Page 37 of Too Hot

Her cheeks pinked. “It’s nothing.”

That was the second time she put her accomplishments in the kitchen down. “It’s more than nothing.” He waited, but she kept her gaze lowered. “Brianna, look at me, please.”

Her gaze met his. “You are a good cook. This is a meal anyone can appreciate, and if they don’t, they’re idiots.”

Brianna shook her head. “Some men don’t.”

Who had made her think her cooking wasn’t worthy of them? “Like I said, idiots. Don’t let them define you.” He didn’t know how to get through to her. “Brianna, I’m not blowing smoke in your face. This is delicious. I’m enjoying it and definitely appreciate you making it.”

“Some might call it too fattening.” Her voice was soft.

Rafe’s temper shot up. He stood and approached her. Brianna glanced up and him as he slid her chair back and pulled her to her feet. “It’s healthy, not fattening. Meat, carbs, and veggies, all anyone could want.”

He grasped her chin when she would have looked away. “I mean this, Brianna. Don’t let some previous asshole make you think less of yourself or your abilities.”

She took a deep breath and let it out. “You’re right. I need to forget about them.”

“You do.” He guided her back onto her chair, then resumed his seat.

They finished eating in a companionable silence. When they were done, Rafe helped her clear the table until Brianna shooed him out of the kitchen as she cleaned up. Rafe laughed as he made his way into the living area.

He glanced through her bookcases. Some romance books, early education books, a couple on BDSM, and… His fingers stopped over the titleFire Survivors. Had someone in her life been in a fire? Or had Brianna? Having a firefighter come to class and talk was one thing, taking him on in a relationship was another.

He turned when he heard her footsteps. “I didn’t think about dessert,” she said.

“I don’t need it.” Rafe held out his hand to her, and she placed hers in his. He guided her to the sofa. “Thank you for a wonderful dinner.”

“I’m glad you liked it.” She turned to face him. “I packed up some containers for you. I have more than enough for myself.”

“Very thoughtful.” He raised his hand and ran his finger over the soft skin of her cheek. “Are you good to scene tomorrow night?”

“Yes.” Her breathing hitched for a moment, and Rafe hid his smile.

“Good. Why don’t we get dinner at five, and that will give us plenty of time to chat and get to the club.”

“I can do that.” She put her hand over her mouth as she yawned. “I’m so sorry. It’s been a long week.”

“It’s okay. I know you have to work tomorrow, and I’m sure the kids wear you out.”

“More so this week: we’ve had three fire alarms go off. All false alarms, thank goodness.”

“Three?” He frowned. “That shouldn’t be happening. I’ll stop by tomorrow and check on the system.”

“You don’t have to do that. The principal is sorting it out.”

“I know I don’t have to, but it has to be an interruption for everyone.”

“It is. Not to mention a little nerve racking.”

“Does me being a firefighter bother you?” This was a good place to bring this up to check in with her.

“A little bit.” She shivered. “Tell me how you became a firefighter to begin with. I know little boys always think they want to be one. But growing up and actually becoming one is different.”

Rafe relaxed. At least, he had her talking. “True. As a little boy, I wanted to be a firefighter. But a lot of it comes from when I was fifteen.”

“What happened when you were fifteen?” Brianna shifted on the sofa, bringing her body closer to his.

“My family and I lived in an apartment building. It was an older building.” He placed his arm over the back of the sofa, his fingers touching her shoulder. “A fire started somewhere in the building. It was late on Saturday night. My dad shook me awake. The room was already filling with smoke. I coughed, and my dad told me to get on the fire escape and help my two sisters.”

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