Chapter 10

10

Sofia

I watch as Rhett walks Cooper out, feeling a mix of nerves and excitement having my brother and new boyfriend—is that what he is?—here together. Kirk's opinion means a lot to me.

Once the door closes behind them, he turns toward me. "So that's the firefighter, huh?" He raises an eyebrow.

My heart races a bit. "Yes, that's Rhett." I try to keep my voice relaxed, even though I'm anything but relaxed.

He smirks. "Seems like a nice guy. Very...fit," Kirk says, his voice tinged in humor.

I roll my eyes. "Yes, he is. And he's been so helpful with everything." I stick out my tongue for good measure.

"I'm sure he has." Kirk's tone is teasing now. "Just be careful, okay, Sis? I know you like him but don't rush into anything." For that last bit, his voice drops down low. He worries too much.

Holding up both hands, I reply quietly, "I know, I know. We're taking things slow." I assure him, though part of me wishes Rhett and I weren't quite so slow.

"I'm glad to hear that," Kirk says. "I just want you to be happy and safe."

I give him a quick hug. "I know, and I appreciate it. But I promise I can take care of myself."

Rhett comes back in then, and I notice Kirk eyeing him appraisingly. I hold my breath, hoping they'll get along.

"So, Rhett," Kirk starts casually, "Sofia tells me you're the one who rescued her from the fire. That must have been intense."

Rhett nods soberly. "It was. I'm just glad we got there in time and were able to get her out safely." His eyes meet mine. They are flaming with a burning intensity, and I feel tingles in my nether region.

"Well, you have my gratitude for that," Kirk declares, extending his hand. Rhett shakes it firmly. "Anyone who does that for my baby sister is all right in my book." He looks around and then back to me. "Well, this place is really coming together. Do you need help with anything else?"

I shake my head. "I think we've got it covered but thank you." I give my brother a hug. "And thanks again for your help with everything. Please thank Yasmine again for me."

"Of course, and that's what big brothers are for." Kirk smiles and heads for the door. "Call me if you need anything else. Love you, Sis."

"Love you too." Once I close the door, I turn to Rhett. "I'm sleepy, but I'm hungry."

He comes to me and wraps his arms around me. "Take a nap, and then we'll go grab dinner." He pulls away and brushes my hair back, tucking it behind my ear.

"Will you come lie down with me?" I ask, stepping back and grabbing his hand.

Rhett's eyes darken as he looks at me intently. "Are you sure?" he asks softly.

I nod, "Yes, I'm sure. Just to nap," I clarify quickly.

He gives me a gentle smile. "Okay, if that's what you want."

I lead him over to my new bed, which is a pillow-top queen. It's covered in the softest sheets, and the plushiest comforter on top.

We both kick off our shoes and climb onto the bed. I lie down on my side and Rhett settles in behind me, wrapping an arm around my waist. His solid warmth against my back feels so comforting.

"Is this okay?" he murmurs near my ear.

"It's perfect," I whisper back. I snuggle back against him, feeling safe and content.

Rhett presses a soft kiss to my temple, and I sigh.

The door opens and Rhett comes in, carrying a pizza box. We decided to order out and just eat here. Our nap lasted a little over an hour, or at least my nap did. I don't think he slept at all, even though he stayed in bed with me. I felt so refreshed when I woke up, but then my stomach growled loudly.

Mom called right before Rhett left. She has an ear infection that caused her to be dizzy and unable to help me move. I promised I'd have her over when she's feeling better.

"How's your mom feeling?" he asks as he places the pizza box on the counter.

"She's still feeling pretty dizzy," I reply as I grab some paper plates from the cupboard. "The antibiotics should start kicking in soon though. I told her I'd check on her tomorrow."

Rhett nods. "That's good. I'm sure she appreciates having you close."

I smile, feeling a warmth in my chest at his thoughtfulness. "Yeah, we're super close. It's been just the two of us for a long time." Sometimes when I say it, it sounds sad.

Pushing those thoughts away, we settle on the couch with our pizza, sitting close enough that our legs are touching. I turn on Modern Family and as we eat, I keep sneaking glances at Rhett. Even just casually eating pizza, he looks gorgeous.

"So, tell me more about growing up with Cooper," I urge, wanting to learn more about him. "You guys must have some good stories."

Rhett chuckles. "Oh yeah. I honestly can't remember a time when he wasn't in my life. We both wanted to be firemen since we were kids. I'm sure if you ask him, he'll tell you I was the instigator of all the trouble we caused, but it was all him. He always got me in trouble."

I smile while listening to his stories, and he's got a lot of them. They were little heathens. "I'm sure you had the girls all over you."

He turns to face me. "I'll admit, I've been Mr. Hit It and Quit It, but I swear to you I've never led anyone on. That isn't what this is."

"I know it's not," I reply as I set my plate down.

Rhett sets his plate down too, turning to face me fully on the couch. His dark eyes search mine intently. God, I could get lost in those dark depths.

"Sofia, I want you to know that this thing between us—it's different for me. I've never felt this way about anyone before," he whispers.

My heart starts racing at his words. "It's different for me too," I admit. "I don't have a lot of experience with relationships. To be honest, you kind of intimidate me sometimes."

Rhett's brow furrows. "Intimidate you? Why?"

I look down, suddenly feeling shy, and a little nervous to share what's on my mind, but I power through. "You're just so...everything. Gorgeous, brave, funny. Sometimes I wonder what you see in me," I choke out.

He reaches out and gently tilts my chin up to meet his gaze. "Sofia, you are absolutely beautiful inside and out. You are kind and sweet and so much stronger than you know."

Rhett's words make my heart flutter. I search his eyes, looking for any sign that he's lying, but find only warmth and honesty there.

"I'm not used to someone seeing me that way," I admit softly. No one has looked at me like he does and my heart continues to race.

"Well, get used to it," Rhett says with a gentle smile. His hand comes up to cup my cheek. "Because that's exactly how I see you."

Unable to resist, I lean in and press my lips to his. Rhett responds immediately, kissing me back with a passion that takes my breath away. His arms wrap around me, pulling me closer as the kiss deepens.

I part my lips, inviting him in, and Rhett groans softly as his tongue meets mine. Heat pools low in my belly as our kisses grow more heated. I've never been kissed like this before—like I'm precious and desired.

Rhett's kisses ignite a fire within me that I've never experienced before. His strong arms wrap around me, pulling me flush against his muscular chest. I run my fingers through his dark hair as our tongues dance together.

Slowly, Rhett lowers me back onto the couch, his body covering mine. The weight of him pressing me into the cushions feels incredibly right. His lips leave mine to trail hot kisses along my jaw and down my neck. I gasp as he finds a particularly sensitive spot and nips at my flesh.

"Rhett," I breathe out, arching into him.

He pulls back slightly to look at me, his dark eyes burning with desire. "Tell me if you want to stop," he says huskily.

I shake my head. "Please don't stop," I whisper, pulling him back down to me.

Our kisses grow more passionate as hands begin to roam.

Rhett's hands slide down my back as we continue kissing. I feel like I'm melting into him, my body tingling all over. When his fingers graze the strip of bare skin between my shirt and jeans, I shiver.

He pulls back slightly, his eyes dark with desire as he looks at me. "Is this okay?" he asks softly.

I nod, not trusting my voice. Rhett kisses me again, slower this time but no less intense. His hands slip under my shirt, caressing my lower back. I thread my fingers through his hair, loving how soft it feels. We continue making out on the couch for what feels like hours, hands roaming and exploring but not going too far. Eventually, Rhett pulls back, both of us breathing heavily.

"We should probably cool things down," he states reluctantly.

I'm disappointed, but I hide it well, or so I thought.

Rhett grips my chin. "The night we cross that line, I want it to be perfect."

I'd be worried he wasn't attracted to me, except for the fact his cock is hard and testing the strength of his jeans.

We stand, and I walk him to the door. "I'll talk to you tomorrow. Lock up after me." Rhett leans in and kisses me softly. "Goodnight, baby," he says and then shuts my door.

I do as he says and lock up, and then I get ready for bed.