Too Hot for Chapter Ten: The Scene My Editor Said Needed a Cold Shower
A steamy bonus scene that didn’t make the cut—until now. Spoiler: It involves a kitchen counter and very little clothing.
It started with a peach.
Not a metaphor. A literal, fat, juice-dripping peach that Vivv had taken a bite out of while standing barefoot in the kitchen at 1:03am wearing nothing but a pair of boxer briefs and Ryder’s sweatshirt.
The sweatshirt was inside out. She hadn't noticed until she'd already pulled it over her head, but then she shrugged and figured it was on brand for whatever-the-hell this thing was between them.
She turned the peach in her hand, took another bite, and was halfway through a self-loathing spiral about late-night carbs when she heard the front door creak. She froze, juice still on her lip, just as Ryder stepped into the kitchen.
They stopped dead in their tracks.
"Hi," she said. Because that’s what you say when you’re caught half-naked with fruit in your mouth like a feral forest creature.
Ryder’s eyes swept over her—bare legs, the oversized sweatshirt, the juice on her chin—and when their gaze landed on the peach, they made a sound that absolutely was not polite.
"You’re gonna kill me," they said, voice rough.
Vivv raised an eyebrow and took another bite. Slowly. Messily. Just to see what would happen.
Ryder crossed the kitchen like they were being pulled on a string. By the time they were standing in front of her, their hands were clenched at their sides, jaw tight.
"You don’t play fair," they murmured.
"Never said I did."
They reached out and dragged their thumb across her chin, wiping the juice away. Then, they licked it off their finger.
Her whole body lit up like someone had poured hot cider directly into her bloodstream.
"Counter," they said.
Vivv blinked. "What?"
Ryder gripped her thighs and lifted her in one smooth motion, setting her down on the cold marble counter behind her. The peach fell to the floor with a soft thunk.
They stepped between her legs, and suddenly their hands were everywhere—under the sweatshirt, over her thighs, cupping her face as they kissed her like they needed her to forget her name.
She did. Happily.
The sweatshirt went first. Then the boxer briefs. Then Ryder’s shirt. Then their self-control.
The counter was cold, but their mouth was hot, and when they dropped to their knees and muttered something filthy against her inner thigh, Vivv forgot all about the peach.
Note from Kitty:
My editor flagged this scene with a sticky note that said "TOO HOT, I’M SWEATING." So naturally, I cut it from the book and saved it just for you. You’re welcome.
Should I write the follow-up scene where they try to explain the peach incident to Mel over breakfast? Let me know in the comments.
