Donovan slid one corded arm around my waist. It felt so good, so right, I promptly told cautious Holly to fuck off.
Eventually we were wandering through Soho, into a part of the lower City I didn’t really know. Everything was decked out for the holidays. I saw reds and greens and golds — twinkling Christmas lights, strung out along beautiful railings. Garland draped over window sills and doorways.
“We’re here,” said Donovan.
I looked up, and we were standing beneath a pretty orange awning. Through the windows before us I could see a beautiful array of cookies, cakes, pastries, and quaint little tables filled with excited, chattering people.
“Sant Ambroeus?” I read aloud.
“Ever been here?”
“No.”
Donovan laughed. “You’re in for it.”
Apparently my date had planned the whole night, because he actually had a reservation. After taking the place in for ten minutes, through our nostrils as well as with our eyes, we were seated at cozy table and given menus. Not long after that, we were drinking the richest, most amazing coffee… paired with shots of sweet liqueur in dark chocolate shot glasses.
“Boy, when you cheat you really cheat,” I observed.
“Yeah, I guess so.”
Our waiter arrived again, bringing a large mug of steaming hot liquid to the table. Donovan pushed it my way with a not-so-secret smile.
“Try that.”
I shrugged and brought it carefully to my lips. The deep brown liquid smelled absolutely delicious as I tipped it back.
Holy shit…
It tasted even better.
“Is this…”
“Yup.”
I laughed as I set the beverage down, licking a thick brown mustache from my upper lip. “It’s a mug of pure, melted chocolate, isn’t it?”
“The most decadent thing on the menu,” Donovan affirmed.
I stared back at him, losing myself in how good-looking he really was. His face was as amazing as his body; strong and masculine, with angular features. His black hair was streaked with brown, perfectly offset by his stunning blue eyes. Even his sexy jawline had just the right amount of stubble.
I took a second sip of the melted chocolate, rolling my eyes as it flowed easily down my throat. With two painted fingernails I pushed it back his way.
“You know my personal trainer is going to kick your ass, right?”
Donovan laughed. “He sounds like a dick.”
“He is a dick,” I shot back. “In the gym, anyway. Outside the gym he’s really sweet and thoughtful. And he makes great first date plans, to boot.”
“First date huh?” He shifted closer from across the table. “Does that infer there’s going to be a second date?”
“If you keep feeding me stuff like this?” I pointed down at the mug, “I can’t see what would possible stop it.”
Our faces were drawing close again, and memories of our kiss came flooding back. I could feel the blood rushing to my cheeks.
“Maybe I’ll just keep feeding you so you show up for your sessions,” said Donovan.
“With stuff like this?” I countered. “You’re gonna need to up my workouts.”