them. Rafe’s lips tilt, not quite a smile but if he means to. Loneliness. It resonates off him, mirroring my own. In a sea of strangers, we’re somehow the same. Two lost souls looking for a connection.
Heat warms my cold cheeks, butterflies dancing wildly in my stomach. Dropping his gaze, I reach for a chocolate macaroon, plucking it from the plate between us. “It does?”
Bringing it to my mouth, I nibble on the treat, relishing the flavour.
Rafe nods, staring at me for so long it’s as if he’s lost himself in the moment. “Will you go out with me tomorrow?”
Excitement flares through me at his question, my heart beating faster. “You mean together?”
“Yes.” There’s something sexy about the vulnerable look that flashes across his face. His outward confidence wavering with uncertainty at my response.
My experience in dating only involves one guy, and he was nothing like the man sitting before me.
Lifting my drink, I bite my lower lip. “Where?”
Rafe releases an audible breath. “The catacombs beneath the City. A little macabre I know, but it shouldn’t be missed. I’m at your disposal until just after lunch, then I have to work.”
“I’d like that.” Dipping my face behind the protection of my mug, I smile shyly. Rafe so easily charms me. A kinship I can’t explain. As if somehow our chance meeting was meant to be.
He looks like he’s about to say more, but the sound of a mobile phone going off distracts him. The Addams family theme song fills the air between us. It’s loud enough to bring the attention of people at other tables our way.
Biting my lip, I giggle. Strangely enough, the familiar melody suits him. He’s definitely quirky and different than anyone I’ve met before.
Patting down his trouser pockets, Rafe finds his phone just as the noise cuts off.
Thick, low brows draw together as he stares at the screen. “I’m sorry, Samantha. My cousin needs my help with something that can’t wait,” he apologizes, looking up to find my gaze. “I’m afraid I’ll have to leave you for now.”
Disappointment clouds my happy mood. “It’s ok; I understand.”
Lowering my mug, I reach for another macaroon, the purple treat held between my forefinger and thumb. I can’t explain why my heart sinks. I barely know Rafe at all.
“I’ll meet you tomorrow morning at eleven outside this café,” he promises as if sensing my displeasure. “Until then, be safe.”
Uncoiling from his chair, he rakes some black curls out of his face, giving me a gallant bow. I watch as he weaves his way through the tables until he reaches the door. Observing him from the window, I mirror his wave before he vanishes along the street. It’s then I realize I should have asked for his number. The chance slipping through my fingers like wisps of smoke.
Chapter Three
Nerves have my stomach in knots as I make my way back to the café from the evening before. Our chosen meeting place at eleven am. It gave me plenty of time to sleep in. Have a leisurely breakfast and prepare.
The rain has been falling since I woke, steady, soft drops from the drab silver, gray clouds heavy and swollen. It’s taken the edge off the winter frigidness wind, but it’s still enough to take my breath away. Clutching my cheap umbrella in one gloved hand, I pass the people hurrying around me, their movements brisk and unbreaking.
Hopeful gaze sweeping the street, I see a familiar figure. Rafe is sheltering beneath a building. For a moment I’m oblivious of the world around me. Hair damp, the long coat he’s wearing falls to his ankles. It doesn’t look like much protection against the wet weather. A dab of blue paint decorates his right cheek, and a stripe of it is entangled in a lock of his dark hair. Rafe seems to be lost in thought, his dark brows furrowed, handsome face sombre.
As if sensing my presence, his head swings in my direction, and our gazes lock. Stepping out from his refuge, he walks toward me. The small pelts hit his head and shoulders, but he doesn’t seem to notice. Rushing forward to meet him halfway, I shield him beneath my umbrella.
“Rafe, you’re all wet,” I scold, playfully laughing. “You don’t want to catch a cold or the flu.”
“Ready to have the time of your life?” he asks unconcerned. Taking my free hand, his fingers entwining in mine in a loose grip.
I can’t stop the smile that spreads across my lips. “Yes.”