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She slid her hand between his side and his arm. The position covered her breasts from the glare of the camera lens but gave Evan a great view. Her blush slipped down her cheeks, along her neck and down to the tops of her breasts. Her rosy nipples beaded and he longed to take one into his mouth. Christ, she had nice breasts.
Jessie reapplied the paint to his nipple. She wouldn’t look him in the eye.
“Jess, you need to focus on me so this looks real,” Evan murmured. “You can do it.” He knew she could and would when given a prod.
“One more with a smile and we’re good. Jessie?” The photographer shifted the lighting screens. “One for me?”
One for him? Evan bit back a snort. He didn’t like the idea of sharing her special smiles with anyone - especially not a photographer.
Jessie trailed the brush down Evan’s throat and leaned close to him. Her lips parted and the corners of her mouth turned up. The smile lit in her eyes.
Evan tugged her tighter to his lower torso. One more inch and he’d be able to kiss her. She stopped a whisper away from his lips and then tilted her head. Instead of nibbling on his lips, she licked the chocolate from his throat.
“Now that’s the money shot. Perfect,” the photographer said.
He wasn’t sure about a money shot, but desire coursed through Evan’s veins. He wanted more than a picture with her. He wanted the second date he’d never allowed himself to take.
“We’re done. Thank you both and I’ll give you a few minutes to clean up before I bring in the next models.”
Evan heard the photographer speak, but he didn’t look at the man. He focused on Jessie. She continued to nip and lick the chocolate on his throat. When the door clicked, she sat up.
“Phew.” She wiped the corner of her mouth with the back of her hand. “That was fun.” She scooted off his lap and turned away from him. She wriggled the stocking up her torso. When she glanced over her shoulder, she sighed again.
“What’s wrong, Jess?”
Jessie grabbed the robe from the chair and didn’t bother to wipe the dried chocolate off her back. She tied the belt in place. “You never called. Why?”
“You were a mistake I never intended to make.” Fuck, fuck, fuck. Although honest, that wasn’t at all what he’d been planning to say.
Her shoulders sagged and if he wasn’t mistaken, her eyes misted with tears. “Thank you for the truth.” She turned on her heel and left him alone.
Let her go for good or chase after her? He’d allowed too much time and hurt to grow between them. No more. Evan grabbed his shirt from the chair and sprinted through the room. Please let her give me a second chance.
Jessie kept her head down and ran to the bathroom. She’d once thought herself to be a confident person. The past and too many lousy boyfriends had convinced her otherwise. In the privacy of the ladies, she shrugged out of the robe and surveyed the edible art on her shoulder. Two hearts and letters she’d smudged. Probably something like I fooled you. He had fooled her...right into believing he might be the one. She’d been so blind. Guys who were truly interested called back or at least gave some sort of excuse for not getting in touch.
She wetted four paper towels. Without help, she’d never get all the chocolate off. Drat.
“Mind if I help?” Evan inched into the room. He put both hands in the air. “Elysa gave me permission to be in here. She said the coast was clear.”
“You don’t quit, do you?”
“Not when I know what I want.” Evan crossed the room and took the paper towels from her hand. “Let me.” He slid her hair out of the way and his gaze switched between her reflection in the mirror and his work. “I had a good time on our date. I know you don’t believe me. I really like you.”
Liked her? That was news! She whipped around and faced him. “Then tell me why you acted like I didn’t exist.”
“Two reasons and neither are very good.” Evan balled the towels in his hand and leaned on the opposite wall. “The promotions department is horrible. Once my colleagues found out I was with you, they made my life miserable. Every time I picked up my phone to call or text you, Denise intercepted.”
“Ah.” Jessie rested her hands on her hips. Denise Gage was the resident gossip of the promo department and totally in love with Evan. She also happened to be the exact opposite of Jessie - model perfect. “How are things with Denise?”
“I’m not interested in her.” He left his spot against the wall and caged Jessie in his arms. The scent of chocolate on his chest wrapped around her and intoxicated her. “I was heartless and cruel and I’m sorry. The other reason is the print campaign for the calendars. I oversaw getting the details sorted out. Took me almost the entire last two months to figure out what I wanted.”
Jessie stared into the blue depths of his eyes. She wanted to believe him, but he’d burned her once already. Instead of giving in to what her heart wanted, she placed both hands on his chest. The warmth from his body seeped into her bones.
“Well, then I’m happy I didn’t see you again. I want a man who will stand beside me, not be ashamed of me.” She slipped the robe back into place and hoped she sounded more confident than she felt. “Thank you and have a nice life.” She ducked out of his embrace and headed for the door. She was being mean, but the man didn’t deserve her kindness. A quick text wouldn’t have killed him.
“Wait.” Evan touched her arm, but didn’t try to grab her. “I’d like a second chance. The time apart did me some good. I did some serious soul-searching and it made me realize that you and I were a good thing. Yes, we only had one date, but even through all of what seemed pretty bad, we had a great time. There’s definite chemistry.” He inched closer to her. “Jess, you turned me on - not the chocolate or the situation. You.”
“Evan.” She gripped his forearm and steadied herself. When had her knees become so wobbly? She shouldn’t have been there with him.
“Please? I’m sorry I hurt you. I’d like a chance to prove I’m not a jerk and that I am worthy of you.”
Jessie paused. She’d never heard him apologize to anyone. His ruthless legend loomed large in Drizzle Me in Chocolates. Evan pulled no punches and took what he wanted. The begging, soft tone of his voice grabbed her attention. He deserved something.
“I’m not sure this is a good idea.” Being in his arms or giving him a second chance? Both could be trouble. She flattened her hands on his chest again. “I need to think.” And put space between them.
“I’ve got your number. Can I call you at least?”
Jessie let go of him. The part of her wanting to cave to his sweetness battled with her pride. A month ago she’d have given him a second chance without a backwards thought. Now... What was she waiting for?
“You can call me, but not tonight.” That sounded so lame. She didn’t have plans other than to catch up on television shows she’d recorded.
“Why? Do you have a date?” Evan tucked a lock of her hair behind her ear. His touch sent sizzles over her skin. She bit back a moan.
“Do I need one?” She wanted him so much, but she needed to be cautious.
“Only if he’s me.” Evan waggled his dark brows. “I care about you, Jess. I might have been foolish before to let you go, but I know what I want. You’re in my thoughts and dreams.”
She was in his...dreams? Whoa. “You’re serious?” she blurted. “This isn’t an act?”
Evan shook his head. He enfolded her in his arms again. Instead of tucking her tight to his chest, he rested his forehead on hers. “Jess, you don’t think I went to the trouble of begging Elysa to be in your photograph for nothing. Yes, I want you and a second chance. I think we can do something really special.”
He’d begged to be in her photograph? So she’d won fair and square? Her favorite chocolates were the double-dipped caramels: good things seemed to come the second time around. Maybe he did deserve another try? “How about tomorrow?”
Evan’s eyes lit up. His smile widened and he kissed her on the lips. “For a date? You bet.”
Jessie’s mouth tingled. She wanted more of his kisses, more of his touches...more of him. “Seven?”
“I’ll pick you up.” Evan cupped her jaw in both hands. “It’ll be a date you’ll never forget.”
“I hope so.” She grabbed the front of his shirt. Time to take a chance. “Bring the chocolate.”
He kissed her again, this time lingering long enough to swipe his tongue along her bottom lip. “I wouldn’t dare forget it.”
Evan disengaged from her and left her alone in the ladies. She leaned against the counter and touched her lips. Everything prickled. She’d either made a date with the devil or a bargain with an angel. Somehow, she wanted the naughty heat from the devilish man.
