“I actually worked as a sous-chef in Italy for a few years,” he said, joining her at the counter. “I’ve always liked cooking. I always used to follow my mother around the kitchen as a child.” He looked over at her. “What about you?”
“I’m an okay cook but I have to admit that I tend to live more on Chinese and pizzas.” She popped a spoonful of risotto in her mouth.
“That’s not very healthy.” He waved his spoon at her.
“Says who?” she asked through another mouthful. “The Chinese live longer than most people. They must be doing something right.”
“Yeah right.” He took a sip of champagne and glanced at her. “What about you? Don’t you have any fond memories from your childhood?”
Denora slowly swallowed her food and took a long gulp of her drink before she answered. “Yes, plenty. So, how long are you in town for?”
Max blinked at the sudden change of subject but did not press it. They finished dinner, and she insisted on clearing the table.
“Shall we have some dessert?” he said as he helped her carry the dishes to the sink.
“That sounds lovely.” Denora grinned at him from over her shoulder.
Max opened the fridge and grabbed the box. He removed the lid and grabbed two spoons from the drawer, looking perfectly at ease in her kitchen.
Denora peered inside the box with a grin. “Tiramisu? You made this?”
“I’m afraid not. But I did get it from the best bakery in town.”
“Come on.” She stood up and grabbed the bottle of champagne. “Let’s go into the living room.” She led the way to the couch and they sat down, setting the box between them. They both grabbed a spoon and dove into the delectably creamy desert.
“Mmm…” She closed her eyes. “That is seriously good.” She opened her eyes and found him staring at her, an intense, unfathomable expression on his face. “What? Do I have cream on my face or something?”
“You do, actually,” Max said with a small grin. “Here, allow me.” He leaned over and lightly ran his thumb across her lower lip.
Her face flamed. “Thanks.”
Max’s lips curved in a slow grin. “You’re blushing.”
“Sorry. I hate it when that happens.”
“I think it’s adorable.” He curved a finger under her chin, titling her face towards him. “You’re a beautiful woman, Denora,” he whispered.
Her heart fluttered as he gently cupped his other hand behind her neck, burying his fingers in the thick strands of her hair. Her eyes closed, her lips automatically parting as his breath grew closer. His mouth hesitantly brushed against hers and paused. She groaned, splaying her fingers across his cheek as she drew his lips to hers again.
A wild rasp broke in his throat as he captured her lips again, drawing them in a ferocious kiss. Their heavy breathing filled the room as the kiss intensified, lips and tongues furiously clashing. Desire throbbed within her and she moaned in his mouth as he impatiently tossed the box to the side, bridging the small space between their bodies. Her nipples stiffened under her dress, pressing against his chest as he pushed her back on the couch, covering her body with his.
Denora gasped, throwing her head back as he kissed her neck, gently biting down on the sensitized skin. His mouth caressed her throat, moving up to capture her lips again. She shivered as he gently caught her lip between his teeth and pulled before running his tongue across the outline of her mouth. On impulse, she wrapped her legs around his hips, grinding her lower body against the rock-hard tent under his pants.
This spurred him on and he let out a savage growl as he kissed her again, one hand running down her spine to curve under her bottom. In a swift gesture, he yanked up her hips, grinding his erection between her legs as the kiss deepened, sending another rocketing surge of pleasure down her body.
From somewhere deep within her, Denora found the strength to gently pull away. “Too fast…” She gasped against his mouth.
Max groaned but sat up, gently pulling her in a sitting position. He cupped her face and brought her swollen lips to his for a last, lingering kiss.
“That tiramisu tastes even better on your lips,” he said, resting his forehead against hers.
She sighed, loving the feel of his breath on her mouth.
“I should probably go. Before we get carried away,” Max added with a small grin. “But I would really like to see you again, Denora. If that’s okay with you of course.”
“Yes. I would like that very much.” She reached up and brushed another kiss on his mouth.
He reluctantly pulled back from her embrace and stood up, adjusting his clothes. Denora’s knees were shaking as she followed him to the front door. She’d never had such an intense physical reaction to a man before. Part of her was yearning to spend the night with him. She longed to feel his heavy, solid body on top of her again, but she willed herself to hold on to her common sense.
“Thanks for dinner,” she said, holding the door open for him.
“It was my pleasure, baby. I’ll give you a call soon, alright?” He gave her a tender, lingering kiss on her lips.
“Sure. Good night, Max,” she said, closing the door softly behind him.
Chapter 4
“You…what?” Grace dropped her sandwich and stared at Denora. “He came over to your place and made you dinner? And then you made out on the couch? How come I’m only hearing about this now? And don’t tell me you were shy, Denora James, you never get shy!” she added as Denora started to speak.
“I’ve had quite a busy morning in case you haven’t noticed.”
“Or you wanted to keep him all to yourself.” Grace grinned. “Did he ask you out again?”
“As a matter of fact, he did.” Denora uncapped her mineral water and took a long swallow before answering again. “You wouldn’t believe how easy he is to talk to, Grace. I do feel like there’s a connection between us.”
“Well, I’m glad for you,” her best friend said, impulsively reaching across the table to take her hand. “You do deserve a good man. Especially after Allan.”
“Oh god.” Denora rolled her eyes. “Don’t mention Allan.”
“Well, you had no way of knowing that he was bisexual.” Grace crumpled up the sandwich wrapper.
“Yeah. Not until I walked in on him with his pool man,” Denora commented dryly. “But Allan was still better than Thomas.”
“Oh, right. How can we forget the stalker guy?” Grace said, and the two women laughed.
“Come on. We’ve got Darren’s meeting,” Denora said, checking her watch.
“Did he tell you what the meeting was about?” Grace asked as the two of them walked out of the mess room.
“No. Why should he tell me?”
“Well, you are his favorite and all,” Grace said teasingly.
“Oh, shut up.” Denora grinned and playfully elbowed her friend as they joined the crowd in front of the conference room.
She suddenly froze in mid-step.
“What’s wrong?” Grace asked, ignoring the annoyed mutters as the others walked around them.