Page 53 of Hot Stuff
In the car earlier they gave me the impression that they have a longstanding connection and having them both join us for dinner only confirms it.
I want to ask how long they’ve known each other. Rafe has been GM for the Knights since before Gerald Senior died. I think it was five years before. Possibly more.
“Oh, here comes Kegan,” Laken says.
“All right. These aren’t on the menu yet. I’m thinking of adding them, so I want you to give me your honest opinion when you’re done.”
He places a platter of small bite size…I have no idea what, in the middle of the table.
“Are these those veggie tower things you served at Mom’s last Christmas,” Rafe asks, leaning over for a closer look.
“Yes. But with a twist.” Kegan puts his hand on his brother’s shoulder. “See if you can tell me what that twist is.”
“I love it when you test your new recipes on us.” Laken looks up at Kegan. “I’m going to assume this is an improvement over the others.”
“I think so but what would I know?” He shrugs then leans over, dropping his voice so only our table can hear him. “At last count there were ten out front and Mica said when he took his break out back, there were a few at the end of the alley, but he couldn’t be sure how many.”
“Thanks for the heads up. We’ll be going out the front door.” Oakley looks at me. “We may have been keeping our friendship on the down low but that’s no longer the case.”
“Okay, but let me know if there is anything you need me or my staff to do to make your evening enjoyable.”
“Get back in that kitchen and cook me the rest of my meal,” Oakley demands with a smile and wink to soften it.
Kegan chuckles as he reaches for Oakley’s hand and bows his head over it. “As you command, my lady.”
Before he can put his lips on her skin, I’m putting my hand on top of hers. “Hey. Keep your lips to yourself.”
For a second the table is silent, then Oakley laughs, snapping everyone else out of the moment.
“Right. Well, yet again the fair maiden is snatched up before I can make my move.” Kegan looks at his brother. “It seems to be the way of the King men.”
I’m not sure what passes between them in that moment but Rafe moves his gaze to Laken for a split second.
It confirms my thoughts that Rafe and Laken have a long-time friendship. I can’t remember when she married Cantrell, but I know it wasn’t that long before Gerald Senior died. Maybe four years.
“Dig in. I’ll be back with another course in about fifteen minutes.”
Kegan leaves us, the lull in conversation hanging over the table, but it’s not uncomfortable. Finally Laken breaks the silence by picking up one of the small bites using her fingers.
“Sorry. Can’t wait. They were absolutely delicious last time and Kegan says these are better so…” She shrugs and shoves the whole thing in her mouth.
A second later her eyes close with a soft moan.
“Oh, I’m not waiting if that’s the reaction.” Oakley follows Laken’s example and picks up a bite using her fingers then pops it into her mouth.
Hand over her lips, she makes a sound that reminds me of one she makes when she’s close to orgasm, and my pants grow tight. “Oak,” I murmur.
She reaches out for another bite and brings it to my mouth. “Here. You have to try this.”
As soon as I open my mouth to protest, she shoves the food inside. Left with no choice but to eat, I close my lips, snagging the tips of her fingers when I do.
For a moment we remain like that, Oakley’s fingertips in my mouth and our eyes locked. Then the flavors of the food register and I can’t stop the sound of pleasure that rumbles in my chest.
Smiling, Oakley pulls her hand away. “See?”
Swallowing, I reach out for another bite. “Oh yeah, but then I’ve never had anything here that wasn’t delicious.”
“Me either, but I think Kegan has outdone himself with these,” Laken adds. Turning to Rafe, she asks, “You’re not eating?”
