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“The American News Channel has several nightly programs.”

I clear my throat, my stomach doing a flip. “It’s, err, it’s for Prime Time DC.”

A second of silence follows. Rafael pierces me with a look that I don’t know how to interpret. His expression is stoic, his dark eyes glued to mine. He doesn’t seem thrilled or excited by the idea, but he’s not noticeably upset by it either.

It’s almost as if he’s… waiting to gauge my reaction?

“Prime Time DC films in DC,” he points out finally.

“Yes… yes, it does,” I answer with another sigh. “Apparently, the executive producer of the show caught a few of my segments and he liked what he saw.”

“Of course he would. You’re brilliant and talented. I’ve told you you’re the best on your network.”

My cheeks warm. “Finkle told me to give him a call so I could learn more about the job.”

“Did you?”

“No,” I say. I reach into my pocket and pull out the scrap of paper. “I didn’t even apply for the job. My whole life is here in Newport. Why would I ever take it?”

“You’ve always wanted to be on the national news.”

“I have. But I didn’t think it would happen like this. So soon. I’ve only been an evening field reporter for a year now. That’s such a fast rise.”

“Portia,” Rafael says in his husky voice, his tone slightly softer for me. He gets up out of his chair and walks over to pull me up from mine. Once I’m on my feet, he draws my mouth to his in a tender kiss. “I am happy for you. I want you to experience your dreams and career ambitions. But I would be a liar if I said I’m not selfish enough to want you to stay here. What do you think you will do?”

I’m so appreciative of his encouraging words that I lean into his touch, returning to his lips for another kiss.

The truth is, I’ve already thought about the opportunity, and though part of me is curious about pursuing it, I’ve made up my mind. It’s not the right time.

I’ve finally hit a stride after so long grinding in Newport. I love my job at Metro, love living with my best friend and sister, and love dating the new man in my life. If I moved to DC, I would have to start all over again. I would be giving up what I have for only thepossibilitythat the move would be worth it.

“I’m not going,” I say, peering up at him. “I’ve thought about it, and it’s not the right time. Maybe a couple years from now, but I think I still have some time to grow at Metro News.”

Rafael cups my cheek, his dark gaze sparking. I’m not sure how to describe the emotion that flickers in them other than to say it makes my heart skip a beat. He brings my mouth to his for an even deeper kiss, letting his tongue tease the curve of my top and bottom lips.

“I’m glad you’ve made up your mind, my opinion aside. I would’ve supported any choice of yours.”

“I know. That’s one of the many things that makes you an amazing boyfriend.”

He grins. “Ready for dessert?”

* * *

From the moment we’re alone in Rafael’s bedroom, we can’t keep our hands off each other. Rafael wraps me up in his arms and kisses me deep. His hands travel my body. I shudder at his touch, his wide palms canvassing the length of my spine, then the swell of my ass. He gives me an appreciative squeeze from behind.

His tongue parts my lips and pours into my mouth as he does. The passion is so hot between us, burning all at once, that it feels like I’m melting in his hands. I’m panting against his mouth as he squeezes my ass and his tongue massages mine.

Rafael has always been a phenomenal kisser. It’s like he makes love with his lips and tongue, using both in dangerously lustful ways.

My mind reels. I’m unable to think of anything but how good his warm, soft lips feel pressed against my own.

His heat becomes mine. It flushes over my skin and burns in my belly. Liquid fire that travels to other parts of me, making my pussy clench.

I slide my fingers through his dark hair and return his fervor in equal measure. My head tilts as the angle of our kiss shifts and Rafael goes from groping my ass to hoisting me up by the thighs. Instinctually, my legs help him along, banding around his waist.

He walks me to the bed where he slowly lowers me, never breaking our hot, tongue-lashing kiss.

Dessert was simply the foreplay leading up to this.