Hating to Love You (Houston's Finest #1)

by Erin Rylie

  Sophie opened the door to Kelsey’s livid ex-husband, Kyle. He appeared to have been in mid-knock, his fist still raised in the air.

  Kelsey came up behind Sophie. “Kyle, what the hell are you doing here?”

  Pushing his way past the two women, Kyle strode into the living room before turning to face them. “Where the fuck is my son, Kelsey? It’s supposed to be my goddamn weekend with him.”

  Sophie unlocked her phone, pulling up Rafe’s contact and holding her thumb over the call button. Kyle wasn’t a violent man, but the divorce seemed to have changed him. Before this morning, Sophie had never heard him raise his voice at Kelsey.

  Kelsey stood her ground. “I told you yesterday that I needed you to take James last night, Kyle. You didn’t answer a single fucking phone call or text, so I took him to my parent’s house.”

  “Sorry I don’t want to watch my son so that you can whore yourself around tow—”

  Sophie had had enough. “You’re done, Kyle. Get the fuck out of my house.”

  Kyle laughed. “What the hell are you gonna do, Sophie? You’re all of five feet. You can’t force me to do shit.”

  “Oh really? I happen to have an HPD officer on goddamn speed dial. Get out of my house before he comes to remove you.”

  Apparently not wanting to deal with the police, Kyle walked toward the front door. “Kelsey, I’ll be back at noon to pick up my son. He better fucking be here.”

  Kyle slammed the door as he left, and Sophie quickly hurried to lock it behind him. When she returned to the living room, she found Kelsey curled up on the couch, her head in her hands. Sophie wrapped her arms around her best friend, offering what comfort she could.

  “Kels, how long has it been like this? You never told me it was that bad.”

  Kelsey looked up, tears streaming down her face. “He’s been like this since I filed for divorce. He’s so angry with me, all the time. But he’s still a fantastic father to James, so I just don’t know what to do.”

  Sophie thought about the night before and how much worse things would’ve been had Carlos been at the house this morning. Suddenly, her friend’s behavior toward him made sense.

  “So that’s why you’re pushing Carlos away—you don’t want to drag him into this.”

  Kelsey sniffed and nodded. “My life is a fucking shitshow. I’m not ready, and he deserves better. Maybe one of those badge bunnies from last night has what he’s looking for.”

  “Hey, you’re the fucking best. Plus, Carlos didn’t go home with either of those women last night. He put them in a cab and came back inside looking for you.”

  Kelsey nodded again. “It doesn’t change anything, Soph. I’m not in the right state of mind to date. I need to figure out what the hell to do with Kyle.”

  “Let me ask Rafe. Maybe we can look into filing a restraining order?”

  “No, I can’t do that to Kyle. Like I said, he’s great with James; it’s me he’s mad at. I need to think of another way to handle this.”

  Kelsey got up off of the couch and wiped the tears from her eyes. “I’m going to go take a shower and pick up James. Thank you, Soph. I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

  One steaming hot shower and delicious cup of herbal tea later, Sophie found herself on the couch staring at her phone. She pulled her feet up onto the couch and under her, contemplating the call she was about to make. She was eleven weeks pregnant and still hadn’t told her father. She and her dad had a tricky relationship; in her early twenties, Sophie had been a bit of a handful. She’d flitted from job to job and partied way too much with her friends. Though she’d made it through college, she hadn’t gotten the best GPA and had gotten a degree she didn’t really care much for. Those years had put a strain on her relationship with her dad, who had higher expectations of her and was, frankly, a little bit of a hardass. Her early twenties were a distant memory, but she was still struggling to build a strong relationship with her only parent. Her mother had left her when she was still a child, and it had always been her and her dad.

  She was honestly dreading telling him about the baby. Sophie could practically hear his judgment and disappointment in her head. Before she could give herself a chance to back out, she hit the call button. The phone rang twice before her father’s voice came through the phone.

  “Jim Klein,” he answered, curtly. He always answered the phone the exact same way, even when he knew it was Sophie calling.

  “Hey Dad,” Sophie said meekly, already losing her courage. Few people could make Sophie nervous, and her father was certainly one of them.

  “Hey sweet pea! Haven’t heard from you in weeks! What’s new?”

  “Well, um, that’s actually what I called to speak to you about.” She tried to force as much cheer into her voice as possible. “I have news!”

  “Okay,” he replied cautiously. Her dad always knew when she was scared to tell him something.

  “Impregnant,” she blurted.

  “Soph, I didn’t catch that.” He chuckled. “Try telling me again at the speed of a normal human, not an auctioneer.”

  Sophie took a deep breath and repeated herself. “I’m pregnant.”

  “Oh, wow! I didn’t even know you were seeing anyone, sweet pea. Did you just find out? Who is this guy? Are you engaged too?”

  “Well I’m not seeing him...the father, that is. His name is Rafe and it was a, um. I mean, we aren’t dating. But that’s okay! I’m about eleven weeks along and all is healthy.”

  “What do you mean you’re not dating him?”

  “He’s just a friend?” Sophie asked, her tone implying a question, not a statement.

  “Hmm.”

  “That’s okay though, Dad! He’s a good guy, a police officer actually. Plus, he’s been here every step of the way. Things are fine, I promise.”

  “Hmm,” he repeated, his inflection not changing at all.

  “You’re going to be a grandfather! Isn’t that exciting?”

  Her father’s voice immediately softened. “Well, of course, that’s exciting. I can’t wait to meet my grandchild. But are you sure you’re okay? Maybe you should move home and let me help you.”

  Sophie scoffed, “Dad, we would drive each other crazy within a week. How about I come visit you sometime this month? I’ll drive up and stay, and you can see the ultrasound.”

  “You mean you’d drive me crazy. I’m the sane one in this family.”

  “Where do you think I get my crazy from? So, I’ll see you next weekend?”

  “Sounds good, sweet pea. Don’t forget that ultrasound.”

  “I won’t, Dad. Love you.”

  “Love you too, kid.”

  Chapter Nineteen

  Rafe: You owe me 3 dates, woman.

  Sophie: Ummm wrong number?

  Rafe: Ha ha, very funny. You should just go ahead and save me as “Best Sex I’ve Ever Had.”

  Sophie: You’re currently saved under “Double Bagger.”

  Rafe: You wound me, Sophie. According to the women of Houston, I’m fine as helllll.

  Sophie: Did you just hear my eye roll? I eye-rolled so hard that I’m sure people in Canada heard it.

  Rafe: Wait...that’s not really my name in your phone, right?

  *Incoming photo from Sophie*

  Rafe: SOPH! My fragile ego can’t handle these insults! Change it right now.

  Sophie: Alright, changed it.

  Rafe: What did you change it to??

  Sophie: Pencil Dick

  Rafe: WHOA! Now you’re insulting Little Rafe? Don’t make me send a dick pic as proof.

  Sophie: Not changing it.

  Rafe: I’ll do it, Sophie. Don’t test me.

  Rafe: Hold on, making Carlos pull the patrol car over so I can run into this Whataburger.

  Sophie: A Whataburger dick pic...really classy, Rafe.

  Rafe: MY DIGNITY IS AT STAKE HERE, SOPHIE.

  Sophie: What reason are you giving Carlos for this sudden pit stop?

  Rafe: I to
ld him I had to pee.

  Sophie: You know, you really should be honest with your partner.

  Rafe: YOU TEXTED HIM?

  Rafe: WHY DO YOU EVEN HAVE HIS NUMBER?

  Rafe: I WILL NEVER LIVE THIS DOWN. HE’S CALLING ME OFFICER PENCIL DICK, SOPHIE.

  Sophie: Alright, calm down, Mister Shouty Pants. I got his number from Kelsey.

  Sophie: Rafe?

  Sophie: Hello?

  Sophie: Are you pouting?

  Rafe: I’m brooding. Men fucking brood, Sophie. I’m a man. A handsome, well endowed MAN dammit.

  Sophie: Okay, okay. I changed your name in my phone.

  *Incoming photo from Sophie*

  Rafe: Officer Pencil Dick? Really? REALLY?

  Rafe: That’s it, going into the Whataburger bathroom now.

  *Incoming photo from Rafe*

  Sophie: Rafe, why is there a dick on my phone screen right now?

  Rafe: You made me do it.

  Sophie: Okay, I really want to know where you got the measuring tape.

  Rafe: Don’t worry about it.

  Sophie: Please tell me you didn’t buy it for this picture.

  Rafe: IT NEEDED TO BE DONE, SOPHIE. Now change my fucking name.

  Sophie: Okay, this is the last time I’m changing it. You’re saved as Baby Daddy now.

  Rafe: That’s right, I am your baby daddy. Don’t you forget it.

  Sophie: Rolling my eyes again, Rafe.

  Rafe: So about this date. I’ll pick you up tomorrow night at 6.

  Sophie: I have plans to wash my hair.

  Rafe: Oh, shower date? I’ll help.

  Sophie: You are insufferable. Fine, see you at 6.

  Rafe: Dress sexy, Baby Momma.

  Though Sophie would never admit it to Rafe, she was looking forward to their date tonight. She’d even gone shopping for a dress to wear. Her baby bump had come in seemingly overnight and she felt bloated in everything she currently owned. She looked in the mirror and ran her hands down the dress she chose. It was a black peplum dress and hugged her curves while managing to hide her baby bump. She’d paired it with her favorite red pumps, a pearl necklace, and understated pearl studs. Kelsey had done her makeup: a very light and natural cat eye with red lipstick.

  For the first time in weeks, Sophie actually felt attractive. When she heard a knock at the door, she gave herself one final lookover in the mirror before heading out into the living room. Kelsey had let Rafe in, and he was holding James. He was tugging on Rafe’s ear while babbling away. Apparently James wanted Rafe to know that he was successfully pooping in the potty.

  Rafe was laughing and congratulating the little guy, not even a little bothered by the ear pulling and incessant chatter. For most people, James was a little too much. He was a pretty hyperactive three-year-old and was surprisingly loquacious for his age.

  While he was distracted, Sophie took a moment to drink Rafe in. He was wearing gray slacks and a green button-down, the pants hugging him in all of the right places. She watched his muscles flex when he shifted James from one side of his body to the other and actually felt saliva pool in her mouth. He was too handsome; it was honestly unfair. She hoped their child got his genes. Sophie could already picture it: a little girl with Rafe’s blonde hair and blue eyes, a mischievous little smile pulling at her lips. She smiled and rubbed a hand over her small bump. With every day that passed, she grew more attached to her baby, more sure of her choice.

  Seeing Rafe with James warmed her heart. He was going to be such an incredible father: attentive, loving, and playful. She could feel herself softening toward him and knew she needed to tread carefully. Sophie had hated him when they’d first met, but as Rafe had gotten to know her, he’d opened up to her more. Sure, he was still a cocky asshole from time to time, but he also made her laugh, brought her pie when she was craving it, and made her feel sexy in a time when her body wasn’t quite feeling like her own. She knew with a startling certainty that she could fall for him, and that terrified her. She hated to give anyone that kind of power over her, but she didn’t know how to stop her growing emotions.

  Rafe looked up and met Sophie’s eyes, a small smile forming on his lips. He gave James a little squeeze before setting him down and walking toward Sophie slowly. The toddler ran into the living room, Kelsey throwing Sophie a wink before following her son. Rafe grabbed Sophie’s hand, turning it over to place a light kiss on the inside of her wrist, just over her pulse point.

  “You look stunning, Sophie,” he said in a soft voice. His eyes ran over her slowly, heat blooming everywhere they touched. When his eyes reached hers again, she saw lust in them. Suddenly, her day of shopping and primping all seemed worth it.

  Realizing she hadn’t spoken since he walked in, Sophie put up her hand for an awkward little wave. “Hi.”

  Rafe laughed and took her hand, twining their fingers together and pulling her out the door. Sophie didn’t have a shy bone in her body, but she was suddenly nervous and couldn’t seem to find her voice. Something about the tender look he’d given her, the way he’d kissed her pulse before reverently taking her in had gotten to her. She wasn’t sure how to act around this sweeter, softer version of Rafe.

  He opened the car door for her before moving to his side of the vehicle. Sophie still hadn’t found her voice when he got in the car and pulled out of her driveway. Talking suddenly seemed so daunting, and she didn’t want to mess this up. History had proven that Sophie and Rafe could easily start a fight, and Sophie was reluctant to ruin the calm of their night. Instead of talking, she picked at the nail polish on her fingers, fidgeting in her seat.

  “Alright, Sophie. What the hell is going on? You’re never this quiet and it’s freaking me out.”

  Sophie laughed, “Don’t make fun of me, okay?” She heaved a heavy sigh and spoke quickly, her words slurring together. “Imnervous.”

  Rafe laughed, his head falling back to meet the headrest as the sound of his joyful outburst filled the car. Sophie reached over and hit him with her clutch. “Asshole!”

  He held up his hand to defend himself. “I’m sorry, I’m sorry. Just the idea of you being nervous is so absurd to me. You’re one of the most confident women I’ve ever met. It’s one of your sexier qualities.”

  Sophie snorted, “You’re such a dick sometimes.”

  “It’s charming, isn’t it?” he joked, throwing a wink her way. “Alright, let’s find a way to make you less nervous. Have you ever played the question game?”

  Sophie shook her head.

  “Alright, so we take turns asking questions. They can be about anything, and we have to agree to answer with complete honesty, okay?”

  “You know I’m a reporter, right? This is a dangerous game you’re playing, Officer Pencil Dick.”

  Rafe scowled. “I thought we agreed to never discuss that again. Do I need to send you another picture?”

  Sophie laughed. “Alright, I’ll drop it. You ask first, pretty boy.”

  “Not liking the nicknames tonight, Soph. But okay, I’ll go first. What color thong are you wearing?”

  Her eyes rolled, seemingly of their own volition, and she decided to torture him with a little white lie. “Actually, I’m not wearing any underwear,” she replied smugly.

  Rafe made a choked sound, his grip tightening on the steering wheel. “You fight dirty, Sophie Klein.”

  Sophie shrugged. “You told me to be honest.” She knew it was her turn and was already struggling to come up with a question. She decided to start out easy. “What’s your favorite color?”

  Rafe glanced over, his eyes moving quickly down her body before landing on her shoes. A small smile tipped up the corner of his mouth. “Right now, I’m really loving red.” His gaze flicked back up to hers. “And green. I find myself liking the color green more and more.”

  Sophie smiled and blushed, his compliment washing over her. Before she could respond, he asked his next question. They continued asking back and forth for the duration of their car ride. She
learned that Rafe listened primarily to classic rock and was allergic to shellfish. She told him that she’d always wanted to work for a publisher in New York and that she hated bacon. He’d almost kicked her out of his car after hearing the last admission.

  By the time they pulled up to the restaurant, Sophie’s nervousness had abated. The question game had done exactly what Rafe had wanted—it had gotten her out of her own head. Before she could open the car door, Rafe came around and opened it for her, offering his hand.

  The restaurant he had chosen was an Italian place she’d seen plenty of times on her way home and had always wanted to try. They were seated quickly at a quiet two-top in the corner of the room. The lights were dimmed, creating a private ambiance. There was a small tea-light candle on the table, casting a soft, flickering light that added to the romantic atmosphere. Rafe pulled out her chair before seating himself, and she smiled at the sweet gesture.