Page 90 of Tempt Me

As I tugged the dresses aside, struggling with indecision, a shirt caught my eye. It was the one and only man’s shirt in my closet. Billy’s shirt, the one he’d given to me last time.

I removed it from the closet, and the decision to wear it was an obvious one. Although I’d washed it, I wished I hadn’t, as his wonderful scent had lingered when he’d given it to me.

After a quick rummage through my overflowing lingerie drawer, I decided to wear my new little white teddy. The sheer fabric alternated with stripes of white satin and see-through lace that lined my torso. It slipped on without any zips, clips, or buttons, which was perfect for easy removal.

My dark nipples were easily visible through the lace, and although this would have once horrified me, it now had my nipples rising to the occasion.

I scanned my extensive shoe collection and chose my new red boots. Boots for the cowboy seemed totally appropriate.

Studying my reflection in the mirror, I felt sexy. The shirt sleeves were too long, and I rolled the cuffs over a few times to my wrist. I did up the buttons at the front of the shirt but left the two top ones undone so that my white teddy was just visible.

Although everything was suitably covered, I should wear my trench coat over the top, but with a cheeky giggle, I decided I’d run the gauntlet to his room. Besides, based on my shopping expedition at Pacific Fair the other day, this outfit was on trend, and I was totally rocking it.

After a brief check in my handbag to ensure I had my essentials, including money for an emergency, I dabbed on my Ciate Liquid Velvet Matte lipstick. Once it dried, it was supposed to stay on for at least eight hours.

I checked my reflection again and loved what I saw, except for one thing—the frown on my face.

My stomach did as many flips as my brain as I debated whether or not I should go to Billy’s room. My challenge this year was meant to be fun, and I wanted to slap myself for making it so serious.

What if Billy recognized me?

What could be the worst that happened?

Prime-time television as my dirty little secret was exposed to the world.

A panic attack made my pulse rocket, and a heatwave blazed up my neck. But as I played the scenario in my head, I decided the chances of me headlining the news was negligible.

After a couple of deep breaths, I shoved the doubts to the back of my brain, pushed my shoulders back, smiled at my reflection, grabbed my bag, and walked out of my room.

Billy’s room was just two doors down from mine, and with every step, my heartbeat raised a notch. I closed my eyes, sucked in a huge breath, and let it out very slowly. I reminded myself to disguise my voice and tried to ignore the pounding in my ears as I knocked twice.

A few seconds later, the door opened, and all my worries vanished in a second. Cowboy Billy was stunning in faded jeans, a short-sleeved shirt that he’d left unbuttoned, and a smile that could light up the entire Gold Coast.

“Hello, Memphis. I see you’ve brought my shirt back.”

“Hello, Billy.” My high-pitched voice sounded silly, but I cast the thought aside as I inhaled his delightful scent. I entered his room and forced myself not to touch him as I squeezed past. At the table, I placed my bag down and turned to him. Billy was the epitome of guy-next-door hunky. He had a strong jawline that accentuated his muscular physique, yet his dimples gave him a softness that made me want to fall into his arms.

“You’re a hard woman to find.”

I tilted my head, unsure what he was talking about. “Oh?”

“I was beginning to think you’d forgotten about me.”

I cocked my head. “Why?”

“I stayed here a couple of weeks ago, but you didn’t come to me.”

My eyes bulged. “Really?”

He ran his hand through his brandy-colored curls and nodded. “Uh-huh.”

Well, that might solve the mystery of who’s been asking for me. “I’m sorry I missed you.”

“You’re forgiven. Especially when you look so damn sexy in my shirt.”

My heart skipped a beat over how his eyes devoured me.

“It would look even better on the floor.” That sounded cute in my head, but when he didn’t move, I began to wonder if it was just another one of my lame comments.

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