Off the Record (With Me in Seattle Mafia 3)

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 mentioned it before.”

I sigh deeply and rub my hand over my mouth as I keep my eyes on the freeway. It’s late into the evening, so traffic is light.

“I’d only started thinking about it,” I admit, not sure how much to say. I don’t want to scare her by talking about things that could happen in the long term. We aren’t there yet. This is still new for both of us.

But damn it, I’m a planner.

“You don’t like the condo?” she asks.

“I like it fine.” I glance her way and find her watching me carefully. “It’s convenient since it’s downtown and only about twenty minutes from the airstrip.”

“But?”

I shake my head with a chuckle. “I was just considering a house in a nice neighborhood. Maybe with a water view.”

“When did you start thinking about this?”

I bite the inside of my cheek until I taste coppery blood on my tongue.

“About a week ago.”

She’s quiet for a long moment and then clears her throat. “Are you considering a house because of me?”

“I don’t know.” I blow out a breath. “Maybe. Look, I know that the condo isn’t the best.”

I take my exit off the freeway.

“I like the condo.”

“It’s small. No yard. And most of the building is used for business, so that’s probably not something I’d like to have you living with for long.”

“Rafe, you don’t have to buy a whole house just because I’m staying with you for a little while.”

I park in my space and turn to her with a scowl. “What do you mean, for a little while?”

Her mouth bobs open and closed, and then she simply sighs and closes her eyes. “I’m saying the wrong things.”

“I think we’re both doing a good job of that.”

I jump out of the car, hurry to the passenger door, and open it for her, escorting her to the elevator. Once inside the condo, I toss my keys into the bowl by the door, and she kicks out of her shoes.

“Of course, you’re not buying a house just because of me,” she continues as we walk into the kitchen, and I reach for two glasses. One wine glass, and one whiskey glass.

I pour us each a drink and pass the wine to Annika.

“I mean, you have valid reasons for wanting a house without me.”