Off The Record (With Me in Seattle Mafia #3) -Kristen Proby Page 0,30

walk past me, and I reach out for his hand, tugging him to me.

“I’m sorry.”

“I said forget it.”

I wrap my arms around his middle and hold on tightly. “I have a stupid mouth, and I didn’t mean it.”

“Hey.” He kisses my head, and it makes me feel a little bit better. “I said it’s okay. Maybe I just know that you never wanted to be involved with someone who’s committed to the organization the way I am. I’m not leaving it, A. And you need to know that before we go much further.”

“I know it.” I look up at him. “I know, Rafe. And if I thought I couldn’t deal with it, I wouldn’t be here. The truth is, I just want to be with you. No matter what.”

He lets out a long breath and kisses my forehead.

“It’s fine, Annika. Let’s go have a good day.”

“Okay.”

“Are you enjoying Seattle, dear?” Rafe’s mother, Flavia Martinelli, asks me later that evening. “Have you been sight-seeing?”

“She just got here yesterday, Mom,” Rafe says but wraps his arm around his mother’s shoulders and gives her an affectionate squeeze.

“Well, we did do some sight-seeing today,” I reply as Flavia fills my glass with wine. “Rafe took me to Pike Place Market, where he bought me the most amazing bouquet.”

“The market really does have the best flowers,” Flavia agrees.

“We wandered around downtown and just had a good day.”

“And what do you think of the condo?” Carlo asks.

“It’s a nice place.” I smile politely and sit next to Rafe at the table, where appetizers are being served.

By staff.

I’m used to this at Uncle Igor’s house, and I always forget how fancy it makes me feel until I’m in the situation again.

“I love the view,” I continue. “The water is just so blue. And it’s fun to watch the ferries float on the Sound, as well.”

“It really is a nice view,” Flavia agrees. “Perhaps you should buy a house near the water, Rafe.”

I frown as I take a bite of my Caprese salad and turn to Rafe. “Are you looking for a house?”

“Well, you two can’t live in the condo forever,” Flavia continues. “It’s so small. There’s no room to stretch out and enjoy each other. And what about when you start having children? No, it certainly won’t do for the long term. But I know of some absolutely gorgeous homes for sale that have amazing views. One of my good friends is a realtor. I’ll give her a call next week.”

“I don’t think I’m in a rush to buy a house,” Rafe says and eyes me warily. “I haven’t even talked to Annika about it yet.”

“Oh.” Flavia looks between us and cringes. “Oh, dear. I’m sorry to speak out of turn. My mind just starts working, and my mouth starts to babble.”

I smile, but I make a mental note to ask Rafe many questions when we get back to the condo. I feel like I’m missing something, something big. Like he isn’t telling me everything.

And Flavia mentioned children. I don’t know how I feel about kids. At least, kids of my own. I mean, I just got here.

We haven’t even had sex yet, not to mention the fact that we certainly haven’t talked about anything long term.

I thought we’d take things slow. Because while it’s a fact that I want to be with Rafe for the rest of my life, I’m still healing from a lot of garbage.

“Annika?”

I glance up and realize that Flavia asked me a question. “I’m sorry, I was too busy having a party in my mouth with this salad.”

The other woman laughs and then nods. “It’s my favorite, as well. I was just wondering if you’ve thought about opening another medi-spa here in Seattle. I’d love to be your first patient.”

I grin at the thought. “Mrs. Martinelli, you’re lovely without my help.”

“Well, then, just think about what a knockout I’ll be with your help.”

We all laugh, and I feel much more comfortable as we settle in to enjoy each other’s company.

Chapter 10

~Rafe~

I could kill my mother.

I shift gears manually and merge onto the freeway while Annika sits quietly next to me.

“My mom means well.”

She turns her head towards me and offers me a smile in the darkness. “I adore your mom. She’s sweet and fun.”

“I wish she hadn’t gone on and on about me buying a new house.”

Annika shifts in her seat, facing me now. “I was going to ask about that. Do you want to move out of the condo? You hadn’t