Just One Taste (Kimani Romance) by Celeste O. Norfleet Page A

said. “She catered a dinner at your brother’s home for me. She’s a very talented chef. Is she here this evening? I’d like to thank her again for the other night.”
    “Yes, she’s here somewhere,” Tatiana said, looking around. “Umm, let’s see. Ah, there she is coming out of the kitchen over by the buffet table.” Her cell phone beeped again. “Excuse me.” She looked at the text message and then began texting back.
    Chase followed her line of vision and saw Nikita as she entered the room. She was laughing. Her associate, Darcy, was right behind her. He smiled. Seeing Nikita changed everything. She took his breath away. She had on a dark blue dress with thin straps and a deep neckline. It wasn’t tight, but it did ease and flow seductively against each luscious curve of her body. She was stunning. Beside him, Tatiana was talking about the program, but he wasn’t paying attention to what she was saying. All he saw was Nikita. She was bright and happy and completely unguarded. It was the perfect time to connect with her again.
    “I’m sorry, Mr. Buchanan, I have to run backstage. The program is about to begin. Enjoy. I’ll make sure to introduce you to Spencer after the show.”
    “No problem. I’ll see you after the program,” Chase said, finally tearing his eyes away from Nikita’s face. He spared a quick glance at Tatiana as she walked away. Then he noticed Oren Davis was smiling with those teeth and nodding at him. He nodded back then turned to where Nikita had been a moment ago. She was gone. He walked over and waited a few minutes, looking around casually as he prepared a small plate of hors d’oeuvres. He spoke briefly with those around him as he ate and waited for her to come back out.
    But she didn’t return.

Chapter 6
    T he program began. Nikita stayed in the back of the room by the buffet table, watching her sister shine. Natalia was a natural at the podium even though she insisted she hated speaking in public. Her speech was brilliant. She was funny and insightful all while extending the center’s gratitude and prompting for more donations. When she finished, Nikita applauded long and loud, smiling with pride and delight.
    Her oldest brother, Dominik, and cousin, Stephen, walked over and each hugged her. “Don’t try to be nice to me,” she whispered. “You’re both late and you know I’m going to tell on you.”
    “Not my fault. I had to deliver twins,” Dominik said as he grabbed a plate and began piling on food.
    Stephen held his hands up in surrender. “I just got off work. To protect and serve, remember. So what’d we miss?” he asked, following Dominik to the buffet table.
    “Just the whole beginning of Nat’s speech, that’s all,” she chastised jokingly, “so you know she’s gonna strangle you both.”
    “Not if you don’t tell her we were late,” Dominik said.
    Nikita chuckled ominously.
    “Ah, come on, Niki, we’ll make it worth your while,” Stephen promised. Dominik agreed.
    “Don’t try to bribe me,” she said. Dominik and Stephen looked at each other and chuckled. Nikita joined in as they all knew she wouldn’t tell. They stood in silence as Natalia continued talking. Then they applauded when Mia joined her on the small stage.
    Nikita glanced at Stephen. His eyes shone and sparkled at seeing his wife and her baby bump. The love and pride in his eyes was heartwarming. Nikita was touched and silently resolved that since she’d never see a man look at her that way, seeing others joyfully in love was all she needed.
    Mia spoke a few minutes, then introduced the mayor. Next, the three would give out the teen awards.
    Natalia’s husband, David, and their sons came over. “Hey, when’d you guys get here?” he asked.
    “Oh, a while ago,” Stephen exaggerated. Dominik nodded in agreement, his mouth filled with food. Nikita shook her head.
    “David, I thought the boys were in the nursery,” she said.
    “They were, but I promised them they could