Read Online Dark Chocolate Murder by Anisa Claire West - Free Book Online Page B

is a big day.   Confused, Belinda pushed the thought aside and mindlessly experienced the kiss.  But the thought persisted and became louder.  Tomorrow is THE big day.

Chapter Six
    Frantically, Belinda pulled away from Pierre and sat up straight on the counter.  He looked at her in shock, wondering why she would sever such an intensely pleasurable experience.
    “ I’m sorry! Tomorrow is my grand opening! I forgot all about it! Oh, I don’t know what’s wrong with me.” Belinda shook her head in a panic, unnerved that this man could have such a potent effect on her that she would completely forget what she had been working months to achieve.
    “Tomorrow or later today? It’ s after midnight, remember?” Pierre inquired on a raspy note, still not fully in control of his desires.
    Belinda covered her bruised lips with a trembling hand.  “Today! My shop is scheduled for grand opening at noon!  I have less than twelve hours to prepare everything.  I don’t even think I can go to sleep tonight.”
    “Calm down.  I’ll stay here and help you,” Pierre offered.
    “But you can’t. It’s Saturday.  Isn’t that the busiest day for your restaurant?” Belinda argued.
    “It is.  But I’m the owner.  I don’t need to be there every night, although sometimes I choose to be.  But tonight I’m going to stay right here and help you open your shop.  It’s a good thing you gave me a chocolate making lesson, or else I would have been completely lost!” Pierre winked humorously, hoping to ease Belinda’s tension.
    Ordinarily, Belinda would have refused the help of a man, especially one with whom she hoped to become romantically linked.  But there was nothing ordinary about this predicament.  True, she had already fashioned most of the chocolates that would be sold the next day, but there were other details that required attention.  Pierre would make an ideal shop assistant, she decided.
    “Thank you so much! Most of the chocolates are made, but they need to be arranged in the glass display cases,” Belinda explained.  “Oh, but I also have to prepare the drinks!” She suddenly remembered, another wave of pa nic flooding her nervous system.  Noting Pierre’s baffled expression, she explained, “I had the idea to set up a chocolate bar.  But instead of alcoholic beverages, I’ll be serving milkshakes, sodas, and hot cocoa.”
    “That’s a very creative idea, Belinda.  I’m impressed.  Did you strategize this business on your own?” Pierre asked, his brown eyes twinkling with unconcealed admiration.
    “Yes, actually I did.  I thought the chocolate bar could help expand my market to children and teenagers who want a little treat after school,” Belinda said proudly, reflecting on the tireless hours she had devoted to creating a business model for the boutique.
    “I am very impressed,” Pierre emphasized.  “But I do hope that kiss has a sequel.  You can’t just leave me hanging like that.  Too cruel.” Pierre edged closer to her again and caressed her full bottom lip with his thumb.
    Pulse racing instant ly, Belinda whispered, “There will be a sequel.  Definitely.”
    “Good,” Pierre said firmly.  “Now let’s get to work!”
    All through the night, Pierre and Belinda made trips from the refrigerator to the display cases, setting up every morsel of chocolate as though it were a nugget of gold.  And for Belinda, her chocolates were equivalent to gold.  She had invested her entire savings in this boutique, and she needed that investment to produce fruitful returns.
    Envisioning a spacious home in the French countryside, Belinda lugged three gallons of milk to the chocolate bar.  Bottles of syrup, sprinkles, and whipped cream filled Pierre’s capable arms as he helped her set up the bar.  Belinda glanced over at him shyly, instantly branded by the overconfident, brooding look he gave her.  Pierre was a charmer for sure; she just hoped he wasn’t a snake charmer.  But