Taste Me Read online

  Tai Chi jumped up on the counter before her with a slight meow. She’d rescued the Balinese cat from the street where he was hungry and skinny as a rail. She petted his silky fur, and his contented purr filled the small room. A nice soothing sound.

  “I’ve been bad, Tai. But I’ve never felt so fulfilled, so wonderful.”

  She’d never done anything like that before—ever.

  There’d been a boyfriend or two in the past. She frowned. She hadn’t been looking for a boyfriend, so it had been well over a year. When she did have a partner, sex was a natural part of their relationship. But that’s all it was. Just sex. Missionary position. Nothing special. What she’d always thought was normal—was not. She didn’t know what an orgasm was before. She’d not only had one orgasm, but two, or three—or maybe even five. She’d lost count.

  What she’d experienced a few hours ago was the ultimate of mating rituals. He’d taken her to the edge, and when she climbed that overwhelming peak, that mountain of physical awareness, she tumbled so hard and fast, it took her breath away. Inscribed in the deepest treasures of her heart, she would never forget such a heavenly moment.

  Or the man.

  Aurora wondered if he would be at the market the next time she went. Of course, he would. He was the manager. Though, it had been odd the second time she met him. No zing, no zap. No sparks at all. And he didn’t respond as though they’d been intimate. In fact, he’d acted like he was someone else in the same delectable body, with the same sexy smile and deep umber eyes.

  She was shameless. All she wanted to do was remember each exciting detail and relive them over and over in her mind. They’d had the entire storage area to themselves for an afternoon delight. And she couldn’t get over it. Shaking her head, she slipped her hand into her back pocket to retrieve her underwear. There was no hot pink lace. Her heart tumbled in her chest. Where had she lost it?

  Covering her eyes with her hands, she remembered talking to him in the manager’s office. They must have fallen out there. Now, he had her underwear as a memento of their tryst. And she had his shirt. She tugged off the shirt and tossed it onto the toilet seat, kicked off her shoes, shoved down her jeans, and stepped out of them. As she bent to retrieve the clothes, she caught the alluring scent of their intimacy. Shivers raced along her skin. There was no resisting the temptation to smell him again. She touched herself, still wet with juices, and placed her fingers to her nostrils.

  Oh, so good!

  Awareness slithered over her. She was horny. She was hot. Tai Chi sat on the sink and meowed like he understood her sexual need. “Oh, shut up! I don’t want to see him again.”

  Liar! Yes, you do.

  Aurora shook her head and wiped her moist fingertips along her bare thigh. Maybe she needed to visit the adult toy store tomorrow. They would have something to help her release all this pent-up need she had throbbing through her insides since this afternoon. She shook out her jeans, and Mr. Love’s business card fluttered to the floor.

  No way. Absolutely not.

  Chapter Two

  Late afternoons were always the worst with the set-up and rearrangement of the fresh produce. And Bryce was a stickler for details. He entered his office and flopped into his desk chair. Damn, he was exhausted. He’d shelved crates, straightened stacks of grain, and organized the whole stock area too. Hell, he’d even taken inventory for the second time today. The entire time he had her on his mind. He had to save that one special burlap sunflower seed bag. He’d hauled it upstairs to his office and set it in the corner, so he could remember her sweetness.

  But how the hell was he going to find her again? Since accepting Brent’s recent challenge, his time would be limited. He rolled the chair over and peered out the large picture window, directing his attention to the produce area. Of course, he didn’t expect her to still be in the store. Not after several hours. Wait. What was that on the floor near the bananas?

  Curiosity sparked his interest. He headed downstairs into the store and didn’t slow down until he got to the banana stand. Bright pink lace met his weary gaze. He would recognize those panties anywhere. He scooped them up and tucked them into his back jeans pocket. A memento of their loving. Perfect. Now, he’d be able to have her scent with him too.

  He climbed into the cab of his white truck and glanced around to make sure no one was about, then he sniffed the pink fabric. God. He got hard visualizing her pretty face as he pumped into her, ready to burst at the seams. He’d wanted to give her the best sex ever and hoped he did. It was certainly the most mind-blowing he’d ever had.

  He started the truck, backed out of the parking space, and headed home. Before he even fed his bulldog, Brutus, he jumped into the shower. Water sluiced over his sore, muscled body. He’d had the ultimate workout today. Both physically and erotically. His rising erection confirmed he was sexually alert—and hey, why not?

  A macho man. He chuckled.

  Hot damn, he was in a great mood.

  There was one problem he would have to handle. Why the hell did he accept another one of Brent’s challenges? He wasn’t into college playtime anymore. He wanted to settle into a solid lifestyle, with stable habits and a pretty woman in his bed every night. The same passionate female he’d met today might be in the running for the position. Maybe she would come back to look for her lost panties. He’d keep a close eye on the produce section over the next few days.

  Bryce burst out singing the old Roy Orbison song about the pretty woman walking down the street. Oh yeah, I’m definitely interested in this one.

  ****

  Aurora knocked on the door of her close friend Danielle Comb’s house. Laughter and music escaped from within. It wasn’t every day someone invited her to meet with prestigious chefs to promote her special dessert recipes. She was here tonight because the county’s most prominent chefs were looking for new desserts or a twist on traditional ones to offer in their restaurants. Her homemade pies were the best. Everyone knew it.

  Dani opened the door with a wide smile. “Oh, hi, Rora. Come on in.”

  “Thanks so much for inviting me. Is everyone here?” She held the tall cake carrier in one hand and touched Dani’s shoulder with the other. “I’m the last one, aren’t I?”

  “It doesn’t matter. You’re here now. We haven’t started eating yet. Let’s go this way into the kitchen. There’s quite a crowd gathered in the dining room.”

  She followed Dani down the front hallway into the bright yellow and white room. She couldn’t help but envy her friend’s fantastic kitchen. Perfection lay before her. The wide butcher’s block center island was spacious, complete with a drop-in gas stovetop for easy access. Glossy black and white tiles dressed the surrounding countertops, and white-trimmed bay windows looked out to the well-kept garden behind. Dusk was settling over the yard, and automatic outdoor lights flickered to life.

  The aroma of freshly cooked food assaulted her nostrils. It was a delicious collection of exotic foods from faraway places. Each chef had made their favorite main dish. Dani had made a tossed salad as her contribution, and Aurora was offering dessert. Her almost famous fresh strawberry pie.

  Her stomach growled. She’d forgotten to eat since her return from the market. After setting the cake carrier down on the counter, she walked over to wash her hands at the sink.

  “Is Chef Antonio here?” She hoped so. He was the main reason she’d come. If she could get him interested in her desserts, she would be well-known in no time. He was the best Italian chef in Washington D.C. and the surrounding area.

  Dani made a funny face and crossed her fingers high in the air. “Oh yeah. And he brought his nephew too. Seems like everyone invited an extra person, and damn if it doesn’t make for a large group. But I can handle it. It’s good practice for my business.”

  “You know I’m not good with crowds, right? I mean, hiding behind the desk at work and speaking to the masses through the newspaper column is one thing. Meeting with large groups of people intimidates me.
I might run away.”

  Dani laughed. “Don’t you dare—especially before you introduce your luscious dessert. It is the strawberry pies, correct?”

  She nodded. “You know I wouldn’t miss this golden opportunity for the world. Thanks again for inviting me. I hope I can impress at least one of them.”

  “You will.” Dani always had the most positive attitude, and that’s what it took to be a good wedding planner. She was one of the urban city’s best.

  Aurora followed Dani into the dining room, a spacious room filled with people holding crystal glasses and sitting in high-back velvet chairs. Expensive and exactly like Dani—beautiful. It made her feel a bit uncomfortable. She preferred smaller groups of people and less formal settings. She was a country girl at heart, even though she was city born and raised.

  “Aurora Daring, I would like you to meet Chef Antonio Rosalli. Antonio, this is my very good friend I’ve been telling you about. The one with the fantastic desserts.” Dani stepped away after the introduction and disappeared into the next room.

  Black curly hair held back in a queue framed a well-rounded face with big brown puppy dog eyes. His wide waist bespoke of the delicious meals he prepared. He was her favorite Italian chef. His presence demanded attention. He was that great.

  “Good evening, Miss Daring. I’ve heard so much about you from our delightful host and mutual friend.” He lifted her hand and placed a kiss on the back, holding her fingertips so she couldn’t slip away. “I do hope you brought your unique desserts for me to sample.”

  His wink made her smile, and his accent was endearing. She loved that he was Italian. Even though he’d been here for decades and was most likely in his fifties, his accent was still strong. He was way too old for her but dashing just the same. And like all Italian men, he knew how to flirt.

  “Yes, I did. It’s so nice to meet you, Chef.”

  “Please, call me Antonio.” He cleared his throat and reached behind her. “This is my nephew—”

  “We’ve already met, Uncle.”

  Aurora knew that voice. It was unmistakable. Right down to the slight accent. Now she knew he was Italian like his uncle. She stared into the deep brown eyes of the man from the farmers’ market. “Hello, Mr. Love—”

  “Please call me Bryce.” He flashed her a sideways smile that made her heart flutter and kissed the back of her hand like his uncle had done. “What a pleasure to see you here tonight. I had no idea we’d meet again this soon.”

  She couldn’t think of a word to say. She refused to think anything more of his kiss than a foreign gesture of good-will. But could she be wrong about him? Didn’t he recall anything about their wonderful tryst?

  “Let’s go outside on the patio. I need some fresh air, don’t you?”

  “I just got here.” She needed to stay clear of Bryce in order to concentrate on her goal tonight—to convince Chef Antonio to buy her dessert recipes. To discover Chef Antonio’s nephew ran the new farmers’ market in town and she’d recently had sex with him put her into a state of shock. What were the odds? It would appear she was trying to nudge her way in the back door.

  Oh, God!

  Bryce leaned closer, and his lips caressed her earlobe. “I really want to talk to you alone, Miss Daring.”

  A shiver coursed down her spine. Her good sense told her to avoid Bryce Love tonight, but she was a little curious why he appeared to brush off what had happened between them earlier in the day. “We’re about to eat, aren’t we?”

  “Not while they’re all drinking. It’s cocktail hour. Don’t you drink?”

  “No. I don’t.” She glanced over his shoulder to signal Dani. Her friend simply waved and nodded, and continued talking to a group of people. Music and laughter drowned all thoughts of trying to talk in the house.

  He slipped his arm around her waist and led her through the French doors to the brick patio beyond. Suddenly, she wished she’d worn something less revealing. The creamy satin halter dress hugged her curves and left her back open to the waist. Her breasts were small enough the gathered pearl yoke helped hide the fact she hadn’t worn a bra. She was far too vulnerable to his magic touch if he were to pursue her tonight.

  Bryce leaned against the white rail overlooking the garden. “We had a memorable first meeting today. Don’t you agree?”

  Of course, she agreed. It was the hottest sex she’d ever experienced. Dang it, she didn’t want to talk about sex right now. Not here. Not tonight. “I’ll get your shirt back to you in a few days. I dropped it off at the cleaners on my way here. Thanks for the loan.”

  “No problem, but that wasn’t what I meant.”

  She still didn’t want to talk about sex at her best friend’s house, not in the middle of an important dinner party. “Oh, you mean that?”

  He stepped closer, slipped his arms around her, and lowered his face to within a breath of her lips. “Yes. Exactly that.”

  “Dinner!” Antonio bellowed from within the dining room.

  She shook herself out of the fantasy and stepped backward to escape her captor’s embrace. “Another time?”

  “Definitely.” He nudged her forward with his palm on her bare back, warm and almost comforting. Oddly, her skin didn’t catch on fire at his touch.

  “Be right back,” he whispered against her neck. “We’re not done yet.”

  Aurora swung around, but he was gone.

  The dining room seating alternated boy-girl, and there were place settings all around the long oak table. She chose the seat nearest her hostess and switched the name tags with the one across the table. Still, Dani was four people away, sipping a glass of wine and laughing at one of her guest’s comments.

  She glanced at the empty chair beside her and read the name on the small yellow card. Brent Lovella. She wondered who he was and if he was young or old, a chef or a guest. Dani had said each of the chefs had a staff member to help serve their meal. Maybe that’s why Bryce disappeared so quickly. He was in the kitchen, helping to ready the delicacy his uncle prepared for their consumption.

  A young man in evening attire, with a linen towel over his arm, entered the dining room and filled their water glasses. She smiled and tugged his sleeve. “Excuse me? Have you seen Bryce Love in the kitchen?”

  “Not sure who that is, ma’am.” He sported a wide grin.

  “Asking about me, eh?” Bryce slipped into the chair beside her and patted her thigh under the table. “Missing me already. I like that.”

  She removed his hand before he could do anything more mischievous. “I wondered where you’d gone. That’s all.”

  He leaned closer and bussed her cheek. “I have something of yours. Nice, sexy. The prettiest shade of pink—”

  “Not here. Are you crazy?” Heat flushed her face. The very thought of him admiring her panties brought back intimacies she shouldn’t be thinking about. Oh, but she loved what he’d done to her, and the panties were a sweet reminder. “I’ll come by tomorrow and pick that item up. Now, let’s enjoy our dinner. This night is important to me.”

  “To me as well. I assure you.” He winked at her and his mouth slid into a sideways smile before he took a sip of water. He licked the moisture from his lips.

  She shook her head, turning away so he couldn’t see her smile. He was sexy in the most delectable way. The devil knew it too. No way would she allow him to turn her into a panting, gasping, hot-as-hell female, awaiting carnal release.

  Plates filled with a sample of each chef’s creation from French escargot to Korean rice with wild spring veggies were placed in front of each guest. It was a culinary delight. The aroma was delicious and took her mind away from all thoughts of the sensual man at her side.

  “I’ve thought about how I would look in pink.” Bryce’s voice was loud enough he might as well have shouted it across the table.

  Aurora dropped the snail shell she was holding, and it clattered to her plate. She took a big gulp of water and refrained from choking. Was he crazy? He’d look pretty d
arned silly in her lacey G-string panties. “You’re too big.”

  “Ah, so you noticed?”

  She fanned her fingers in his direction. “Please, stop. This is inappropriate talk for the dinner table.”

  “But not my dinner table. I will have you over sometime. I want to make sweet love to you, carina.” His whispered words drifted to her ears, and she prayed no one paid them any mind. “Did I tell you I love pink?”

  Oh, God. He was shameless.

  She remembered his tongue licking her, tasting her—

  “Have you sampled the salmon yet?”

  She glanced over at him. He lifted a forkful of bright pink salmon and red caviar to his lips. He sniffed it and the tip of his tongue darted out to sample the raw fish juices, then he neatly tucked the entire bite inside his mouth and stared at her with those inquisitive eyes. Moisture seeped into her panties, only she wasn’t wearing any panties just her thin pantyhose. She wiggled in her seat. This wasn’t good.

  “Something wrong, carina?” His smile was wicked but interested at the same time.

  “Don’t call me that.” She pushed her chair back from the table. “Excuse me, please.”

  She hurried toward the staircase that led to the upstairs rooms. Slipping into Dani’s bedroom, she knew her friend would understand if she borrowed a pair of underwear. They often shared clothes and had since grade school. Besides, this was an emergency.

  Simply hiking up her dress wasn’t an option, the way it fit her tight curves. She had to slip the ties from her neck, wiggle her hips, and let the expensive dress puddle on the carpet. She stepped out of the satin circle and walked over to the dresser. While she rummaged through the drawers to locate Dani’s underwear supply, she tried to relax and not think about what Bryce did to her with his deep voice and subtle Italian accent. The man was a complete nemesis.

  “Everything okay?”

  Aurora gasped and spun around at the sound of Dani’s voice. “Oh, my God, you scared me.” She thought up a quick explanation for why she was standing almost nude in her friend’s bedroom, without going into the gritty details. She was horny, and one of Dani’s guests was the culprit. “I think my period might have started. Do you mind if I borrow a pair of panties?”