Her Desert Treasure (Entangled Ignite) by Larie Brannick

without giving a thought to his solitary existence. But now he was becoming aroused simply sitting here watching this woman, powerless to do anything about it, a moth drawn to her flame. It was all he could do to drag his eyes away from her long enough to pour the wine. He filled two glasses and set one in front of her.
    She picked up her glass and swirled the golden liquid inside before bringing it to her nose, testing its bouquet. Tipping her glass toward his she asked, “What shall we toast to?”
    To the start of a long night of their hot bodies tangled in his cool sheets, maybe? He opted for a safer subject and raised his glass. “To Rex and a speedy recovery.”
    “To Rex.” They touched glasses, and Jake sucked in a deep breath. He couldn’t take his eyes off her as she took a sip then slowly licked her lips in appreciation. “Mmm, nice.” She glanced around the room. “Do you know everyone who works here?”
    “Most of Paul’s employees have been with him for years. He treats them well, and they’re busy like this most of the time so they make great tips. I’ve gotten to know most of them fairly well,” he said, taking a drink from his own glass.
    The waiter brought their salads and bread, and their conversation stopped for a moment when they began to eat.
    It wasn’t long before Paul delivered their entrees personally. “I hope you like shrimp…and a little heat.”
    Jake noted Paul’s nervousness as he waited while Meg tried her first bite. She closed her eyes and made a low moaning sound. “Ooh, this is heavenly. Paul, you’re a genius.”
    Jake stopped with his fork halfway to his mouth. The look of pleasure on her face was doing crazy things to his insides. He pictured her stretched out on his bed, wondered if she would look like that when she climaxed, if she’d moan when she said his name. He shook himself. How was he ever going to survive this evening with her and not be able to touch her?
    “Thank you. It’s always a pleasure to hear someone enjoys my food.”
    “It’s delicious. What do you call this dish?”
    Jake couldn’t take his eyes off Meg. Her smile was electric, her enthusiasm genuine. Paul’s chest puffed out with pride as he described the food he’d prepared. “Creole Poached Shrimp Linguine. Shrimp, Andouille sausage, my special spice blend.”
    “I taste thyme, and the green onion is nice. Maybe paprika?”
    “Ah, ah, ah.” He wagged his index finger. “My secret.”
    She took another bite, chewed it slowly.
    Jake sat there, mesmerized.
    Her eyes sparkled in the candlelight. “Hmm. Cayenne for sure. And fresh garlic in the cream sauce.”
    Several heads turned in their direction when Paul’s booming laughter filled the dining room. He slapped Jake on the shoulder. “You have your hands full with this one, man.” He reached for Meg’s hand and kissed the back of it. “It was a true pleasure meeting you, Meg. Enjoy your meal. And come back any time!”
    She smiled at his friendliness. “It was nice to meet you, too, Paul.” He left them to return to the kitchen, and she called after him, “I also see red pepper flakes!” Her creamy skin was flushed when she turned back to Jake.
    Her happiness was contagious, and he found himself laughing with her. “I think you’ve earned yourself an honorary spot in the Costas family.”
    “It was probably mean to tease him like that. I’ve heard chefs can be pretty territorial about their recipes, but that was fun.”
    “He enjoyed every minute of it. It’s good for him.”
    She twirled another bite around the tines of her fork and caught Jake watching her. “Is something wrong? You haven’t even tasted yours yet.”
    Jake finally put the bite he’d forgotten in his mouth. The spice of the sausage and the mellow sauce blended perfectly with the seasoning on the shrimp. He understood Meg’s moan. “It’s fantastic. I think he has a winner here.”
    They ate in companionable silence for a few minutes, but every