Page 107 of SEAL's Resolve
“You’re right.” Kristi squeezed Natalie’s hand, then retrieved the three-ring binder with the latest round of wedding dress designs. “I used what you told me from our previous discussion and came up with six new designs for you. See what you think.”
An hour later, Natalie and her friends decided on the dress Kristi would have chosen for the bride. As the women paused at front door, Natalie said, “I don’t know how to thank you. I can’t wait for Jerome to see me in that dress.”
“He’ll be stunned speechless,” Lola said.
“He better not be speechless for long.” Maryanne smiled. “Otherwise, he won’t be able to say ‘I do’ when the time comes.” That sent the women into another round of laughter.
When they finally left, Kristi turned into Rafe’s arms with a soft groan.
“Hey, are you all right?”
“I need another massage.”
“When does your next client arrive?”
“Thirty minutes. It’s a fitting, though. Jill can handle it without me for a few minutes.”
“Good. Come with me.” He led her out the back door to one of the benches in the garden. When they sat, Rafe turned Kristi so her back was to him and began to massage her shoulders and back.
Ten minutes later, Kristi felt boneless. “Mr. Torres, you’re hired for life.”
“I don’t know, Ms. Stewart. My price is steep. You might not be able to afford me.”
“Whatever you charge, I’ll gladly pay.”
He chuckled. “You don’t know the price yet.”
“With talented hands like yours, I don’t care.”
More masculine laughter behind her as he eased her back to rest against his chest. “What about dinner at least once a week for the foreseeable future and play dates with Oliver?”
“No kisses? I’m disappointed. I thought for sure kisses would be the price for shoulder and neck massages for life.”
“I’ll steal as many of those as possible.” Rafe urged her to lean her head against his shoulder. “Let yourself rest for a few minutes. I’ll keep track of the time.”
With the soft breeze, warm sun, and Rafe’s body heat lulling her into a light doze, Kristi let her responsibilities and worry drift away, secure in the knowledge the Rafe would handle anything that cropped up.
Sometime later, her phone signaled an incoming message, stirring Kristi out of her light slumber. She checked the screen and groaned. Not something she wanted to deal with today.
Rafe’s arm tightened around her waist. “What is it?”
“Dad wants to see me in two hours. I don’t have time. We’re booked solid through six o’clock tonight, and then I have to finish assembling Maggie’s dress so it’s ready for her fitting tomorrow.”
“Did Stewart say what he wanted?”
She frowned. “No, and that’s odd. He usually does.”
“Can he call you instead?”
“I’ll find out.” Kristi sent a text, asking her father to call. She frowned at his reply. “He says he can’t discuss this over the phone, that he needs to break the news in person. What if he’s sick, Rafe?”
He kissed her temple. “Let’s not anticipate the worst. What do you want to do?”
“Hire five more people in the next hour to help me with all the work. I have a woman coming for an interview in the next couple of days. We can use Deidre as much as she’s willing to work.”
“See if she can help part-time while she decides if she’s wants to come on board full time.”
“That’s a good idea.”