Page 7

“Whatever you’re having will be fine.”

Avel arched an eyebrow and shrugged as he turned away.

Holly looked around the room and tried to relax. There wasn’t much in here. There was a long, comfortable couch, a table, and a couple of cabinets. A huge viewing screen dominated one wall, and a door led off to what must be Avel’s bedroom.

Holly swallowed as she looked at the shut door. She wouldn’t sleep with him. His kiss set her on fire, but she wouldn’t do that. She hadn’t been intimate with anyone since she’d left Earth. She hadn’t wanted to be. Eric had convinced her she wasn’t attractive, and she never got undressed in front of anyone, male or female. She knew her thighs and belly weren’t flat and toned like the models in the commercials. She wiggled when she moved.

When Holly had first gotten together with Eric, he’d worshipped her curves and told her she was stunning. After a few months, the critical words had begun. It wasn’t long before her confidence was shattered as Eric had gone from caring and sweet to a monster who destroyed her happiness.

Holly still couldn’t figure out why she’d stayed with him for so long. Two years of being treated like dirt. Maybe it was because she believed Eric. No one else would want her, so she might as well stay with someone who tolerated her.

His cruel words still stuck in Holly’s head, and she wrapped her arms around her middle and checked to make sure her zipper was pulled up to her throat. She didn’t want to expose any skin to Avel. He might be as repulsed as Eric had been.

Avel returned with the drinks, and Holly’s eyes widened as she saw he’d poured her a whiskey. She took it with a murmured thanks.

He sat next to her and stretched his arm along the back of the couch. “Not had Dackin whiskey before?”

“Maybe once, it’s a bit strong for me.”

“Take a sip. You might like it. It’s smoother than the stuff on Earth.”

Holly looked at the drink doubtfully before taking a tiny sip. She almost gagged as fire hit the back of her throat. She swiftly placed the glass on the table.

Avel chuckled. “Eat some of your dark chocolate. Whiskey and chocolate go well together.”

Holly grabbed a dark chocolate with pieces of dried strawberry studded in the top and sucked on it. “This isn’t bad. It takes away the burn.”

“Sweet and sour. You should know that combination works well.”

Holly nodded and glanced at Avel. “I thought you said baking wasn’t your thing.”

“It isn’t. But I love to eat. I know a good meal when I find one. You make awesome meals.” His hand traced down her hair.

Holly found it hard to concentrate when Avel touched her. “Thanks. It makes me happy that people enjoy my food.”

“Then you should be thrilled because I love your food.”

Her heart raced as Avel’s fingers played with her hair. It would be so easy to sink into those strong arms, but she’d regret it in the morning. She had a feeling that Avel wasn’t looking for anything serious. He was a big, tough guy who most likely gave women a good time and left before dawn while they were asleep.

Holly didn’t want that. She knew movie love didn’t exist, and relationships often led to disappointment. But she had a tiny piece of hope left in her heart that some amazing guy would sweep her off her feet and show her what being in love and being loved was all about.

Guys couldn’t all be like Eric. Holly had guarded her heart ever since that relationship ended. He’d broken her down and tossed her away like trash. Since then, she’d shied away from any guys who’d shown an interest. Not that they were banging at her door to get her attention. If anything, they faked a romantic interest just to get their hands on her food. Holly had learned to spot a lonely guy looking for a mommy substitute and run the other way.

She needed passion in her life. She wanted a guy to feel as passionate about her as she did her new business.

“I imagine there are lots of different uses for chocolate,” Avel said.

“Oh, sure. You can drizzle it on the top of cakes. Swirl it through a pudding mixture. You can spike the top of brownies with dark chocolate chunks. You can dip profiteroles in chocolate and have cream filled chocolate profiteroles.”

Avel licked his lips. “And you can melt it. It melts at body temperature, doesn’t it?”

Her cheeks flushed. She wished she’d stop reacting like that every time Avel said something even mildly suggestive. “You said you have something that goes well with my chocolate.”

“I do. It’s Dackin powder. Have you ever tried it?”

Her eyes widened. “No. I know it’s rare. And expensive. It’s like saffron on Earth. It costs thousands to produce even an ounce.”

“I don’t know what saffron is, but this powder intensifies anything you taste. Whether it’s sweet or savory, sprinkle a little on the top and it sets your taste buds alight.” Avel grinned at her. “Do you want to try it?”