Page 64 of Endlessly Raphael
I end the call and slump against the wall. “That was weird. All the hostility is gone, but he’s clearly worried about something.”
“Best to hear him out.” Rapha kisses my forehead. “And I’ll be there with you for support.”
“Yeah. That helps. I guess it’s time for me to grow up.”
“You’re already perfectly grown, Haven. Based on what I’ve seen, you’re more than capable of dealing with your family.”
“Thanks.” Reaching out, I drag my finger down his chest. “I’d rather get railed by you all day.”
Rapha chuckles. “We have endless hours for that.”
“Hmm. Endlessly railed by Raphael. I like it.”
Still smiling, he grabs my wrist and pulls me into him, immediately nuzzling my neck. “Trust me, darling, I’m just as eager for more of you.”
Leaning back against the wall, I close my eyes as Rapha dots my skin with kisses and gentle nips. I tangle my fingers in his hair. Everything about him is so decadent, from the silky feel of his hair to his soft lips. I should pinch myself, but fuck that. If this is a dream, I never want to wake up.
“We should go,” he whispers. “Café Rosa is forty minutes from here.”
“Ugh. Fine. You’ll make it up to me later? Technically, we should be on a honeymoon.”
Rapha pulls back, lifting his head to gaze into my eyes. His expression is… My breath catches in my throat. I can’t quite explain it, but I sure as hell can feel it. Without words, I sense the promise in his eyes. A promise of more, of a future. Could he fall in love with me too? Do I even have that kind of luck to catch a man like Raphael and keep him? Damn, I hope so.
He leans in and kisses me softly before squeezing my ass hard enough to pull a needy moan from my lips. “Business first. Pleasure later.”
Blowing out a breath, I nod. “Yeah. Let’s do this.”
* * *
Raphael turns onto the street where the adorable local coffee shop is. I love it because it’s queer owned and the coffee is strong enough to show up on a drug test.
My stomach churned with nerves the whole ride over, but as Rapha parks, I shake it off. Gedo always told me that no matter how you feel inside, you project confidence. In business, weakness will fail you.
Once we exit the car, Rapha offers me his hand and leads me inside the shop. My father is already sitting at a table with a manila folder in front of him. He looks as nervous as I feel inside, which sets off a new concern. I’ve never seen him look nervous. Something is wrong. Rapha must sense something too because he rubs my back to comfort me.
My father looks up as we get closer and stands, nodding politely at Raphael, though his expression is slightly confused.
“Thanks for meeting so quickly,” he says, gesturing to the chairs. “Do you want to get a drink?”
“Uh, yeah.”
“I’ll order,” Rapha says.
“You choose for me,” I say. “Everything is good.”
He nods. “Mr. Samir?”
“Oh. Uh, the black cardamom tea, please.”
Rapha kisses my temple then walks to the front counter. The café is busy, with nearly every table filled, and the buzz of conversation soothes some of the awkwardness between us.
“What is this about?” I ask.
His brow creases. “I was hoping it wasn’t true, but I’ve had some suspicions that someone inside the company was up to something malicious.”
I pull my head back. “How malicious?”
Rapha is back, setting down a tray with our drinks. He slides a drink in front of me, and the scent of rich coffee, cinnamon, and apples wafts up.