Page 6 of Risky Match
“Let me have your jacket. I’ll hang it up, so you’ll be more comfortable for our movie night.
“Okay.”
She doesn’t take her eyes off me as I slip out of my tux coat and hand it to her. It’s as if she’s trying to figure out our connections as much as I am.
Taking my coat, she hangs it in the entry closet and says, “Take a seat on the sofa. I’ll get the gelato and champagne.”
I follow her instructions, sensing a tension in the air. The last thing I want to do is make her uncomfortable after we’ve shared such a bond over our similar situations tonight. But it’s as if we’re both nervous not knowing what to expect from each other. Does she want more as much as I do?
A couple of minutes later, she hands me an overflowing bowl of a luscious, frozen chocolate treat topped with fresh strawberries. She also sets a flute of champagne on the coffee table, saying, “Get ready to be blown away. The strawberries are the key to taking it over the top.”
I take a bite, and the flavors explode in my mouth.
“You weren’t kidding, the fresh strawberries with the chocolate are a definite winner. And I should have figured out that bacio means chocolate with hazelnuts. It’s like candy. Forgive me, but I was thrown off because I thought bacio meantkissin Italian.”
“It does meankiss. Don’t you think that this flavor combo is just like a wonderful kiss?”
I stare at her plump red lips trying to decide how to answer. I finally say, teasing, “The gelato is delicious, but certain kisses might be even better.”
“I guess they might, but for now, focus on the food. Take a bite of the gelato with a little bit of strawberry, and before you swallow, add a sip of champagne. It will definitely make you smile.”
“I’m already smiling,” I say, not sharing that one reason is the thought of actually kissing her gorgeous lips.
“See, I told you this was the perfect way to turn a sad evening into smiles. There’s a well-known chef in the U.S., who said no one can be miserable while eating a chocolate chip cookie. I don’t think that’s an exact quote, but it’s something like that. For me, I can’t be too sad when eating bacio gelato with fresh strawberries while sipping champagne.” She laughs.
“Thanks for sharing your secret. It’s definitely turning this evening around for me.”
I lean toward her to give her a peck on the cheek as a thank you. But just as my lips are about to connect, she turns her head and our mouths collide. Neither of us pulls away. Instead, we both lean into the kiss.
Her lips are warm and sweet. I can’t resist a taste, letting my tongue gently slide across the seam of her mouth.
“Mmm. The chocolate and strawberries taste even better on you,” I whisper.
She wraps her arms around my neck, pulling us together again. This time I don’t hesitate to deepen the kiss. My breathing quickens as our tongues tangle and explore.
Wrapping my arms around her, I slide her across my lap so she’s straddling me. She snuggles into place as if we were made for each other.
“I can’t get close enough,” I moan while nibbling her earlobe.
“More. Please,” she begs.
“You’re killing me.” Taking a deep breath, I manage to ask, “Are you sure you want this? We can stop now.”
“I’m sure. Don’t. You. Dare. Stop.”
I let out the breath I was holding in anticipation of her answer.
“Can we get rid of this?” I ask, pulling on the hem of her T-shirt.
“Only if yours comes off too.”
She leans back and undoes my bow tie, slipping it from my neck and tossing it on the floor. Her fingers move down to the studs on my shirt, removing each one. A moment later, she frees my cufflinks and slips the shirt off my shoulders.
“Next time you change shirts during a match, I’ll remember this.” She glides her hands across my pecs and abs. “You’re pure perfection.”
“My turn,” I grin, lifting her shirt over her head. I can’t help staring reverently at her chest as I cup my hands over her amazing, perky breasts.
“You look pleased.”
