, trapping the air inside. Soft kisses trailed up her thigh and across her stomach tickling her belly button. The trapped air exploded along with a case of the giggles.
“Stop.”
Rafe’s hand glided between her legs, then stilled with her command.
“Are you sure you want me to stop?”
“No. You know what I meant.” Lexie ran her tongue across her lip in anticipation.
The man didn’t disappoint. Lexie crossed over into what she was sure was Shangri-la until Rafe plunged inside her and she realized that until then she’d only been standing on the edge, looking out.
He filled her body with his. Worshiped her body with his. Stole her heart away one kiss, one caress at a time.
Her body reached its peak, crying out with the need for release. Rafe claimed her mouth and together they fell. Explosions rocked her body. The realization of what just happened rocked her mind. She hadn’t just had sex with Rafe. She had made love to him and he to her in return. This was no casual bump in the night. No mutual satisfying of lustful cravings. It was the real deal.
Carefully he rolled over, gently pulling Lexie to his side. “Wow. I can’t wait to find out what wild monkey sex with you is like.”
She let the laughter go. How could she not with that comment? Keep it light and playful. He didn’t need to know the full effect he’d had on her.
“Not bad, Detective, reasonably satisfying.”
“Excuse me? Reasonably satisfying?” He flipped his body on top of her, pinning her hands over her head, careful to keep his weight off her. He laid an assault against her mouth before moving south down her neck and across her shoulders. Ultrasensitive nerves tingled and shot off sparks through her body. When his mouth claimed her breast, her whole body shuddered in ecstasy.
“Admit it. Admit it was the best sex of your life.”
“Or what? You’ll continue your torture?” she gasped out between breaths. “I’ll never surrender. You can go all night and I’ll never utter those words.”
His eyes flashed with fire and mischief. Before Lexie could ask him what he was up to, he nudged her legs apart and began a new assault with his tongue, teeth, and very talented fingers.
Her body exploded with a new orgasm. She called out his name, whether for mercy or more, she wasn’t sure.
“Uncle?”
“Never.”
He slid inside her welcoming body, the muscles clamping down as if to say they’d never let go. He took her hard and fast until both were spent, lungs working overtime to draw air in.
Rafe lay on his side, head resting on his hand, looking down at her. “Babe, you can’t deny that was the best sex of your life. You went over how many times?” His confident grin dared her to deny him.
“I’ll admit it.” She saw his chest puff out with pride. “Of course, I do have a head trauma, so I may be wrong.”
“Then I’ll just have to prove it to you again once your injuries heal.”
“I’m counting on it.”
Chapter 19
Rafe awoke with the stream of daylight peeking out from Lexie’s curtains. Several times throughout the night he’d awoken her per standard concussion treatment. The last time she’d nearly taken his head off, and he wasn’t ready to face the lion again so soon. Quietly he snuck from bed, pulled his clothes on, and softly whistled for the dog to follow.
Walking on the beach as the sun rose with not another soul around gave a man time to collect his thoughts and plan how to handle a certain lioness. She needed to rest, but he knew she wouldn’t want to. Lexie had no patience, and with her best friend lying in a hospital bed, she’d have even less.
