Page 40 of Dirty Temptation

I wonder how Payton feels about all of this.

I know she’s marrying Knox, but she was in major debt because of her student loan. Has he paid it off?

It’s none of my business but I’m curious.

How does it work when you marry a billionaire?

I will never know.

When he places the roasted yams back on the table, Atlas lifts his gaze to meet mine. An electrical charge sparks between us, and I snap my mouth closed to silence my gasp.

We simply glower at one another with undisguised lust.

Damn it.

Damn him.

Damn this attraction.

That wasn’t supposed to happen.

I was supposed to ignore him most of the weekend. Not desire him all over again.

I shouldn’t have let that happen.

Been there, done that.

Never again.

“Happy Thanksgiving, everyone,” Knox says, lifting his glass. “Again.”

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LATER IN THE afternoon more of the extended Dufort family arrived from Philly. Logan, Aidan, Amelia, and their spouses.

My phone messages and I smile down at the text from Mom. She’s still in England and wishing us a happy Thanksgiving.

I quick reply.

Mom, you missed it by a whole day.

Why can’t I get it right? Well, Merry Christmas.

I laugh out loud, then apologize, giggling quietly to myself.

I’ve had too much wine again today and feel like I need a major detox. It won’t happen until next week, that’s for sure. But I can get a good night’s sleep.

I stretch out my arms as I stand and yawn.

“I’m going to head to bed. Jetlag and too many tequilas at Payton’s bachelorette party plus turkey equals bed.”

“I miss wine but not hangovers,” Payton says.

“Sleep well. I’m glad everyone enjoyed the turkey,” Leilani says. “Next year it’s your turn, Bella.”

“Um, is that a good idea?” Blake asks and gets a slap from Bella. “What? I just think—”

“Brother, it’s best not to think. Has marriage not taught you anything?” Jacob laughs.

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