Page 53 of Too Hot

Brianna laughed. “I wouldn’t bet on that. I’ll set the table then.”

Rafe opened the bacon and turned the fire on under the pan. Brianna had used the electric griddle for the pancakes. While she could have done the bacon on the griddle, he preferred it on the stove. “Plates to the right of the fridge, silverware in the drawer below. Napkins in the holder on the breakfast bar.” Brianna had moved away from the stove.

Rafe frowned. He had a gas stove. Was she that afraid of fire? He shook his head. She’d told him open flames bothered her. He turned his attention to the bacon.

“Got it.”

There was a companionable silence as Rafe cooked the bacon, and Brianna set the table. “Do you want juice?” she asked.

“Not this morning, thank you. But feel free.” He kept juice on hand for the mornings when he took his run and had to get to the firehouse. The juice helped him power through until he had breakfast with the guys.

“I’m good. I’m guessing butter is in the fridge, what about syrup?”

“Yes, butter in fridge. There’s syrup in the pantry, second shelf toward the back.” He glanced at Brianna as she walked into the pantry and came out with the bottle, shaking it at him, before grabbing the butter and putting the items on the table.

When she returned to the kitchen, she refilled both their coffee mugs and set them on the table, after adding milk and sugar to hers. Then she leaned against the doorframe to the pantry, close, but not too close, and watched him finish cooking the bacon. “You do that so effortlessly.”

“What?” He placed a piece of bacon onto the paper towel to drain.

“Flip the bacon. I’m always afraid of getting splattered by grease.”

“I’ve found the trick is to keep the fire on medium to low and use tongs instead of a fork.” He finished removing the bacon from the pan and turned the burner off.

“Pancakes are in the oven. I put it on warm and covered them with foil so they wouldn’t dry out.”

“Great.” He grabbed a platter, put the bacon on it, and then pulled the tray of pancakes out of the oven. Taking off the foil, he transferred them to the platter. He didn’t mention the shape or color of them.

“I’m used to cooking on electric stove. The griddle was a little easier than the gas stove.”

He glanced at her, and her cheeks were pink. “Even an electric griddle takes time to learn. Gas can be more efficient for some people.” He carried the food to the table and placed it in the middle. “My lady.” He held out a chair for her.

“Why thank you, kind sir.” She sauntered over and sat.

Rafe barely contained himself when she saidkind sir. They weren’t in the bedroom or the club; thesirshouldn’t cause his dick to pulse, but it did.

“Let’s eat,” he said, taking his seat.

* * * *

Brianna watched Rafe dig into the food. He didn’t seem to mind that some of the pancakes were a little dark. If she was honest, they were almost burnt. When she woke and found herself alone, her first thought was that Rafe didn’t like sleeping with her.

But then she saw his note, and her heart warmed. After cleaning up, she went into the kitchen. It took her a few minutes to figure out his complicated coffee maker, but once she did, she made a pot and then started looking around to see what she could make for breakfast.

At first, she felt like she was snooping, but in his note, he’d said,make yourself at home. Brianna had wanted to make breakfast for him. Rafe had calmed her when she woke in the middle of the night confused. He talked to her quietly, and she’d fallen back asleep, listening to his quiet voice.

Surprised at how energized she felt this morning, Brianna was ready to take on the world. Did that come from being with a man who put her needs first? Maybe. Rafe was tender, caring, and oh, so dominant.

A shaft of excitement shot through her veins. She hadn’t expected to feel so much from their scene. She’d have to talk to Ellie and ask her if this is how all women reacted.

“Brianna.” Rafe’s voice brought her out of her musings.

“Sorry.”

“You were deep in thought. I asked if you would spend the day with me.”

She bit her lip. Oh, how she wanted to say yes, but she had things she needed to do around her apartment, and she needed to complete her lesson plans for next week. “I want to, but unfortunately, I have work to do.” The light in Rafe’s eyes dimmed. Damn. “How about this.” She leaned to the side so she could see the time on the microwave. “It’s just ten. Take me home, and I’ll come back at three. We can spend time together then. Will that work?”

“It will. Are you good with going to the club again tonight?”

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