by RC Boldt
Mac: I’m bored. Want to take that ride a bit earlier?
Raine: Yes!
She did her happy dance, bouncing up and down, arms flailing. She was a total dork, no doubt about it.
Mac: Be ready in ten.
Raine threw down her phone and raced to her bedroom to get ready, probably breaking the sound barrier in her rush.
MAC PULLED UP to Momma K.’s house, steering the Triumph into the driveway. He felt somber at the realization that Raine was about to unwrap her body from his so that they could enter the home. He’d enjoyed riding around the island, making a few stops here and there to get a bite to eat and then for some frozen yogurt. Having her so close to him, her arms wrapped tightly around his chest, he hadn’t wanted it to end.
He turned off the motorcycle, placing the kickstand down and sat for a moment, waiting for her to dismount. When her arms didn’t loosen and she made no move to stand, he turned his head to the side, flipping up the visor.
“Raine? You okay?” he asked, his voice still muffled from his helmet. He couldn’t see her, could only feel her nod, her helmet brushing along the back of his jacket.
“Just not quite ready,” he could barely make out her words. But he knew what she was feeling. Because he felt the same exact way. He wasn’t quite sure how long they just sat there in silence until being interrupted by the sound of a screen door falling closed and Zach’s voice calling out.
“Hey! You two coming in or what? Because I’m freaking hungry. Like on the verge of hangry.”
“Would you stop yelling for the entire neighborhood to hear?! And could you just be nice and say that you’re hungry and ask them politely to hurry?” Laney’s voice could be heard from just inside the door, reprimanding him.
“I’m hungry, Laney. And when I’m hungry I don’t sugar coat shit. I’m not freaking Willy Wonka, woman!”
Mac felt Raine’s silent laughter as she shook against his back. With a sigh, she unlocked her arms from around him and carefully moved one leg over the bike to stand beside it. He watched her as she took off her helmet, finger combing her long hair, as he dismounted.
“Quit you’re bitching, man. We’re coming,” he called out to Zach as he placed his own helmet under his arm. He looked at Raine and nodded toward the house. “Ready?’
“Ready,” she said with a sweet smile that made his chest feel tight.
Mac followed Raine up the driveway, absentmindedly rubbing the spot on his chest.
“THIS WAS DELICIOUS as always, Momma K.,” Raine said, leaning back into her chair at the table with a satisfied sigh. “I always eat too much.”
“Nonsense,” the older woman gave a dismissive wave. “You run all the time, anyway.”
“Yeah, Raine. Maybe you should have another helping because some guys like more cushion for the push- ouch!” Zach exclaimed, getting a slap upside his head from Momma K.
Laney gave him a dirty look before turning her attention to Raine. “Speaking of guys, I have someone for you to meet.” Raine groaned and was about to speak when Laney spoke up.
“Actually, we have someone for you to meet.” Laney traded a look with her brother, who merely shook his head and mumbled something under his breath.
“Laney, you know what happened the last time you set me up with someone,” she complained to her friend. “And the time before that, and the time before that, and -oh, wait- the time before that.” Raine looked pointedly at her. “Frankly, after the Steven guy, I’m pretty sure I’m better off without your matchmaking,” she gave a little laugh.
“That one was from you?” Mac stared at Laney in disbelief. “Geez, Laney. What were you thinking?”
Laney held up a hand. “I know, I know. But this guy is super cool and kind of a badass. And Foster can vouch for him. Right, Foster?”
Foster’s gaze stayed on his sister a moment before turning to Raine. “He’s not as badass as me, of course,” he smirked, “but he’s an alright guy, Raine.”
She noticed his glance slide to Mac, who was sitting beside her, for a split second before continuing. “I knew him from back in BUDS. He broke his leg while he was going through it with me and got rolled over into the next class. Got out a few years ago. No wife or kids.” Foster shrugged. “Never has drama follow him and does his job well.”
“Wow. He sounds super exciting,” Raine gave a deadpanned expression.
Foster cast a knowing glance at her. “He’s a guy who would be open to settling down with the right girl.” He shrugged. “Whether or not you’re the girl remains to be seen, but what do you have to lose, right?”
Raine swore she could feel Mac tense up beside her, but why? Surely, he wouldn’t begrudge her going on a date with someone who might be the one, right?
Just then, the doorbell rang, startling nearly everyone at the dinner table. Everyone, that is, except for Laney.
Laney stood up from the table in mock surprise. “Oh, who can that be?”
Foster’s glare was lost on his sister as she turned away, walking to greet the person at the door. He turned Raine’s way and shook his head as if to say, “What can you do? That’s Laney.”
Momma K. looked worried and both Tate and Zach toyed with their silverware. Foster was having some weird silent conversation with Mac, his eyes locked on his friend’s.
Lawson was the only one at the table who seemed to be enjoying it all. He had leaned back in his chair with a smirk on his face, looking around at everyone before pausing a bit longer on Mac. Then, his smirk grew into a full-fledged grin before his eyes turned to rest on Raine.
“Well, Raine. If it doesn’t work out with this,” he paused to use air quotes, “‘badass,’ then you should just shack up with me. I’ll treat you right, dance with you and eat your delicious food.” Momma K. and Tate’s exasperated breaths broke the air.
“You’re on your own with the running thing, though,” he shuddered as if it were painful to even think about.
Before Raine could respond, she heard Laney’s footsteps get nearer along with the sound of heavier ones following her.
“Hey, guys! This is Miller,” Laney announced when they had arrived back at the table. She nearly yanked Raine’s arm from its socket, pulling her up to stand to greet the guy. The guy who was—whoa—nearly an exact replica of Tim Tebow, a former University of Florida Gators quarterback.
Holy shit. Raine seriously felt like even her ovaries sat up and took notice.
Suddenly, she had a mental image of the two of them running on the beach, him barechested and sweaty. Then he’d throw her a pass with the football, she’d miss the catch and they’d laugh and laugh, rolling together in the waves as-
The sound of silverware being dropped loudly on a plate jarred Raine out of her daydream.
All eyes flew to Tate who appeared to be staring at Miller as if she’d seen a ghost.
Sheesh, he was a Tebow lookalike but she wouldn’t consider it that shocking.
Laney shot Tate a curious look before turning back to her. “Raine?”
Oh, yeah. She’d been merely standing there in a daze while he waited for her to greet him.
Awwwwkward.
“Hi, Miller.” Did her voice come out ridiculously breathless? “I’m Raine,” she held out her hand politely.
“Nice to meet you, Raine,” he replied in a deep, sexy voice.
Good God, this man could seriously make a killing in the phone sex industry. Not that she had any experience with it herself. It was more like an assumption, really. Because, that voice? That voice alone could make panties drop. Miller had been blessed by God.
But when he reached to shake her hand, grasping it firmly in his, she felt . . . nothing. No zing. Nada. A big zero.
Maybe it was because she pretty much ate her own weight in Momma K.’s pasta. Yes, that was probably it.
Laney shoved an extra chair in between her and Raine’s chairs for Miller and they all took their seats, again.
“Thanks for letting me stop in, Mrs. K
.,” Miller smiled down the table at where the older woman was seated on the end.
Was Momma K. actually blushing? It was comforting to know she wasn’t the only one who was charmed by this man.
“Now, Miller. I’ve told you many times to call me Momma K.,” the older woman admonished.
“Yes, ma’am,” he answered with a smile that was decidedly swoon worthy before nodding at Foster and tossing him a “Hey, boss.” Laney introduced the rest of their friends.
Tate gave Miller a cool look. “It’s so nice to meet you, Miles.”
“Miller,” came his icy response.
Everyone’s eyes seemed to volley back and forth from the two, each of them trying to figure out what the heck was going on with their sweet Tate.
And why there was sudden animosity between them when they had only just met.
“Oh, yes. My bad. Nice to meet you, Milo.” Tate’s frosty eyes contradicted her remark as she forked some pasta into her mouth.
“It’s Miller,” he reminded her, his jaw clenched.
With wide eyes, Laney exchanged a look with Raine that said, “What the hell was that?” before turning to Miller.
“Now, Miller, Raine runs all kinds of races. Why, she’s even doing a half-marathon in a few weeks?”
Raine almost felt like she was for sale with the way Laney was talking about her.
Miller’s pale blue eyes were focused on her. “That’s cool. Have you done many of those?”
“I’ve done about eight in the past two years. Nothing too crazy,” she answered him, the last few words lilting as she felt a hand slide up along her inner thigh beneath the linen covered dinner table.
“Now, don’t let her use that self-deprecating talk on you, man,” Mac interjected casually, as if it weren’t his own hand that was gliding closer to her center.
“She’s quite the badass runner.” His use of the word “badass” was not lost on her. Nor the others if she were to go by the choking-like sounds she heard.
“Maybe you two could meet up for drinks or something later on this week?” Laney changed the subject as if she knew it was headed for trouble.
Miller gave a small laugh and looked over to Raine. “That’s up to you. I certainly don’t want to force you into anything,” he said kindly.
“We sure wouldn’t want anyone to be forced to spend time with you,” Tate muttered.
Laney shot her a warning glare. Tate merely smiled sweetly.
“How about I just let Laney give you my number and if you feel like hanging out sometime, let me know. I’d love to get together with you,” Miller offered, ignoring Tate’s acerbic comment.
The hand under the table had just begun to rub over the crotch of her linen pants.
“Sure,” she choked out the words before clearing her throat. “Sounds like a plan.” Laney looked at her oddly.
Did the hand rubbing her become even more firm? Sweet Mother of God, she was never so thankful for Momma K. having a long tablecloth on the dinner table.
“Well, I’d better head on out. Thanks for letting me interrupt your dinner, Momma K.,” Miller stood from his chair. “It was great to meet everyone.”
And, just like that, the hand under the table disappeared. Raine wasn’t sure whether she should feel relieved or disappointed.
“Yeah, it was a pleasure,” Tate said, sarcasm dripping from her tone.
“You need to come by next time and eat with us, Miller,” Momma K. told him after casting a stern look toward Tate. “Make sure my Foster reminds you next month.”
“Yes, ma’am.” Miller flashed a smile at her and Raine could almost swear she heard the older woman sigh.
Laney stood and linked her arm with Miller’s to walk him out. As soon as they were out of sight, Lawson spoke.
“Well. That was certainly interesting.” He looked at Tate curiously. “Anything you feel like sharing?”
“Nope,” was Tate’s succinct answer. Standing up, gathering dinner plates, she carried them into the kitchen.
Raine shrugged at Lawson’s questioning glance, before whipping her head around to stare at Mac angrily. She had a bone to pick with him about that rogue hand of his.
Leaning closer to him, she hissed under her breath. “What the hell was that?”
Mac just looked at her calmly, completely nonplussed. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Then he turned his head toward Foster and the two men began discussing how things were going with his security consulting business.
Leaving Raine to feel decidedly confused with both Tate and Mac’s behavior.
MAC KNEW HE had no business messing with Raine, figuratively or literally, especially at Momma K.’s dinner table. That had been unquestionably inappropriate. He had just felt something so fierce and possessive the moment the Miller guy had entered the room. Especially with Laney all but shoving the two of them together.
It also didn’t take a rocket scientist to see that the guy was a doppelganger for Tim Tebow, Raine’s favorite quarterback from her alma mater. It also didn’t help that the guy actually seemed pretty cool. Of course, if he worked for Foster, he’d have to be on the up and up anyway.
Miller seemed like the type of guy who would probably be great for Raine, treat her right, end up giving her the whole picket fence thing. And Raine deserved to have all that.
So why was he feeling so . . . off? Like the idea of Raine being happy with this guy was pissing him off?
He accelerated the motorcycle as they drove down Fletcher Avenue, appreciating the way Raine’s arms tightened around him as they headed along the road to her house. Pulling into her driveway, he shut off the motorcycle and ensured the kickstand was down. Mac felt her arms release him before leaning to get off the motorcycle. She pulled off her helmet and handed it to him, regarding him thoughtfully.
“Thanks for the ride, Mac.” She turned and began walking up the steps to the house.
What the fuck? That was it? A simple thanks for the ride?
Mac stared after her, watching her near her front door, getting her keys out of her pocket.
Oh, hell no.
He slid off his bike and ambled up the stairs. Hearing his loud footsteps, she turned his way, clearly startled if the look on her face were any indication. Her key was in the door but she hadn’t opened it yet.
“Mac? What’s wrong?” Her voice trembled with uncertainty. He knew he had a scowl on his face, knew he was upset and that he had no right to feel that way. But the fact of the matter was, he did feel that way.
He walked up to her, continuing even when his body backed hers into the door. Her wide, green eyes looked up at him as if asking him what he was doing. Asking him a question he wasn’t sure he even knew the answer to.
“Do you want to go out with him?” His voice was almost an angry growl.
“What?”
“Do you want to go out with him?” he repeated, nearly gritting his teeth as he spoke. “Because I doubt pretty boy can give you what you really need.” He pushed his body into hers, letting her feel his arousal.
She stared at him for a long moment.
“And you can?” she asked quietly. “Because if I recall, you’re the one who doesn’t do anything remotely close to a relationship.”
He didn’t hesitate in his response. “If you want a boring, ho-hum sex life for the rest of your life, then that’s fine.” He leaned in closer to run his lips along her jaw, relishing in the gasp she was unable to hold in.
“But, if you want this, Raine . . . every . . . single . . . time, I’m the one you need,” he whispered in her ear before pulling back to look into her eyes.
Raine seemed to consider him. “So we’d have what, exactly? A monogamous fling?” she asked slowly.
“Exactly.”
Her head tilted to the side in thought. “We’d have to keep this just between us, though, because I can already hear the crap Laney would give me over this. We know she’d be relentless in thinking you would be my boyfriend.”
She gave a short laugh. “And we both know that’s not going to happen.”
He stared at her, not understanding why it pissed him off so much to hear her laugh at the thought of him as her boyfriend. He wasn’t boyfriend material and he knew that. Hell, everyone knew that.
He felt his lips thin, mouth tighten. “Right.”
“I mean, when we put a stop to things, it’ll be much easier to be around everyone, because they won’t know about anything and feel like they have to take sides or whatever . . .” she trailed off. “Which reminds me, when do we put a stop to things?”
His mouth grazed hers, relishing in the way her lips parted immediately for the light kiss. His tongue traced the shape of her upper lip before sliding in, changing the kiss to something deeper, hotter. Her moan was swallowed in the kiss before he broke away.
“We stop when we’ve had enough.”
MAC AND RAINE had settled into an easy routine; far easier than he had imagined. Most nights, they spent at Mac’s and she slept in his bedroom instead of the spare room. He had allotted a drawer in his master bathroom designated to her toiletries. One of his favorite parts about their arrangement was smelling the lingering vanilla scent of her body wash in his shower.
On the occasion that they stayed at her place, Mac had managed to intermix some extra clothes with hers in the closet. His toothbrush was in her bathroom cabinet and body wash in her shower.
The challenging part, however, was trying to hide everything from their friends.
“Hey, stranger,” Laney called out as she and Foster entered Mac’s house from the back deck.
“What’s up?” He was in the process of folding the large pile of clothes on the couch and placing them in the laundry bin beside him.
“Don’t you look all domesticated and cute,” Laney teased. “When you’re done, feel free to come by and do my laundry, too.”
He sighed with mock sadness. “I’m sorry but I have to decline that kind offer.”
She stuck her tongue out at him as she slumped on the couch next to his clothes pile.