Dani could smell chocolate and she opened her eyes slowly. She was enjoying the bubble bath that had been drawn for her. She frowned slightly, nothing the bathroom was empty. She got another whiff of chocolate and she debated if she should stay in the bath or go in search of the confection. Her stomach rumbled and the decision was made.
She drained the tub and dried off. Her black and red flannel robe was hanging behind the door so she donned that and padded out to the bedroom. She stopped at what she saw.
There were dozens of candles from pillars to tea lights. Carlos stood by the bed wearing nothing but a pair of black trousers. There was a teacart with a covered chafing dish and a cloth covered tray. There were two small, lit fuel cans under the chafing dish, keeping whatever was in it warm.
"What's going on?" she asked him.
"Come sit on the bed," he invited her with a smile.
"Am I going to like this?" she asked him warily.
"Definitely," he grinned, "Come on."
Dani walked toward him warily. He took her hands and helped her sit on the edge of the bed.
"I have a surprise for you," he told her.
"Oh? What is it?"
"If I told you, it wouldn't be a surprise," he smirked, "I just have one question: white, milk or dark?"
"White, milk or dark?" she frowned as she wondered what he was up to. She figured it had to be chocolate, since she could smell it. "All three?"
"Don't be smart," he scolded her gently, "You only get to pick one right now."
"Dark," she replied automatically.
"Very well," he smiled and pulled the lid off the chafing dish and then removed the cloth from the tray.
On the tray was a set of very fine art paintbrushes of various sizes and shapes. The chafing dish had a sectional insert and there were eight pots filled with various types of melted chocolate. She saw two milk, two white and four dark. She finally caught a whiff of fruit with the chocolate. She recognized orange, raspberry and a hint of mint.
Carlos picked up one of the narrower brushes and carefully dipped it into one of the dark chocolates and filled the brush with the thick liquid. He rolled it around the edge to prevent any drips then lifted the brush to his lips. His eyes locked with hers as he painted the chocolate onto his lips like a gloss. When they were coated, he set the brush aside and leaned forward.
"A taste for my love," he whispered, bringing his lips within an inch of hers.
Dani licked her lips then leaned close and began to lick his. She lapped at his mouth until the chocolate was gone then kissed him deeply. He kissed her back for a moment then pulled away. She groaned and reached for him, but he gently took her wrists and put her arms at her side.