Page 19 of Tempting the Tiger

“I’ll need that to eat.”

“Not if I feed you.”

“Keair,” she protested. “I—”

“I am teasing little one.” He let go of her hand after giving it another soft kiss. “Now eat up, you are going to need your strength tonight.” He gave her a wink that made her blush.

He had ordered her sirloin tips that were cut to the perfect size so she didn't need to embarrass herself trying to use a knife and fork. With it, he’d chosen the standard baked potato and grilled vegetables. The waiters had also brought a large basket of freshly baked rolls dripping with melted butter. She groaned silently, wanting to reach out and grab one. She didn’t know the last time she’d had freshly baked bread. She knew how to make it, but never made it in her store, or for herself.

Keair, demonstrating he was most adept at reading her mind, or maybe he just knew what chubby girls liked to eat, took a roll from the basket, cut it in half and buttered it before placing it on her plate.

“Thank you,” she said shyly, looking up at him from beneath her eyelashes.

“You are most welcome, Grace.” He bestowed a smile on her that almost stole her appetite away. When he picked up his fork, she did the same, mentally shrugging her shoulders and urging the butterflies in her stomach away. It would be a very long time before she had such a meal again.

They ate in silence for a little while, Grace barely managing to hide her moans. The food was the best she had ever eaten. Unfortunately for her waistline, the goodness didn’t end there. As soon as they finished, the two waiters silently appeared again to clear away their dishes. Almost immediately another one came pushing a cart filled with a dozen different types of desserts.

Even before he made it to the table, Grace was shaking her head in protest. “No, I can’t eat another bite.”

“I know it’s somewhat like offering flowers to a florist, but I had some things made that I don’t think you normally make.” He motioned the man closer. “And, I promise that everything is much better than the cookie you had at lunch.”

What he didn’t tell her was that he had flown in a chef for tonight just for her. He wanted her to have the best of everything.

On the cart, Grace saw some of the richest and most decadent desserts she’d only read about. For a brief moment, she wondered why the hotel was ordering her humble cherry pies. She saw crème brulee and baked Alaska, both ready to be torched. There were petit fours, cheesecake, and even poached pears.

“Come, what would you like?” Keair waved his hand toward the cart and she knew without a doubt she wanted none of the sweet treats. No, what she wanted was seated right next to her. She gathered all her courage and met his dark stare.

“What if I said I wanted you?”