Free Tasting Pleasure by Anarie Brady

spanking or public humiliation.” He daintily sipped his wine before continuing. “You did a nice job of ignoring her barb. Still, I do believe she’s missing my touch.”
    Alicia again began to respond but stopped herself. Spiro had not asked her a question. Noting her behavior, Spiro laughed and lifted his glass in toast.
    “Enjoy the wine. Our first course should be ready soon.”
    True enough, Georgina arrived minutes later with a steaming bowl of potato soup. This was followed by a warm spinach salad, poached salmon and mashed vegetables. Throughout the meal, Spiro remained silent, so Alicia had no choice but to follow suit. Luckily the food was quite good, but she felt that the addition of some hard cheese and garlic would improve the flavor of the mashed cauliflower. By the time the tea was served with a light dessert of mixed fruit, Alicia had practically forgotten her nudity. When the curtain unexpectedly opened, she jumped.
    “Enjoying yourself?”
    “Maverick!” Spiro stood and shook hands with Mr. Devonshire. “We’re just finishing up, so your timing is perfect. Sit.”
    Maverick slid next to Alicia, casually draping an arm about her shoulders and dropping a kiss on her head. Alicia glowed with happiness when he reached his hand down and began tweaking her nipple.
    “I’m a bit early, but traffic was much lighter than I expected,” he explained.
    The two men discussed a variety of subjects, but Alicia sat silent, enjoying Maverick’s gentle tweaks and touches. When his hand crept between her thighs and a finger dipped into her slit, she tipped her head back and sighed.
    “And has my companion pleased you?” he asked.
    Alicia held her breath. Had she?
    “Quite,” Spiro assured him.
    Alicia could breathe again.
    “If she can gain some confidence in herself, I think she’ll be one of the best companions you’ve ever had.”
    “I agree completely,” Maverick answered. “Alicia, I’ve brought you a dress. Why don’t you slip it on, and then we’ll leave. You must be tired.”
    Alicia nodded happily as she donned the dress.
    “I believe I have a former companion to deal with. If you’ll excuse me,” Spiro said with a wicked grin. “Alicia, it’s been a pleasure.” He leaned over the table to kiss her before opening the curtain and shouting, “Georgina! Come here!”
    “You’ve pleased me greatly,” Mr. Devonshire complimented her. “Come. I’m going to take you home now, but I’ll be in touch soon. Be ready for my call.”

Chapter Five
     
     
     
    Birthday Cake
    (a.k.a. Lord Baltimore Cake)
     
    Cake
    Grease and flour 2 8” layer pans
    Sift together: 2 cups cake flour
    1 1/3 cups sugar
    3 teaspoons baking powder
    1 teaspoon salt
    Add: 1/3 cup softened butter
    2/3 cup heavy cream
    1/2 teaspoon lemon flavoring
    1/2 teaspoon vanilla
    Rind of one lemon
    Beat together for 2 minutes.
    Add: another 1/3 cup of cream
    4 egg yolks, unbeaten
    Beat at medium speed another 2 minutes.
    Pour into prepared pans and bake in a moderate oven (350 degrees Fahrenheit) for 30 to 35 minutes.
     
    Pink Frosting:
    Boil at 242 degrees Fahrenheit (or until mixture forms a thin thread)
    1 1/2 cups sugar
    1/3 cup water
    1/3 cup maraschino cherry juice
    1 teaspoon light corn syrup
    Beat 2 egg whites stiff. Pouring slowly, add hot mixture.
    Add: 1/2 teaspoon lemon flavoring
    Continue beating until mixture is fluffy and holds its shape.
     
    Filling:
    Into 1/3 of Pink Frosting from above, mix roughly ¼ cup each (according to individual taste) macaroon crumbs
    chopped and toasted pecans and almonds
    toasted maraschino cherries, chopped.
     
    Once cake has cooled, spread Filling over one layer. Top with second layer. Cover sides and top with Frosting.
     
    True to his word, Maverick never interfered with Alicia’s professional responsibilities. A few days after the auction, he had called, requesting her presence, but she had been at a crucial stage in preparing a special birthday meal for a client. The cake