Page 15 of Tempt Me

At the clubhouse, I’m an important guy from a powerful club. I feel worthy of Hunter in my domain. In this fancy fucking house, I’m just a thug with no education or class.

So rather than shut up, I ask, “What’s so wrong with being protected? Your mom loves you. She has the money and power to keep you from getting hurt. Why should you wake up in pain like today if you can be safe?”

“You saw how Austen was. Her life revolved around work and home. She barely went out with her best friend. She never dated.”

“You never date, either.”

Hunter frowns at me. “Most men don’t interest me.”

“Yeah, I’ve noticed,” I mutter. “I’d think you were gay if you didn’t eye fuck me from time to time.”

Hunter struggles against a smile. “Even though I don’t believe you and I will work, that doesn’t mean I’m unaware of your value. Besides, I said we would go on a real date when I get back. I’m curious if you can pull off the promised ‘best date of my life.’”

Feeling emboldened by how she’s agreed to a date, I ask, “Why do you think we can’t work? We’re always hanging out. We basically date now, just without the sexy stuff.”

“What if we go on the date and nothing changes? Can you ever just be my friend?”

Holding her gaze, I reply, “No, because you feel like mine.”

“Maybe you’re right,” Hunter says before adding, “But it’s just as likely you’re wrong.”

“If I’m wrong, I’m wasting my time. But if there was another woman for me, I can’t help thinking I would have noticed her by now. Waiting for you isn’t easy. I’d love to get distracted by a chick who wants me now. But there’s no one like you.”

As a pink hue warms her pale face, Hunter doesn’t know how to respond. I suspect she’ll keep me at arm’s length until the plane steals her away to Hong Kong. Once she returns, she’ll come up with a hundred new reasons why our date shouldn’t happen. I already feel her sabotaging this thing between us.

Sighing, she glances downward. I notice her stiffen before her gaze returns to my face. “Why are you barefoot?”

“I only brought my boots, and I didn’t think you’d want them clomping around this fancy house. Besides, they’re kinda muddy. This is me being respectful.”

“But why no socks?” Hunter asks as if I’m a crazy person.

I think about her question and try to imagine the way she sees me. Though I’m crazy about this woman and want to make her mine, I’ve never had any clue how her mind works. Not knowing what she wants me to say, I go with the truth.

“Socks are meant for shoes,” I explain. “Without shoes, what’s the point in wearing them?”

Hunter stares at me for what feels like forever. As usual, I can’t tell what she’s thinking. I only know she looks extra beautiful when she’s close enough for me to count the freckles dotted across her perfect pale skin.

Setting down her pool stick, Hunter looks ready to bail on our time together. Instead, she steps closer and wraps her hand around the back of my neck. Despite her possessive touch, I don’t dare take the lead or assume I’ll get a taste.

I let Hunter guide me down to her level. Her lips cover mine. She hesitates before deepening the kiss. I open wider for her curious tongue.

My hands ache to reach for her. I need to feel her body pinned against mine. I’ve waited a long fucking time for this moment, and I don’t want it to end.

Siobhan O’Malley ruins my day by entering without knocking. Hunter pops her lips free and backs away from me.

“Oh, did I—?” Siobhan asks, realizing she’s interrupted what I’ve been trying to make happen for years.

Hunter wipes her mouth and adjusts her shirt. I frown at Siobhan who considers apologizing and leaving. Her guilt is written across her pretty face. Then, her O’Malley brain decides to put her own interests first, allowing her guilt to shift to concern.

“I wanted to visit last night, but people said I should wait,” she tells Hunter as they hug. “I hate common sense thinking.”

The women hug for a long time. I hear them whispering. Siobhan’s voice breaks, and she buries her face against Hunter’s shoulder.

I lose my irritation at Aunt Fred’s daughter when I hear her crying against her friend.

“It’s okay,” Hunter says while stroking Siobhan’s back.

“It’s really not. They could have killed you.”

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