Page 4 of Tuxedos and Tinsel

She startled slightly and whipped her head in his direction. “I’m sorry. Did you say something?” Her dark eyes mirrored confusion.

He smiled. “I asked if you were having a difficult time choosing a dessert. You’ve been standing here for a while.” He surveyed the vast assortment covering the table—individually proportioned cheesecakes, tortes, truffles, mousses and more. “Although I can see why you’d be having a hard time. Everything looks exquisite.” Ian had had a sweet tooth for as long as he could remember, and chocolate was his favorite...food and women. And the brown-sugar beauty standing next to him topped his favorites list at the moment.

“No. I was just making sure everything was laid out the way I want.”

His brow lifted. “You’re working? You made these?”

“Yes. What do you think?”

“It looks amazing. What do you suggest?”

“Depends on what you like.”

A slow grin spread across his lips. “Chocolate. Rich, decadent, sinful...” His gaze traveled slowly down her body and back up to her face. He leaned close to her ear and whispered, “Chocolate.” He heard her sharp intake of breath.

“Um... I...you can try the chocolate raspberry truffle bars, chocolate torte with a ganache, triple chocolate mocha truffles or the black-and-white pudding parfait.” She pointed to each one with a trembling finger.

“What’s the black-and-white pudding parfait?”

“It’s chocolate pudding topped with white-chocolate whipped cream.”

“Hmm, I may have to try that one later.” He could think of a few ways to eat that pudding and none of them involved using a spoon.

“And there’s always the chocolate fountain for dipping.”

“Yes, there is.” Another image flashed in his mind. “I think for now I’ll take one of these triple chocolate mocha truffles and a dance.”

“Dance?”

He nodded slowly and bit into the truffle. “This is amazing.”

“I can’t dance with you.”

“Why not?”

“I’m supposed to be working.”

He grasped her hand and gently led her out to the dance floor. “Everything on that table is perfect. I’m sure one dance won’t get you into trouble.” Ian pulled her into his arms and started moving to the slow tune playing. Feeling her soft curves pressed against his and being engulfed in her scent robbed him of all rational thought. The only thing on his mind was finding out how that chocolate would taste on her skin.

Chapter 2

The moment the sexy stranger wrapped his arms around her, sensations Maya never experienced coursed through her body. Her nerves were already on overload from his verbal play at the table. She tried to pull away, but he tightened his arms around her and held her closer to his hard body. She resisted for a short moment, then brought her arms up around his neck and melted into his embrace.

At length he said, “My apologies. I should have introduced myself first. I’m Ian Jeffries, and you are?”

She lifted her head. “Maya. Maya Brooks.”

Staring at her with an intensity that heated her insides, he said, “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Maya.”

“Nice to meet you, too.” Pulling away from his magnetic gaze, she turned her head and closed her eyes. His deep voice, handsome face and seductive smile had turned her knees to jelly and impaired her ability to think and talk. Her inner voice screamed that she should get far away from Ian as fast as she could. A man like him could make a woman sell her soul for just one kiss. And why did he have to smell so good?

It had been a long time since she was in a man’s arms, so ignoring that pesky voice, Maya settled more comfortably in his arms as the music continued to play. It was only a dance... Although the calendar said it was the beginning of November, the room had been transformed to a winter wonderland, exactly as she imagined it would have been for her wedding reception. Tonight, she could pretend. The heat of his hand sliding sensually down her back penetrated the cotton blouse as if it were on her bare skin, and she bit back a moan. She had dated Stephen for a year and couldn’t remember him ever being able to set her body on fire with just a simple pass of his hand.

Maya lifted her eyes to meet his at the same time he turned his head. Their mouths were so close she could feel the heat of his breath. He leaned forward and she tilted her chin. Suddenly, she remembered they were standing in the middle of a ballroom and she was supposed to be working. She stumbled backward and Ian pulled her flush against his body. An involuntary moan slipped from her lips.

“Careful,” Ian said with a chuckle.

“I... I have to get back to work.” She stepped out of his arms, made a beeline toward the exit and hastily glanced around the room to see if Mr. Capshaw had noticed. She spotted him standing with a small group of men, laughing heartily, and breathed a sigh of relief. As soon as Maya pushed through the door, a tug on her hand stopped her.