Page 59 of Too Hot

“Okay, go sit down, and I’ll bring it over to you.”

“You don’t have to do that, Lara,” Rafe said. “Just yell when ready, and I’ll come get it. You’re doing us a big enough favor.” Rafe took Brianna by the arm and led her to a secluded table.

Brianna sat, and Rafe sat across from her. “I’m sure you’re wondering what we’re doing tonight?”

“A bit.”

There was excitement in her eyes, and Rafe was glad to see it. Some subs needed more time to recover from subspace, but Brianna seemed to have bounced back. “We’re not going to scene tonight.”

“We’re not?” The surprise in her voice made him grin.

“No. You’re still new to the lifestyle, and after going into subspace last night, I want to give your mind and body time to reset.”

“I think I can understand that.”

“We didn’t talk a lot this morning. How are you feeling? Any aches or pains? Feeling out of sorts or anything like that?” He wanted to make sure she wasn’t experiencing any negative aftereffects.

“Nothing hurts, and mentally, I feel great.” She smiled. “I was energized when I got home; my apartment is sparkling clean, and my lessons plans for next week are done.”

“That’s great.” He’d heard that some subs had lots of energy after subspace, and it looked like Brianna was one of them. Time would tell.

“Hey, Lara, do you have a fire extinguisher?” Sierra yelled.

Rafe jumped out of his seat as Lara pulled the extinguisher off the wall. “Where’s the fire?” he asked.

“Dumpster outside the back door. I just went to throw the boxes in.” Regina pointed at the door.

Rafe took the extinguisher from Lara. “Call 911.” He bolted out the back door. Oh yes, they were going to need the fire department. Thank goodness, the dumpster was away from the building. After pulling the pin, Rafe directed the spray at the dumpster.

Within a few minutes, the fire truck pulled up. “Can’t take a day off, can you, Lyons,” the captain said.

Rafe backed away as they doused the fire. Had someone been careless and tossed a lit cigarette inside? It seemed odd to him that dumpster caught on fire. Within minutes, it was out; the guys poked around to make sure there were no lingering embers.

Lara, Crystal, Regina, and Brianna stood by the doorway. Brianna’s eyes were wide, and the other women looked worried.

“All taken care of,” Rafe said. “Lara, I can get the extinguisher refilled for you.”

“Thanks, Rafe. I have extras just in case. I’m so glad I moved that dumpster away from the building.”

He nodded. “You okay?” he asked Brianna.

“Fine. Just a little startled.” She wrapped her arms around her waist.

“All is fine, ladies,” the captain said. “Fire is out. Probably someone walking by dropped their cigarette in or a match.”

“Thank you for responding so quickly,” Lara said.

“We’re here to serve.” The captain nodded in Rafe’s direction, climbed into the fire truck, and off they went.

“Well, that was exciting,” Crystal commented.

“A little too much,” Regina muttered.

“Agreed,” Brianna said, her voice quiet.

“Let’s all go back inside. I’ll call the refuse company Monday and ask them to come pick it up.” Lara stepped back inside the café.

“Before I leave, Lara, I’ll push the dumpster to the other side of the parking lot.” He didn’t want it near her building.

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