Sensual Chocolate

by Yvette Hines

“The usual explosion of emotions. My father with nothing but a lot of empty words about being in love with two women and not intending it to happen. I vividly recall nurses and doctors escorting two furious women out of the room because my father was too fragile.” He humphed. “Too weak to deal with his own mess.”

  He let out a burst of air, trying to find relief. “My mom, who I love dearly, divorced my father. Amazingly Marsha and my mom bonded in some weird way that day. My mom did not think my father’s philandering should keep two brothers from knowing each other. Stiles’s mom helped my mother find a job and relocate to America. I will admit it was tough. Stiles and I had a hard time for a few months, but once I stopped blaming him for getting half of my father’s time we became the best of friends. We made a choice to attend the same college and our friendship became stronger.”

  “Did you still communicate with your father during that time?”

  “No. At first I did, but it hurt my mother so much to hear about him, I stopped returning his calls. He died during our freshman year in college, alone in England, of a second heart attack.”

  Trenton knew that a part of him always desired a relationship with his father, but as he got older he understood the major error in judgment and moral code his father had made, so never revealed that to his mom. Not knowing what else to say, he just laid there, listening to the hissing of the gas fire. He wanted to conjure up something witty and funny to break the tension. To bring back the passion of the night; a place he felt more comfortable. His mind was blank.

  Circumventing the platters and bottle of wine, Jolie crawled over the blanket until she was beside him. Then, without saying a word, she aligned her body against his side, wrapped her arm around his waist and cradled her head on his chest. Laying with him, she lent him her strength.

  He wasn’t sure how long they stayed like that until Jolie’s voice broke the silence. “That explains a lot.”

  At first he frowned, thinking that she was talking about his aversion to intimacy and questioned her, “Explains what?”

  She balanced her head up on his chest by her chin. “Why it is you use more American terms than British, until your balls are being scalded in hot water.” She winked at him.

  “That’ll do it.” He appreciated her giving him a little humor, just enough to make breathing a little easier for him.

  They were quiet again and she rested her head back on his chest. He wrapped his arms around her and gave himself permission to hold her. It was that moment he dreaded the dawning of the new day.

  Chapter 5

  Jolie slipped out of her bed, doing her best not to disturb the sleeping man, and snuck off to the bathroom. Last night had been wild, amazing and more emotional than she’d planned for. A night that was supposed to be filled with romance and sex had turned out to be something incredible.

  Closing the door, her mind played back on everything from the moment Trenton arrived at her house with the single red rose, to confessions he’d made about his father, and every bout of sex in between. And after, her body reminded her. After over an hour of just holding each other before the fire he’d carried her upstairs and made love to her. Those were the only words that fit the slow, gentle rhythm he gave her as he laid his body on hers and whispered endearments in her ear until she came. She was glad it had been dark in the room and he couldn’t see the tears that rolled from her eyes as her climaxed.

  Now she had to put distance between them. Allowing him a chance to awaken and leave without the messy entanglement of telling her it was a nice night, but he had to go. Women always considered it a bad thing for men to sneak out, and in any other circumstances she would agree. However, she couldn’t take saying good-bye to him this morning and knowing this was it.

  Turning on the shower beside the tub, she climbed in. She’d been a fool to agree to the night, she’d done exactly what she’d warned herself not to do, opened her heart to Trenton Rayner. If he were any other man she would have been happy to discover the morning after that she had fallen for him, but he wasn’t another man. He was the one-night guy who had been hurt and disillusioned when he was younger about commitment and relationships and didn’t believe in love.

  A sound from the room reached her ears, and an image of Trenton getting up, looking irresistible filled her mind. She buried her face under the vigorous spray, muddling the sound. By the time she got out he’d be gone. Case closed.

  ****

  Until this moment, until Jolie, Trenton felt as if he’d never lived. As if in some way before now his life had been incomplete. The thought rattled him. Shook the very foundation of his beliefs. Sex was sex, nothing more, had been what he’d told himself countless times since entering puberty, and now those words seemed empty and insufficient. Last night he had broken his cardinal rule and opened up to a woman about his past. It was a no-no for this reason.

  He couldn’t stay. He had to leave. Flee, his mind screamed. However, he didn’t know where he could go and be away from himself and his traitorous thoughts. Dropping his pants back on the chair, he told himself he just had to see her one more time. Just one more kiss on those sweet full lips, he told himself.

  The compulsion propelled him forward, he found himself opening the bathroom door. The sound of the shower echoed off the tile of the smoked glass enclosure where he could make out Jolie’s form inside. She was under the water, possibly washing her hair or face. It didn’t matter, he needed her.

  Pulling the shower door open, he stepped inside. It took her a moment to turn around and realize she wasn’t alone. When she glanced over her shoulder, he could see the astonishment in her gaze.

  “Trenton,” came the sultry whisper. “I thought you’d be gone by now.”

  “Not without my good-bye kiss.” He dragged her in his arms. “You wouldn’t deny me of such a simple pleasure, darling Jolie?”

  Shaking her head, she leaned into him. His lips met hers. As if the sun and earth collided everything ignited inside of him. He couldn’t get enough of her. Moving his hands all over her wet body, he held her waist, feeling the heat of her slim form against him. He caressed her breasts and the taut peaks stabbed the center of his palm.

  Jolie sighed in his mouth as he pinched each nipple. When his hands moved to her ass, cupping each plump cheek, she grounded her slick pussy against his dick. Feeling like a Neanderthal, he wanted to claim his woman, mark her as his. Lifting her up, he turned and took the steps needed to reach his destination.

  She spread her legs wide and wrapped them around his waist as he pressed her up against the shower wall. He was hard and ready for her. He couldn’t think straight, the only thing he knew was that he wanted to be inside Jolie, now.

  Reaching underneath her ass he took hold of his cock and set it at the mouth of heaven, and with one hard thrust he embedded himself inside of her. Hot, tight, wet satin was how her pussy felt around him.

  She cried out at his rough entry but still locked her thighs firm around him, her heels digging into his ass. His body would have loved to call the pounding he gave her fucking. That he’d swiveled with Jolie in the morning light and fucked her good before he left. But no matter how hard he was giving it to her, or how rigid his dick was as it piston through her walls “just fucking” wasn’t it. It didn’t describe the pumping of her hips against his or the sweet sound she made as she moaned and sighed, whispering his name as her pussy milked his shaft as she came.

  And it sure as hell wasn’t a good explanation on why it felt as if the earth had dropped away from his feet when he climaxed. No, nothing got fucked this morning but his mind.

  The water continued to rain down on them and their laborious breathing had barely calmed when he heard her say, “Thank you for a wonderful night, Mr. Rayner.”

  It was just what he needed to hear to remind him that this had been an arrangement. The morning was here and it was time for him to go. Time to get back to life as he knew it.

  Easing her body away from his, he gave her one of his ha
lf smiles, the false smile he used to keep women at a distance. “Alright then, crumpet. It was a lovely evening, but all good things must come to an end.”

  He stepped back, seeing the wounded look in her eyes a second before she exhaled a breath and flashed him a bright smile. “Well, drive safe. I’m going to finish my shower before my assistant gets here.”

  There wasn’t much else for him to say. He couldn’t make promises to her. Hell he hadn’t made promises to her. The best thing for them both was for him to do what he should’ve done when he awakened, leave.

  “I’ll see you around.”

  “Probably not, but that’s how it’s supposed to be, right?” She turned away and grabbed the purple puff from the shower rack.

  “Right.” He couldn’t deny it. Opening the shower door, he exited. Closing it behind him, sealing her in, he grabbed a towel from the rack and walked away.

  ****

  “Okay, Jolie, we have the Rayners who should be checking in this morning. The McCalls who will come sometime before three and…” Tasha stood at the bottom of the stairs and continued to rattle off the list of clients expected in that day.

  It was the last weekend of March and every bungalow was reserved. Business had been booming for the last six and a half weeks. Three different honeymooners had paid extra to stay five days instead of the normal three full days. Word of mouth must have gotten around because when she didn’t have clients in residence she had been doing multiple back-to-back tours. She hardly had a moment to catch her breath. She had to admit to herself she was glad for the diversion, it kept her mind off Trenton during the day. The nights were another matter all together. She frequently caught herself staring at her phone as if she expected it to ring. But he wasn’t going to call. She was sure it wasn’t his M.O.

  In a month, she would be looking towards hiring a second assistant, especially before summer arrived.

  This morning she had called Tasha and asked her to come in earlier, her body needed sleep. Over the last two weeks she had felt exhausted to the point of sickness each morning.

  Jolie descended the last few remaining steps. “Thanks for coming in and getting everything moving this morning.”

  Smiling, Tasha waved her hand away. “I didn’t mind I was already up.”

  “Have the Middleton’s checked out yet?” She led the way into the office, she wanted to get something to eat this morning but her stomach was doing the weird flip again. She quickly made it to the chair behind the desk and sat.

  “Yes, their keys were in the front box when I got here.” Tasha had her head tilted to the side and was staring at her.

  “Great. I’ll go investigate the bungalow. Once I’ve checked that everything is in order I’ll give Dusting Diva’s a call to come out to clean and flip it.” Her assistant was still giving her a strange look. “What? Have I grown a second head?”

  “No. You just look as if you’ve eaten a slug.”

  Just the thought of a slimy bug in her mouth made her ill, causing her stomach to churn even more. “I think I’m coming down with a late winter virus. Weather changing too fast. I just need some fresh air.”

  “Okay. I’ll make you some tea. See if that helps.”

  “Thanks.” Opening the drawer she pulled out a box and removed the master key ring. She stood, gripping the corner of the desk for a moment until she was steady. “I’m headed to bungalow three. I’ll be back in about twenty minutes.”

  “Okay. I’ll get started on cataloging the storage room so you can do the ordering later.”

  “Perfect.” Jolie hustled out the back door as quick as she could. Outside she stood on the back porch and inhaled the fresh, crisp air. Once she felt more balanced and at ease she continued on her way.

  Entering the house, the cloying, saccharin scent of chocolate hit her in the face like the stench from a dump truck. The vegetable soup she’d had late last night began to make a return visit. She rushed back out the door, perplexed at how the heavy aroma of chocolate that in the past was like a pleasant and warm blanket now turned her inside out. Not in a good way.

  Stumbling and weaving she hurried to her house. She didn’t want to get sick by the pool and risk one of the guests still occupying two of the bungalows to see her.

  Bursting into the house she ran toward the stairs and froze.

  “Hello, Jolie, it’s good to see you again. This is my wife, Celeste.” Stiles Rayner stood before her with a woman who was blonde and as pretty as a doll. Together they looked like Ken and Barbie.

  “I’ve heard great things about this place. Nice to meet you.” Celeste stepped forward to shake her hand.

  I’m going to be sick. “I’m sorry, but I need to—”

  She’d have to pay Tasha a big bonus next Christmas for fast thinking. In a second, her assistant had the trashcan from the office within reach. It was too late to get away, Jolie realized. Snatching the bin she turned and dropped to her knees, emptying her stomach of its contents onto crumpled pink message sheets and order forms.

  Someone was rubbing her back. When Jolie finally came up for air, Stiles was stooped down beside her with a handkerchief held out to her.

  “It’s okay. We all have to toss our cookies every now and then.” Stiles gave her a gentle smile.

  Taking the thin white material she wiped her mouth and chin, then she started to cry. She wasn’t sure where the emotions came from. Maybe it was because she really wasn’t feeling well. Or the fact that Stiles, Trenton’s brother, was beside her rubbing her back, while Trenton was not. She couldn’t be mad or upset at his disappearing act, she knew what to expect but her heart still missed him and her body wanted him.

  Tasha claimed the can as Stiles helped her rise.

  Embarrassed, Jolie said, “Please forgive me, I can understand if you and your wife don’t wish to stay.”

  “Nonsense,” Stiles declared.

  “We’re not going anywhere,” Celeste chimed in.

  “I’m going to get Jolie settled upstairs and I’ll be back to get you all to your bungalow.” Tasha took a firm hold of Jolie’s arm and led her up the steps as if she expected her to fall or get sick again.

  Two hours later, Jolie was awakened by a gentle hand on her shoulder.

  “How are you feeling?” Tasha asked.

  Pushing herself to a seated position, Jolie gave her friend a weak smile. “Better. I think I have to concede I have the flu or something. I’m going to make an appointment to see my doctor.”

  Tasha stood over her. “I think that would be wise.” Shifting from one foot to the other, Tasha assessed her.

  “What, Tasha?”

  Her assistant shook her head. “This may not be any of my business, but I’ve had three boys…”

  “And?” Jolie folded her hands beneath her breast.

  “You’re tired all the time. Getting sick. Aversion to smells and food.” Inhaling, Tasha blurted out, “Are you pregnant?”

  “What?” That was absurd. “How can I be pregnant? You’ve seen my dating schedule. In the last two years I’ve only been with one—”

  As if everything came pouring back into her memory like a bucket of ice water dumped on her head, Jolie knew there was a big possibility. Not because of the multiple times she and Trenton had sex on Valentine’s night, but the one time they hadn’t used a condom. She also realized that in the last six weeks her “Aunt Flow” hadn’t made an appearance.

  Glancing over at her nightstand, she saw the wilted, dried and blackened single rose Trenton had given her. A brittle symbol of love from a man who didn’t believe in it.

  It was clear that her life was about to change in a major way.

  ****

  He’d dreamed of her for days that turned into weeks. Most nights he found himself awakening in the middle of the night sweating and hard, wanting a taste of her. Needing to feel her by his side and in his arms. Dreaming of reasons he could call her on the phone and just listen to her talk or laugh. He’d give his right kidney to see
her smile one more time.

  However, it wasn’t in the cards for him. He was a loner who didn’t even want to be one anymore. He just didn’t know how to go about changing his life. It didn’t help that his brother had come to see him last week after his stay at Sensual Chocolate and told him that Jolie was sick. He wanted to go to her and lend her the same comfort she had given to him when he talked about his father.

  Sighing, he stared down at the folder before him, comparing three possible contacts with a client’s requirements and wish list. He heard the elevator ding in the distance but he ignored it. It was thirty minutes until the end of the work day on a Friday most people where leaving to start their weekend.

  The unexpected tap on the door grabbed his attention. Glancing up, he couldn’t believe who stood there clothed in another sweater dress. This one striped with a wide belt and a different pair of sexy-as-hell boots.

  “Jolie.” He stood. She looked like an angel who’d walked out of his dreams.

  “Hi, Trenton. I hope I’m not disturbing you.” Her hand fiddled with the edge of the clutch purse under her arm.

  Crossing the room he went to her. He wanted to pull her in his arms, but restrained himself. “No. Come in. Have a seat.”

  Once she’d moved out of the door and headed to one of the chairs across from his desk, he closed the door. Few people were still here, but he was a private man.

  “I’m sorry to show up unannounced.”

  He sat on the corner of his desk. “It’s fine.” God he missed her. He wondered if she had been feeling out of sorts as he had since their night together. “You are looking well.”

  “Thanks, I think.”

  He noted the frown on her face. “Stiles told me he saw you and that you were under the weather.”

  The small lines between her brows deepened. “I made a fool of myself in front of him and Celeste.”

  Stiles hadn’t given him details. He wondered if there was something more. “Well, it appears you’ve bounced back.”

  “Sometimes it just takes the right vitamins to get a girl on her feet again.” She licked her lips, a sign of nerves, then glanced out of his window and sat silent for a moment.