Page 36 of Too Hot

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Brianna checked the meatloaf as her phone pinged. Picking it up, she looked at the message:

Rafe:On my way. Be there in about twenty minutes.

Brianna:Perfect. We can eat as soon as you get here.

She checked the potatoes; they were cooked. Draining them, she pulled cream and butter out of the fridge and found her potato masher. She hoped Rafe like meatloaf, mashed potatoes, and roasted carrots.

* * * *

“Something smells delicious,” Rafe said when Brianna opened the door.

“Dinner.”

“I think it’s more than dinner.” He leaned over and brushed a kiss on her cheek. Brianna gestured for him to enter her apartment. He’d been here before, now he glanced around with fresh eyes.

Her sofa was across from a modest TV, a colorful blanket thrown over the back. She had two side tables with lamps and several bookcases filled with books on one wall. A small desk and chair sat against the other wall. Probably where she did her lesson plans for the kids.

“Dinner is about ready. I hope meatloaf, mashed potatoes, and roasted carrots are okay.” She shut the door and leaned against it.

“It’s fine. Better than me grabbing fast food on the way home.”

She frowned. “That’s not good for you.”

Rafe couldn’t help grinning. “I know, but after a twelve-hour shift, I’m too tired to cook if I forgot to do my normal dump and go meals.”

“Dump and go?” She gestured for him to sit. “Would you like something to drink?”

He stood near the sofa. “Dump and go is meal prep for the slow cooker. What do you have to drink?” Since this wasn’t a play night and he didn’t have to go to work tomorrow, he could indulge a little bit.

“Beer, wine, soda, water, or I can make iced tea if you’d like.” A beeping noise came from the kitchen. “I need to get dinner out of the oven.” She turned and disappeared through the doorway.

Rafe followed, admiring Brianna’s firm ass as she bent over to take things out of the oven.Easy, guy.This was just a friendly dinner and maybe the start of something more.

His mouth watered as she pulled the meatloaf out. Beef and spices filled his senses. Next came a pan of roasted carrots. “That looks so good.”

She jumped. “I didn’t realize you followed me.” Brianna reached for a platter and expertly moved the food from the pans and onto it, then she lifted the lid from a big pot that sat on the stove.

“You made mashed potatoes from scratch?” Rafe stood there, stunned. Not even his mother made mashed potatoes from scratch.

“Yes. It’s not that hard.”

“Damn woman, why hasn’t some man snatched you up by now?” He was floored at how much trouble she went to for him. How was it he’d gotten so lucky to be paired with Brianna?

“When I say cooking was part of the problem, will you understand?” She dished up the potatoes and looked at him.

“No. Wait until I cook for you and then you’ll understand your cooking is not the problem.” He reached for the platter and bowl. “I’ll put these on the table, and I’ll take a beer to drink, please.” Rafe left the kitchen. Were the men in her life crazy? Must be. He found her small table with two chairs already set. He set the food down and waited until Brianna came to the table with a tray holding his beer, a glass of wine, and a gravy boat.

Rafe held a chair out for her. Brianna’s eyes widened. “Thank you,” she whispered as she sat.

“You’re welcome,” Rafe took his place across from her and waited.

“Please, grab some food.” She gestured to the food. “You’re my guest.”

He nodded and began to fill his plate. Everything looked delicious. He held the platter of meat and carrots out to Brianna. Rafe kept his gaze on her as she dished up her food. He enjoyed watching her expressions, the way her eyes narrowed when she concentrated on something or the quick quirk of her lips when she finished a task.

Once their plates were full, Rafe dug in. The meatloaf was rich in flavor and moist. The mashed potatoes whipped to perfection, and the carrots crunchy. “This is delicious.”

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