Just Add Spice

Jenna was euphoric. “I bet if you kissed me right now, I’d come instantly.”

He gave her the bad-boy smirk she so loved. “As flattering as it is to know my food is orgasmic, I prefer to put a little physical effort into getting you off.”

“You should probably stop cooking now.”

Her body was already tingly from the spicy food and the smell of Rafe that lingered on the shirt she wore. Not to mention watching him bare-chested in the kitchen.

He shut off the burners and double oven and then moved between her parted legs and kissed her. His fingers tangled in her hair as his tongue delved deep.

Jenna lost all touch with time and space. Rafe’s arms snaked around her waist and he held her to him. She wound her legs around his hips. His erection pressed to her mound and she wiggled in the seat, rubbing herself against him.

He lifted her up and carried her into the bedroom, with her still wrapped around him. He eased them onto the bed, stripped her bare and made love to her. He

never questioned whether she’d spend the night. Jenna never considered leaving.

* * *

Sampogna’s was abuzz with activity the next morning. She found Tad in the midst of it all, efficiently coordinating all the details they’d discussed the past two days. With the exception of the nasty fly in the ointment—she still hadn’t selected a color scheme.

Tad said, “Paul’s got the refinishing of the hardwood floors covered, but if you do wainscoting, he’ll need to make sure the floor complements the wood you choose. Ditto for the bar—the schematic is gorgeous, Jen. The intricate design will take your breath away. And Patty needs direction on color for the walls and the sheer window scarves. Sharon needs to know about linens and—”

“I know, I know,” she mumbled as she moved past him. “Just do what you can right now without a particular color in mind. I have to show something to Rafe.”

She pulled her iPad from the envelope clutch she carried. Frustration over having no idea what the hell the décor should look like at Sampogna’s made her crazy. Everything else was going so well! Yet it would all come to a screeching halt if inspiration didn’t strike—soon.

“Hey,” he said with a sexy grin when she entered the kitchen.

Jenna drew up short. “Oh.” The breath escaped her on a sharp exhale. She stared up at her ex-husband’s devilishly handsome face. His beautiful blue eyes shimmered with sexual heat. They were actually a shade darker than normal. All smoldering and sensual and rich.

Downright breathtaking.

She was briefly blindsided. Rendered speechless. Her chest rose and fell in heavy beats.

Rafe’s gaze turned curious. “Something wrong, sweetheart?”

She slowly shook her head. “No, not at all. I’m having a moment…” She waved a hand in the air. “Just let me think.”

She started to pace. No one interrupted her pattern, just gave her space while she let new thoughts and images flitter through her mind. Endless minutes slipped by.

Eventually, her discombobulated thoughts collided. Melded. Erupted.

She stopped abruptly and declared, “I have it!”

Excitement shot through her.

“Have what?” he asked quizzically.

“Never mind. Let me surprise you. Um…why was I in here? Oh, yes! Quickly,” she said as she rushed to the high top in the corner. “I have to show you something, then I’ve got to get everyone moving in the dining room. Here.” She pointed to the picture she’d pulled up on the iPad.

Rafe eyed the small white dishes and said, “They look like espresso cups.”

“They’re a bit larger. For soup. Five or six spoonfuls each. I found these contemporary white plates with squared, lifted edges. Place a Samponga’s cocktail napkin on the plate and then three of the soup mugs in a cluster, as a sampler. Your velvety lobster bisque with brandy and chunks of fresh lobster…your decadent New England clam chowder…your creamy asparagus puree. Jesus, I’m about to orgasm again.”

He chuckled. “That’s damn sexy, babe.”

She got lost again in his glowing gaze. But then remembered herself. “Gotta go.” She left the iPad on the table and hurried out of the room. She grabbed Tad. “Swatch book?”

He retrieved it from his designer briefcase. Jenna dropped it on a table and flipped it open. A dozen people milled about the room, taking measurements and making mental assessments. She was about to bring the entire project together.