Page 19 of Too Hot

Rafe frowned. What could the captain want? He walked into the office, and Frank closed the door.

“Stop frowning. Nothing is wrong,” Frank said.

“I’m racking my brain over why you wanted to chat with me.”

“I wanted to let you know Paula and I are going to be at the club this weekend. I didn’t want to surprise you.”

“No worries.” Rafe was the one who told Frank about the club. Somehow they hadn’t been there at the same time yet.

“Good. We’ve been so busy but we both miss the club and need a good night for ourselves.”

“Enjoy. I’ll be there, as well.” Rafe opened the door and walked out. He didn’t mind his boss being at the club. He’d run into a lot of people he saw outside the club. Pleasant Valley wasn’t too small, but it seemed if you went to the Sweet & Savory café, you’d eventually run into someone from the club.

Once home, he called the Double D BBQ and checked on his reservation for tomorrow night. A habit of his to make sure everything was set up. Once assured of the reservation, Rafe called for pizza. He didn’t feel like cooking.

By the time he ate, he was yawning. Not surprising. He worked six in the morning to six in the evenings, and today had been non-stop. Sitting on his sofa, beer on the side table, he found a movie to watch and within minutes was asleep.

* * * *

Brianna smiled as the last of her students hopped in the bus. She walked back to her classroom. Thank goodness it was Friday. She’d been distracted all week by thoughts of Rafe. The man had found a way under her skin. Under, over, and soon, hopefully, inside.

“Any weekend plans?” Ruby asked.

“Nothing special.” Ruby was one the other teachers, and they were friendly, but she wasn’t about to tell anyone at school about the club. That was her private business. “What about you?”

“Nothing. Just going out for drinks with some girlfriends. Why don’t you come with us?”

“I’d love to, but I have a previous engagement.”

“Oh.” Ruby’s eyes twinkled. “Who is he?”

Brianna’s face heated. “A friend.” That was all she was ready to say.

“Sounds interesting. Have fun. And I want to hear all about it on Monday.” Ruby waved as she left, and Brianna flopped down in her chair.

Have fun. Those two words bounced around in her head. She wondered what Rafe had planned for tonight. Not that the man would tell her. She’d texted him last night, trying to get more information out of him.

He hadn’t answered until this morning, all apologetic, saying he fell asleep early. He would pick her up at six, and he couldn’t wait to see her. His words made her skin tingle and her heart pound.

She shook her head and tidied up her desk, grabbed her messenger bag, and walked out to her car. Once home, she dropped her bag by the kitchen table but pulled out her wallet and cell phone.

No text from Rafe. She hoped he was having a good day off. Going into her bedroom, she gazed at her clothes. Not that she had a large amount. He said casual for dinner. She grabbed a pair of black jeans and a purple top.

Pulling a small carry bag out of her closet, she put her club clothes and shoes in it. Then she pulled out one of her small purses. It wasn’t big enough for her wallet, but she put some money, a credit card, and her cell in it.

She glanced at the clock. Forty-five minutes before Rafe arrived. She could take a quick shower and be ready in that time.

Forty minutes later, the buzzer in her apartment went off, letting her know there was someone at the front door. “Yes,” she said into the speaker.

“It’s Rafe.”

“Be right down.” She clicked off and picked up her small purse, bag for the club, and her keys. Exhilaration flowed through her veins as she walked down the hall. Rafe stood by the door, looking delicious in his jeans and polo top.

“Hi,” she said as she pushed the door open.

“Hi.” He took her bag out of her hand. “Why didn’t you buzz me in?”

His tone held annoyance. “I’m sorry, old habit.” As a kid, someone had been buzzed into the apartment building where she lived who shouldn’t have been there. The results had been tragic.

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