Sweeter Than Chocolate: Valentine's Day Anthology

by Gina Kincade

  He chuckled. "Just particular, I guess. Most women just see dollar signs and a good time when they look at me. I'm ready for something more."

  A lump formed in my throat, and I drank some wine to wash it away. "You do remember when I said I wasn't ready to date, right?"

  He responded with a cocky smirk. "Yet here you are—on a date with me."

  A small smile tugged at my lips. "What if I told you that I was just looking for a good time?"

  Shrugging nonchalantly, he chuckled. "Then I guess I have to show you a good time and hope you want more."

  We finished the first course and a glass of wine each, chatting as though we'd known each other for years. By the time the main course came out, I'd learned that we had a lot in common. We both worked way too much, were hard-core foodies, and loved the outdoors.

  After another glass of wine and our main course, Logan smiled at me. "I already know where our second date will be."

  I arched a brow. "How do you know I'm going to want a second date?"

  He gave me a smug, confident grin. "I have a feeling."

  I chuckled, taking a sip of my fresh glass of wine. "So what does this date entail?"

  Shaking his head, he laughed. "You have to wait and see."

  We finished off the wine with dessert, and after paying the bill, Logan extended his hand to me. "May I have this dance?"

  I glanced from his hand to the dance floor. "No one's dancing."

  "So?" He smiled brightly.

  I couldn't help but smile back as I placed my hand in his. He led me to the empty dance floor and held me close as we moved to the slow, crooning melody.

  He whispered against my ear. "I'm the luckiest man in here right now. The most beautiful woman in my arms and the envy of every guy in the room."

  My cheeks heated as I pressed closer to him. "You're a smooth talker, you know that?"

  "It's easy when it's the truth."

  Every part of me felt more alive than I'd felt since moving to Chicago. I wasn't sure if it was the wine, Logan, or a combination of both, but I didn't want it to go away.

  "What do you have against dating?"

  I sighed. "I was hoping to avoid this question."

  Logan chuckled. "Well?"

  "A couple of months ago, I caught my boyfriend of four years cheating on me."

  His hold on me tightened. "Ah shit, I'm sorry, Bama. I shouldn't have asked."

  I actually felt better telling someone else besides Kelsey. "It's okay. I'm just not ready to put myself back out there, you know?"

  "I understand. It's a shame, though. Can't believe some idiot would cheat on someone like you."

  I pulled back to look up at him. My eyes searched his as a grin tipped the corners of my lips. Logan made me feel like the most desirable woman in the world. "You wanna get out of here?"

  He tucked a strand of my hair behind my ear and smirked. Without saying a word, he led me off the dance floor, then up the stairs to the exit.

  When we got in his car, he asked, "Where to?"

  I couldn’t stop the smile curving my lips. "My place."

  ***

  By the time we got up to my apartment, we could barely keep our hands off each other. I struggled with getting the key in the lock while keeping my lips on Logan's. Neither one of us seemed to want to break the kiss, even as I dropped the keys.

  Logan pressed me against the door, deepening the kiss. His want for me was evident as his sizable erection pushed against my abdomen.

  Tongues tangling, I ran my fingers through his hair, unable to get enough of each other. "If you don't get that door open, I'm going to take you right here in the hallway," he mumbled against my lips, still not taking his from mine.

  I smiled. "I dropped the keys."

  He chuckled as he continued to kiss me, moving down my jaw to my neck, to my collarbone, before quickly bending down to pick up my keys. His mouth was back on mine, tongue slowly sweeping inside as he attempted to open my door.

  After a few seconds of jumbling around, he finally opened the door. We staggered through the doorway, both of us laughing, then he kicked the door shut.

  Scooping me up, he asked, "Bedroom?"

  I wrapped my legs around his waist, pointing behind us down the hall. "Last door at the end."

  I slipped his suit jacket off, and he let it fall to the floor behind him, never breaking his stride. Then I went to work unbuttoning his shirt.

  By the time we made it to my bedroom, I'd gotten his shirt off and tossed it. He lowered me down on the bed, still kissing me senseless as he pushed my dress up and practically ripped it off me.

  He arched a brow as he broke the kiss and gazed down at me. "No bra?"

  I gave him a coy grin. "Can't wear one in a dress like that."

  Leaning down, he took one of my nipples in his mouth and tugged on it with his teeth. I hissed in pleasure as he played with the hardened nub.

  He suckled and teased my breast a few minutes before moving to the other. My hands fumbled with the button on his slacks as he took my panties off. He gave my nipple one last suck before pulling away. "I can't go another second without tasting you. I've been thinking about it all night."

  Then he moved down my body to my drenched center. He looked down at my sex reverently, licking his lips as if he was about to devour a gourmet meal.

  He gave me a sinful smirk right before burying his face in between my thighs.

  I gasped as his tongue entered me, arching my back. Logan moaned in appreciation as he licked and suckled my aching sex.

  My hands tangled in his hair as he consumed me, gripping my thighs tightly as if he were afraid I would pull away.

  If he continued eating me out the way he was, I'd lay there all night.

  A few minutes later, I was on the brink of orgasm. Biting down on my lower lip, I squirmed beneath Logan, eager to come.

  He moved from my opening to my clit, nipping and teasing the sensitive bud, and that finally sent me over the edge.

  "Oh, God, yes!" I cried out in pleasure, my body shuddering in ecstasy.

  Logan swapped his mouth for his thumb, rubbing my clit as he licked up my juices.

  I was still tingling with pleasure as Logan positioned himself over me. Through half-lidded eyes, he gazed down at me. "That was the most delicious thing I've ever tasted."

  A lazy smile spread over my lips. "There's more where that came from."

  He grinned. "I plan on having seconds later. Right now, I need to have my cock inside you."

  I reached for the top drawer of my nightstand and fished out a condom, then handed it to Logan. Wordlessly, he took it and tore the wrapper open with his teeth and slipped the condom on.

  I licked my lips as I looked between us at his cock. He was bigger than Dwayne, and I couldn't wait to have him inside me. It had been months since I'd been laid, and my vibrator wasn't cutting it anymore.

  Logan guided himself to my slick sex and slowly pushed himself in. We both moaned in unison as he filled me, stretching my walls to fit his thick shaft.

  He slowly started to pump in and out of me, subjecting me to a blissful torture I couldn't get enough of. Wrapping my legs around him, I urged him deeper, wanting as much of him as I could take.

  "God, Charlie, your pussy fits around me so damn perfect." He closed his eyes and growled as he gave me a rough thrust. "So fucking perfect."

  Tipping my head back, I focused on the amazing sensations coursing through me as my eyes fluttered closed. The way Logan was fucking me made me realize I hadn't been properly fucked in months.

  When my eyes opened again, I gazed up at him. His taut body was slick with sweat, mouth agape, and brow furrowed in concentration. His eyes were still closed in pleasure, and at that moment, he was the sexiest thing I'd ever seen.

  Another moan escaped me as Logan increased his pace, pounding into me. "Harder," I murmured, wanting him to make me ache afterward.

  His eyes opened, and he smirked down at me, slamming into me h
arder and harder with each blissful thrust.

  I could feel my orgasm building back up; with a few more hard thrusts, I knew I'd be coming again. "Yes! Yes, yes, yes!"

  "You like that, baby?"

  I bit down on my bottom lip and nodded, uttering a moan of approval.

  "Good because I'm going to make you come all over my cock."

  Another powerful thrust. I was definitely going to be sore later, and the thought made me smile.

  Logan cupped the back of my neck as he pounded harder and faster. "Fuck, I'm going to come."

  The building tension inside me finally snapped, stars exploding behind my eyelids as I cried out in pleasure. My core clenched around Logan as my body trembled, and a few seconds later, he let out a guttural groan of pleasure.

  We were both panting and sweaty as he collapsed beside me. Blissful tingles spread throughout my limbs, blanketing me in pleasure.That was by far the best sex I'd ever had.

  Logan propped himself on his elbow, facing me. I could see him grinning at me out of the corner of my eye, and I turned my head to look at him. "What?" I asked, unable to stop the smile curving my lips.

  He raised his eyebrows. "Nothing. That was just the best fucking sex I've had in my life."

  I chuckled. "Same."

  He flipped me over then got on top of me, his cock pressing against me from behind. "Good, because I'm not anywhere close to being done with you tonight."

  ***

  Logan had fucked me in so many different ways that I'd lost count. When I woke up the next morning, I was exhausted but satisfied.

  And my pussy was so sore. Win.

  Logan was still asleep, but I was wide-awake with thoughts about what last night meant for us. I didn't have time for a relationship, and even though the sex was mind-blowing, I didn't want to risk falling in love and having my heart broken again.

  I decided it was best to end whatever we were doing before either one of us got too attached. I quietly got ready for work, careful not to disturb Logan, then wrote him a note.

  Logan,

  I had to be at the office first thing and didn't want to wake you. Thank you for an amazing night. I know you're going to make someone really happy one day.

  Charlie

  That wasn't awkward or anything.

  I left the note on the nightstand next to him and quietly slipped out of my apartment. A pang of sadness struck me as I thought about not seeing Logan again, but I told myself it was for the best. I wasn't ready for a relationship, and that wasn't fair to a great guy like him.

  I couldn't get him off my mind, even as I busied myself with work. I felt bad for leaving how I did, and when he sent me a text later that morning, I felt even worse.

  Logan: Can't believe I'm doing the walk of shame

  Me: Sorry :( It’s just better this way

  My stomach was knotted with guilt. I imagined how shitty he must have felt, and I gnawed on my bottom lip as I tried to think of something that would make him feel better.

  Me: I really had a great night. You deserve better than me

  Logan: Just give me a chance Bama. I'm not like your ex

  I inhaled a deep breath then sighed, debating on whether or not to respond back. But before I could decide, Logan sent another text.

  Logan: You can't tell me you didn't feel what I did last night

  My chest tightened. He was right, but I wouldn't admit it. The last time I'd followed my heart, I ended up with it broke and four years of my life I could never get back. I didn't want that to happen again, no matter how great the sex was.

  Putting my phone away, I forced myself to get back to work, but no matter how hard I tried, Logan’s handsome face lingered in the back of mind.

  So I stopped what I was doing and went down to the kitchen. Cooking always helped get my mind off things, and I was able to fully immerse myself in what I was doing whenever I was in the kitchen. There was a new recipe I’d been meaning to try anyway, so I had the perfect excuse to break away from the administrative side of my job and do what I loved: cook.

  Some of my chefs did a double take when I entered the kitchen, and it made me realize that I hadn’t been down there in a while. The thought made me sad. Cooking was my passion, and sometimes I lost sight of that when I got caught up in the monotony of the business side of things. I made a mental note to make time in the kitchen at least once a week.

  The recipe I’d been thinking about adding to the catering menu was a peach-mustard crusted pork chop with a mango chutney and white bean puree. I loved playing with flavors and creating bold dishes that you couldn’t find on every catering menu. I liked providing my clients with variety while still being sophisticated and delicious.

  Grabbing the ingredients I needed, I started making the glaze for the pork first. The measuring and mixing were the perfect way to occupy my mind, and I was able to stop thinking about Logan.

  Like how some athletes got tunnel vision when they played a game, that was how I cooked. I became immersed in my own little world where nothing else existed besides the food and me. All I could see were the steps needed to finish the dish and how to make it the best it could be.

  Cooking had always been soothing to me. After cooking a meal, I felt a sense of peace and accomplishment. Even winning pageants couldn’t top how I felt after completing a complex, flavorful meal. Creating something that brought people joy and satisfaction, even if just for the short time it took them to eat it, was so rewarding to me.

  Unlike the shallowness of competitive pageantry, cooking required heart and passion. Anyone with a pretty face could put on makeup and a fancy dress to win a pageant. Sure, there were talent and intellectual aspects, but all of that could be taught or faked. A real chef cooked with heart and put their blood, sweat, and tears into making the perfect meal.

  Once I finished my dish, I plated the food and sat down to test it. The flavors had tasted great during the preparation, but sometimes it didn’t always transfer to the completed dish.

  But that wasn’t the case with the meal I’d just made. Closing my eyes, I practically moaned in pleasure as the bite I’d taken melted in my mouth.

  Definitely adding this to the menu.

  After finishing the food, I quickly wrote down the recipe so I could type it up and send it to my chefs. I made a mental note to also add the dish to the menus on the website and in the office.

  I felt so much better after my cooking session. Logan was the last thing on my mind as I went back up to my office to type up my recipe and update my menus.

  By the end of the day, I was exhausted. Staying up most of the night having wild sex with Logan combined with a busy day of work had caught up with me on my way home. As soon as I walked in the door of my apartment, I kicked off my shoes, tossed my keys on the counter, and went to the kitchen to get a glass of wine.

  After pouring a glass of wine, I went to my bedroom. As my eyes landed on the disheveled sheets from the night before, memories flooded my mind; Logan’s lips all over my skin, our bodies tangled together in ecstasy, and the sounds of our passionate moans.

  I would’ve been lying if I said that I didn’t want more of Logan, but Dwayne’s betrayal still weighed heavy on me. I could still feel the heavy pit in my stomach and tightness in my chest that accompanied the pain of my heart being broken. And the fear of being hurt again outweighed the risk I wanted to take with Logan.

  Sighing, I took a sip of my wine and turned away from my bed. Forcing the thoughts away, I went into my bathroom and turned on the water to fill my garden tub. Finishing my glass of wine and taking a bubble bath were just what I needed to unwind and take my mind off things.

  I stripped my clothes and let them fall to the floor before stepping into the tub. As I submerged myself in the warm water, I felt my stress ease away.

  Taking a sip of wine, I closed my eyes and leaned my head back against the tub.

  You’re better off this way. If you don’t invest anything, you can’t get hurt again.
/>   At least that was what I told myself.

  Chapter Three

  It had been a month since I’d had the night of my life with Logan, and I still thought of him. Some days, I wished I’d taken the chance to explore where things could have gone between us. Most of the time, I was able to tell myself that I’d made the logical decision, even if it wasn’t necessarily the right one.

  The good thing was that since I worked so much, I didn’t have time to wallow about Logan. There were only one or two nights a week when I didn’t have an event or prep for an event, and the other nights I was so exhausted that I usually crashed as soon as I got home.

  Going to another dating event was the last thing on my mind when I met with Kelsey for lunch. But as soon as we ordered, she said, "So there's this dating thing Thursday that I want you to go with me to."

  My jaw practically dropped. She knew how hard it had been to call things off with Logan, so I couldn’t believe what she’d just said. "No. No. I'm not going. I told you I wasn't ready to date. I'll just end up leading some poor guy on like the last time."

  Kelsey rolled her eyes with a scoff. "Okay, first of all, you're the one who accepted the second date with Logan, so it's your own fault for leading him on."

  She was right, but that didn't mean I was going to admit it. I crossed my arms over my chest as she continued, "Second of all, you need to get out and socialize. You're going to end up working yourself to death if you don't have a life outside of your company."

  Right again, but I still didn't respond, trying to stay firm in my decision.

  "Please, Charlie, just one more time," Kelsey pleaded, giving me those damn puppy dog eyes.

  Kelsey was my best friend; my only friend really. She didn’t ask for much, and even though it was a ridiculous request, I felt like she deserved it for dealing with my shit. Letting out a breath of frustration, I resigned to defeat. "Fine, fine. But this is the last time I'm doing one of these stupid things."

  Her face lit up. "This one is different, I promise. It's not all cliché and corny."