Bound By Lies - Rafe Cameron

Chapter 69

Rafe's POV

The next few days are like a dream I don't want to wake up from. Teresa is here—really here. In my space, in my bed, in my life. It's everything I've ever wanted, but never dared to hope for. The way she moves around Tannyhill, making the place feel warm and alive in a way it hasn't since... since I don't even remember when—it's like she's breathing life back into me, into this house.

And damn, if it doesn't feel right.

I watch her now from the kitchen doorway, a smile tugging at my lips as she bustles around, trying to organize the shelves. She's humming softly to herself, a sound so sweet and soft it makes my chest tighten. There's a sense of peace in watching her like this, in seeing her take charge of things, in knowing she's really moved in. That she's really staying.

"What are you smiling at?" she calls over her shoulder, glancing at me with a teasing smile that makes my heart skip a beat.

"Just you," I murmur, crossing the room to lean against the counter, my eyes never leaving hers. "I still can't believe you're really here."

She rolls her eyes, shaking her head slightly, but there's a faint blush on her cheeks that tells me she's flattered. "I've been here for three days now, Rafe," she says softly, her voice laced with warmth. "You need to stop acting like I'm going to disappear at any moment."

I let out a low chuckle, reaching out to snag her by the waist, pulling her close until she's pressed up against me, her breath hitching slightly. "Can't help it," I murmur, leaning down to brush a soft kiss against her forehead. "I keep thinking I'm going to wake up and find out this was all some crazy dream."

She smiles, reaching up to cup my face, her thumb brushing gently over my jaw. "It's not a dream," she whispers softly, her gaze locking onto mine. "I'm here. And I'm not going anywhere."

A breath I didn't know I was holding rushes out of me, and I lean down to kiss her—slowly, deeply, like I'm trying to memorize the feel of her lips, the taste of her. I never want to forget this moment. Never want to forget what it feels like to have her here, in my arms, where she belongs.

When I finally pull back, she's smiling up at me, her eyes shining with a mix of love and something else—something deeper. Something that makes my chest tighten with an emotion I can't quite put into words.

"So, what's on the agenda for today?" she asks softly, her fingers tracing idle patterns against my chest. "Are you going to keep hovering over me like some sort of overprotective bodyguard, or do you have something else planned?"

I smirk, leaning down to brush my nose against hers. "Maybe a bit of both," I murmur, enjoying the way her cheeks flush with color. "But I was thinking we could head out for a bit. I want to show you something."

Her eyebrows lift in surprise, and she tilts her head slightly, curiosity flickering in her gaze. "Show me what?"

"You'll see," I murmur, brushing a quick kiss against her lips before pulling back. "Go get dressed. Something comfortable. It's a bit of a drive."

She eyes me suspiciously, but I can see the excitement glimmering in her eyes, the way her lips curve into a faint smile. "Okay," she murmurs softly, stepping back reluctantly. "But you're not going to tell me where we're going, are you?"

"Nope," I say with a grin, winking at her. "It's a surprise."

She rolls her eyes again but turns to leave, and I watch her go, my heart pounding with a strange mix of anticipation and nervousness. I don't know why I'm so on edge, why I'm so eager to get her out of the house today. Maybe it's because I want to make it real. I want to show her that I'm serious about this—about us. That I'm not just saying the words, but I'm ready to build something with her. Something real.