Taste Me Read online

  Dani smiled. “No problem. I have mini-pads in the bathroom, under the counter. Grab one of those too. You’ll find a pair of real underwear, third drawer down.”

  “Thanks, Dani. You’re a lifesaver.”

  After donning the panties and pad, Aurora discarded her pantyhose in the laundry hamper. She slipped back into the slinky gown and glanced at her reflection in the full-length mirror. Rosy cheeks, bright eyes, and goosebumps made her breasts pebble. She looked like a woman in love. How could that be in one short day? It was impossible. Sex alone wasn’t love. It was just sex. Right?

  Downstairs laughter and the sound of crystal glasses clinking filled her ears. What were they doing? Were they already done with dinner? Darn it, she wanted to be the one to present her dessert. She hurried the rest of the way down the wide polished steps and rushed into the dining room.

  All eyes were on her.

  “There she is! Congratulations are in order,” someone said from around the table.

  Aurora sat in her chair and took a sip of water. Bryce was nowhere in sight. “Did I miss something?”

  Dani walked over and squeezed her shoulders. “We’re so excited for you. He told us all about it.”

  “Who? About what?” Was she the only one in the room who was totally clueless?

  Chef Antonio’s flushed cheeks caught her attention. Something or someone had gotten the man worked up. “Your engagement to my nephew. I didn’t know you already knew each other. I give you my best wishes for a happy future together and want to do a proper celebration at my restaurant next Saturday night. Everyone is invited. It’s amore!”

  Aurora’s heart kerplunked in her chest. She shook her head to clear it of such pure nonsense. Engaged? To a man she’d met for the first time less than twenty-four hours ago? Were they all mad? How did this mix-up happen? And where was Bryce Love?

  Dani whispered in her ear, “This is the perfect time to introduce your strawberry dessert. Antonio is in love with you.”

  Aurora nodded, still feeling the whole situation was surreal. She headed for the kitchen to retrieve her pies. The dashing devil was there, with a smile dancing on his lips. “Oh, boy. What did you do now?”

  Bryce leaned against the sideboard in a casual and confident manner. He gazed at her with fawn-like eyes. “Sealed our fate, our destiny. It is meant to be that we meet and fall in love in such a special way.”

  “We aren’t in love. Are you nuts? I mean, we both love hot sex. But it doesn’t mean we’re in love. It means we love sex. Period.”

  “We do?” His voice sounded shocked at the least. “When do we get to explore this hot sex a little more? Tell me, I am curious as to how you know I like it too?”

  The words that tumbled from his mouth made no sense. They’d had the most incredible sex ever—she glanced down at her watch—about seven hours ago. “It’s obvious.”

  He groaned and pressed her backside up against the counter. He pushed his body into her, and his hardness made her smile. “Show me.”

  “You’re impossible.” She pushed away his busy hands, attempting to massage her breasts. She would deal with this silly engagement and the whole conversation about sex at a later time. Right now, her future as a genuine pastry chef was at stake. “It’s time for dessert. I’m hoping your uncle will love what I’ve made. Will you help me, please?”

  “Anything for you.”

  Bryce set out the plates while she sliced the pies and topped them with a ribbon of fresh whipped cream. She handed the dessert plates to the young men who’d come into the kitchen to serve. When all the guests had their servings, she walked out into the dining room and held her breath waiting for their opinion of her recipe.

  Dani hushed her guests and stepped closer to the chef. “What do you think of Aurora’s strawberry dessert, Antonio?”

  All eyes were on the Italian chef.

  He kissed his pursed fingers and blew a kiss into the air. “It is perfetto!”

  Perfect!

  Aurora closed her eyes for a second and enjoyed the relief. This was the highest compliment for her baking endeavors. “Thank you, Antonio.”

  Bryce stood behind her with his palm on her back, caressing her bare flesh with his fingertips. “You’re a hit, sexy lady. No wonder I’m marrying you.”

  She grasped his hand and led him toward the patio, out of earshot of the other guests. “Shush! I asked you to behave. You’ve had far too much to drink. We aren’t engaged, and you know it. You never asked, and I never accepted.”

  “Would you marry me?” He leaned back against the rail and tugged her into his arms. “I’m asking you now.”

  She stared into his dreamy eyes and shivered. Dark eyelashes made his wavy black hair appear even darker. He was stunning, and he took her breath away. “I don’t think—”

  His lips covered hers in a tender kiss. Sweet and succinct. Nothing more.

  What had happened to her adventurous lover of seduction? She stepped back from him and released a sigh. “I wish I could say yes, but we barely know each other. This is happening far too fast. It’s too soon to tell if we even get along.”

  He frowned. “But we enjoy hot sex. You said so yourself.”

  She nodded in agreement. “I sure did.”

  Memories of their tryst were safe in her heart like the dream they were. Nothing had happened at the farmers’ market. It must have been her imagination.

  “It was nice to see you again, Bryce. I need to go now.”

  “What about your pink—”

  Her fingers flew to his lips to keep him from saying what he was going to say, far too loud. Her voice lowered to a whisper. “Let’s not go there tonight. I’ll stop by and pick it up tomorrow.”

  Aurora glanced over her shoulder before entering the house. Bryce leaned against the rail, the garden lights giving him a halo. He looked oh-so-tempting. But when he kissed her just now, the sensation was different from what she’d felt at their first meeting. No warmth in her panties, no perky nipples. Even with his strong arms wrapped around her and his lips lowering for a tantalizing kiss, she’d expected more. But his kiss wasn’t tantalizing at all. There was absolutely no zing!

  Their afternoon delight flooded her thoughts. Sex with Bryce Love had been life-changing. She would never think of sex as plain old sex ever again. Not when it could be—should be—magical. So what had happened?

  ****

  Bryce got to work early with his truckload of freshly picked produce. Lettuce, tomatoes, raspberries, and strawberries. As he unloaded the crates and baskets of food, he pondered whether he would see Miss Right this morning. Surely, she would have missed her hot pink panties by now. He’d keep a close eye out for her when he restocked the market bins, especially the strawberries.

  A smile lit his heart when he recalled how in tune she was with him. She’d not only caught his seductive innuendoes, she challenged them with moves of her own. She was perfect. A few ripe berries tumbled to the ground. He considered any fallen fruit damaged and set them aside to take upstairs for a lunchtime snack. He’d grab a tub of whipped cream along the way.

  His office was the one place he could relax for a few minutes. On busier days, he had two other young men to help. Since this was Saturday, he expected to be busy. He’d left them cleaning and tidying up the main section of the market. He wanted to put his feet up for a few, enjoy a mug of coffee, and relish the simple sweet taste of strawberries. And maybe a few delectable memories too.

  He set the basket of berries on the desktop and sat in his leather chair. A thought tugged at him, and he slid open the top drawer. Hot pink panties peered out, begging for his inspection. He picked them up and held them by his forefinger. Ah, he loved what had been inside these panties. Pure pink pussy so sweet it put the strawberries to shame.

  “Ah-hmm.” Brent stood in the doorway with a big old grin on his face. “What are those, may I ask?”

  “You may, but I’m not telling.” He carefully placed them back inside the desk
drawer and closed it. “What do you want?”

  Brent chuckled. “Just wanted to let you know I got to first base with my sexy blonde date last night. How about you? Any luck yet?”

  “So that’s why you didn’t come home?”

  “It was late when we finished dinner, so I stayed in the city.” He walked in and sat in the spare chair. “You didn’t answer my questions.”

  No, damn it. He hadn’t found her yet. It had been twenty-four hours since he’d left her in the warehouse. The fond memory was a visceral one. She lazed like an open flower blossom, legs spread and totally pollinated on the sunflower seed bag, the same one resting in the corner of his office right now.

  His gaze drifted in that direction, and he couldn’t hold back a smile. “I’ve been busy working. Like usual, you were off partying again. So who’s the sexy blonde? She got a name?”

  “Oh no, I’m not sharing her name yet. I know you and your talent for stealing my women. I’m not disclosing private info.” He glanced down at his hands and folded them in his lap. “You know, it feels good to be one step ahead of you for once. I’m sure I’ll get to second base soon. Once I do, it’s only a matter of time before I get her to say the three special words.”

  “Good luck with that.” Bryce almost laughed, but it wasn’t funny because he had a girl in mind too, if he could ever find her again.

  Brent stood and stretched. “I’m going to the bank, make yesterday’s deposit, and grab a bite to eat at the bistro. Do you want anything?”

  Bryce wanted the woman he couldn’t keep his mind off since he’d devoured every inch of her. Since that wasn’t possible, he’d settle for his strawberries and grab a burger later. “Nope. I’m fine. I have a snack up here.” He nodded toward the bowl of fresh fruit.

  “Suit yourself. I’ll be back in a few hours.”

  “Don’t get lost. Inventory is sitting on your desk. Done and double done. It just needs your touch.”

  Brent held his arms in the air. “You’re no fun, you know that? I’m not sure what women see in you.”

  “They see you, idiot. But I’m much more interesting. Besides my cock is a whole half inch longer than yours. Remember? We measured them in high school.”

  His twin left the room with a mega-sized frown. He loved to tease Brent with the touchy subject. It really didn’t matter. He’d learned long ago it wasn’t the size but the technique and giving the lady what she wants—a full blown orgasm—or several, as was the case with Miss Right. Foreplay was essential in having great sexual relations.

  Maybe Brent was lying and never got to first base with the mystery woman at all. But Bryce wasn’t about to tell his twin he’d already hit a home run and touched all the bases too. He swung his chair around to stare down at the bustling market crowd below. His erection rose against his jeans, and he shifted in his seat.

  Hot damn. There she is—sorting through the strawberries again.

  He whipped her pink panties out of the desk drawer and waited for her to glance up. And she did, right on cue. He dangled the panties from his forefinger and smiled. Her sweet smile of recognition flipped upside-down. She set her basket aside and headed toward the back of the market. She appeared upset, and she was coming up to see him.

  Bryce stuffed the pink lace into his pocket and walked toward the door. She would have to give him something in return if she wanted the panties back. A few kisses or, maybe, a little quickie? He was open to suggestions. He yanked open the office door.

  Her raised hand paused in midair. “What are you doing in here? Are you crazy?”

  “Maybe.”

  She pushed past and stormed into the office, her long, blonde hair flowing in waves down her back, and her green eyes shooting daggers his direction. “Didn’t you tease me enough yesterday?”

  “I thought I left you well satisfied. But you don’t seem very happy to see me.”

  “Tell me one reason why I should be.”

  “This…”

  He took her face in his hands and kissed her like he’d never gotten enough of her sweetness. He ran his tongue over her lips, nibbled and suckled, and kissed her again, pulling her against him so she could feel his rock-hard erection—pulsing with desire for her and her alone. She melted against him, became putty in his arms. She was his to enjoy and do whatever he wanted to do. He lifted her onto the desk’s smooth surface and shoved the pencil holder, the files, and the phone aside. He was hungry with need, and she was agreeable to his advances.

  “I want you.” His voice was full of emotion. “I’ve missed you.”

  “I know.” She pulled her tank top off and revealed her perky nipples. “Me too.”

  No bra. He loved it. He released a guttural sound and lowered his mouth to her breasts, licking and nibbling first one, then the other. She threaded her fingers through his hair and pulled him closer, wrapping her slender legs around his torso.

  God, she is so sexy, so right.

  ****

  Bryce nuzzled her breasts, and Aurora gasped at the erotic zing that zipped through her to her core. What had happened to him since last night? This was the man she remembered having unforgettable sex with on the feed bags in the warehouse, while the rain made love to the metal roof above. They’d both been soaking wet and ready, and oh-so-horny. She wasn’t sure who was the seducer, but she loved every second of what had happened. Later, when she’d met him in the manager’s office to claim her purse, he acted like he didn’t know her at all. And at Dani’s dinner party last night, he’d kissed her, and it was blah. Tender and well-mannered, but not this amazing man she held in her arms now.

  “God, I’ve missed you more than you know.” His husky accented voice filled her ears.

  He lowered his mouth to hers. His plundering tongue reminded her of what he felt like buried deep inside and how much she wanted to be fulfilled the same way again. She pushed at his shoulders to sit upright and noticed the basket of strawberries. “Ooo, you brought us a treat.”

  He lifted a berry to her lips, inviting her to nibble the tip. He shared its juices with a succulent kiss. “Wait.”

  What is he doing?

  He opened a tub of whipped cream, slipped his forefinger into the sweet concoction, and dabbed a generous glob on each of her nipples. The cool made her gasp. He grinned, and amusement filled his dark eyes.

  She giggled and pushed her breasts toward him. “Do it.”

  He bent to lick and suckle, taking her nipple between his perfect straight teeth and ever so lightly pinching it. Strange tingles erupted within, and she thought she might moan out loud. His busy hand slipped down the back of her leggings and found her crack. His fingers followed the T of her panties and grasped her bare buttocks, kneading while he continued his assault on her other breast. She squirmed and inched closer to the desk’s edge, closer to what she craved.

  He licked the cream from his lips, watching her watch him. He took another finger full and pressed it into her mouth, then bent to kiss her fully. “Do you want more?”

  Oh, gosh, do I—

  “Do you need to ask?”

  He walked across the room and turned the lock on the door. “Now, we won’t be interrupted.”

  She took the free moment to shove down her leggings and kick off her sandals. Before she could kick off the leggings, he returned with a sideways smile that dimpled one cheek. He tugged the thin, stretchy material from her legs, leaving her totally naked, except for the tiny rectangular scrap of her white panties. Her heart fluttered.

  Was she about to experience another fantasy?

  “Shall we take them off today or should we make do with them in place? It might make it more challenging.”

  “You decide.” She loved his accent and what it did to her senses. “I’m ready.”

  For an answer, he grabbed at the lace with his mouth, pulled the material downward and positioned a fingertip on her nub. A little pressure and zaps of electric shocks had her squirming again. He replaced the pressure of his finger with h
is moist and determined mouth. As he suckled her clitoris, she gasped with delight. The material between them elicited erotic sensations that had her bucking against his mouth, though she tried not to push him away.

  “Are you okay?”

  She panted to regain her voice. “Yes…”

  “Are you ready for these?” He slipped two fingers inside her wet pussy. She pushed against him, feeling his double fingers fill her need and putting pressure where his tongue played.

  Oh! If he could hit the right—

  Ohhh, God, there it is—too much—

  She was going over the edge, gasping and bucking her hips against his hand and mouth. This was the magic she’d wanted to experience again. She clenched her muscles and moaned as her release neared. He smiled down at her and withdrew his fingers.

  She was bereft. “Don’t…stop…please.”

  He tasted her juices, licking his fingers with a grin. “My friend here is waiting for you.”

  His slight accent became more pronounced the hornier he got. He was different today. Back to the explorer he was yesterday afternoon. She sat up and unzipped his jeans.

  Oh yeah, he’s hard and ready. And oh-so-big.

  She encircled his throbbing cock with her hand. He was slick with cum oozing from his tip. She bent to taste him, but he held her head back.

  He moved away to pull off his boots and shuck his jeans, then returned to pick her up from the desk. Carrying her across the room, he suckled her neck and whispered words she couldn’t understand. Italian. At least, she’d learned one important thing about him. The other important thing was what she was about to receive. The best sexual encounter available. She was horny and hungry for the man who knew what she loved—and knew exactly how to give it.

  He lowered her to her feet, allowing her to slide seductively across his thick cock covered only by his jock shorts. She pressed her body against his, relishing his heat and his strength. The differences between a man and a woman were intoxicating. Differences she loved so much.