“See, Taffy takes patience, right? When you unwrap a piece, it’s stiff as cardboard and cool on your tongue. Not a whole lot of payoff at first, and you’re almost tempted to spit it out and throw it away.”
She felt his hands cup her breasts and lift them toward his mouth. When he gently bit at her through her shirt and bra, Tanyalee instinctively arched her back. When he caught a nipple between his teeth she trembled with need.
Dante’s deep, rumbling chuckle returned. “But oh, baby, watch out, because after just a little while in my mouth…” He looked up at her once more. “Taffy starts to soften up, and the sweet juices flow. The effort is most definitely worth it.”
Tanyalee didn’t care if he thought she was a pushover, the kind of woman who would just melt in the heat of a little bit of sweet talk and some nipple nibbling. She didn’t care about anything but feeling his kiss once more, full and deep and just a little demanding. “Dante,” she breathed, lowering her lips to his.
Suddenly, Tanyalee found herself flipped onto her back in the grass, the weight of Dante’s big body forcing her to relinquish control, his mouth hot and slick and all over on hers. She couldn’t help herself. She grabbed onto that perfect butt of his and pulled him tighter to her body, all the while wondering, What is it with the two of us? Why does this happen every time we spend five minutes together?
“I want you, Taffy,” Dante said, sliding his hands into her hair as he continued to kiss her, lips sliding along hers, tongue sensuously exploring the inside of her mouth.
Tanyalee arched her back, gripping the steel-hard heft of Dante’s upper arms, his shoulders, his back. She threw her legs around his thighs and squeezed.
“Taffy Marie? Are you out there?”
She froze. He froze. Neither breathed.
“Taffy? I hear the two of you laughing out under the willow tree so you might as well come on in. Dessert and coffee are ready.”
Tanyalee shut her eyes and sighed with frustration. Maybe someday soon, once she’d been working for Candy for a while, she’d have enough money to find an apartment. A little privacy seemed like a mighty fine idea.
Dante popped to a stand as Tanyalee forced herself into a seated position. He looked down at her, a guilty smile on his face, Granddaddy’s sweatpants once again sagging dangerously low on his hips. This time he didn’t need to use a hand to hold them in place, though, since they were snagged on something big and hard.
“Sweet baby Jesus,” Tanyalee said under her breath, rubbing both hands over her face, trying her best to snap out of her sexual dream state. Eventually, she stretched out a hand and Dante pulled her to a stand.
“Well, this is a little embarrassing,” she said, avoiding eye contact. “Sorry.”
Dante laughed softly. “Nothing to be sorry about, and it’s sure as hell not embarrassing. Not to me.”
She looked up, feeling the smile on her lips. “What is it, then?”
“It’s fun, baby. You’re fun. I have fun with you—and I’m not just talking about all the…” Dante stopped himself. “Don’t get me wrong—that part’s awesome.”
Tanyalee giggled. He was right about that.
Dante brushed his fingertips down the side of her cheek. “What I’m saying is that my life hasn’t been all that fun for the last few years. I didn’t realize how much I needed to cut loose and laugh the way I did tonight. There’s not a damn thing to be embarrassed about. You gave me a gift. You give me a gift every time I’m with you.”
“All right,” Tanyalee said, still a little confused by how kind he was. How sweet. How understanding and patient. If she were completely honest with herself, she’d have to admit she never imagined that the sexual powerhouse from the hotel room would have a gentle side.
He kissed her softly, then took her hand and led her out of the willow branches. “If I can’t have Taffy, I’ll have to settle for some cobbler,” he whispered.
They walked hand in hand to the house, Dante adjusting the sweatpants on the way. When they reached the top step, a two-person welcoming committee waited for them on the porch swing.
“Well, lookie who decided to show up,” Granddaddy said, barely containing his laughter.
Aunt Viv crossed her arms over her chest in annoyance. “You have grass in your hair, Taffy Marie.”
When Tanyalee fluffed her hair and wiped at her