Page 45 of Too Hot

“It didn’t. My parents knew I wouldn’t have had access to matches. But there was no real proof who started the fire.”

“You knew.”

She nodded. “I want you to understand; I was scared to say anything, not for myself, but for my family. What if I said something and he came back. started a revenge fire, and everyone died? I couldn’t tell anyone.”

“That’s a heavy secret for a child.”

“That’s what my therapist told me.” She might as well tell him everything. “I was in therapy for years as a kid and later as an adult.”

“Did it help?”

“Yes and…” She glanced away. “My cousin died when I was nineteen, and I felt guilty that I was relieved.” Rafe placed a soft kiss on her temple. That little touch gave her the courage to go on. “I didn’t know the rest of it until after he died. He’d been causing fires for years, but the last one, he made a mistake and got caught in the flames and died.”

“I’d like to say I’m sorry, but I’m not. He was evil.”

“I have to agree. I think that’s why the guilt hit me. I was glad he was dead, but also wondered, if I’d spoken up before, would he still be alive?”

“Honey, don’t do that to yourself.” Rafe cupped her chin and tilted her head back. “He wasn’t going to change, no matter what. I’ve seen that type of psychological disorder up close.”

“I know.” She tried to smile to show Rafe she was all right but couldn’t quite do it. “So that’s the story of why I can’t be anywhere near fire.”

“I understand. Now, I want you to get something through your head. Fire play is my thing. It doesn’t have to be your thing. It’s not something I need to do with you.”

“But I thought…” His fingers covered her lips.

“I do it because I enjoy watching how fire works and how others enjoy the feeling of fire cupping.”

“Fire cupping? I’ve heard that term somewhere.” She couldn’t remember where.

“Probably if you watched the Olympics. Several athletes use it to help with strained or tired muscles.”

“But wouldn’t it need to be done by a medical professional?”

“It can be. I want to assure you I’ve been fully trained. My mentor has performed fire play for over forty years. I only do fire cupping because that helps people relax the most.”

Brianna relaxed against Rafe. “I’m glad you can help people with it. I just… I still don’t think I can ever be around it.”

“Again, you don’t have to do fire play for us to be together. However, if you want to understand better, I can show you some videos. That way, you won’t be so scared. This is something I enjoy, not something we have to do together.”

“I think I understand.” She did. Sierra had been right to nudge her to talk about her phobia. Rafe understood and didn’t put her down. While her parents had gotten her therapy, they’d never understood her fear nor had any of her boyfriends.

“Good. Are you okay to scene tonight?”

“Oh my goodness, I totally forgot. Did we miss our scene time?” She knew Max kept a solid schedule.

“I had Max move us when you ran out.”

Brianna kissed Rafe. “You are a wonderful man, you know that?”

“I’m glad you think so.”

“I do. And yes, I want to scene with you tonight. I want to forget and let my emotions go.”

“That I can do.” He took her mouth in a hard passionate kiss. “For now, let’s just sit here and make out like teenagers.”

And they did.

Chapter Eight

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