Joshua

by Beatrice Sand

  “Thirty. What happened? Obviously, you didn’t marry him.”

  “Before I gave him my answer, I told him I was a package deal, and I would continue to keep taking care of Felipe. He said it was all right, but a few weeks before the wedding he told me he was having second thoughts about Felipe. He thought it would be better for us if Felipe was raised by his aunt and uncle.”

  Josh breathes heavily through his nose. “Bastard. You told him to go fuck himself?”

  “Yeah, even though I understand he got cold feet. It’s complicated having to deal with a child that isn’t yours, raising it on top of that.” I close my eyes as I realize Josh was raised by someone else too. “I’m sorry.”

  “No worries. So, you’re the marrying kind?” He takes a strand of my hair and wraps it around his finger.

  “Apparently, once, but I’m completely over it now. It’s just me, Felipe, and Camila’s Kitchen, and it’s going to stay like that until Felipe marries. He gets to go first.” I stroke Josh’s flat chest, chuckling. “But it’s good to know I’m still a woman every now and then, so thank you for the experience.”

  He smiles down at me. “The pleasure was all mine, sweetheart.”

  “So, how many women were there before me?”

  “Well, I definitely beat your one, but I can still count them on two hands.”

  “Ten?”

  I giggle as Josh squeezes my waist. “Curious, much?”

  “Six?”

  “You’re incorrigible. Eight, as of today.”

  “Modest for a guy like you.”

  He lifts his thick brows. “A guy like me?”

  “A Chef de Cuisine,” I explain. “Food can be an amazing turn on.”

  “Oh, absolutely. Anyway, it’s been a while since I’ve been with a woman.” His expression grows serious as his finger slides over my eyebrow.

  I swallow hard. I noticed him staring at it before. And, of course, he just saw the dramatic scar on my stomach. It’s probably a no-brainer for him to figure out what happened to me.

  “I’ve been meaning to ask you how you got this scar, but it didn’t seem fair since I wouldn’t give you an answer when you asked me about the compass on my arm.” He pauses for a brief moment. “But then I noticed the scar above your hip.”

  “It’s kind of hard to miss when you’re kissing my stomach.” I try to sound blasé, but tears come up right behind.

  “Were you and Felipe in the car with your parents?” he whispers.

  I close my eyes, pushing back the tears. “Yes,” I whisper back.

  Josh places his mouth on my head, stroking my back. “Oh God, baby...”

  “A piece of glass got stuck in my eyebrow,” I explain further as he keeps stroking my back. “I got lucky. A few inches lower and I would have been blind in one eye. Felipe and I both were lucky. My father died at the scene, my mother on her way to the hospital.”

  “I’m so sorry. I can’t imagine what you and Felipe went through.”

  I exhale deeply. “It was horrible. Our car just kept spinning forever. Fortunately, Felipe doesn’t remember the accident itself, but he was pretty injured, and has bad scars to remind him every day. Thank God his face was saved.”

  “Jesus.”

  “It breaks my heart he never brings home a girl, or goes on a date for that matter. He never says it out loud, but I’m pretty sure he’s afraid they’ll discover his scars.”

  “He’s quite handsome. He has your eyes.”

  “I try to tell him all the time he’s handsome, but he doesn’t want to hear it.”

  “That’s sad.”

  “Yeah, and we have a driver texting behind the wheel to thank for all this. She didn’t have a scratch, of course.”

  Josh pulls me close, but doesn’t reply, and that’s okay. His arms and mouth are my solace.

  “I know why you have a compass,” I say after a while to break the silence, glad to find a way to change the depressive subject.

  “Yeah?” he asks hoarsely.

  I let the tip of my index finger travel along the outer lines of the compass. I love the feel of the unruly curly hair covering his forearm. “I think you needed guidance when you came out of juvie.”

  “Oh really?” he asks with a hint of humor in his voice.

  I climb on top of his body and wave my fingers through his magnificent thick curls, still not sure whether they’re red, or a reddish shade of brown. “Hm-hm. You needed something to stick to the straight and narrow, and every time you were about to misbehave, which wasn’t all that hard for you, you glanced at your tattoo and came to your senses just in time. Am I right or am I right?”

  I feel his limb dick coming to life, just as the naughtiness in those crystal-green pools comes to life. “Maybe,” he simply says, but the corner of his mouth rises.

  I can’t resist kissing it, nibbling on it, and he immediately frames my skull between his hands and plunges his tongue inside my mouth, groaning.

  He releases his mouth for a moment, asking, “Why can’t I get enough of you?” then dives right back in.

  We lick, suck, and nibble at each other’s lips and tongues, and at every piece of flesh in the vicinity for quite a while, and making out never felt this good. Suddenly, something comes to mind, and I break away from our kiss. “Hungry?” I ask, panting in his face.

  He lifts one brow. “Can’t you tell?”

  “I was talking about food.”

  “Ah.” He clears his throat. “Let me get this straight. I’m lying here with a gorgeous, not to mention very naked woman on top of me, I have a hard-on I haven’t had this hard since my tyrannical pastry chef from culinary school told me I made the best fucking soft-centered chocolate fondant ever in his career, and you’re asking me if I’m interested in a snack? Are you freaking serious?”

  “Stay here.”

  “Oh, honey,” he says lazily, “it’s not even nine. I’m not moving for the next hour or so, unless it’s in you.”

  Holy shit. If that doesn’t make me wet, then I don’t know what will. “Excellent.” I jump out of bed and slide my arms into the sleeves of my bathrobe. “I’ll be right back.”

  CHAPTER FIFTEEN

  teresa

  I put a tray on the kitchen countertop and take the desserts out of the fridge. Josh already tasted the churros, and they’re not good anymore, so I take only the crema catalana and the various creams. I cut a slice from the almond cake sitting underneath the cloche, take an almond sweet, and scoop ice from the container. Everything is thrown on the plate haphazardly, and it looks uninspiring and amateurish. I’m pretty sure Josh would be offended if I put this in front of him. Really, you can’t show this to a chef who’s earned his stripes. Best soft-centered chocolate fondant ever... I might be in trouble.

  I pick up the tray and walk back to the bedroom. I need his opinion on the flavors nonetheless. “Josh, could you please close your eyes?” I call out as I wait down the hall.

  “No need to get prudish on me now, babe. Saw it all.”

  “Close them anyway.”

  “Come in. They’re closed.”

  I push against the door with my hip and enter. Josh is sitting on top of the duvet in his full glory, his knees pulled up and spread open, smiling his damn crooked smile. I blink as I notice his still semi-erect penis. Swallowing, I place the tray on the bed. “Keep them closed.”

  “Yes, ma’am.”

  I stand there for a while, chewing my lip, lost in thought. Then I take the tie from my robe. I can’t keep from smiling as I wrap it around his eyes. I tie it behind his head and put in an extra knot.

  “The fuck?” he mumbles.

  “Wouldn’t be doing it if it weren’t necessary.”

  “Are you going to test my palate?”

  “In a way,” I say vaguely.

  He suddenly grabs me by my waist and positions me between his legs. His hands slip underneath my robe, and cup my breasts. “Okay, I’m in. Let’s play.”

  “And keep yo
ur hands to yourself,” I warn, pushing his hands on his thighs. “Be a good boy. I need you focused here.”

  “Oh, honey, I’m so obedient right now with that blindfold that smells of you, I’ll even let you spank me with a spatula if you wanted.”

  I scrunch up my face and shudder. “You’re into that stuff?”

  “Don’t you think I should be asking you that question, since you’re the one being kinky right now?” he asks with a cheeky grin.

  “I’m not trying to be kinky; I just don’t want you to see the food. Pure self-protection since you’re eating with your eyes.”

  “Oh, but this is kinky stuff, so gimme some food before I take off the blindfold, tie you to the brass, and take you from behind.”

  Hell, he’s right. I’m sitting there on my knees, between his legs, staring at his now swollen manhood. It’s twitching as though it’s daring me to take it, and I’m seconds removed from doing so. With my mouth... I never went down on a man before, but now... Por Díos, the man is making me so hot. I know the velvety feel of a penis, and can’t wait to find out what the texture feels like in my mouth. Strike that; I can’t wait to find out how Josh feels against the tip of my tongue.

  Exhaling, I shake off my horny thoughts and look up. He’s insanely sexy blindfolded. And suddenly fallen awfully quiet.

  “I’m going out of my mind here, Teresa,” he says softly.

  Same here, I think, with my heart hammering against my chest. “Open your mouth,” I demand softly as I pick up the spoon and stick it into the creamy pudding.

  “Love the crackle,” he says observantly.

  I lift the spoon and dip it into his mouth. He slides his lips over the spoon, making sure he has everything. “I made this yesterday, so it’s not too fresh anymore I’m afraid.”

  He starts chewing slowly, just like he did at the cake tasting with his cousins, paying attention to every little detail. Fixated on the man’s face, I watch his Adam’s apple bob as he swallows, then licks and smacks his lips together. Not entirely sure if I can sit through this myself. It’s damn hot.

  “Caramelized sugar, cinnamon,” he says, promptly slipping into his role as chef. “Lemon zest, orange. Vanilla bean.”

  “What do you think?” I’m going from feeling horny to feeling distressed in a matter of seconds.

  “It’s actually quite good. It’s burnt cream, like crème brûlée, but with a twist. What did you do?”

  “It’s crema catalana. It’s cooked stirring, unlike its French counterpart.”

  “I like it. It’s jam-packed with flavor and ticks all the boxes.”

  Just like you. “Good enough to put in on my menu?”

  “Yes, definitely.”

  “And you’re not just saying that because...”

  “Because we just fucked? Because I still feel guilty? No, Tess. I’m completely honest with you. Put it on the menu. It’s good. Next.”

  Next is the almond cake. I put a little of the cake and the cream on the fork, then put it into his mouth. “This is gató de almendras Mallorquin. It’s a traditional almond cake. The cream is made of ricotta.”

  “You have more elements?”

  “Yes.” I spoon up a little almond cream and let him taste, then slide in the basil ice cream. Lastly, I pick up an almond sweet with my fingers and stuff it into his mouth. “Please don’t bite,” I joke. “I’m using my fingers.”

  He grabs my wrist and licks something sticky of my fingers with a tongue still cold from the ice cream. “Let me taste some more of that cake. Just the cake.”

  “Okay.” I slide another bite into his mouth, then lean back to wait for the verdict.

  He chews, savors, and then swallows. “That’s one fucking tasty almond cake, Tess.”

  “Really?” I’m almost groaning as his tongue darts out to lick cream from his bottom lip. His misses a spot.

  “I’m not shitting you, sweetheart. All those elements combined...” His index finger gestures at the tray. “Right there is your signature dish.”

  I can’t stop smiling. “It is?”

  “I would put it on my own menu.”

  I bite my lip, not believing what he’s saying. My humble almond cake is worth two stars?

  “You’re a queen of cakes, Tess, and you make a mean basil ice cream. I should ask my cousins to put it on the menu of the Vandenberg hotels. ‘Teresa’s Temptation,’ or whatever name you’re giving it, by Camila’s Kitchen.”

  I cover my mouth. “You would do that for me?” I ask, flabbergasted.

  “Without a single doubt. It’s that good; ten out of ten.”

  “Wow.”

  “You have more, or can I take off the silly blindfold and actually look at what you just stuffed in me?”

  I stare at his sweet, handsome face, and then can’t hold back any longer. I lean in and lick the cream from his lip. He catches his breath. “Why don’t you leave it on for a little while, Josh?” I suggest hoarsely.

  I gaze down and notice his erection jutting upward again, and since I’m still in a kneeling position... Now or never, I think, as I push my hair over to one side and bent down.

  First, I dart my tongue outside and let it slide over the tip of his cock. Oh, yes... very, very soft and silky indeed. I place my palms on his firm thighs to support myself, and feel him stiffen on the spot when I put my lips over the swollen head, then gently suck it as if it were a lollypop. Probably read it somewhere, or Em shared one of her experiences, which would actually be more plausible, and–

  “Ah, fucking hell...” Josh cries out, interrupting my thoughts, and falls back against the headboard. Whoa... His hands reach for the brass bars above him, and he grips them tightly. Watching him do that is a boost to my sexual self-esteem, and I grin like a simpleton. Judging by his powerful reaction, I don’t need to ask for directions.

  “Baby, are you sure?” he breathes softly. “You don’t need to do this.”

  Instead of responding, I dip my head and set to work, flicking my tongue around the head. I lazily kiss and lick my way down his entire stiff length, then carefully cradle his balls, and roll them in my hand. I can’t read his expression, but his deep-seated groans tell me everything I need to know.

  I curl my fingers around the base of his shaft for a better grip, since it won’t keep still, and then close my lips over the head again.

  “Ah, that feels so good, Teresa.”

  Hearing him say that along with my full name is the best thing ever, and encourages me to take more of him.

  He waves his fingers through my hair and grips my skull as he urges his hips forward. I tighten my grip and stimulate him a little harder as his breathing becomes faster and irregular, and it thrills me to know I’m capable of sending him over the edge like this.

  I slide the length of him in and out, swirl my tongue around, and a deep feral sound arises from his throat when I slightly and playfully graze my teeth along the tip of his penis.

  I glance up, and his quick and staggered breathing tells me he’s about to lose it, just like it did before. It’s wicked to watch him with his hands holding onto the brass again, his tattooed biceps flexing, and his mouth formed into a sexy ‘O.’ He’s looking down at me, but he can’t see a thing through the black fabric.

  He’s the sexiest man alive, he must be.

  And I’m a shameless person.

  I honestly thought I would never have the courage to do such an intimate thing, apart from the fact I was disgusted when Xavi pushed my head with force in the direction of his genitals. Talk about bringing the lovemaking to a screeching halt! But with Josh, it almost feels natural, and turns me on considerably. Like him, my breath is becoming sloppy. And the fact that he didn’t force me, basically told me not to, makes him even hotter in my sex book.

  I flick my tongue out again.

  “Tess... don’t.”

  What? I take a break and lift up my eyes. Josh yanks off the blindfold, and I catch a quick glance of dark simmering eyes before I’m pulled
up. He captures my mouth, then kisses the ever-living hell out of me.

  We’re rolling back and forth over the mattress, exchanging wet kisses, licking and sucking erogenous zones, and grappling for each other’s private parts. A shriek escapes from between my lips as I’m flipped over onto my stomach. I hear the tearing of a foil, and a short moment later, Josh drives inside me. I couldn’t be dripping more than I already do, so it doesn’t hurt, and I push up my butt to welcome him even deeper, making us both moan as he sinks farther. Santo Díos, I need him there.

  “What are you doing to me?” he asks in a low gruff voice, but I’m too far gone to answer, but he sure as hell has some explaining to do too after we’re done.

  He wedges his hand between my overheated body and the mattress, and I cry out in ecstasy as he finds my pleasure spot for yet another time. “Let’s go over together, baby.”

  CHAPTER SIXTEEN

  joshua

  I wake up to the sound of a phone buzzing, and realize the sound is coming from my jeans. With my eyes still partly closed, I gaze down to find Tess draped all over me. One sexy leg is curled over mine, and her arm is draped around my waist, holding me tight, even in her sleep. More than anything, I want to hold her right now, and have no desire to leave this bed, but the annoying buzz of the phone suggests I’m late for work.

  “Sorry, baby,” I muffle, and kiss the crown of her head. She stirs when I carefully remove my body from hers. Fuck, but she feels incredible! I rise from the bed, and by the time I’ve fished my phone from my back pocket, the ringing has stopped. I received a half-dozen of missed calls from the restaurant. “Shit,” I mumble, noticing it’s already passed noon.

  “Is everything okay?”

  I gaze over at the sinfully naked woman lying on top of the sheets. With her messy hair, rosy pink cheeks, and swollen lips from kissing, she looks like she just got fucked exhaustively and meticulously. I can’t suppress a grin. I messed her up good.

  “We fell asleep. I’m late for work.”

  “Oh, shit!” She sits up and runs her fingers through her tousled brown waves.