Sweet Heat (6 page)

Brandon scraped his teeth over his full lower lip. “Is that a good ‘oh’ or a bad ‘oh’? I can’t tell. It
looks
like a good ‘oh’ but —”

She reached up and pressed her fingers to his lips to quiet him. “It’s definitely a good ‘oh’.”

He smiled, and she felt it against the pads of her fingers. His lips were smooth satin, firm and warm. The sensation tingled up her arm. Suzanne shivered.

Brandon reached up and wrapped his fingers around hers. He pressed a quick kiss onto her knuckles.

“Good.” He pulled her close, wrapping a muscled arm around her waist as they climbed the stairs to the elevated park.

Their pace was slow, meandering the mile plus length with no real goal but to observe the city at night, and to be in each other’s company. They spoke, but they were quiet too, for long, comfortable stretches of time.

Whenever her gaze slid to Brandon’s handsome face, which was often, he was smiling. She felt him watching her too. His arm was a solid weight around her shoulders, though at times he pressed a hand to the small of her back, stroking her skin through her silk shirt as they maneuvered through the evening crowd.

Though the night was warm, his body was warmer, the scent of his citrus soap and that faint hint of smoke enveloping her as they walked. Now, knowing his profession, she wondered if he’d acquired the aroma through his work. She remembered he’d told her he’d been off for the last couple of days, but perhaps after so long it was a scent that clung to him even when he wasn’t at work.

Or perhaps it was just the natural scent of his skin. Suzanne wouldn’t mind exploring the question in more depth.

The chemistry that had flared to life the first moment they’d met only grew more potent as they strolled and chatted. She was hyper-aware of every time her hip brushed his thigh, or the faint caress of his thumb against the nape of her neck as they perused some paintings a woman had displayed near the 26th Street entrance. They were small, postcard-sized, but incredibly detailed paintings of various cityscapes.

Suzanne exclaimed over the woman’s talent as she held up one that echoed the view in front of them almost exactly, with the lights of the city twinkling against the dark sky. She couldn’t decide which she liked more, that one or a nearly identical one… except during the day, with the Highline in the foreground and the Statue of Liberty in the distance.

Her breath trembled in her lungs as she tipped her face up to laugh at something Brandon said and felt his breath tickle against her exposed throat. She swallowed heavily, and the air between them grew charged.

From up ahead, she heard the faint strains of a guitar. A slow smile spread across Brandon’s face, crinkling the corners of his bright blue eyes.

“C’mon.” He took her hand and tugged her along, until they drew even with the musician. A young Asian man with a beat up old acoustic guitar was seated on the ground, strumming and singing along. He had a strong, clear tenor. A small crowd had gathered around him as he played the opening chords to Santana’s ‘Smooth’.

Brandon turned toward her, pulling her against his chest. To her surprise, he slid his arm around her waist. “Dance with me.”

Joy sparkled in her veins like champagne as she slid her free hand up to Brandon’s shoulder and began to move with him. Suzanne loved to dance. The only enjoyable part of many of her father’s parties was that dancing was something that was expected… even if it was the more sedate kind, to classical quartets.

But this, her body swaying and her blood pumping, this she really loved. And Brandon knew how to move too! He spun her effortlessly, his big body confident and fluid in his steps. His hand splayed against her back, pressing her in close as their hips twisted in rhythm. Her breasts brushed his chest, arousal heating her blood at being held so intimately.

When the song came to an end, she was breathing heavily, and not just from the dancing. Her whole body felt flushed, her heart throbbing in every cell.

The crowd applauded, and it was only then that she realized several other couples had joined them.

“You’re a good dancer,” she murmured to Brandon, catching her breath.

“Ma insisted we all learn.” He gave her a boyish grin, his lashes sweeping down, and Suzanne realized he was a little embarrassed. “She said a woman appreciates a man who can dance.”

She chuckled, wrapping her arms around his neck as the musician began strumming the chords to John Legend’s ‘All of Me’. Suzanne loved the song.

“Your mom is a smart woman.”

Brandon’s hand slid around her waist as they began to move again, slower this time. He bent closer, his hair sliding over his forehead and brushing her cheek as he spoke low in her ear. “I’ll have to remember to thank her.”

Suzanne shivered, her nipples peaking and her belly going tight at the rough velvet of his voice.

They danced through the rest of the song in silence, her temple resting against his cheek. She swore the rhythm of their breath and heartbeats almost seemed to sync. As the young musician crooned Legend’s words, “Love your curves and all your edges, all your perfect imperfections,” Brandon’s big hands caressed her back and sides languidly.

In the dark sky above them, the moon began to dip toward the horizon. She sighed at the reminder that the night was slipping away.

As if he could read her mind, or maybe just caught her glance, Brandon pulled back when the song finished.

“It’s getting late. I’d better get you home.”

Words similar to the ones she’d spoken earlier in the week to Antoine — about being able to get home on her own ― lay on her tongue unspoken. Instead, she smiled at Brandon.

“Okay.”

They rode the A back to her neighborhood in near silence. On the subway, Suzanne settled against his side, and Brandon wrapped his arm around her. His fingers played idly with a few loose curls.

She laid her head on his shoulder and breathed in the heady scent of him. His free hand slid over to capture hers where it lay on her thigh. He twined their fingers together. Suzanne’s throat felt tight. She couldn’t remember the last time a man had held hands with her.

Had it ever happened? The feel of his calloused palm and fingers against her softer skin made her heart squeeze.

Brandon didn’t release her hand as they got off the subway and made their way to her apartment. She saw him looking around the street she lived on and wondered what he thought. Was it very different than his street? He hadn’t talked much about where he lived, only made a vague mention of an apartment in Queens. She didn’t want to ask and perhaps puncture the warm bubble of the night.

“This is me.” She nodded toward the door to her apartment, worrying her lower lip.

He stopped, but still didn’t drop her hand. His eyes roved her face, his thumb stroking the back of her hand. He didn’t say anything. Suzanne licked her lips, rubbing them together. Her heart tripped several beats.

“I had an amazing time.” Her voice was husky as she spoke, catching in her throat. Brandon smiled, his eyes twinkling. She wondered if he’d give a cocky, ‘I told you so’, but instead he drew slightly closer to her, his head bowing.

“I did too. I’m glad you said yes to me, Suzanne.” His breath tickled her lips when he spoke her name, making her shiver.

“Me too.” She lifted up on her toes, sliding her free hand around to cup the back of his head and pull him down the final few centimeters.

His mouth was warm satin against hers, his full lips fitting perfectly in a sweet, firm, tender caress.

Then Brandon curled an arm around her and tugged her closer, pressing her body to the hard length of his, and things went from sweet to hot in the space of heartbeat. The tip of his tongue teased the edge of her upper lip. Suzanne opened for him, her own tongue sliding out to meet his.

The glide and play was slick and erotic as the kiss deepened. Blood pulsed through her veins in response to each nip and lick, pooling heavily in her breasts, making them feel full and aching for a touch, and her sex. Wet heat bloomed between her thighs as Brandon’s big hands shaped her hips and held her close.

Her fingers were buried in the blond silk of his hair, holding tight as their mouths meshed and their tongues danced, moving together as effortlessly and passionately as the two of them had earlier.

She could feel him, hard and thick, against her belly as they pressed closer. One of them groaned, but she couldn’t say for sure who it was. He sucked at her lower lip, his uneven breath wafting against her cheek as he planted little kisses along her jaw.

Suzanne’s hands slid down his broad back, reveling in the tensed muscles beneath his shirt. She pulled him closer, unable to keep her hips from rocking, seeking friction. This time it was definitely Brandon who groaned.

His mouth found hers again, the fierceness of his kiss sending a rush of pleasure through her. For the first time in her life, Suzanne considered taking a man to her bed after a first date. She’d been burned so many times she was usually cautious about taking that step, but she’d never felt anything like the powerful attraction that hummed between her and Brandon either.

She reached for her purse and began dazedly fishing for her keys without taking her lips from his.

It was Brandon who stepped back. His hands cupped her face, his thumb rubbing her lower lip, which felt tingling and swollen.

“I think I’d better go.” His eyes were intense. “But I’d like to do this again. Say you will.”

“Definitely. Soon.” After tonight, there was no question that whatever it was between them couldn’t be ignored. And Suzanne didn’t want to.

Brandon’s smile was wide as he brushed another kiss — brief this time — against her mouth. “Excellent. I’ll call you tomorrow.”

Another brushing caress of a kiss, and then he pulled away and began the walk back to the metro. Suzanne watched him until he disappeared around the corner, her tingling lips curled into a happy grin.

Unfortunately, ‘soon’ was easier said than done. Brandon worked over the rest of the weekend, and when he was off, she was back at work. To make matters worse, WMI had their annual training conference during the week, meaning all departments had to attend mandatory seminars and classes, all arranged by HR.

Suzanne’s normally busy department became insane during conferences, and as an intern she had a lot to do. Her work hours were long and erratic. Not at all conducive to setting up a second date.

“I’m sorry, Bran.” It was Wednesday night, after seven, and she was still in her office, re-stapling packets for the morning’s seminars.  He could hear the cha-chunk and pictured her with her cell pressed between her shoulder and her ear, her long-fingered hands deftly handling the sheaves of paper. The image brought a smile to his face. Honestly, thinking about Suzanne in any capacity made his lips curl.

Their date had gone better than he ever could have hoped; starting right from the moment he discovered she shared his love of spicy food. And that kiss? Hell, days later and he could still taste her mouth and feel the echoes of her lush body pressed against his.

He’d spent most of the intervening time constantly sporting a semi. The guys at the station had given him no end of shit. Pete, especially, couldn’t seem to pass up an opportunity to get a dig in. The guy was really starting to get on his nerves.

“Tomorrow night I’m supposed to be out of here at a reasonable hour. Maybe we can do something then?” Her husky contralto winged upward with hope. Brandon slumped back against the couch cushions, propping his feet up on the coffee table.

“I’m on night tomorrow.”

Suzanne sighed. “Oh yeah, your fifteen huh?”

“You got it.”

“I’m really sorry. I do want to see you.”

She’d thought about him more than she would have thought possible, and not just alone in her bed at night when she remembered that heart-pounding kiss.

No, Suzanne’s mind had been so consumed with thoughts of Brandon that she’d avoided all but the briefest conversations with her mother, afraid Monique Headley would use her mom radar to hear the tremble of emotion in her voice and grill her.

It was easy to miss her mother’s calls though, because she was usually on the phone with Brandon.

They’d spoken almost every night since their date, from brief chats to long, late night talks while they were both yawning. Monday morning, a small package had arrived for her at work and she unwrapped it to discover the small painting of the view from the Highline at night, the one she’d marveled over during their date.

The painting now hung on the wall of her bedroom, where she looked at it as they talked at night.

“It’s not your fault, babe.”

Suzanne hated to admit she felt a thrill of excitement every time Brandon used the endearment. She’d never been one for pet names, but when he called her ‘babe’, it made her heart flip and her belly quiver.

“I know, but it’s still annoying as hell.”

He chuckled, which did nothing for the uneven pace of her heartbeat. “I don’t disagree, but I can’t say I’m sad to hear your say it.”

Brandon’s eyes scanned his apartment, wishing she was there with him at the moment. The intensity with which he craved her presence had surprised him. Freaked him out a bit too, truth be told.

Things with Hillary had never felt like that. They’d known each other since high school, had a lot of the same friends, and just sort of fell into dating. She’d always been flighty and non-committal about their future… he could see that now. He’d loved her, though. The pain he still felt at the thought of her proved that. But he’d never felt the connection with her that he felt Friday night with Suzanne.

It was nice to know she wanted to see him as badly as he wanted to see her. Brandon decided that whatever was going on, he’d just see where it took them. There was no use in borrowing trouble, or worrying about what might happen. It’s not like they were
serious
or anything. As intense as their connection was, it had only been one date.

There was a little voice in the back of his mind that was cautioning him, reminding him how much it had hurt when he’d found out about Hillary and Angelo. The depth of that double betrayal had cut deep, and that wound hadn’t entirely healed.

Imagine, that little voice whispered, how much worse it would be if he let himself really fall for Suzanne.

“I got the book,” he blurted, his eyes lighting on the hardcover he’d found in his mail that morning. The sight of the glossy cover photo — a black and white shot of The Five Points — made his chest feel tight.

He’d mentioned wanting to read the hard-to-find book, a history of New York City, during dinner on Friday, and the fact that she’d not only remembered, but tracked it down and sent it to him, meant a lot.

On the other end of the line, Suzanne giggled happily. He imagined her dimple showing.

“Yay! Do you like it?”

He picked up the volume and ran his hand over it, flipping it open. He’d only read a few chapters so far. “It’s awesome. Thank you.”

Brandon stroked the book, remembering the silky feel of Suzanne’s skin. He was so intent on the recollection he almost missed her next words.

“So, Friday night then, I guess?” She blew out a breath, and he could hear the disappointment in her tone.

He couldn’t help smiling. He wanted to see her sooner too. “It’s a date.”

***

Suzanne opened her apartment door Friday morning and blinked in surprise. Brandon stood on her doorstep, two canvas grocery sacks in his hands and shadows under his eyes.

Glancing at the clock, she realized he must have just gotten off his overnight shift. Warmth spread through her, making her lips curve into a smile.

“Hey!”

Brandon’s answering grin was broad as he held up the shopping bags. “I hope you don’t mind me just showing up. I thought I’d make us some breakfast?”

She stepped back, swinging the door wide, her heart flipping at the sight of him standing in her entryway. “I don’t mind at all. Especially if you’re planning on cooking for me.”

It had been frustrating for both of them that their schedules had been so contradictory this week. Suzanne heard it in his voice whenever they talked. Chatting on the phone and texting was nice, but nothing compared to being in each other’s presence.

Seeing him here, exhausted but determined to spend time with her, made her heart break into a vigorous gymnastics floor routine.

She led him into the kitchen, watching as he unloaded everything he’d need to make just about any kind of breakfast food she could imagine. Suzanne laughed.

“Are you inviting the rest of the firehouse?”

“What? Oh.” He shrugged, a faint flush staining his cheeks as he scanned the packed countertops. One big hand rose and scrubbed at his cheek. Faint blond stubble rasped under his palm. “I wasn’t sure what you’d like. Can you believe we haven’t discussed preferred breakfast foods?”

He shook his head, tired eyes sparkling. Suzanne snorted. “I can’t. And I love pretty much all breakfast foods. If you ask me to choose between bacon and sausage, we’re gonna have problems.”

Brandon laughed, his throat rippling with the joyful noise. It filled her quiet apartment, and Suzanne shivered at how good it sounded to her.

He rooted through the bounty he’d unpacked and grabbed a package of bacon and one of link sausage. “No need to choose. We’ve got both. I hope you’re not a patty sausage kind of girl, though, because that might be the only thing I
didn’t
bring.”

They settled on mushroom and onion omelettes, with bacon, sausage, and hash browns.

It turned out Brandon was a pretty great cook. Though the food was simple, it was delicious and filling. And watching him flip the omelettes, standing barefoot in her kitchen in worn jeans and a white cotton t-shirt, his biceps bulging the sleeves as he lifted the pan, made her heart race.

They took the food into the living room, skipping the island and its stools so they could sit more comfortably on her plush couch. Suzanne didn’t at all mind feeling the brush of his shoulder against hers as she ate.

When she was finished, she wiped her greasy mouth on a napkin. She took both plates into the kitchen and plopped them in the full sink. Between her and Brandon, they’d cleaned as he’d cooked, but there were still a lot of dishes to do.

Suzanne left them for later and went back to the couch, sliding back against Brandon’s side. She looped her arms around his waist.

“That was amazing. Thank you.”

“No need for thanks. I got breakfast with a beautiful lady out of the deal.” He winked, wrapping his arms around her too.

Heat flushed her cheeks. She wasn’t used to those kind of compliments from men. “Well, thank you anyway. For coming over in the first place.”

“You’re welcome. I know we were planning on seeing each other tonight anyway but… I was finishing up at work and wanted to see you, so I figured, what the heck, right?” He dropped a kiss on her lips. “Mmmm.” His eyes crinkled in a grin. “You taste like bacon.”

Suzanne laughed. “Oh, yeah? I seem to remember you saying bacon was your favorite.” She wiggled her eyebrows.

Brandon chuckled, his nose brushing along hers as he lowered his head again. “Definitely my favorite.”

His mouth covered hers, his lips warm and moist. His tongue slipped in, tasting of coffee and brown sugar.

It had been years since Suzanne had made out on a couch, and those early, fumbling teenage attempts were nothing like the smooth, passionate, hot kisses she and Brandon were sharing now.

His big hands roamed her back and sides, venturing tantalizingly close to her breasts but not touching.

She wanted to lie back and pull him on top of her, feel all that hard muscle pressing down on her. When his mouth trailed down her throat, nipping at the skin beneath her ear, Suzanne whimpered.

Her fingers dug into his shoulders. She tilted her head, giving him better access. His lips moved across her collarbone, bared just above the modest scoop neck of her work blouse. Brandon’s teeth scraped deliciously against her skin, his tongue flicking out to smooth the small sting.

Her nipples were hard, aching where the suddenly rough lace of her bra abraded them. Between her thighs, the folds of her sex were wet and throbbing.

Suzanne broke the kiss reluctantly, gasping for air. Despite the fatigue lingering around Brandon’s eyes, they glowed with desire, and a single glance at his lap proved the rest of him was equally as affected. But he didn’t resist when she pulled away.

Her hand rose to his cheek. The velvet rasp of his stubble beneath her sensitive fingertips made her shiver.

“As much as I’m enjoying the dessert portion of breakfast, I need to leave for work.”

Brandon sighed, and it turned into a yawn, making them both laugh. “Yeah, I should get home before I collapse. I’d hate to think what would happen if I passed out on the subway.” He gave an exaggerated shudder.

Suzanne bit her lip, eyes scanning his face. The shadows under his eyes were dark, and his broad shoulders were drooping with exhaustion.

“You could… I mean, if you wanted to, you could crash here.” Her heart flipping, she patted the couch. “It’s not the Ritz, but the couch is pretty comfortable, and then you don’t have to worry about being molested in your sleep.” Her lips twitched as she realized what she’d just said. “Promise. I’ll be at work.”

He chuckled, glancing from her to the couch, rubbing the back of his neck. “You sure you don’t mind?”

“I wouldn’t offer if I did. Really. Get some sleep. You look done in, and yet you still took the time to come over and cook me breakfast. It’s the least I can do to offer you a few hours rest on my couch, Bran.”

“Okay. Thanks. I wasn’t looking forward to that subway ride.”

She pressed another kiss on his lips, pulling back quickly before it could get out of hand. “Rest. Make yourself comfortable.” She pulled her Grandmother’s afghan from the basket under the coffee table and shook it out, handing it to him. Seeing the treasured blanket in his hands sent a weird pang through her heart.

Her Grandmother would have really liked Brandon. She would have admired the work he did, and the love he had for his job, and his laid-back sense of humor.

Suzanne climbed to her feet as he stretched out, already struggling to keep his eyes open. She gathered up her purse and coat, stopping at the door before heading out.

“I won’t be home until a little late tonight, but if you want to stick around, I can get some take-out and we can watch a movie or something. Maybe not exactly what we had planned for tonight, but it could be fun.” Her heart hammered against her ribs as she waited for him to answer.

The smile spread sweet as syrup across Brandon’s face. “That sounds great, babe.” He yawned. “Have a good day at work.”

She couldn’t resist moving back to his side to bend and slide her mouth over his one final time. Brandon hummed sleepily in the back of his throat. Suzanne pulled back, brushing a lock of tousled blond hair off his forehead.