Free Gage, Ronna - The Search is Over (Siren Publishing Classic) by Ronna Gage Page B

turned to him and smiled. Her professionally styled brown hair touched the middle of her back, when it was loose and not in a bun or some other style on top of her head. Her blue eyes swam with adoration as she looked at Rafe.
    “I just assumed you had to close again, like you did last night.”
    Sheila stepped up on tiptoe and brushed a tender kiss on his lips. “Where did you want to go?” Dressed in new designer jeans, a salmon-colored T-shirt, and barefooted, she didn’t look like she was ready to go out. “I can be ready in five minutes,” she vowed as she took a step toward the bedroom.
    Sheila was sweet and accommodating when she wanted to be. Luckily, this was one of those days. Rafe grabbed her arm and redirected her back to the living room. “I thought we could stay in tonight.”
    “Okay.” Sheila looked at him, her eyes narrowed. “Something’s wrong. What is it?” She put her hands on her tiny waist.
    Although she was a lady most times, Rafe realized awhile ago that her selfish, vindictive, and petty nature left a bad taste in his mouth. “Nothing’s wrong,” Rafe assured her. This is going to be a long night. “I’m just tired.”
    Rafe walked to the dining table and sat the bag of beer he had in his hands on the table. The glass top—indicative of Sheila’s tastes—showed no scuff marks. She liked classy, expensive, modern items. A knock-off or cheap imitation would never do. The hotel manager’s assistant, a bigger control freak than he ever thought about being, took exceptional care of her things.
    “Why are you so tired?” Sheila raised an eyebrow. The expression looked more irritated than concerned for him.
    Rafe grabbed a beer from the bag and pulled the silver tab. “I’ve been working some long hours.” He sat down at the table and took a long swallow of beer.
    Sheila took the bag of beer and walked to the kitchen. She set the beer in the refrigerator, folded the bag neatly, and set it in the pantry. Rafe grinned. Sheila didn’t allow anything to be out of place in her apartment.
    “Well, Rafe, it’s good that you work extra hours.” Sheila assured him. “Building a nest egg takes time. You have to do it before you settle down.” She joined him at the table and offered him an empty glass for his beer. He shook his head refusing the glass.
    Her advice sounded condescending, and Rafe didn’t like it at all. “Yes, but maybe I don’t want to kill myself before I get to the nest egg age. Maybe, I want to enjoy someone’s company along the way,” Rafe admitted out loud what he had suspected all along. He wanted to try the commitment thing one last time.
    “Rafe, what are you saying?”
    The excitement in Sheila’s voice caught his attention. This isn’t going the way I planned . She had hope shimmering in her eyes, and he didn’t want to be the one to break her heart. But, holding on to something that won’t work, is cruel…in a way . Damn.
    “Sheila, what do you think I’m trying to say?” Don’t let it involve a future together and make me the asshole…again . Don’t jump to conclusions. Her expectations could be different from mine. He waited for her to answer with slightly held breath.
    “I think you are saying you want to take this relationship to the next level.” Sheila couldn’t hide enthusiasm. “Am I wrong?”
    Okay, so much for hoping her expectations were different. “Sheila. I don’t want to lead you on, but…”
    “No, don’t say it, Rafe.” Sheila turned abruptly. The unease of the conversation put a damper on her smile. “If I read it wrong, I’m sorry.” She walked back to the table. “Let’s forget anything was ever said. All right?”
    Rafe nodded. Agreed for now . Do what you came here to do. Get it over with and leave. Delaying it will only make it worse.
    Sheila took him by the hand. “Come here, I want to show you something.” She led him in the direction to the other end of the apartment.
    The undeniable seduction in her