Stranded(67)
Val covered her mouth with her hand. “Oh my God. Your mother probably had a fit.”
“Actually, she and Trevor sat in stunned silence, as Jack and I kind of had a little reconciliation believe it or not. But don’t worry. Leila stayed true to form. Just before I walked out the door, she said something that was meant to hurt me, but it only made me a little sad.”
Rafe kissed her on the cheek. “Why did it make you sad, India?”
“Sad for all the years I’ve wasted trying to live up to an ideal that never existed. And sad for not realizing sooner that the only person that was making me unhappy was me. I let them do that to me. But in a way, I’m glad this happened because now I’m going to take that happiness that I’ve been denied for so long for myself. And I know I’d be happiest with you and Grant. When we came back from the island, I was so scared and worried about what other people would say about us, not focusing on that special bond we shared, but I’m tired of living like that. I want to be happy with you two.” She took Grant’s and Rafe’s hands in each of hers and gave them a nice squeeze.”
“If I might make a suggestion,” Val interrupted, “I think the three of you should spend the night and drive back in the morning. It’s getting dark out there. Besides, it doesn’t sound like you had much dinner at your parents’ house. I’ll fix you something to eat.”
“Just a couple hot dogs will be fine with me,” India answered.
Rafe leaned over and whispered in her ear, a smile tugging the corners of his lips. “I have a hot dog for you.”
India smacked him on the knee with a giggle. “Don’t get fresh when you’re not in the position to do anything about it.”
Rafe whispered again. “Name it and I’ll get into any position you want.”
She shook her head with mock exasperation. “What am I going to do with you, Rafe?”
“Love me.”
“I already do. Very much.”
Long after her aunt had gone to bed, the three lovers sat on the couch, talking and cuddling. India had never felt so content in her life and all it had taken was for her to just let go.
She sat between Grant’s thighs as he massaged her shoulders while her feet rested on Rafe’s legs.
“Mmm. Grant, that feels lovely. Don’t stop.”
“If I don’t, my hands won’t be the only thing rubbing you.” Grant kneaded her flesh.
“You two are so nasty.”
“But you wouldn’t have us any other way.” Rafe’s lips tilted in a wicked grin.
“What time do you think we’ll be heading out tomorrow? There’s something I need to do,” she finished with a yawn, lethargy starting to take over.
“I was thinking we should venture out after rush hour traffic. There’s no way I’m going to miss out on your aunt’s chocolate chip pancakes,” Grant answered. “What was it you had to do?”
“I’m going to put an end to Angie’s blackmail plans once and for all.”
Rafe sat up straight from his relaxed position. “What are you talking about?”
“Like I said before, I’m not going to allow you guys to give in to her demands and it’s not even the money. It’s the principle. She doesn’t deserve a dime, and she certainly shouldn’t get it by extortion. If my plan works, she won’t have a leg to stand on.”
Rafe frowned. “What do you plan on doing?”
“Remember I was telling you about that reporter who was at the dinner?”
“No!” Grant protested.
“Yes. This is the only way. If we beat Angie to the punch there will be no story to tell, hence no blackmail.”
“India, do you know what could possibly happen if you tell this reporter about our relationship. It may bring you some unwanted attention. That’s what we want to shield you from.”
“But that’s just it. You don’t have to protect me. If the world knows about us, I don’t care. I know I’m strong enough to deal with it.”
“But in your profession, some people may take issue with it,” Rafe pointed out.
“Then if it comes to that, we’ll deal with it, but my mind is made up and I’m going to do this interview. It’s my turn to look out for the two of you.”
Rafe’s shoulders drooped in defeat. He probably realized it was pointless to argue with her. “You don’t have to do this.”
“I know I don’t, but I want to. And I’m going to. If we’re to start our lives together, I want it to be with a clean slate, with no shadows from the past. No pains or regrets and certainly no ex-wives popping up.”