Page 24

Her eyes narrowed. “How much?”

“How about a few boxes of your chocolates and some of those delicious kisses we’ve shared?” Avel grinned down at her, hoping his teasing would put a smile on her face.

Her eyes narrowed further, and her lips pinched together. “Absolutely not. I’m not trading favors with you. This is business.”

Avel caught hold of Holly’s arm as she walked away. “Wait, I was joking. I get this is important to you.”

She glared at him. “Of course it’s important to me. This is my future. If I go wrong as soon as I make the first step, I might as well give up now.”

Avel pulled her back toward him. He was being a jerk asking for payment and kisses. He didn’t mean it, but he did want to help her. “No kisses. I didn’t mean to offend you. Not that I didn’t enjoy those kisses we lingered over the other night, and I wouldn’t turn them down, but I get that they aren’t on offer in this instance. You are an amazing kisser, though.”

Holly glanced at his mouth and huffed out a breath. “You’re also not a bad kisser.”

Avel laughed. “Thanks a lot.”

She shrugged. “How much will you charge for me to hire your services?”

“Here’s the deal. I get to be your official taste tester for the next six months. Every time you make a new chocolate or a new dish for the kitchen, I’m the first person to try it.”

Holly’s eyes widened. “You weren’t interested in my chocolates the other day. You turned me down. I mean, the chocolate, you didn’t want to try it.”

So, that’s what this was about. She remembered what a jackass he’d been. Good for her for not going easy on him. “Holly, I love your chocolate. I was in a crappy mood. I took it out on you. I apologize.”

“You don’t want any money?”

He snorted. “I have money. What I don’t have is amazing food in my life and a gorgeous woman tempting me with incredible dishes.”

“That’s all you’ll get,” Holly said cautiously. “I’m not putting out for a free ride.”

“That’s all I’m asking for.” In six months, Holly would have paid off her debt. Avel wouldn’t need to worry that she might be conning him to get out of her loan. And, this way, he got to keep her in his life without complicating things. Their relationship would be all about food, nothing more.

Holly took a step back. “Why are you helping me? The last time I saw you, you were, well, you acted like you didn’t like me.”

Avel scuffed his foot on the ground, and confusion punched him in the gut. He wasn’t certain how to answer that. All he knew for sure was that Holly had gotten to him. He wanted her to succeed in her business and be happy.

She was changing her life, and he needed to make sure she thrived. He wanted to see her with a chain of amazing chocolate stores and everyone talking about how amazing her creations were.

He shrugged. “What can I say? I’m in it for the food.”

A flash of hurt passed across Holly’s face before it vanished. “Very well. At least I know that’s one thing I’m good at.”

Avel caught hold of her hand. “You’re good at so much more. You don’t think very highly of yourself, Holly Lipinski.”

“I think well enough of myself.” She eased her hand out of his grip. “I do my best.”

He resisted the urge to scoop her into his arms and seal their deal with a kiss. He’d find it torture to be around Holly and not touch that incredible body, but he’d endure it.

Every time he was with Holly, he desired her. It wasn’t her food that turned his head; it was everything about her. She held back, and he had to assume there was something grim in her past that made her cautious, but she was still fighting her corner. She was fighting for what she wanted. Avel admired that. Holly had pluck and courage, and he wanted her in his life.

Instead of tasting that gorgeous mouth, he held his hand out for her to shake. “So, we have a deal?”

She grabbed his hand and squeezed for a second before letting go. “We do. We need to leave in two hours.”

“No problem. I’m yours to command.”

A small smile fluttered across Holly’s face. “You don’t mind taking orders from a wussy baker?”

Avel grinned. “From you, it’ll be a pleasure.” He caught the blush on her cheeks before she turned away.