Page 55 of Too Hot

“Sweetheart.” His voice was low. “I promise to be honest with you, and I always will be. You tell me you want to go home, I take you home. End of discussion.”

She looked up at him. “So different.”

“Better believe that.” He brushed his lips over hers, but this time, she captured his mouth with hers. She wanted his kiss. A real kiss.

Rafe started in surprise but then took the kiss over. Her lips parted to allow his tongue to delve into her mouth. Oh yes, this was what she wanted. His kisses. His touch. The world melted away as they continued to kiss on her doorstep.

The slamming of a door made them jump apart. Brianna’s face heated when she saw her neighbor walking down the hall.

“Good morning,” Rafe said as the older woman passed them.

“Morning.” The woman kept walking.

“That was embarrassing,” Brianna commented.

“Why?” He kept her close.

“I…” She thought for a moment. “I have no idea.”

“Good. But it’s natural for us to kiss.” He gave her another scorching kiss. “Go do what you need to do, and I’ll be here at three.” Her turned her in his arms and gave her a nudge into her apartment.

She glanced over her shoulder at him. “Bossy.” Her voice was filled with laughter.

“Later.” He pulled the door shut, and Brianna stood there, listening to his fading footsteps. It took her a few minutes to shake away the after effects of his kiss and head for her desk. She had things to do.

* * * *

Rafe parked in Sweet & Savory’s parking lot. After leaving Brianna at her apartment, he called Max. He needed to talk to someone who enjoyed the lifestyle with a partner. Max had been in the longest relationship and was sitting at a table in the corner when he arrived.

“Can I get you something to eat or drink?” he asked, since he’d asked Max to meet him here.

“I’ve already ordered.”

“Be right back.” Rafe went up to the counter and ordered a cup of coffee. He was still full from breakfast, but coffee was always welcome. He returned to the table and sat down.

“What’s up? You said you needed to talk to me about the lifestyle,” Max said.

“Yes.” Rafe cradled the coffee mug between his hands. “Here’s the situation.” He outlined to Max what had gone on between last night and this morning. “Am I moving too fast?”

One of the servers walked up to their table and set a plate in front of Max along with a bottle of water. “Anything else?” she asked.

“I’m fine,” Max said.

“More coffee?”

“I’m good, thank you,” Rafe said, and the server left.

Max took a bite of his sandwich and then looked at Rafe. “Rafe, we all move at our own pace. I can’t tell you if you’re going too fast or not. What did Brianna say?”

“She wanted to think about it.” Rafe twirled his empty coffee mug.

“Not unusual. She’s relatively new to the lifestyle in a practical sense.”

“Yeah. But…” Rafe gathered his thoughts. “I don’t know if this is normal in the lifestyle, but I have feelings for Brianna.”

“I’m not surprised.”

“What?” Rafe stared at Max.

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