Page 40 of The Jellybean Dilemma

Dazed, I barely remembered to focus on the flavor of the truffle. The first tasted better.

Milk chocolate was next in line, and I sank my teeth into it. Heat flared between us as the chocolate melted in my mouth and desire pooled low within me. This was my new favorite. My tongue darted out to lick the chocolate off my lip.

I held the other half up for Greg, and my hand trembled, though I tried to hide it. He stepped forward, taking the truffle and my fingers into his mouth. His tongue flicked between my fingers even as his lips grazed my skin. I thought I might spontaneously combust on the spot. No, I can’t do that—it’ll ruin all the chocolate.

“That was really good, too.” Greg’s low voice pulled me back from my ridiculous thoughts. “Ready for the next one?”

No. But I nodded.

It was his turn to go first, neatly severing the coffee truffle and running his tongue over his lips. I had never been more jealous of a piece of food. When he placed the chocolate in my mouth, my tongue found a bit of it on his thumb. I greedily sucked it off. He drew in a sharp breath as his fingers grazed my cheek. I couldn’t resist giving his thumb one last swipe with my tongue.

One truffle left. I didn’t want it to end, but at the same time this torture was agonizing. What more could he do to me? I savored my half, this one by far my favorite. I moaned at the rich flavor. Dark chocolate had always been my kryptonite, and this was darker than sin.

“Good?” Greg’s voice was as smooth and rich as the dark chocolate, his tone just as delicious.

I could barely nod. He gently took the truffle from me, without fanfare. Disappointment weighed on me. I started to move away when he reached out his hand once more.

“I think this is my favorite, but I think there’s a way to make it better.”

He swiped a bit across my lower lip, then leaned down to claim my mouth with his. Our bodies aligned as we feasted on each other. I tasted the truffle mixed with him and the barest hint of peppermint.

His teeth scraped my bottom lip just before he pulled away. “Yeah, that’s my favorite.”

Heat rushed to my cheeks as I stared up at him, speechless. I didn’t have much time to recover when Midge sent the other customer on his way, coming to see what we’d decided on.

My negotiations were a little off, flustered as I was, but Midge remained patient. After discussing the amount needed and our timeline, along with our flavor preferences, she offered to have everything ready for us to pick up by ten a.m. tomorrow for a small upcharge because of the rush. I was more than happy to pay it.

Walking toward the counter, I noticed a rack of mini bottles of local wine and grinned. We ended up with everything we needed except the bags, and she recommended a gift shop one block away with a decent selection. It was a quick trip there. They had several options, so I picked out three styles in complementary colors.

I plopped back into the car, waiting for Greg to sit down before I said, “Home, Jeeves.”

It was my oldest, most annoying joke, always met with a huff and a glare. Today was no exception, though this time amusement twitched his lips before he reached over to hold my hand.

Chapter Twelve

As we pulled into his parents’ driveway, I studied the majestic house sitting regally on the hill. The snow-white mantle surrounding it glinted in the waning sun, which had already started its descent despite it not even being five p.m.

“Let’s go inside first,” Greg said as he put the car in park, “and make sure Mandy’s not here before we bring in everything.” He paused. “I mean, I’m assuming you want these to be a surprise.”

“I think that’d be fun.” I waited until he came around to open my door. “I guess I know what I’ll be doing tonight.” It was habit now to slide my arm through his, so I didn’t fall on my ass.

“What’s that?”

“Putting together gift bags.” I waggled my eyebrows. “Big plans, Greg, I’ve got big plans for a scintillating night.”

He chuckled, and we made our way inside. Mandy was off greeting guests at the hotel and helping them settle in. Greg spoke with his mother, who was also on her way to the hotel.

“We’ll have dinner there if you want to join us. Rhonda, I can’t thank you enough for getting all these details squared away.” Julie frowned, wringing her hands together. “I do hope Erin arrives in time.”

Me too, for Mandy’s sake. I gave her a comforting smile. “I’m sure it’ll all work out like it has so far. I don’t think I’ll be able to make dinner tonight. After being out all day, I’m ready for a quiet night in.”

Her frown turned into a gentle look of concern, and she patted my arm. “Of course, dear.” Turning to Greg, she said sternly, “You make sure she has everything she needs. You hear?”

He nodded with a solemn, “Yes ma’am.”

With a quick goodbye, she bustled out of the door.

Greg arched an eyebrow. “So, I guess we’re on our own. You hungry yet or want to wait a bit?”

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