Page 113 of Not Safe for Work

He puts the tart down and takes my hands. “I told you I wanted more than a vacation fling, and I meant it. I know you need a little convincing, so here I am, baring my soul and my heart before you and a few thousand witnesses. I want everyone to know how I feel about you, and I want you to know that I’d never betray your trust, no matter what happens.

“Tris, you are the most amazing woman I’ve ever met. You challenge me. You understand me in a way no one else ever has. You make me laugh, and you make me feel things I’ve never felt before. And even if you send me away, it will be worth it because then, at least, I’ll have finally told you that I love you.”

The air around us crystallizes.

“You do?”

He smiles, stepping closer, wrapping an arm around my waist. “Yes, how can you not see that by now?”

I open my mouth to reply and then remember the camera as I glance at the screen.

“Oop,” Rafe says, turning to address his fans. “Thank you for coming along, everyone. I think it’s time to shut this down. I’ll let you know how it goes. Wish me luck.”

The last few comments scroll up the screen.

Good luck, Rafe!

We’re rooting for you!

Don’t forget the lemon recipe!

Who is that?

Take off your shirt!

When we’re alone, I still have no idea what to say.

“Why are you crying?” Rafe asks, wiping away a tear with his thumb.

“It’s been three days,” I say. “It’s been three days. I thought you’d stayed there with Hannah. I thought you hated me for that email I sent. Why didn’t you text or call?”

“You told me not to,” he says with a frown.

“I know,” I say with a sob. “But when have you ever listened to me?”

He grins, wiping another tear from my cheek. “I’m sorry. I wanted everything dealt with before I came to see you. The slate had to be clean. You deserved that. I’m so sorry for everything I put you through. I should have been more honest with both Hannah and myself months ago. When I left Chicago, it didn’t occur to me that I’d hurt you instead by not doing so. Never in my wildest dreams did I think we’d end up where we did.

“Tris, it’s always been you. You said I never smiled, but that was because it was easier to keep you at a distance when it seemed like you wanted nothing to do with me. I moved on when it was clear you weren’t interested, but a few months ago, I wondered if maybe there was still a chance. I knew you had to have felt that spark the day we met.

“Then we ended up on the retreat together, and there was the thing with the room, and it felt like fate was telling me it was finally time.”

I’ve been rendered speechless as he continues.

“As for your email—Tris, I’m so fucking proud of you. That took so much courage. That place has never ever deserved you.”

I exhale a sharp breath. “I trashed your dad in front of the entire company.”

The corner of his mouth lifts with a smile. “He’ll get over it. He can be a dick, but he’s also surprisingly open to admitting when he’s been wrong. Honestly, I think he kind of respected the way you stood up to him.”

“And Rory? Won’t family gatherings be super awkward if I’m there?”

At that, Rafe’s expression hardens. “Rory has already been told that if he comes within a hundred feet of you ever again, I won’t be held responsible for my actions.”

I sniff, my tears still falling. “You’re such a caveman.”

“You love it.”

I huff out a laugh, covering my mouth. “What about your mom? Isn’t she upset about Hannah?”