Spicy Love: Curvy & Decadent, #3

By Dee James

Maya
At twenty-five, I was the CEO of a tech company that had unexpectedly taken off. Ironically, my app was called Happily Ever After while I was too scared to chase after mine. A chance meeting with an older, experienced celebrity chef turned into a series of dates that proved codes and matchmaking aside, chemistry and scorching kisses were real. The real question was, will I be able to take the leap of faith into finding my forever love?

 

Rishabh
After a personal tragedy, my heart was firmly closed. Or so I thought. Then walked in the curvy and sexy Maya Roy, intent on breaking my no-relationship rule. Too bad, she thought soulmates were found by swiping right. Was it time to show her the magic of a real relationship? Would I be able to convince her fairy tales existed? And I was her Prince Charming?

 

Curvy & Decadent is a series of standalone, steamy contemporary romance where decadent billionaires fall for their quirky, curvy women. If you love growly billionaires, sassy heroines, swoony romance, and a guaranteed happily-ever-after, you're in the right place!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Dee James
• Release date: Feb 21, 2023
• ISBN: 9798215144251

Dee James

Dee James is a contemporary romance author whose books have consistently featured in the Bestseller Lists on Amazon India. Dee writes quirky, innocent, and curvy heroines who find their happily ever after with sinful-looking, growly billionaires.  Sweet and steamy, her romance novellas are peppered with passionate, swoon-worthy moments along with a guaranteed fairy tale ending. If you're looking for a low-angst, feel-good romantic read with a guaranteed HEA, you're in the right place! Newsletter: https://authordeejames.substack.com/subscribe Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authordeejames/ Facebook Readers' Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/authordeejames

Book preview

#1

Maya

Mondays were hard enough without endless meetings and difficult clients. I sighed as I tossed away the folder that contained all the details of one Mr. Shein, who refused to try the app I’d single-handedly developed. I looked up as my Executive Assistant, Rima, walked in, looking stylish and effortless as ever.

Is it Mr. Shein again? Her eyes softened on me as she placed the third cup of coffee for the day on my desk.

I could hear the pity in Rima’s voice and involuntarily grimaced. At twenty-five, I never dreamed I would one day own and run my company, especially one that had catapulted me into one of the most sought-after techie entrepreneurs around the world.

There were tech and business magazines that wanted to feature me, the woman who seemingly had it all at twenty-five. And then there were days like today that made me wonder whether it was all worth it. Dealing with difficult people and decisions, I wondered if I would ever see the light at the end of the long, dark tunnel.

Don’t ask. I shook my head, making my curls dance around my back.

Ouch! Rima carefully rearranged the folder in place and waited patiently, knowing she’ll have instructions waiting to be executed.

What do you suggest we do about Mr. Shein? He’s an important socialite, one we must humor, I’m afraid. I pursed my lips in annoyance when an image of the spoiled socialite, whose single aim seemed to be to trash my app, flashed behind my eyes.

Well, I have an idea, although I’m not sure how willing you’d be to try it out. She shrugged, her elegant shoulders barely moving.

Sit. I gestured toward the seat that faced mine.

After she gracefully slid onto the seat, I leaned forward to give my undivided attention to my most trusted employee. Talk.

How about going out on a date with Shein yourself?

What? My brows almost hit my hairline even as I adjusted my glasses. You can’t be serious.

Oh, but I am. Think about it; you could just meet him for a meal and get to know him. That would give you enough clues to interpret what exactly he’s looking for in our app. For all you know, it could be valuable feedback.

I snorted. Yeah, right! Do you honestly think I can get his input within a few hours?

Don’t underestimate yourself. Rima gently chided, almost making me feel like a younger sibling. I shivered as I struggled not to think about my sister, and brought my gaze back to Rima, who’d been with me ever since I started the company at twenty. She was one of the most level-headed and capable employees in my office, and I usually paid heed to her views.

Alright! Fix up a lunch date or something at the earliest. The sooner I sort this out, the better, I muttered.

Fantastic. Rima beamed as she stood up. I’ll take care of all the logistics.

Oh, and could you try to fix something close to our office? I don’t have the time or the patience to travel back and forth on a workday. As it is, I suspect Mr. Shein is going to give me a headache.

Rima nodded sympathetically before she walked out of my office.

A DAY LATER, I ENTERED the brand-new restaurant that had recently come up right opposite my office in HITEC City, Hyderabad. The moment I entered the new restaurant, I felt a certain calmness invade my senses. Intrigued, I looked around and noticed the elegant floor-to-ceiling windows that overlooked the street. The plush chairs and the smaller tables gave the place an intimate, warm ambiance. Elegant and swanky, the restaurant seemed perfect for meeting my pretentious client.

Mentally making a note to give a raise to the ever-efficient Rima for choosing the perfect place, I walked toward the seat that had the best view. As I sat down, I hoped the food would match the decor.

Ten minutes later, as I sipped some cold water, I tried not to let my irritation show on my face. I hated tardiness and couldn’t tolerate people who disrespected others’ time. So far, Jacob Shein didn’t earn any brownie points in his favor. I glanced through the menu halfheartedly before placing an order for an appetizer.

Another ten minutes, and I slumped with a sigh. Looking at the untouched plate of the cottage cheese appetizer, I wondered if I should abandon lunch and walk out. Just as I was about to get up, I saw a man walk towards my table.

Looking at the tall, handsome stranger who was approaching me in long, confident strides, my heart stuttered before picking up speed. Blessed with a sleek jaw, sharp nose, piercing gray eyes, a day’s stubble, and salt-and-pepper hair, he was the kind of man who made women stop to take another look.

Hello.

Of course, he had to have the perfect deep voice, too! The deep drawl sent shivers down my spine even as my mouth turned dry. For the first time in my adult life, I struggled to make my voice work. I couldn’t help but notice how broad his shoulders were and how much taller he was compared to my modest five feet three inches. I blinked rapidly before clearing my throat.

Is everything okay with the food? And otherwise? The handsome stranger smiled kindly, gesturing at my untouched plate.

Hi. I hated that my voice sounded breathless. Taking a deep breath, I tried again. Hi again. I’m fine, thank you for asking. I was actually waiting for a client, and it looks like he...

Ah! That explains why a gorgeous woman like you was sitting alone.

Gorgeous? Me? Was he being polite? I knew I wasn’t gorgeous or whatever else he implied I was. With my very curvy form and my curls that refused to settle down, I doubt I’d make it on the cover of a fashion magazine anytime soon. Honestly, I didn’t care about the fashion and size zero standards, though. I was comfortable in my skin and didn’t think I had to fit in.

His lips lifted into a slight smile. Well, if you’d like some company, I’d love to join you. He held his hand up before I could speak. No, I’m not a random creep who joins unknown women for meals. Let me introduce myself. I’m Rishabh Khanna, and this is my place.

I took his outstretched hand, thrilled at his firm handshake. My pulse skittered, and my eyes were unconsciously drawn to his veiny and muscular forearms. Ignoring my erratic pulse, I tried to concentrate on what he said. Oh, wow! I didn’t realize you owned this place. I love the decor and the ambiance, by the way. Very... refreshing. I’m Maya Roy.

Smiling, I hid my nervousness at his proximity. Or at least, I hope I did. I wasn’t usually swayed by compliments or cheesy lines, but something about this man and his steely gaze made me sit up and take notice of him.

So? Would you like to stay back and enjoy our specials? On the house.

When he smiled with a truckload of charm like that, I couldn’t help but nod my head enthusiastically. I absently wondered if the lines around his mouth deepened when he laughed. Wrenching myself from my fanciful thoughts, I noticed him gesturing at one of the servers, who brought a steaming bowl of Biryani and curry.

As Rishabh slid into the chair opposite mine, I couldn’t help but wonder at the bizarre turn of events. Who would have thought I’d end up having lunch with a handsome restaurant owner when I’d been all prepared to tackle a difficult client until an hour ago?

My eyes zoomed in on Rishabh’s hands as he served the food on my plate first. Hastily, I took another sip of water to hide the flush that covered my face. What the heck was wrong with me today!? I’d just met the man and was already attracted to his... hands? Was arm porn a real thing? Ugh! Get a grip, I told myself firmly. As I took another sip of the water, I prayed none of my thoughts were displayed on my face.

Rishabh

Ilooked at the stunning woman who threw an appreciative glance my way the minute the combined flavors of my Hyderabadi biryani touched her taste buds.

Oh my, this is so good.

I smiled at the expression on Maya’s face. Looking at the curvy woman in front of me, I guessed Maya Roy couldn’t be over twenty-five... twenty-six, maybe? With her dark corkscrew curls, her heart-shaped face, and her unblemished skin, she looked breathtaking. Her full lips that were painted red and