Page 435 of Savage Bosses

Her words surprised him. She could tell from the way his eyes widened and his nose flared. Was her comment bringing back memories for him? He opened his mouth, then closed it, eyes wide.

Regaining his composure, he cleared his throat and then said, "I can’t remember what it’s called. Melinda purchased this for me."

"Did she?" Tati leaned to the side. "Melinda, what kind of cologne did you buy for Bryceson?"

"You don't have to answer that," Bryceson yelled.

But it was too late. Melinda rattled off a name.

Tati chuckled, then whispered to Bryce, "She's lying. I remember that smell. It's a cologne I used to buy you. I guess you’ve started buying it for yourself. That’s good because it still smells good on you. Back in the day, I used to say it made you smell good enough to lick." Tati leaned closer to him and winked. "It still does."

With that said, she turned and headed back to the kitchen, leaving him staring after her with longing in his dark gaze.Point one for Tati.It was time for her to start racking up the points.

Chapter Eight

Tatianna

T

he kitchen at Cattaneo's Cafe and Sweets was a whirlwind of activity as Tatianna and her fellow chefs prepared for the upcoming Farrina Brunch event. The air was thick with the aroma of sugar, chocolate, freshly baked pastries, and lunch items such as Frittatas, quiche, and breakfast burritos.

Mrs. Cattaneo was having them prepare the entire menu so she could taste everything herself to ensure that everything was perfect. As she dusted a tray of éclairs with powdered sugar, Tatianna could feel Bryce's eyes scrutinizing each move she made.

"Did you make that pudding yourself?" he asked, signature frown in place.

"What do you think?" she replied calmly, not letting his antics bother her.

Bryce leaned against the counter, crossing his arms. "It's too sweet. I've never tasted pudding that sweet."

"Really?" Tati chuckled.

"What? You don't believe me?"

She shook her head. "I know for a fact you've tasted pudding sweeter than that."

"What pudding?" he asked, looking confused.

"Mine," Tatianna whispered before turning away to go check the oven.

She really wanted to see his expression right now. When she heard the kitchen door open and close, she sighed. Apparently, Mr. Cattaneo couldn't stand the heat. She peered through the oven glass, checking her dessert's progress.

It was almost time to take it out, but not quite. When she returned to her station, she was shocked to find Bryce still there. Damn, who'd left the kitchen? Oh, Sybil. Apparently, Mr. Cattaneo could stand the heat. Tati returned to her station.

"Still here?" she asked.

Bryce's fists clenched at his sides, and Tatianna knew she'd hit a nerve with her innuendo earlier. She reveled in the small victory, knowing that Bryce wasn't as untouchable as he tried to make himself out to be.

She returned her focus to the task at hand, expertly rolling out the dough. She tensed when Bryce moved to stand behind her. A gasp escaped her, and her gaze drifted around the kitchen to see who was looking when he pressed his front up against her back.

Oh, my, he's on hard, she thought, mouth watering as he leaned to whisper in her ear, his warm breath caressing her neck and making her tremble.

"Keep testing me, Tati," Bryce warned, his voice low, dangerous, sinful. "You won't like the consequences."

"Is that a threat or a promise?" she whispered.

"Both," he snarled. "I am not the man you once knew, Tatianna Dupree. I am not nice. I am not patient. I am not one for playing games. Do not continue to test me," he growled before turning on his heel and stalking away.

When the door opened and closed this time, she knew it was him leaving. She released the breath she'd been holding. Damn, that was hot! Tatianna's pulse pounded with fear and excitement.

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