Page 26 of Sweetest Temptation
“Hey,” she said softly, barely above a whisper. She couldn’t even look me in the eye, and I wasn’t feeling that.
“I just wanted to stop by and see how things were going. I see it’s a success. Congratulations, Nova baby.”
She smiled, but it didn’t quite reach her eyes. “Don’t be giving me a nickname. You don’t know me like that,” she said with a little laugh, trying to play it off like she wasn’t nervous.
I chuckled, glancing around the packed shop. “Just came to see the woman who turned my tequila into the talk of the city. Had to see it for myself.”
Her gaze softened for a split second, then she caught herself, pulling her professional mask right back on. “Well, you’ve seen it. You can go now.”
I let out a low laugh. “You really gon’ kick a nigga out… The man whose brand helped make this all possible?”
Zanova rolled her eyes, but the attitude didn’t match her tone. “You helped, sure. But I did the work.”
“And you killed it, love,” I said, leaning closer. “I’m proud of you, baby.”
I could see the shock in her eyes. I don’t know if it was from me telling her that I was proud, or from me calling her baby.
Her breath hitched just enough for me to notice before she shook her head, stepping back like she needed distance to breathe. “Don’t start, Samir. I got customers to feed.”
“Do your thing, boss lady. And look… you’re right. What happened between us shouldn’t have happened. I only regret it ’cause we doing business now.” I paused, letting my eyes linger on hers. “But don’t get it twisted, I don’t regretithappening. Not one damn bit. Still, from here on out, I’ll respect your space.”
She froze for half a second, then nodded, lips pressed tight. “Of course you don’t,” she finally said, her tone flat but her eyes giving her away.
“Nope. And I ain’t leaving. I’ll just be over here enjoying the view.” I raised my hands in mock surrender, a grin tugging at my lips.
She shot me a look over her shoulder that was pure warning, but the curve of her mouth told me she didn’t really mind. A few minutes passed, and I stayed off to the side, hands in my pockets, watching her move. She was a natural—smiling and talking to customers while sliding fresh trays to the front as if she were born for this. Every motion had rhythm, purpose, and grace. Then she turned and walked towards me again, a small white plate in her hand. The golden crust of the tart glowedunder the light, a drizzle of mango glaze catching every eye in the room.
“This one’s fresh. I’m not sure if you had some of the ones I sent over to the lounge,” she said, stopping right in front of me. “You might as well taste it since you came all this way, causing a whole ruckus in my shop. The women can hardly keep their eyes off you.” She rolled her eyes, but that little smirk gave her away.
I chuckled, leaning back against the counter. “Oh, so now you’re jealous?”
She scoffed. “Please. Ain’t nobody jealous. You ain’t my man. Just stating facts.”
“Mm-hm.” I took the small dessert plate from her hand, brushing her fingers just enough to make her breath hitch. “You say you ain’t jealous, but that tone says otherwise, ma.”
Her eyes cut to mine, heat flickering in them before she looked away. “Just eat the damn tart, Samir.”
“Say less,” I said, taking a slow bite, keeping my eyes on her the whole time. “Damn… you really outdid yourself with this one. Sweet, bold, and got just the right amount of kick.”
“Sounds familiar, huh?” she replied, smirking this time.
“Yeah, real familiar.”
“Not that, Samir. I’m talking about what I said about the tart.”
“That too.” I winked.
I let the spoon drag through the caramelized top, the sugar cracking under the pressure. I took another bite, this time slower, as I gazed at her while doing so. When the custard hit my tongue, I closed my eyes, savoring the sweet flavor.
When I opened my eyes, she was watching me, her lips slightly parted, teeth catching the bottom one without even realizing it. And damn, the sight of that nearly did me in. I licked a bit of glaze from the corner of my mouth, never breaking eye contact.
I leaned in close to her ear and said, “Sweet. Just like you.”
Flash!
The cameras went off around us as the crowd was eating it up, capturing every second like they were watching something straight out of a soap opera. The crowd might’ve come for her dessert but they’d stay for her—and now, for us.
“That’s right, friend! Y’all look so sexy together!”
