Desserts & Dramas

Chapter 29

 "Better you stay here then." Sofia smiled and turned her back toward the bar.

"Not a chance. Now that I have your attention, you won't be escaping anytime soon. We'll get drinks, but first we have another important task to accomplish."

"And what could be more important than staying hydrated?"

"Trying the famous Siùcar desserts. I've heard they are very good," Gabriel raised an eyebrow at Sofia. She blushed.

He was very kind that evening and seemed genuinely interested in what she was doing. Her focus at the moment was work, she knew that, but deep down she also wanted to find love like her sister and her parents. It had been so long since she had been in a relationship with someone, she didn't know if she could handle these modern relationships that were more about fun and had no attachment. On the other hand, she didn't even know why she was thinking about it so much, as if he wanted to have something with her. He just wanted to taste her dessert, not herself.

"That's what they say, but everyone has their own palate."

"Then we'd better find out if it's true, don't you agree?"

Gabriel didn't give her a chance to answer, and with his hand on the lower part of her back, he led her to the dessert table. That hand radiated heat and part of his fingers touched her skin, sending electric impulses throughout her body. Sofia didn't know why she was so apprehensive, it's not as if his opinion mattered. Or did it?

"Any suggestions? " Gabriel asked.

"Traditional or innovation? " Sofia asked, looking into his eyes. They were too dark. If she got lost in them, she would never find her way back.

"Definitely innovation, my dear Sofia. " Gabriel answered, staring back at her. There was so much intensity in this exchange that Sofia could not stand it and looked away to the table. She looked among the available options and pointed.

"This one then." Sofia suggested a dark chocolate cup with a white cream and a red garnish.

"Are you going to poison me?" Gabriel answered with a half smile. That was his weapon to charm all women, but at that moment he was thinking only of making her relax. Suddenly she had become so tense.

"Only if I poison the whole party too," it was Sofia's turn to raise an eyebrow at Gabriel. He looked around and saw no one passing out.

"I consider myself safe then."

As he tasted the dessert, Sofia followed his expression, but he was very good at show nothing. She had no way of knowing whether she would hear a compliment or a complaint. Given his history of irony, probably something to tease her about. But what she heard surprised her:

"Fantastic! Sofia, that's fantastic." and moved closer to her. "Ginger and lemon?"

In her excitement to explain, Sofia also came closer.

"Ginger and lemon in the cream. Dark chocolate with pepper in the cup. The pepper enhances the flavor of the ginger and the spiciness breaks the sweetness of the cream."

"Pepper! You are amazing. Incredible!"

By the time Sofia realized it, Gabriel was too close, and by too close she meant with her lips on his. After two seconds of surprise and apathy, she finally gave in and understood why the women were lining up behind him. The kiss was soft and teasing, increasing rapidly in intensity after she placed her hands on the back of his neck.

He savored her as if she were unique, exploring her mouth in an intimate and surprising way. The thin layer of unshaven beard, which gave him a relaxed and even more seductive look, lightly stroked Sofia's face. His body radiated heat and she snuggled closer, wanting to absorb as much of that unique citrus scent that only he possessed. Through the thin fabrics of her dress and his shirt, she could feel the firm, athletic body of someone who did not procrastinate exercising. He deepened the kiss even more, stroking her hair, which was no longer so tightly bound in its elaborate hairstyle. He was strong and gentle at the same time, leaving her relaxed and secure in his arms. She was simply amazed at her reactions to him.

But as everything that is too good not lasts too long, a few seconds later Sofia felt only cold. The heat was gone along with Gabriel's lips.