A Taste of Chocolate Read Online Free PDF

I’m a very passionate man, sweetheart, one who feels things deeply. But your wishes carry equal weight with mine, if not more.” He looked down at the macadam for a beat. “Since Freya arranged for our meeting, I guess I feel as if you’re already mine. That’s kind of an immature way of looking at things, isn’t it?” He sighed and raised his gaze to hers. “I’ll go slower. I’ll be a perfect gentleman tomorrow, and we’ll have a great day getting to know each other more.”
    He was so different from any man she’d ever met. Did he mean what he was saying? Time would tell. “Sounds good.”
    “Great.” He stood. “Lock your door and stay here until I bring my Jeep back. I’m parked a few rows over.” He took off, jogging through the parked cars.
    His receding body disappeared in her rearview mirror. She pursed her lips, exhaled a long slow breath, and acknowledged she still trembled with desire. “Whew, mister, you are one magnetic guy.” What kind of man closed a woman’s seatbelt? She glanced at the purple bouquet and snatched it off the dash. Or knew the language of flowers?
    Even though Declan had a commanding air about him, he also treated her as though she were very important. She hadn’t noticed him ogling other women, although many had given him appreciative glances. Oh, he didn’t mind ruffling her feathers. In fact he seemed to enjoy riling her temper. But he was never nasty or impolite. He was just…Declan.
    His honesty just now impressed her, too.
    Headlights approached and blinked on and off. She started her car and backed out of her parking spot. Declan had the top and doors off his Wrangler. Country music blared from his speakers.
    ****
    Declan had already made his decision. She was the one. He’d woo her and win her. And cherish every moment God gave him to be with Hope Morningstar soon-to-be Fleming. She was smart, driven, prickly around the edges, and yet vulnerable underneath. It didn’t hurt any that she had a lush body and expressive brown eyes that seemed to see deep within. Freya had chosen well.
    All he had to do was convince Hope. Given that she’d just broken up with a guy, his objective might not be easy. Plus he didn’t want to be a rebound thing. He wanted her to want him—and him only. Going slow would be the wisest tactic and would yield the strongest and happiest results. A strong sense of purpose and determination set in.
    Several miles later, Hope pulled into an area of townhouses and swung into an assigned parking spot. He eased his Wrangler into guest parking across the street.
    Just as she got out of her compact car, a man got out of an expensive sports car next to hers. He made no attempt to open her door or help her out. “Where the hell have you been?”
    Sensing danger to Hope, Declan hopped out of his vehicle and hurried to her side.
    The slick dude kept up his criticism. “And what the hell have you done to your hair? You never answered me. Where have you been? I’ve been here for nearly twenty minutes.” His angry gaze swept to Declan and then back to her. She raised her eyebrows, as if surprised or annoyed to see this man, but then hid her expression by lifting the roses to her nose before answering the guy in plaid shorts. “On a date. What are you doing here? We’re history. Remember?”
    “A date? That didn’t take long.” The man put his hands on his hips and glared at her. “Who is this muscle-bound guy?”
    Declan extended his hand. “Declan Fleming. And you would be?” He continued taking his measure of the man in plaid. He hadn’t expected this development. Who would Hope choose? Did she still have feelings for this guy?
    The man refused to shake hands. “I’m none of your business, buster.” The twerp glanced back at Hope. “We need to talk.”
    He stood next to her, resisting the urge to snarl and draw her to him in a show of possession. But it was too early for male posturing. Hadn’t he promised he’d go slowly? He’d