Page 52 of Too Hot

“Probably. I’ve heard others describe it as floating; some say it’s like an out of body experience; some feel nothing at all. Everyone is different.”

“Oh.” She pressed her cheek into his palm. “But you haven’t been satisfied.” While she didn’t think she’d climaxed physically, her mind was completely satisfied, as was her body.

“This isn’t about me.” He shifted. “I received pleasure from watching you. I’m fine.”

“Rafe,” she started.

“This isn’t up for discussion tonight.” He removed his hand from her cheek, turned away, and turned off the light.

It took a minute for her eyes to adjust to the darkness. “I still don’t think it’s fair to you,” she muttered.

“Come here.” He slid his arm around her shoulder and pulled her to him. “Sleep in my arms, and I’ll be more than happy.”

Brianna snuggled against his warm skin. Her body fit perfectly against his, and her head rested in that area right below his shoulder but above his chest. “Night, Rafe.”

“Night.” He kissed the top of her head.

She laid there, going over the night’s events, until sleep took her. For the first time in a long time, she felt safe and secure.

Chapter Ten

Rafe woke refreshed and filled with joy. Brianna lay in his arms, sound asleep. She’d awakened once last night, confused. He gently reminded her of where she was and why. She shook her head and fell right back asleep.

He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. He could smell roses. Must be her shampoo. He hadn’t had a relationship in years. Having Brianna here reminded him that he needed that connection. And now, because of her, he wanted it. Craved it, even.

She might fear fire, but she didn’t fear him or what he did. Carefully he slid her out of his arms and onto the pillows, then slid out of bed, making sure to keep her covered.

He had a morning routine, and he liked sticking to it. He grabbed his running clothes, socks, and shoes and made his way into the bathroom. Once dressed, he found pen and paper, leaving Brianna a note before he went for his run.

The morning air was crisp. After warming up, he started out. It was Saturday, so he hoped, Brianna would spend the day with him. They could go to the club tonight and relax, no play. Then spend the night in his bed, and this time, maybe they’d make love.

Don’t get ahead of yourself. He needed to give Brianna time. Their relationship was fairly new, and it wasn’t like him to move this fast. Or was it? He’d had one-night stands before, but the other party knew the score. And he hadn’t had one in a while. Rafe wasn’t sure he knew what fast or slow meant in a real relationship.

Brianna meant more to him than a one-night stand. His heart was involved, and it had happened quicker than he expected. He let his thoughts wander as he ran. When he hit the park, he turned for home. By the time he arrived back at his house, he was hot and sweaty. He stepped into his house and groaned.

Fresh coffee teased his senses. “Brianna?”

“Hey.” She popped her head around the corner of the kitchen. “Did you have a good run?” She sauntered up to him, looking bright and cheery this morning. She was wearing her street clothes from last night. Did she still have the thong on? His dick twitched.

“I did.”

“I made coffee; I hope that’s okay.”

“It smells great. You can do whatever you want in my place.”

“Good, because I took advantage of your absence and raided your fridge and pantry. What do you say to pancakes and bacon?”

“Perfect. Let me go get a shower.” He leaned over and kissed her cheek before walking down the hallway. Inside his bathroom, he noticed a towel missing, and the inside of the shower was damp.

He grinned. Brianna had made herself at home. Good. That’s what he wanted. He wanted her to be comfortable here and with him. He stripped and dropped his clothes in the hamper, then climbed in the shower and turned on the water.

Rafe made quick work of his shower and dressed. As he approached the kitchen, he could hear Brianna talking. “Okay, those are good. In the oven to keep warm, now for the bacon.” She sighed. “You can do this; it’s just a gas stove.”

“Why don’t you let me do that?” he asked. She was apparently uncomfortable with the appliance.

“I have it under control.” She waved the package at him. “I poured you a cup of coffee.” She tilted her head to the other counter where the mug sat.

He picked up the mug and took a sip. “Perfect. I’m sure you can handle the bacon, but let me.” He took the bacon from her. “You did the hard part with the pancakes. I’m positive they’re much better than mine.” Rafe took another long drink of his coffee before setting it down.

---