Stranded(65)

Stranded





Chapter Nineteen


When Grant pulled his car into Val’s driveway, Rafe noted India’s car was missing. If she was still at dinner with her parents, he had every intention of getting their address and going to get her.

Without waiting for Grant to shut off the engine, Rafe tore the door open and shot out of his seat. He made it to the door and rang the doorbell before Grant caught up with him.

Grant chuckled. “You could have waited until I stopped the car at least.”

“Had I been driving, you probably would have done the same thing.” He rang the doorbell again, in his impatience.

“Probably.”

Rafe tapped his foot. Where was that woman and why wasn’t she answering the door. He was about to ring the bell again when Val opened the door.

“Rafe! Grant! I’m glad it’s you and not a solicitor because I was about to curse you out for ringing my doorbell like that. What are you doing here?”

“We’ve come to get India. Is she still at her parent’s house?” Rafe demanded.

“I would imagine. I haven’t heard from her since she left a few hours ago. Why don’t you come in and wait for her.” She stepped back, opening the door wide.

“If it’s all the same to you, would you mind providing the address to her parents’ house and we’ll meet her there.”

Val raised a brow. “I don’t see any point in giving you the address when she should be back any minute now. Anyway, I’m glad you guys came back, because I wanted to talk to you both.”

Rafe wanted to argue, but thought better of it, besides, he didn’t think there was any use. Petite she might be, Val was a formidable woman. With a sigh, he went inside.

“Have a seat, you two. I’ll get you something to drink? What will it be?”

“Nothing for me, thank you,” Grant said sitting down on the couch.

“Rafe?”

“Coke would be fine, thanks.”

He fidgeted in his seat until she returned with his soda. “Thank you.”

She took the chair opposite of them. “How was your drive?”

“It was fine.” Grant asked cautiously, “Do you have any idea what time India should be back?”

“Like I said, I don’t think she’ll be much longer. Relax, she’ll be back soon enough. I can’t imagine why she’d linger. To be honest, I was a bit worried about her going over there on her own. I’d offered to go with her, but she insisted I didn’t. I’m not sure how much you know about the situation with her parents, but it always concerns me when she’s with them for any amount of time.”

Rafe took a sip of his cola before answering. “She’s told us quite a bit, and we share your concerns. Val, can I be frank with you?”

“Certainly, if you allow me the same courtesy.”

Rafe placed his drink on the coffee table. “We’re aware that India has told you what happened between the three of us on the island, and I want you to know it wasn’t just a sex thing—if that’s what you’re thinking. It was special, and though it might not be a conventional arrangement, we love her and she loves us. So if you wanted to try to talk us out of taking her with us, I believe you’d be wasting your time.”

“I see,” she murmured. “It wasn’t my intention to talk you out of anything. India’s a grown woman and she can do as she pleases. My concern is that she doesn’t get hurt. She’s told you about her parents so you know she’s already suffered enough. My niece is very special to me, and for my peace of mind, I’d like to be assured this isn’t some perverted experiment you two are conducting.”

Grant raised his brows. “I’m sorry, but I resent that ‘perverted’ remark. Why is it perverted? Because the two of us love her and are willing to share? That rather than letting a woman come between the bond Rafe and I have, we’ve decided to choose one woman we can both love? Why is it perverted if it’s a tender, loving relationship? It’s not monogamous for her, but it would be for us. Besides that, instead of one man to take care of and love her as she deserves, she’ll have the both of us. I’m not saying everything will be smooth sailing—no relationship is, but neither one of us would ever do anything to hurt her. So no, this isn’t some experiment to us. It’s ours lives—she’s our lives.”

Val didn’t answer immediately, giving them one long look. She rubbed her chin and examined them intently before she finally replied. “I believe you. And I believe you believe what you’re saying. I wouldn’t be having this conversation if I didn’t like the two of you and it’s quite obvious that you’re both quite taken with India. But I guess what I’m trying to understand is how two good-looking, virile men like yourselves chose this lifestyle.”