Page 9 of Rekindled Heat

"Erik, you don't owe me anything. I know I should have called you instead of talking to your mother, but I was just so excited about this apprenticeship. It’s so important to me and can make or break my business. Can you find it in your heart to give me some time? I might be able to dictate some classes here and get the money to stay somewhere else, but it would take at least a month. It’s a big ask, I know.”

I look down at her round, beautiful face and can’t fathom why I was against her staying with me. Oh, right, the semi I was sporting. I nearly lift my hand to move one of the tendrils of hair hiding parts of her face from me, but I manage to contain myself. What are you doing, Erik? I can't say no to her.

I'm a grown man. I can control myself. I don't have to fall into temptation. I can do this. But I need something from her. I can't just give in without asking for something. I know Brandy. She’ll want to earn her keep. She has her pride.

"If I remember, you had mad cooking skills, right?”

“What?” She asks, frowning.

“With my schedule, I have no time to cook, and I'm tired of take out. If you could cook dinner a few nights a week—I would be most appreciative."

"Oh, I can do that." Her face brightens. "Thank you so much. You won't regret it."

Once my so-called friends leave, I show Brandy the guest room. I bring up all her luggage and wonder if she's lying about the three months because this seems like all of her belongings. Then I remember she's got work, and she's probably brought some fabrics to make her quilts. Why am I so quick to judge her?

"Brandy, I'm sorry."

"What? Why?"

"I've been acting like a jerk. It was a shock to see you, and it caught me off guard."

"No, I’m sorry it was such a shock. Thank you for letting me stay."

"Do you need help unpacking your stuff?"

"No, I’m good. What time do you leave for work in the mornings?"

"Around seven thirty. I'll leave the coffee on for you."

She moves quickly for a 5'5-ish curvy woman. Suddenly, she's in front of me, takes my hand in hers, and lifts it between us.

"Thank you, Erik, really. It means a lot that you're taking me in. I knew our friendship didn't die twelve years ago, and I was right."

Her touch is so soft that I almost miss what she's saying. All I can do is feel the warmth radiating from her hand onto mine. I will have to be really strong to stay away from this amazing woman.

Chapter 4

Erik

It's Sunday morning, and I wake up as hard as steel as usual. I might not be dating, but I'm a healthy male. Then I remember the absolute epitome of perfection sleeping in my guest room, and I groan. My hand slips underneath my boxers, and I stroke myself in a lazy fashion. I picture Brandy's long legs and ample breasts under the tight t-shirts she wears around the house, and my movements intensify.

"Erik, are you up?"

I jump up from the bed and run to the bathroom to wash my hands.

"Yeah, I'm up. Do you need anything?"

She opens my door and stands in the doorway, half in, half out, but I can see her tiny satin pajamas that cover very little of her curvy body.

"I checked your fridge, and it's pretty empty. Can we go get some stuff, or are you busy today?"

"Um, I'm available. I think that's a good idea and we can catch up. I'd like to know more about what's going on back home."

"Is it still home to you?" she asks.

"Depends on the day. Get dressed. We'll have some breakfast on the way."

"Cool."

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