Page 2 of King of Temptation

“Good morning,” he murmurs back. “Charlotte still asleep?”

I nod. “Yeah. I can wake her if you want.”

“No,” he shakes his head. “I just wanted to know how she slept.”

Man, oh man, this guy’s got it bad. I duck my head to hide my smile, a different touch of envy settling in my chest. What would it be like to have someone care for me like this? The idea of not struggling quite so hard makes me ache deep down to think it.

But with my gaze cast down, I almost miss the fact that Leo has appeared until he’s right next to Mason. When I look up to speak to Mason, Leo’s there, his cocking grin and deep brown eyes holding mine and I feel a blush climb my cheeks as our gazes connect.

If Mason is too coiffed, Leo is the exact brand of sexy that makes my brain fritz. He’s got on a fitted T-shirt and tight jeans that show off his many, many muscles.

Bulkier and rougher than his brother, he looks like trouble in the best way possible. Not that I’m looking for problems, but if I were…

My gaze snaps back to Mason, who is scowling at Leo. Charlotte mentioned tension between the two brothers and I feel it now.

Leo hardens at his brother’s stare, the sexy smile disappearing.

Clearing my throat, I give Mason a bright smile. “We went to bed early, promise.” I draw an X over my heart to illustrate my point, hoping to distract from whatever is happening in front of me.

Mason’s gaze returns to me, softening. “Thanks, Kim. Don’t forget to go to the desk and get a key for your room tonight. I’ve also arranged for a car to take you to the airport tomorrow morning so you don’t have worry about that either. If there is anything else you need, don’t hesitate to ask. Now or in the future.”

I nod as I look the other way, not meeting the gaze of either Kincaid. “Thank you, Mason. I really appreciate it.” My dad was never around, I was raised by my mom, and she worked three jobs just to keep a roof over our heads and food on the table. No one has ever ordered me a car service before and it’s such a relief now.

“Not a problem at all.”

I swallow down a lump. I won’t ask him for hotel money for New York, I know he means if I need anything for this wedding. I briefly wonder if I should give dating another try.

I’ve had one boyfriend in my entire life, and it was an underwhelming and somewhat humiliating experience. But it would be nice to have someone look out for me now and then. “I’m really happy for you and Charlotte.”

Leo has been silent next to his brother, his dark brown eyes assessing me. My skin goose pimples as I turn to meet his gaze again, our eyes connecting, the dark brown of his seeming to see right through me.

Did I call the Kincaids dangerous? Leo’s eyes alone are downright lethal, and my gaze drops again as I nip at my lip. I’ve never had a reaction like this to a man and I’m not quite sure what to do with it.

“Morning, gorgeous,” he says with a one-sided grin that makes my stomach do somersaults.

He’s got this stubble that’s not quite a shadow but it’s not a beard either and it only highlights the fullness of his mouth and the square jaw that makes him look all man. His hair is a bit mussed, but somehow, it only adds to his appeal, like he just got out of bed…

I clear my throat. “Good morning.”

Mason scowls at Leo before he turns back to me. “Your dress should be delivered in the next half hour. I took the liberty of choosing a pale green that will complement your hair and eyes.”

I don’t even ask how he might have gotten the size correct. Something tells me it will fit perfectly. “I’m sure it’s lovely. Thank you again, Mason.”

Leo’s smile grows and I shift in the doorway.

“Mason? Is that you?” I hear Charlotte call from behind me.

I look back to see her rising from the bed. “You’re not supposed to see him,” I say, closing the door a little tighter around my body to block the view.

“I won’t,” Charlotte says as she wraps a robe about her body, the same white hotel one I’m wearing. The difference is she has a high-end negligee under hers and I’ve got a ratty T-shirt under mine. “I just want to talk to him through a crack in the door.”

I’ve no choice but to step out into the hall, my bare feet on full display. At least Mason had sent a manicurist to do our fingers and toes last night. Mine have a fresh coat of pale pink polish on them that should go nicely with the dress. I curl them into the carpet as Leo gives me a long look up and down, the sort that makes my skin heat. “I don’t know if you remember, but we’ve met before this weekend.”

I shake my head. I don’t really, and I feel like I would. He’s not the kind of man a girl forgets.

I know the story. Charlotte went on a couple of dates with Leo a few years back and that’s how she met Mason.

Leo came into the bar on a night we were both working. Case in point, he asked Charlotte out that night and not me. I don’t make an impression on rich and successful guys. Not like she does.

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