Crista McHugh - The Sweetest Seduction

“I don’t want to cause any trouble for you.” She lowered her eyes, staring at the terra-cotta-colored dust on the ground. If he wanted honesty, then she at least owed him that. “I accidentally saw that e-mail about the lawsuit thing.”

“And you were willing to give up your restaurant for me?” A brief glimpse of shock flashed across his face before he composed himself. “Don’t worry about Ray. He’s full of hot air. I’ve already taken care of that matter.”

“How?”

“Let’s just say he has several high-end call girls on his speed dial and doesn’t want that information, or anything else my private investigator found on him that will jeopardize his reelection campaign, leaking out to the press.” He waved the contract in front of her again. “Now that you know that, will you sign your lease?”

“I—” She licked her lips, her mouth dry with indecision. “Why would you want me over Schlittler?”

“Besides the fact you’re an amazing chef and he’s an ass?” He closed the space between them. The contract disappeared into his briefcase, which fell to the ground when his hands found her hips. “Let’s just say I have a little thing for you.”

The erection hardening inside his pants was anything but little. She circled her arms around his neck and leaned into him. Her lips found his with instinctual ease. Desire flooded her veins as the kiss deepened, making her forget about all the reasons why they’d never work out as a couple. All she cared about was here and now.

When the kiss ended, Adam asked in a raw voice, “Why did you leave me, Lia?”

“I was scared.” Those three little words slipped out before she could form a more appropriate reply, but they summed up the confusing turmoil of feelings she had whenever she came near him.

“Why?” He ran his hands up and down her spine in slow, steady strokes while he waited for her answer, his gaze never wavering.

She drew in a shaky breath. “When I heard you say you wanted me to move in with you and let you take care of everything, all I could think about was the last time I found myself in that situation. I know I don’t fit the mold of the perfect little housewife you deserve—”

“Who said anything about you becoming a housewife?” He placed a quick peck on the tip of her nose. “When I invited you to move in with me, I did so because I want you in my bed every night. And when I offered to make sure you’ll never worry about a thing, I meant that I would handle the insurance adjusters and paperwork and permits and everything else that needed to be done to get La Arietta open once again.”

He released her long enough to pull out his iPad and tap on a folder. Images of the half-repaired restaurant filled the screen. One by one, he scrolled through them for her. The plaster that had been ruined by the water had been torn down and replaced. The scorched tables and chairs had been cleared out to make room for plush seats with real leather upholstery. In the kitchen, top-of-the-line appliances gleamed under the lights. La Arietta was like a phoenix rising from the ashes, more beautiful that it had been before.

The last image was the sign that greeted people when they got off the elevator. Underneath it was a smaller sign that said “Under repair, but reopening soon.”

Her throat choked up, and her eyes burned. Now it was her turn to ask why.

“Because I want you to enjoy your passion.” He kissed her again, his tongue seeking confirmation of her feelings with every pleading swirl, every timid flick. “I love you, Lia.”

The tears she’d been fighting to hold back spilled over. “I love you, too, Adam.”

A grin flashed on his face before he pulled her back into his arms and covered her mouth with his again. All restraint vanished. It was the hallway all over again. Desperate kisses. Tugs on clothing. Roaming hands that yearned to feel flesh. Desire that overwhelmed common sense.

The straps of her sundress fell off her shoulders. Adam was tasting the newly exposed skin when the barn door opened with a bang. They flew apart like they had the night on the boat, half-naked and flushed.

Giovanni stood in the doorway, his mouth hanging open. Then a sly smile curled his lips. “What is that American saying? A roll in the hay?”

Lia pressed her burning cheeks into Adam’s back. Her mother would definitely hear about this before the night was over.

Adam reached around for her hand, placing a chaste kiss on it as he pulled her strap back up. “Perhaps we should hold off until we get someplace where we won’t be interrupted.”

“Good idea. You know how large families can be.”

“Without a doubt.” A twinkle appeared in his eyes, one that spoke of many sensuous nights tangled in the sheets. “I hope you’re up for the challenge.”

She grinned back, running her fingers through his hair to smooth it back into place. “Absolutely. You’ve become my new passion.”

His breath caught. A look of surprise flickered across his face, followed by an intense emotion that made her heart swell. “Then I will do all I can to keep that passion alive.”

Hand in hand, they strolled back to the manor house, oblivious to the people around them. Tomorrow, they would talk business. Tomorrow, they would go over the repairs to La Arietta and the terms of the lease. Tomorrow, they would make plans to move her things into his condo.

But tonight, they would enjoy the simple pleasures of each other under the warm summer moon.