Spicy Seduction Read online

  Jules straightened. So the delectable Grace is the maid of honor. Will need care when dealing with her tomorrow evening, especially with his current plans.

  “Jules, are you with us?” Tony asked. “Don’t tell me.”

  “Have to. Allie wants to do a feature article in Good Cookin’. I’m here to persuade Grace to sign.”

  Lauren leaned forward. “On Sunday we’ll add our persuasions. Would be a great boost for the bakery.”

  Tony chuckled. “Might mess with her five year plan.”

  Jules hoped their help wouldn’t be needed. Did Grace’s house have a fireplace? If so that would be perfect for the winter picnic he’d planned. His mind drifted to thoughts of persuading her to sign the contract followed by an indulgence in sex. Hastily he pulled his thoughts away from his plans and chatted with his friends.

  Finally he pushed the plate away. “Great food. The shrimp fajitas were the best I’ve had. So were the chicken and beef. I’m stuffed.”

  Lauren rose, picked up Jamie and nodded to Tony. “Come on. I’ll do his bath and dress him but it’s your story night.”

  “On my way.” Tony took a bottle from the fridge. “You’re on KP, my friend.”

  “No problem.” Jules watched them walk away. A bit of envy rose. Why, he wondered. Finding no answer, he started putting food in the refrigerator and dishes in the washer.

  Lauren joined him as he cleaned the counters. “Wow, almost done.”

  “I work fast.” Jules dried his hands and walked to the kitchen door. Snow still swirled in the air. “Hope I don’t get snowbound for the weekend.”

  Lauren laughed. “Predictions call for one to two inches. I worry about Grace. I’ve nagged her for weeks to buy new tires for her van. Hers are bald.”

  Jules turned from the door. “I’ll make sure she arrives home safely. Maybe a good deed will convince her to sign.”

  “Good thinking.” Tony paused in the doorway and tossed Jules a key. “Don’t worry about waking us. Front door.”

  “Alarm system?”

  “When you come in if we’re in bed, the pad is beside the door. This week’s code is four seven four.”

  * * * *

  Grace slid the last tray of triple chocolate cupcakes onto the cooling rack. Perspiration dripped down her face. Baking done. She inhaled the rich chocolate aroma and wiped her face with a wet paper towel.

  “Dinner’s here,” Bonnie called.

  Grace joined her clerk at one of the tables near the window. She put a slice of Sicilian pizza on a paper plate and opened a can of soda. She lit into the cheese and pepperoni. “Tastes great and I’m starved.”

  Bonnie put her slice on another plate. “Tell me about Mr. Hot. I almost claimed to be you. Then he asked me why I wouldn’t let Good Cookin’ do a feature. You are brushing off one great opportunity.”

  “I’m not ready. Maybe in a year or two. I have a plan.”

  “Think about what happened to Five Cuisines after their feature. You need to make reservations weeks in advance.” Bonnie smiled. “My choice would be to let him know you’re considering and spend time cultivating him. He is one splendid specimen.”

  “And knows it.” Grace returned to the pizza. What would Bonnie say if she heard Grace was going to dinner with him tomorrow?

  When they finished and cleared the table, Grace walked to the kitchen. The fudge topping for the cupcakes should have set. As she worked she thought about Jules and that long ago kiss. That day she’d almost broken her vow of no boys or men until she could support herself. She hadn’t any desire to follow her mother’s path of using sex to pay her bills. Thoughts of sex with just any man left Grace cold.

  She finished the last of the cupcakes and slid the tray into the cooler. Before washing the bowl she swiped a finger around the bowl to gather the last traces of fudge.

  With cleanser she tackled the worktable and the cooling rack, then sprayed the oven. After sweeping the floor she carried the utensils she’d used to the huge dishwasher. After the shop closed she would do the floor.

  “Grace, where are you?”

  Her hands tightened. The nasal twang of Charlene’s voice rasped like a creaking door. Grace entered the shop before Charlene’s cheap perfume permeated the kitchen.

  “Hello, Charlene. Two visits in one day.”

  “Mama sent me for the leftovers.” She pointed at Bonnie. “She knows I collect them every day but she won’t give them to me.”

  “It’s an hour until closing,” Bonnie said.

  “Do you see any customers? Streets are nearly deserted.” Charlene leaned against the case.

  Grace shook her head. “Did your mother enjoy the ones you took this noon?”

  “Why wouldn’t she?”

  What a strange answer. This was the first and last time Charlene would be allowed to take twice in a day. “Start a box.”

  “Mama’s gonna be real happy. She sure misses your help in the kitchen. Says that a dozen times a day. Wasn’t happy when you turned down her offer of a home and a job and went to that fancy cooking school when you aged out.”

  “Winning the scholarship allowed me to follow my dream.” A bubble of resentment formed. Room and board plus fifty dollars a week hadn’t seemed fair.

  Bonnie set the box on the counter. “You’re in luck. Eighteen.”

  “What about them six, especially the ones with the fudge on top.”

  Bonnie glared. “I’m taking them home.”

  “That’s not fair.”

  “I’ve already given your mother a dozen today,” Grace said.

  Charlene picked up the box. “Guess who I saw today. At least I think it was him. Jules Grayson. From his clothes I’d say he’s rich. Well, he’ll need a bundle.” She sashayed to the door. “How well I remember him. Poor Grace never got a taste but I did.”

  Grace rolled her eyes and clamped her lips together. Was Charlene going to play that card again? The answer was clear. Charlene smelled money.

  When the door closed Grace turned to Bonnie. “Won’t be more customers tonight.”

  Bonnie stared out the window. “Snow’s coming.”

  “Head out. I’ll finish here. Safe home.”

  “Are you sure?”

  “Go.”

  After Bonnie left, Grace hung the closed sign and locked the door. She carried the trays and beverage container to the utility room and started the dishwasher. After cleaning the cases she swept and mopped the floor, carrying the last of the day’s cash to her office. She finished cleaning the kitchen. In her office she noted the proceeds in the account book, stocked the cash register for the next day. After donning her coat and gloves she left with the bank bag in hand.

  As she passed the narrow alley between her shop and the next, a hand grasped her arm. She screamed.

  “Didn’t mean to scare you.”

  Jules deep voice made her stiffen. “What are you doing here?”

  “You shouldn’t be carrying a bag of money when you’re alone.”

  Grace glared. “It’s only a little after nine. Bonnie usually comes with me. I sent her home early because of the storm.”

  “I’ll walk with you.”

  “Fine.” Was this more of his tactic to lure her into his bed? She had to admit he was much smoother than he’d been years ago.

  Chapter Four

  Jules watched as Grace slid the bank bag into the bin. The heavy metal door banged shut. “Would you like to go somewhere for a drink or something?”

  Grace shook her head. “I’ve been on the move since six thirty this morning. All I want to do is go home and hit the bed.”

  He hid a smile. Going to bed sounded like a plan but not alone and not to sleep. “I’ll walk you to your car.” He reached for her hand. She jammed it in her pocket.

  Definitely a challenge. But he was up to meeting any evasion tactic on her part.

  They walked in single file through the alley. Jules put his hands lightly on her shoulders as they moved through the long
passage.

  When they reached her van parked in the small area behind the shop, Jules stooped to examine the tires. “Lauren was right to worry. You’re almost riding on the rims, Hit one patch of black ice and you’ll end up against a tree.” Puffs of white vapor rose with each word.

  “I’ve no choice. The van is my only means of transportation.” She pulled a ring of keys from her pocket.

  Jules grabbed them. She wasn’t driving home. “I’ll take you.”

  She shook her head. “That’s nice of you but how would I return tomorrow by eight? The walks must be cleared. There’s a rule about that in town. Then I need to set up for business. We open at ten. I’ll be in the front until Bonnie arrives. Then I have to bake.”

  He draped an arm around her shoulders. “I’ll come back and drive you. Even help shovel.” He crossed his fingers. Would she bite? If his plan worked he’d spend the night in her bed giving and receiving pleasure.

  “Are you sure you don’t mind?”

  He winked. “Will give me more time to persuade you to let the mag do the spread.” And for me to lure you into my arms. His dick rose in anticipation.

  Grace shrugged off his arm. “Why do I think there’s more than a contract on your mind?”

  He faced her. Anything else would be by mutual agreement. “I never force myself on any woman. I’m a gentleman.”

  She laughed. His body heated.

  “I remember how you push. Think back about ten years.”

  “The time when hormones ruled.” He drew in a breath of frigid air. At the moment testosterone levels moved toward a critical level. He wanted her in a bed with her beneath him and the stud making a grand entrance. “Let me take you home. If you refuse I’ll only follow to rescue you when disaster occurs.”

  She nodded. “I hope I won’t regret this.”

  “I’ll make sure you don’t.” Confidence produced a grin.

  “And you promise to be a gentleman?”

  “As gentle as you want.” He ran a gloved finger over her cheek.

  Jules opened the passenger door of the Jeep and waited until she fastened the seatbelt before closing the door. He walked around the vehicle and cleared the windows before sliding onto the driver’s seat. Mentally, he patted his back. Step one of his plan for seducing Grace had worked. Step two meant being invited inside. Would take a bit of finesse but he had a Master’s in persuasion.

  As Grace gave directions his attention focused on the road, taking the turns slowly. Having an accident would make him look foolish. Tension seeped from his passenger’s body. His sense of confidence soared. The dude stood at attention.

  Patience.

  Before long he pulled into the snow-covered driveway of her unit in the condo complex. Almost before she moved, he grabbed his briefcase and jumped down. He went to her door and arrived in time to keep her from falling.

  He held her close, inhaled her scent and the crisp smoke-tinged aromas of the night. “You smell like the bakery, sweet, spicy and good enough to eat.”

  She laughed. “You’ve turned cannibal.”

  “Just a man who believes you’re beautiful.”

  They walked to the door. She pulled the keys from her pocket.

  The temptation to grab her and ravish her mouth nearly caused him to blow his plan. He felt like the teenager he’d once been, wanting more than a kiss from Grace. At the door he tilted her chin, intending just a taste. His mouth opened and he teased the seam of hers with his tongue.

  She melted against him like thawing snow. He resented the bulk of clothing between them preventing him from reading her reaction. He dropped the briefcase and tugged her close. As his tongue thrust and retreated he inched her body closer.

  He paused to take a breath. “Grace, oh, Grace, sure wish I hadn’t been a hormone heavy teen.” He couldn’t get close enough. He wanted to experience every nuance of her body’s reaction without coats.

  “You taste like chocolate and coffee.” He gazed into her eyes but the dim light hid her reaction. “Do you make a mocha cupcake? I’d order dozens since they would remind me of you.”

  Her posture changed. She turned toward the house. Why had he made that suggestion?

  “I don’t but that’s a great idea. Can’t wait to create a new recipe. Maybe with a fondant icing.”

  Jules tugged her back. “Does the idea deserve another kiss?”

  A smile curved her full lips. “Just might.” She brought her mouth to his.

  With one hand he cupped her head. The other pressed her ass. Though the night was cold, lava flowed through his veins. When their lips parted he grinned. Her finger stroked his dimple.

  “Shall we continue this inside?”

  She moaned. “Not a good idea."

  Jules changed gears. “We can talk about the contract and get that out of the way. I think you have the wrong idea about what it means. You don’t have to sign tonight but I’d like to explain the terms so you can run the contract past Tony.”

  “I could do that.”

  “Here’s a teaser. The feature won’t be scheduled until November or December.”

  She turned the key in the lock. “That long from now. I thought maybe next month.”

  “Magazines work in the future.” He felt sure he could convince Allie to wait that long. Though Allie wanted to do the feature during the summer, she had been open to a changed date. The holiday cupcakes were the ones she’d tasted.

  When she opened the door he grabbed his briefcase and knocked off the snow. After closing the door he removed his coat. He brushed a kiss on her forehead. Step two accomplished. With caution and charm he could ace the remaining steps of his plan.

  * * * *

  As soon as the door closed, Grace felt edgy. Why had she agreed to talk to him? She knew he wouldn’t harm her but he had the potential to upset her plans. Her usual Friday evening routine was to veg on the couch watching cooling shows until she felt tired enough to climb the stairs to bed or fell asleep on the couch to wake up to some informational.

  What is wrong with you? The man is hot. You’re making enough money to support yourself. There’s an attraction you can’t deny. What was wrong with giving in to temptation one time? She knew the answer. She would want more than one night and she doubted Jules could give her more than that or maybe two. He’s not a one woman man. He hadn’t been one as a teenager and she doubted he had changed.

  Tonight’s kisses had raised a dormant desire she had carried since those days. He’d taken charge but he hadn’t forced. She hung her coat on a hook beside the door.

  Jules draped his coat on a dining room chair. He set a briefcase on the table. How had he slipped that past her?

  “I’m having hot chocolate,” she said. “Would you like some?”

  “Anything stronger?”

  “Coffee or tea.”

  “The hot chocolate then.”

  “With or without marshmallows?”

  “Without. Bring the drinks and I’ll explain the terms.”

  The mantle clock struck nine thirty by the time Jules had finished the explanation of the simple agreement. As he’d moved from clause to clause, he had stroked her back and her neck. His hand moved along her thigh with light caresses.

  “I’ll talk to Tony on Sunday before I sign. Sure hope I can hire a part-time baker and a decorator before then.” She covered a yawn with her hand.

  Jules stood and stretched. He leaned down. “You’ve made me a half happy man.”

  “Just half.”

  His breath heated her nape. “I want you.”

  Heat blossomed and spread. She nearly purred. Yearning threatened to burn away every bit of good sense. She wanted to feel more.

  The dark days of her life before arriving at the group home gathered like heavy storm clouds. She had never known her father. He could have been any of the men who had shared her mother’s bed, sometimes for a night and other times longer. Alcohol, pot, sex and cigarettes were the aromas of her childhood. Slurred spee
ch curses, screams and punches the sounds. These had invaded her hiding place in the closet where she had hidden and prayed for escape. An overdose had given her one.

  The group home for girls had given her a semblance of a normal home life. The boy’s home across the fence had allowed her to imagine she had brothers.

  Jules had lived there. He’d been labeled a “bad boy” but others had been worse. Had he changed from the image he’d pretended to be? She relaxed into his touch. Back then, a look of loneliness had made her decide he was different than he showed the world. He still played the bad boy. Could he ever admit who he was deep inside?

  “You should go if you’re coming back for me at eight.”

  His hands slid from her shoulders to her waist. His tongue flicked her neck sending delightful shivers along her spine. Her skin felt seared. A new and exciting fire burned deep in her belly.

  “Would make better sense for me to stay.”

  Low husky tones vibrated in her ear causing a flutter in her chest. Was she ready to be with a man when her knowledge of his character was based on a crush and a crude proposition? She steeled herself to pull free and found she couldn’t move.

  As if he’d read her thoughts he snuggled her closer. She liked being in his arms. She felt secure and yet uncertain. She’d already taken a leap into the unknown by agreeing to sign the contract. Could she take another?

  Her breasts felt too large for her bra. The nipples tightened. Jules slid a hand across her sweater and rested his fingers beneath a breast. His other hand slid over her belly with light strokes. She held in a groan.

  On Sunday she was scheduled for a tasting at Lauren’s and Tony’s. There was no longer a need for a meet and greet. If she and Jules continued would they be able to pretend to being just acquaintances? She wanted and yet not wanted to give into the urges storming her thoughts and her body.

  Jules continued his stealthy exploration. “Can I stay?”

  His question blew hazy thoughts away. The reason he wanted to stay pressed against her back. “Why?” Would he be as honest about his desire as he’d been years before?

  “I want you.”