Tasting Pleasure (16 page)

Collapsing on top of her, Maverick rolled to his side, exhausted. Alicia needed a moment to catch her breath.

Without thinking, she marveled, “Maverick, that was pure and total beauty.”

“Yes,” he agreed sleepily, reaching for her. “It certainly was.”

Alicia, not wanting the moment to end, scooted downward. Kneeling on the bed, she reverently lifted his dripping manhood and gently licked it clean. Maverick reached down and began to rub her head, lulling her into relaxation. Still Alicia felt the need to show her gratitude, so rather than crawl back up to lie beside him, she snuggled against his stomach, reaching down to massage his legs. There she felt her head rise and fall with each breath from her Master. Only when his breathing became steady and even did Alicia give in and allow herself to drift off to sleep.

Chapter Twelve

Fluffy Scrambled Eggs

2 eggs, separated

Salt

Pepper

1 Tablespoon milk

1 Tablespoon Parmesan cheese

1 dash hot sauce

1 Tablespoon butter

Whip egg whites until light and foamy but not too stiff. Blend egg yolks with all other ingredients. Melt butter in a small skillet. While butter is melting, blend yolks with egg whites. Pour into hot skillet. Cook until firm.

For the next two days, Alicia poured over the Internet and cookbooks, trying to come up with a menu full of only aphrodisiac foods. The obvious appetizer—oysters on the half-shell—was out because of Maverick’s shellfish allergy. After beginning her research, though, Alicia discovered this would not be such a problem. Who knew there were so many aphrodisiac foods out there? So for an appetizer, she decided to arrange figs and strawberries drizzled with honey on decorative plates. This would then be followed by carrot soup flavored with nutmeg, for dessert she would serve dark chocolate petit fours decorated with blue sugar morning glories. For the moment, though, an idea for the main course escaped her.

After an hour of staring at the computer screen, Alicia put her hand up to her forehead. She suddenly felt terrible. Sure enough, her skin felt clammy and hot.
Great, just great.
She definitely did not need to be getting sick now. She trudged into the bathroom and rummaged about for her thermometer. Sticking it into her mouth, she began to notice her aching body—and this time the pain had nothing to do with pleasure. She groaned after reading the thermometer—she definitely had a fever. Grabbing a bottle of aspirin, she went into the kitchen for a glass of water. After swallowing two pills, she got undressed and climbed into bed, falling into a restless sleep.

Later that afternoon, the phone rang, jarring Alicia to a shaky consciousness.

“‘Lo?” she said groggily.

“Alicia?”

Her eyes popped open. “Yes, Mr. Debonthire?” she slurred.

“Are you all right?” Maverick quickly asked.

“Fine, jus’ fine. I think. I can’t really remember. I think I might be sick,” Alicia mumbled.

“I’ll be right there.”

“But I can’t come today, Thir! I think I might be thick. I don’t want to get you thick!” she said to a dial tone. Carefully, she hung up the phone. What had he said? Did he want her to drive to his house? No, that wasn’t it. Maybe she should just wait for another call. That sounded like a plan. Soon she’d get up and take a shower, get ready…soon.

A heavy banging roused her.
What the hell was making all that noise? Groggily, Alicia stood. Running her hand along the wall, she managed to stay upright long enough to stumble into the kitchen. There she stood in amazement. Standing at her stove was Maverick—cooking.

“What are you doing?” she asked.

Maverick whipped his head around at the sound of her voice, a frown forming on his face.

“What are you doing out of bed?” he returned, wiping his hands on a towel and rushing to her. Grasping her by the shoulders, he turned her about-face and walked her back to the bedroom.

“I don’t understand,” Alicia mumbled.

“Simple, my dear,” he answered. “I called with the idea that we could have a night together, but when it became apparent you were ill, I came to take care of you instead.”

Alicia simply blinked at him. Why was he speaking so loudly?

“You’re burning up.” He turned her toward the bedroom. “Let’s get you back in bed and out of these clothes.”

Alicia sat mutely on the bed as Maverick gently removed her clothing and tucked her under the covers. Her mind was swimming in and out of consciousness, but later she vaguely remembered warm broth running down her throat and a cool cloth bathing her body. Most welcome, though, were the strong arms that held her when her body shook with chills and the deep voice murmuring soft words to her fevered mind. Finally she fell into a deep sleep.

When Alicia awoke, she sat up in bed, confused by the bright sunlight streaming through her window and the sound of voices coming from her kitchen. She frowned, hearing female laughter. Realizing she was naked, she grabbed a robe and shakily stood, holding on to the wall for support as she trudged into the kitchen.

“Wow! The dead has arisen!” Ivory gently teased. “Come here, honey. Sit down. Let me get you some tea.”

“Ivory, when did you get here?” Alicia asked. “And Maverick—did you stay all night?”

Maverick held out a chair and helped her into it. “I called Ivory this morning to cancel the shoot. You were still sleeping and I didn’t want to leave you alone.”

“And I, being such a wonderful person”—Ivory winked as she handed Alicia a steaming cup of tea—“rushed right over to help. You look like hell, kid.”

“You should have seen her last night. Scared the daylights out of me,” Maverick added.

“Well that’s your own fault. If you weren’t so besotted with her, you wouldn’t care so much. Besides, you’ve probably exhausted the poor thing. It’s nice, really, when you think about it,” Ivory retorted.

“Hey,” Alicia interjected. “I’m sitting right here. You don’t need to talk around me!”

“Getting some spirit back. I’d say she’s on the road to recovery,” Ivory said, completely ignoring Alicia’s comment.

“Good. I was about an inch away from carting her off to hospital last night,” Maverick said, shoveling in a mouthful of eggs.

Alicia, realizing it was useless to complain, sat back in her chair and sipped her tea. While she still felt as if a truck had run her over, the fever was gone. From experience, she knew her body would bounce back quickly. In the meantime, she’d just sit and enjoy the companionship. Suddenly, someone was quietly knocking on the door. When she started to get up, Maverick put a hand on her shoulder and rose to answer it himself.

“Looks like you have another concerned guest, my dear,” he announced, walking into the kitchen with Paul behind him.

“Feeling better, luv?” Paul asked as he dropped a kiss on the top of her head.

“Much, thank you. How did you know I was ill?”

“Ivory called after she heard. Thought I’d bring over something to make you feel better.”

“Now what could possibly make me feel better than having all the people I care about here?” Alicia responded.

“Isn’t she sweet?” Ivory added, picking up a piece of bacon and popping it into her mouth.

“Actually, I’ve tasted her and yes, she is very sweet,” Paul joked.

Alicia was startled momentarily, then smiled as all three friends burst into laughter.

“My dear mum swears this is the cure for all illness—orange juice!” He pulled a bag of oranges from behind his back as if he were a magician. “Let me at a knife and a pitcher and I’ll have you a nice glass of fresh juice in a moment.”

Nibbling on her breakfast, which Ivory had cooked, and drinking the freshly squeezed juice, Alicia felt nothing but warmth and contentment. This was indeed the life she had always dreamed of. Easy companionship, a welcoming home where friends dropped by often. She stayed fairly quiet while the other three discussed politics, trends in the art world, the weather. It didn’t really matter what they were talking about, just so long as they were there.

“Looks like the princess needs her beauty sleep,” Paul commented when he caught Alicia in a yawn. “Maverick, Ivory, I know you two had a shoot scheduled for today, so why don’t I stay with her and you two run along.”

Maverick and Ivory glanced at each other before Maverick spoke.

“What do you think, Alicia? I won’t leave you alone yet, but we are on a deadline. Still, I’ll stay here if you want me to,” he said solicitously.

“Don’t be silly, Maverick. I’ll be fine. Really, I recover quickly. Go do your work. I’ll just nap a bit more and probably be perfectly fine by tonight.” She smiled reassuringly.

“If you’re sure, then,” he said. “I’ll just see you to bed then take off. Paul, if she needs anything, let me know. Okay?”

“Of course, but don’t worry. I’ll take good care of her.” Paul patted his shoulder and started to clear away the dishes.

When Alicia woke up from her nap, she again put on her robe and wandered into the living room. She smiled, seeing Paul scrunched up on the couch, snoring away. Rather than wake him, she went into the kitchen and got herself another glass of juice. She was still a bit tired, but overall felt much better. Paul’s mum was right. The orange juice was a miracle cure.

“Thought I heard you,” Paul said as he walked up behind her. He wrapped an arm around her waist and placed his hand against her forehead. “No fever now.”

“I know,” she said, turning around to face him. “Between my natural ability to heal quickly and the juice, I think I’m well on the road to recovery.”

“Good! Why don’t we sit for a while and you tell Uncle Paul what you’ve been up to lately.”

Alicia happily followed Paul into the living room and curled up next to him, leaning against his shoulder.

“Well, I’ve been working on putting together an aphrodisiac dinner for Maverick, but it has posed some challenges. I know there will be five guests, but I don’t know who they are, so I can’t tailor the menu to their tastes. Also, because of his shellfish allergy, I can’t use oysters, so I’m not sure what to do about a main course,” she began.

“Umm, that does present an interesting dilemma,” Paul commented. “Perhaps I can assist.”

“How?”

“Would it help to know that I am one of the guests?”

Alicia cocked her head so she could see him. “Paul! That’s wonderful!”

“Good. Would it also help to know that Ivory is another guest?” he continued.

Alicia paused a moment. “Are you sure you should be telling me this? I mean, if Maverick hasn’t told me, maybe he doesn’t really want me to know.”

“My dear,” Paul smiled, “am I not your second? I’m sure it just slipped Maverick’s mind. Sometimes the man gets so wrapped up in his camera that he forgets a world exists outside of his lenses.”

Alicia frowned, wondering if Paul were criticizing Maverick or simply making a comment. Obviously noticing her discomfort, Paul laughed and gently mussed her hair.

“Stop worrying, Alicia. Maverick and I have been friends for long enough to know each other very well. Ivory too. Do you know that Maverick and I met in grammar school? And Ivory has been his model for the last five years.”

“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have doubted you. And yes, that information does help. Tremendously,” she added.

“What about tapas?” he asked.

“Tapas?”

“Yes, tapas or small plates. Instead of a full meal, you could come up with eight or nine small dishes served like appetizers. Finger foods,” he suggested.

Alicia considered. “That’s perfect, Paul. I wouldn’t need a main course if I did that, just a variety of different appetizers really. Thank you so much. If I wasn’t afraid of getting you ill, I’d kiss you right now.”

“You know, the risk is certainly worth it, but I’d rather wait until you’re fully rested and recovered. Then you can thank me with more than a kiss.” He smiled seductively.

Alicia felt her heart melt. “Count on it.”

Chapter Thirteen

Milkshake

1 cup whole milk

3 scoops vanilla ice cream

1 teaspoon vanilla

2 teaspoons sugar

Combine all ingredients in a blender. Blend to desired consistency. You may change the flavor by adding pureed fruit or flavored ice cream.

Alicia carried through with her promise a few days later. Paul had called her and invited her over for the afternoon to watch one of her favorite old movies,
Casablanca
. She had quickly showered and put on a light cotton dress. Hoping for the best, she had also worn a matching light pink corset and G-string. Now, cuddled next to Paul on his couch, Alicia sniffed loudly then blushed a bit when Paul handed her a tissue.

“It’s so sad,” she said.

“That’s what makes it so good. Now I can dry your tears.” Paul leaned over and kissed her cheeks. “What can I do to see you smile again?”

“Let me thank you. You’ve done so much for me. Let me please you,” she whispered. “I will do whatever you’d like.”

Paul smiled. “Greet me.”

Alicia immediately stood and began to remove her dress, but Paul stopped her.

“No, not like you do Maverick. I like the dress, the lingerie. Looks sexy when I can catch only glimpses of skin through fabric.”

Alicia frowned in confusion. “Tell me what you want of me.”

“Stand against the blue wall, facing it,” he instructed gently.

The juxtaposition of such a gentle, warm voice to a command momentarily bewildered Alicia. Still, she was trained well. With only a brief hesitation, she complied. The east wall of Paul’s living room was painted a deep midnight-blue with flecks of yellow and red adding contrast and texture. Alicia faced the wall, placing her hands at shoulder height.

She heard the telltale click of Paul unbuckling his belt. Resisting the urge to turn around, Alicia concentrated on controlling her breathing. Soon enough, Paul stood behind her, pulling her against his chest with one strong arm and reaching beneath the skirt with the other.