Page 16 of Undeniable Temptation

“Is it always like that?” Felicity was rigid, not an ounce of relaxation in her lithe body.

“Sometimes.” He didn’t want to point out the heavy presence of hotel security keeping them buffered from the crazies. “It’d be different if Mason was here. Blake, too. Panties seem to disintegrate when they’re around. No man, woman, or child is spared.”

She scoffed. “And you’re not a panty dropper?”

“Nah. I’ve been married for the duration of our success. I’m practically the decrepit uncle in the band hierarchy.”

“I don’t believe that for one second.”

Maybe she should, because from his point of view, this thing between them would run smoother if she knew his lack of seduction skills. She might be monopolizing the nervous-as-hell market at the moment, but he was the one likely to do something inappropriate, all in the name of cluelessness.

It didn’t help that Mitch, Blake, Mason, and Sean were his only knowledge base. He was pretty sure the tactics his friends used to score their women had nothing to do with gentlemanly wooing and everything to do with sexual prowess—a skill he wasn’t sure was still in his arsenal.

They strode into the restaurant, declined the lone waitress’s offer of service and helped themselves to a secluded table at the back of the room. The place was empty. Not a soul in sight.

“I don’t think the restaurant is open,” Felicity answered his unspoken question and sank into her chair. “It’s mid-afternoon. Right in the middle of lunch and dinner. I’m pretty sure the waitress should’ve turned us away, but there was that glazed gleam of recognition in her eyes.”

“It must be my lucky day.” He sat across from her, not sure whether he should be flirting to break the tension… Not sure how the hell he was supposed to flirt at all. “So, what’s bothering you most about this situation?”

She sighed and brushed the light wisps of hair back behind her ears. “Where do I start?”

“Wherever you want.”

She lowered her gaze and fiddled with the polished cutlery. “I have a lot at stake with this.”

“We all do.” He made sure his face matched the seriousness tightening his throat. “Not just me, but Reckless in general. All the wives of the bandmates, too.”

“True.” She sucked in a deep breath and slumped in her chair. “I guess the worst part is the humiliation that comes with acknowledging Slicker’s lack of success. And Scott…” She shuddered. “That man is a jerk. He’s taking pleasure in rubbing in our failure, and has made it perfectly clear I have no choice in this charade. Either I participate or there won’t be another album.”

Her reluctance made the situation ten times worse. He’d never forced himself on a woman before… Oh, wait… He guessed he had. And look how that situation panned out. “Making you miserable is going to kill me. But the harder we drive this home, the quicker our goals will be accomplished. Then we can part ways and pretend like this never happened.”

“You think it will be that easy?”

“Yeah,” he lied. “A few public appearances at romantic venues. A kiss here and there…” Her cringe pulled him up short, even though he hid the same reluctance deep inside his chest. “I’m not your type, am I?”

She laughed and gave him an apologetic look. “Sorry. I didn’t mean the knee-jerk reaction. This is just happening a lot quicker than I expected.”

No biggie. It wasn’t like his ego hadn’t already been pulverized by his ex. He could take a few more hits before he was out for the count. At least he hoped so.

“Please don’t take it personally,” she continued. “You know you’re gorgeous. You’ve got the rugged appeal and those hypnotizing eyes. It doesn’t help that this is forced.”

He scrutinized her, from her cynical gaze to the droop of her pouty mouth. She wasn’t offering an ounce of enthusiasm. “This doesn’t leave me reassured for our success.” The happiness of the five most important people in his life relied on this woman and her delirious amounts of apathy.

“I’m not backing out.” Her lips parted and her already pale skin seeped of color. “Shit.I’m sorry. I was only complaining. I’m completely dedicated to this. I promise.”

Completely disgusted, humiliated, and freaking out at the mere thought of kissing him, but yeah, totally dedicated.

“How’s it all going?”

He relaxed at the familiar feminine voice and looked to his side to see Alana smiling bright, her camera bag resting over her shoulder.

“Hey, sweetheart.” He pushed back in his chair, thankful for the reprieve. “Alana, this is Flick, she’s the lead singer in our opening act.”

“Yeah, I know.” She gave him an incredulous look. “I’ve seen a performance or two. You’ve got a great voice.”

“Thank you. And I’ve heard you’re a mighty fine photographer.”

Alana blushed. “I sure hope so. It allows me the best job in the world.”

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