Читать книгу Surrender To Me - Donna Hill, Donna Hill - Страница 13

Chapter 5

“Where’d you park?” Rafe asked as he guided Avery out of the front door and into the cool evening.

“Two blocks down,” she said, pointing in the direction of her car.

“I’ll walk you.”

She was going to protest but knew instantly that she wouldn’t mean it.

They fell into step together and Rafe confidently placed his arm lightly around her waist and adjusted his sax case on his opposite shoulder.

“I’m really glad you came tonight. I hope it was worth it.”

Avery took a quick glance at him. “So am I,” she admitted. “And it was.”

He hummed in his throat.

“Thanks for introducing me to Quinten. He is so laid-back.”

Rafe chuckled. “Yes. Mr. Chill himself. Sorry you didn’t get to meet his wife, Rae. Totally amazing sister. Maybe next time.”

“Maybe...”

The tips of his fingers pressed a little against her side. “Looking forward.”

“This is me,” she said and came to a stop in front of her car.

Rafe released her and she dug in her purse for her keys.

“Let me get that for you.” He took the keys from her, opened the door and helped her in before handing them back.

“Thank you.”

“How far are you from here?”

“Dupont Circle.”

“I’ll follow you. Make sure you get home safely.”

“You really don’t have to do that.”

“Yes, I do. Wait here. I’m going to get my car.”

Before she could protest further he’d turned and headed back to the club. Her thoughts ran all over the place. She certainly hoped that he didn’t think she was going to invite him in. She wanted to but she would never... What if she did let him in? No, that would send the wrong message. But it would be rude not to, wouldn’t it?

While her thoughts were on autopilot, a car horn honked. She glanced out of her window. Rafe pulled up alongside her. His window lowered.

“I’ll follow you.”

“Uh, okay.” She pulled herself together enough to start her car and ease out without hitting anything.

The ten-minute drive was the most nerve-wracking experience of her life. It took all of her wits to stay focused on the road and not her rearview mirror. She was so consumed with tension that she almost missed the turn onto her street.

When she finally pulled into her driveway relief couldn’t describe how she felt. She jumped at the tapping on her window. She lowered the window.

“Are you okay?”

“Yes. Fine.” She smiled.

“Going in?” he asked, with what sounded like amusement in his voice.

“Of course.” She took her purse from the passenger seat, extracted the key from the ignition and accepted his hand.

When she was drawn to her feet, mere inches separated them. Her gaze landed on his collarbone and she realized how tall he actually was and how his lean frame belied the power beneath.

Avery swallowed and stepped around him. Her heart banged mercilessly as she walked to her front door with Rafe a half step behind.

She turned. “Thanks so much for inviting me tonight. I had a great time.”

His eyes picked up the light from the moon and seemed to sparkle. He grinned, leaned down and placed a featherlight kiss on her forehead. “Good night. Rest well. I hope you don’t mind if I call on you again.”

“You’re going to fly all the way from Louisiana to DC just to see me?”

“My family has a place in Arlington, Virginia. When I have good reason, I stay there.” He leveled his gaze on her. “Do I have good reason?”

“You might,” she managed to say.

That grin again.

Rafe lifted his chin toward the door. “Want to make sure you get in safely.”

Avery ran her keys through her fingers, turned and somehow managed to get the key in the lock. She opened the door and flipped on the light in the foyer. She faced him. “See? Safe and sound. Thanks...again.”

“My pleasure, cher.” He took a step back, turned and strode to his car.

Avery waited a beat before closing the door. She stood frozen in place while she listened to the rev of his engine. She took a quick peek between the slats of the blinds. Only her car remained.

* * *

Rafe pulled into his driveway, killed the engine and slid out. When he walked into the house he sniffed the air and smiled.

Alice had fixed her should-be-world-famous peach cobbler. The sweet syrupy aroma sprinkled with cinnamon still hung in the air. His mouth watered but it was a little too late to indulge.