Page 70 of Forbidden Billionaire
Mine is a cold-brew flight in three petite mason jars arranged on a wooden paddle: salted caramel, coconut cream, and hazelnut-chicory. I take a sip of the coconut one and hum softly. It tastes like being on vacation, all silky and tropical.
He watches me with eyes that flicker from amused to hungry. “You like being spoiled.”
“I like coffee,” I counter, but my voice is breathier than I intend.
“Keep enjoying.”
Within a few minutes, a waiter sets down our order, and I audibly gasp.
A stack of red velvet pancakes, thick and fluffy, glistens under a swirl of cream cheese frosting, with a dusting of powdered sugar like the season’s first snow. On the side is a pile of crushed pecans and a little pot with warm syrup.
Then there’s my plate—brisket breakfast tacos. It’s more of a mountain of slow-cooked meat and caramelized onions atop a sweet potato hash, dripping in tangy house-made sauce.
“Oh my God.”
“Right?” Eyeing me, Xavier reaches for a fork.
I try to use mine, I really do. But it’s hopeless. The brisket is falling apart, begging to be devoured with fingers. I glance up, hesitating, and catch him watching me.
“I told you I want to watch.” His voice is husky. “Do it.”
So I do. I pick up a piece with my fingers and take a bite. The sauce clings to my lips, and the beef melts like it’s been slow dancing in flavor for hours.
“That’s so…” I trail off, eyes fluttering. “Unfairly good.”
He licks his lower lip. “You licking your fingers is unfairly good.”
I dab my mouth with a napkin.
“Now try the pancakes.” He spears a small portion of the red velvet pancake, adds a touch of syrup and a sliver of pecan, then holds it out to me on his fork.
I lean forward, lips parting.
Slowly he slides it into my mouth.
The taste explodes—rich cocoa, tangy cream, a hint of salt and sweet. I close my eyes and savor it, moaning just a little.
“Jesus, Seraphina.”
That I have any power over him makes me heady with excitement. “This place is amazing.” I eye another food delivery. “I kind of want to eat my way through the menu.”
Xavier leans back in his chair, the sunlight catching the sharp cut of his jaw. “Then maybe we should make this a regular thing.”
My heart skips. We? For the first time, Xavier is talking about the future. And he’s included me in it.
I don’t know how I feel about that.
Part of me is more excited than I dare admit. Another part is terrified.
Finishing the meal and keeping up with the conversation instead of spiraling into fantasy land requires all my self-discipline.
As we finish our meal, Vionna messages that she’s ready anytime he is.
Suddenly I don’t want the morning to end. I’m greedy enough to want the entire day with him. I’m getting used to having him around, and I like it.
Taking my hand again, we make our way back to the apartment building.
“Shall I have Vionna drop you at your old place?”
