Read Online Along for the Ride by Ruby Laska - Free Book Online Page B

freshly shaved. His mouth quirked up at the corners, and his eyes danced, a man who couldn’t believe his luck.
    And then someone stepped between them. Lauren nearly collided with the man; she stepped back and began to apologize.
    It was Philip.
    Her words froze on her lips, and in slow motion she saw Rafi step toward her, hand outstretched, ready to steady her.
    “Lauren.” It was Philip who spoke, Philip who oozed confidence, who held himself with the authority of a general, who was accustomed to barking commands, so that his voice had taken on a tone of self-assuredness that never wavered.
    Rafi hesitated. Lauren glanced frantically from one to the other, wanting to propel herself into the safety of Rafi’s arms.
    Philip took her arm, firmly, and pulled her in and deposited a kiss on her cheek. Stunned, Lauren touched the place where he had kissed her, stepped back.
    “Lauren, we need to talk. I’ve left Cherie.”
    “I don’t see what that has to do with me,” Lauren said, edging towards Rafi, who stood uncertainly with his arms at his sides. “You thought it best if we didn’t stay in contact, remember?”
    Philip made an impatient motion with his hands. “I would like to ask you to forget that conversation, Lauren,” he said. “Look, mistakes were made. I was not myself. I know I have some making up to do, and I’m prepared to do it.”
    “My driver is here,” Lauren said, then regretted her words. He had not been merely her driver for a long time, and the words tasted like an insult on her lips. She looked into Rafi’s eyes imploringly, saw the familiar sparks there. Danger. “His name is Rafi,” she added. “I need to go.”
    Philip spared only a glance in Rafi’s direction. “I’ll take you home myself.”
    “I have plans.”
    “Just the ride, for God’s sake, Lauren! We can talk on the way. Make a call, get out of whatever you have to do. This is important.”
    “I—”
    “Look, I’m not asking you to make up your mind this second,” Philip said, picking up her carry-on. “Just hear me out. I think we both need to air our thoughts.”
    Lauren watched helplessly as he tugged out the handle of her flight bag.
    Then Rafi stepped closer. His eyes were clouded with fury, his jaw set like stone. “The lady said she has plans,” he said, steel in his voice.
    Philip laughed. Lauren’s gut contracted with anger. “Look, Buddy, don’t worry, I’ll pay your fee.” He took out his wallet and peeled off a handful of bills. “Here. Take a hike, buy yourself a drink. Okay?”
    He held out the bills to Rafi, who made no move to take them.
    “Lauren,” Rafi said quietly. “Come with me. Please.”
    Philip looked from one to the other of them, incredulously. “What the hell? You’re way out of line here, buddy. Come on, take the money. The offer’s running out in a few seconds.”
    “No thanks.” Rafi spat the words through clenched teeth.
    There was a silence as the men regarded each other, hatred coming off Rafi in waves.
    Finally, Philip shrugged, pocketed the money. “Suit yourself. Lauren, come on. Let’s not waste any more time on this guy. What do you say, I’ll get us a table at Nicoise—”
    “I’m not going anywhere with you,” Lauren said, but her voice trembled, giving her away.
    “Lauren.” Philip wheedled, allowing her half a smile. “Come on, honey. Be reasonable.”
    She did not feel strong now. Being near Philip threatened something in her, nipped at the tender bud of courage that had begun to form in her, nourished by Rafi’s attention. She didn’t feel like a beautiful woman, not when Philip ordered her around, sure she’d never deny him.
    She remembered how he had hurt her, how he’d belittled her so often. Some of her spirit returned. No man would ever do that to her again.
    She glanced at Rafi—so strong, so determined—and her heart contracted. Rafi had made her believe in herself. He had opened up her life in ways she’d never imagined possible.