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Avel’s gaze intensified. “Neither do I.”

Her gaze ran over him. Someone as stunning as Avel was bound to have dozens of women after him. Of course, he’d stray. “There’s no one special in my life. My work keeps me busy, and now my new business will keep me even busier. I’ll be starting work on that tomorrow.”

“Your life is all chocolate and cupcakes?” His tone was gently mocking.

She lifted her chin. “What if it is? That makes me happy.”

“It makes me happy, as well. Or it will, so long as I get to sample the goods.” His gaze drifted over her and settled on her chest.

Holly shook her head and wrapped her arms around herself. “I should leave.”

Avel caught hold of her hand and eased it away from her body. “Stay. Another five minutes. I won’t try anything unless you ask me to. Holly, you’re gorgeous, funny, and cute. You have curves men would kill to touch, yet you hide them under that ill-fitting jumpsuit. And what’s with that zipper? I’ve never seen someone almost strangle themselves with their clothing.”

She looked away, her jaw tight. “I like it that way. It keeps me secure.”

“You’ve got a lot of good stuff to keep secure. That’s for sure.”

She hissed out an angry breath. He was referring to her extra weight. She tried not to let it bother her. She’d never been stick thin and had always loved food. Plus, she had to taste test what she made. That meant she came with a few extra pounds.

“Hey, I didn’t mean that in a bad way. I love what I see.” Avel’s thumb brushed over Holly’s knuckles. “You’re one sexy woman. You don’t need to keep everything hidden. Although, it’s kind of hot, wondering what’s going on beneath that jumpsuit.”

“That’s not for you.” Holly glanced at him. “This is my body.”

“And it’s one hell of a body,” Avel said. “You should be proud of it.”

How could she be proud of the way she looked? Holly remembered the way Eric spoke about her, mocking her curves and telling her she needed to go on a diet. The next night, he’d bring her a family-sized pizza, a side order of garlic bread, followed by dessert. She never knew which way he’d turn, whether he’d be mocking her or feeding her. All she’d gotten out of that relationship was a broken heart. She knew what guys wanted, and it wasn’t her.

She looked at Avel’s hand and saw bruises on his knuckles. “What did you do?” She touched the sore looking skin.

He pulled his hand back. “It was an accident. Nothing to worry about.”

“It looks painful.”

“I barely feel it. It’s all in the line of duty.”

“Duty? Did you get that injury at work? You still haven’t told me what you do.” Whatever he did, if it involved his fists, it couldn’t be good.

“My work’s dull.” Avel flashed her a smile. “I want to talk about you. I want to see if I can’t help you pull that zipper down an inch or two.”

This was too much for Holly. It was way out of her comfort zone. In fact, it was in a zone she’d never been in before. This was unknown, scary territory. For whatever reason, Avel was lusting after her and wanting to get her naked.

Holly tried to remember what underwear she had on. She’d pulled on something clean this morning but could guarantee it wouldn’t be sexy. Her bra and knickers were practical and held everything in place, so she could work without anything chafing or rubbing.

“It’s getting late.” She couldn’t do this. She couldn’t get intimate with Avel. Besides, he was only playing with her.

“Stay, please. I’m enjoying your company.” Avel stroked a hand up her arm.

“I’ve got an early start tomorrow. Those pies don’t bake themselves. And my chocolates don’t slide into their molds without a little help. I’ve got a hundred cupcakes to make in the morning, and then there are the pies, pastries, and sandwiches.” She pressed her lips together. She was babbling again.

Avel lifted her hand and kissed it. He kept his gaze on her as his kisses moved up her arm, kissing the fabric of her jumpsuit. His mouth moved to the side of her neck, and his tongue brushed across her skin. “Holly Lipinski, you’re beautiful.” He kissed her again. “You’re sexy. You make me hard just looking at you.”

A startled laugh shot out of Holly. “Sure I do.”

He pulled back and caught her face in his hands. “Most men would love to spend the night with you. I know I would.” Avel’s lips pressed against hers again, and his tongue slid into her mouth.

Holly wanted to resist. She wasn’t staying the night. But one more toe curling kiss would do no harm. Avel’s kiss made her stomach flutter in a way she’d never felt before.

This passion was so different from what she’d shared with Eric. Sometimes, he’d lavish her with attention, tell her she was beautiful, and he wanted to kiss her forever. The next moment, he’d snap at her and tell her to cover herself, she was an embarrassment.