Thirst (The Calvettis of New York 1)

“We’ll talk and then we’ll have dessert at my place.”

“I’m dessert?” I ask hopefully.

His lips skim the sensitive skin of my inner wrist. “You’re my dessert. There’s a piece of tiramisu that Marti made just for you in my fridge.”

Words don’t come. I don’t know how to respond to that. It’s an innocent offering, but it feels like so much more to me.

“I’ve looked over your business model, Dexie.” He holds my hand to his cheek. “You’ve done remarkably well for yourself.”

I’m proud of what I’ve accomplished. I haven’t had a lot of time to devote to my handbag business, but I’ve been lucky. Customers have found me, I’ve made them happy and word-of-mouth has helped my business grow slowly every year.

“I know that quality is important to you.” He sighs. “In a perfect world, you’d hire a few people just like you and they’d spend their time creating your designs. That’s the vision, right?”

I nod. “In a nutshell. I know that it won’t be an easy task to find the right people or purchase the materials at a lower cost, but it’s crucial that each bag is made with the same care I would give it.”

“One of the things I always tell entrepreneurs is to talk to someone who has earned the success they want.” He closes his eyes briefly. “I made a call and if you’re willing, I’d like you to meet with Suzanne Belese.”

“Suzanne Belese?” I gulp down a breath.

“I take it you know who that is?” He laughs.

Suzanne Belese is living my dream. She and her husband started their handbag design studio in their garage in Los Angeles ten years ago. I saw an article about them online and since then, I’ve followed their journey closely.

Within the past few years, they’ve opened up boutiques in L.A. as well as Las Vegas.

“She’ll be in New York next week.” His hand leaves mine and trails up my arm to my bare shoulder. “I think she can offer some insight into what your next steps should be.”

“I’d love to meet her,” I say trying to disguise the giddiness in my tone.

“I think you have the beginnings of a great thing here.” He glances over at my workstation. “I want to help. I’d love to partner with you on this, but I think it’s prudent for you to consider every avenue available before you make a decision.”

“Thank you.” I rest my hand on his cheek. “I won’t decide anything until I’ve spoken with Suzanne.”

“You’ll tell Rhoda to back off?” He narrows his eyes. “She’s going to try and steamroll you into an offer, but I have no doubt you’ll stand your ground.”

“I can take care of myself.” I flex my arm. “Strong and soft, remember?”

“I’ll never forget.” He leans forward to brush his lips over mine. “I’m craving my dessert. Come home with me.”

Chapter 42

Rocco

A sweeter dessert has never touched my lips.

I’ve spent the past hour tasting every inch of Dexie’s skin. I savored the most delicious parts of her; the skin at the back of her neck, the palms of her hand and the wetness between her legs.

I’m inside of her now. Fucking her in long, easy strokes.

Her legs are wrapped around me, her hands drifting through my hair.

“You’re beautiful,” I whisper against her lips.

“You are,” she sounds back with a whimper.

I up the tempo, driving into her a touch harder, a measure deeper.

“Like that,” she says through a moan. “I want that.”