Chapter Four

Chapter Four

Rafe drove home with a smile on his face. Brianna had been so responsive to him. Luckily, he hadn’t screwed things up when he ordered her to stay in the car. He hadn’t meant to bark it out like that. Usually he had more finesse.

She disarmed him, and his dominant side had taken over without thought. He would need to tread carefully with Brianna. The scene with her had been damn hot. His dick hadn’t settled down at all. She had no idea how beautiful she was.

Pulling into his driveway, he hit the remote to his garage door and drove in. He was so glad he’d bought this house. Luck had been on his side with it. He’d always lived pretty frugally, so when this new complex came up for sale, he’d jumped on it before the prices went too high.

Having been early into the process, he was able to get the house customized. It had cost him a little more, but he was happy with it. Of course, Zeke and Gabriel, fellow Doms and the best construction guys around, had cut him a break too. After closing the garage door, he grabbed his bag out of the back and walked into the house.

He didn’t bother to turn on any lights. In his bedroom, he dropped his bag on the floor and went into the bathroom. With a flip of the handle, he turned on the shower. Setting the timer on the fan to keep the excess moisture out of the room, he stripped, and his cock sprang free of its confinement.

In the shower, Rafe ducked his head under the water, lathered up his hands, then took his cock in his palm. He groaned as he stroked himself. Brianna’s body came into focus as he closed his eyes and pictured her breathless sighs as he used the feathers and touched her silky skin. With each pass, she had relaxed until she was like a puddle on the table. It pleased him that she trusted him enough to allow herself to relax. His balls tightened, and his dick pulsed as he came.

He panted and braced his arms against the shower wall. Was it way too early to be thinking about fucking Brianna? They’d just barely started, but his cock didn’t care.

He saw a lot of showers in his future.

* * * *

The next morning after his workout, Rafe picked up his cell and pulled up Brianna’s number.

“Hello.”

“Good morning, Brianna. Rafe here. How are you feeling?”

“Good morning. I feel great.”

“No sadness or feeling any need to cry?”

“None at all. I didn’t hit subspace last night.”

“I’m aware. I only want to make sure you’re okay. We’ve never scened together before.”

“Thank you. I do appreciate your caring.”

“Would you like to go to the club with me next weekend?” Her silence told him she wasn’t expecting him to ask that question. Or maybe she didn’t know how to tell him no.

“I would.”

He grinned. It wasn’t a no. “Why don’t we go to dinner before the club on Friday night? I’d like to know more about you.”

“Don’t you have to work?”

“I work four twelve-hour shifts with Friday, Saturday, and Sunday as my days off.”

“Fridays are usually light for me, and I leave school at four.”

“I’ll pick you up at six; that will give us time to eat, talk, and get to the club before it gets too busy.”

“I can meet you.” There was a small hesitation in her voice. He wouldn’t have caught it if he hadn’t been listening so closely.

“You can, but then what would we do with your car? I can’t see leaving it at the restaurant or the club.”

“You don’t think I’ll be fit to drive?”

“Not if I have my way.” While he probably shouldn’t be so honest, he wanted to gauge her reaction.

“You can pick me up for dinner, and then we’ll see about driving me home.”

A compromise he could live with. “Deal. Have a good Sunday and rest of your week.”

“Wait,” she said. “What restaurant on Friday?”

“Anything you don’t like to eat?” He’d been thinking lots of protein as they would both need it.

“I’m pretty flexible.”

“You don’t have to dress up.”

“You’re not going to tell me where?”

“Nope.” A little surprise wouldn’t hurt her. “Until Friday, my lady.” Rafe disconnected the call. It was going to be a long week.

* * * *

His words were true.

By Thursday evening, Rafe was ready for a day off. “What a week,” he said to Tim, a fellow firefighter.

“No kidding. I’m glad it’s over.”

“Don’t jinx us,” Frank, their captain, said.

“Not trying to.” Rafe was happy to work with Frank and Tim. They’d been together several years. It was imperative to trust the men and women you worked with in this job.

“I need a shower,” Tim said.

“Don’t we all.” Rafe put his equipment away in his locker, grabbed a clean set of clothes, and headed for the showers.

“Any big plans for the weekend?” Tim asked in the large communal shower.

“Nothing major.” Rafe wasn’t ready to talk about Brianna with his co-workers yet. He wanted to see where the relationship went. He almost laughed. They didn’t have a relationship yet. Heck, they hadn’t even had a date, but that would be resolved tomorrow.

Finishing up his shower, he dressed and grabbed his bag. “Rafe,” Frank called his name as he was walking toward the back door.

“What’s up?”

“Come into my office for a second.”

Rafe frowned. What could the captain want? He walked into the office, and Frank closed the door.

“Stop frowning. Nothing is wrong,” Frank said.

“I’m racking my brain over why you wanted to chat with me.”

“I wanted to let you know Paula and I are going to be at the club this weekend. I didn’t want to surprise you.”

“No worries.” Rafe was the one who told Frank about the club. Somehow they hadn’t been there at the same time yet.

“Good. We’ve been so busy but we both miss the club and need a good night for ourselves.”

“Enjoy. I’ll be there, as well.” Rafe opened the door and walked out. He didn’t mind his boss being at the club. He’d run into a lot of people he saw outside the club. Pleasant Valley wasn’t too small, but it seemed if you went to the Sweet Savory café, you’d eventually run into someone from the club.

Once home, he called the Double D BBQ and checked on his reservation for tomorrow night. A habit of his to make sure everything was set up. Once assured of the reservation, Rafe called for pizza. He didn’t feel like cooking.

By the time he ate, he was yawning. Not surprising. He worked six in the morning to six in the evenings, and today had been non-stop. Sitting on his sofa, beer on the side table, he found a movie to watch and within minutes was asleep.

* * * *

Brianna smiled as the last of her students hopped in the bus. She walked back to her classroom. Thank goodness it was Friday. She’d been distracted all week by thoughts of Rafe. The man had found a way under her skin. Under, over, and soon, hopefully, inside.

“Any weekend plans?” Ruby asked.

“Nothing special.” Ruby was one the other teachers, and they were friendly, but she wasn’t about to tell anyone at school about the club. That was her private business. “What about you?”

“Nothing. Just going out for drinks with some girlfriends. Why don’t you come with us?”

“I’d love to, but I have a previous engagement.”

“Oh.” Ruby’s eyes twinkled. “Who is he?”

Brianna’s face heated. “A friend.” That was all she was ready to say.

“Sounds interesting. Have fun. And I want to hear all about it on Monday.” Ruby waved as she left, and Brianna flopped down in her chair.

Have fun. Those two words bounced around in her head. She wondered what Rafe had planned for tonight. Not that the man would tell her. She’d texted him last night, trying to get more information out of him.

He hadn’t answered until this morning, all apologetic, saying he fell asleep early. He would pick her up at six, and he couldn’t wait to see her. His words made her skin tingle and her heart pound.

She shook her head and tidied up her desk, grabbed her messenger bag, and walked out to her car. Once home, she dropped her bag by the kitchen table but pulled out her wallet and cell phone.

No text from Rafe. She hoped he was having a good day off. Going into her bedroom, she gazed at her clothes. Not that she had a large amount. He said casual for dinner. She grabbed a pair of black jeans and a purple top.

Pulling a small carry bag out of her closet, she put her club clothes and shoes in it. Then she pulled out one of her small purses. It wasn’t big enough for her wallet, but she put some money, a credit card, and her cell in it.

She glanced at the clock. Forty-five minutes before Rafe arrived. She could take a quick shower and be ready in that time.

Forty minutes later, the buzzer in her apartment went off, letting her know there was someone at the front door. “Yes,” she said into the speaker.

“It’s Rafe.”

“Be right down.” She clicked off and picked up her small purse, bag for the club, and her keys. Exhilaration flowed through her veins as she walked down the hall. Rafe stood by the door, looking delicious in his jeans and polo top.

“Hi,” she said as she pushed the door open.

“Hi.” He took her bag out of her hand. “Why didn’t you buzz me in?”

His tone held annoyance. “I’m sorry, old habit.” As a kid, someone had been buzzed into the apartment building where she lived who shouldn’t have been there. The results had been tragic.

She shook her head. Those memories had no place being there tonight. Brianna wanted to enjoy her time with Rafe.

“Next time, I’d prefer if you’d buzz me in so I’m able to escort you.” He put her bag in the back of his vehicle with his, then helped her into the passenger seat. Her skin tingled from his touch.

She glanced at him when he climbed into the driver’s seat. “I will.”

“Thank you.” He leaned over and brushed a kiss on her cheek. “I hope you’re hungry.”

“Are you going to tell me where we’re going?”

“Nope.” He grinned at her before he pulled out of the apartment parking lot and onto the street.

Brianna laughed. “Keeping me in suspense.”

“Anticipation is part of the game.”

His words caused a shiver of pleasure to slide over her skin. Oh, she was anticipating their time in the club tonight. She had been all week.

“How was your week?” she asked.

“Busy. How about yours?”

“Not bad. The kids were still excited about your and Logan’s visit last week.”

“Your kids are great.”

“They’re really not mine, but thank you.” Her gaze fell on the restaurant’s sign. “Double D BBQ.” It wasn’t too far from where she lived.

“I thought it would be good for our first date.”

“Is that what this is?”

“For me, yes.”

Brianna allowed herself a slight smile. Good to know.

Rafe parked, and they went into the restaurant. The hostess took them to a booth in the corner, handed them menus, and left.

She’d been here before and loved the food. “This is a great choice.”

“I’m glad. You’ve eaten here before?”

“Who hasn’t?” She grinned before picking up her menu. What was she in the mood for?

“Good evening, Rafe, Brianna,” Mike, their waiter, said, coming up to the table.

Rafe stared at her. “You must come here a lot to be on first name basis.”

She bit her lip. Rafe sounded jealous. “Mike’s baby sister is in my class.” Brianna glanced at the waiter. “How are you doing, Mike?”

“Good. What can I get you to drink?”

“Water for now,” she said.

“I’ll have iced tea,” Rafe replied.

“Great. I’ll have those right out to you along with bread.” Mike walked away.

Brianna closed her menu and stared at Rafe. “How often do you come here?”

“Probably once a month. What does it matter?”

“Rafe, do you know how you sound right now?” It was a tone she didn’t like.

He blinked, then shook his head. “Sorry. I’m acting out of character.”

“I don’t think so.” She lowered her voice. “I think the dominant in you is claiming something he believes is his.” Rafe’s eyes widened, and Brianna laughed. “I work with kids. I’m good at observation.”

He set his menu down and reached over and captured her hand. “Does it turn you off?”

She had to think for a moment. “Not really. I kind of like your protectiveness.”

He grinned.

“But not all the time. I know a lot of people in the community due to my job.”

“Noted. I’ll behave myself in public.”

“In public only?” Where were these questions coming from? His eyes sparked with desire.

“In the club or bedroom, you are mine.”

A shiver of anticipation slid up her spine. She was so ready for this. Mike returned with their drinks and bread, and took their orders.

“There’s extra cornbread in there for you, Brianna,” Mike said before leaving.

“You have him wrapped around your pinky,” Rafe said.

“He knows I love their cornbread.” She plucked a piece out of the basket and put it on the bread plate. Breaking off a fragment, she popped it into her mouth, closed her eyes, and groaned. It was still warm.

Rafe made a strange noise, and she opened her eyes.

“Are you okay?” she asked.

“Do you know how hard I am right now?”

Heat flared deep in her belly and spread. “No.” What else could she say?

He took her hand and placed it over his groin. Brianna inhaled sharply at the hardness beneath her palm.

“I’ve been this way since last Saturday night.”

“I feel like I should apologize, but another part me is glad you’re hurting like I am.”

Heat flared in his eyes. “Damn it, if we weren’t in public…” He glanced around, then took her lips in a hard and fast kiss.

She could barely breathe after the kiss. She wanted more. This wasn’t like her at all. She liked taking her time getting to know a man before she slept with him, but with Rafe, she wanted him in her bed.

It was too soon though. Logically she knew that. She pulled her hand away from his hardness. “Tell me how you became a firefighter.” That would take her mind off her need for him. Maybe.