Tempt Me: A First Class Romance Collection

by Jessica Hawkins

  Grady glares at the dark sky. “Killing me, Sutt.”

  “Turnabout is so fair.” I lick my fingers after polishing off the decadent treat.

  “Maybe we should be going,” he suggests. I can feel him hard and ready beneath me. His obvious reaction to me releases a fever under my skin. This man is hauling an extremely impressive package. I wiggle my hips to torture both of us.

  “Sutt,” Jace interrupts.

  A gasp escapes me at the sound of my brother’s voice. I’d almost forgotten about him. That’s the power of Grady. I sit up straight and shove all dirty thoughts aside. “Um, yeah?”

  “How’s living with mom and dad?”

  Talk about a bucket of ice water. I send him a flat look. The truth is I haven’t been sticking around past dark in the last two weeks. But my brother doesn’t know that. His sudden interest is almost alarming. What’s he hinting at? I ignore the pricking of goosebumps along my arms. “Fine. Why do you ask? Thinking about moving in?”

  He tips his head back and laughs. “As if. I have my own place.”

  “So did I. This was always meant to be temporary.” That reminds me of my conversation with Harlyn yesterday. I glance back at Grady. “Are you still curious about my college years?”

  His grunt says it all. “Is that even a question?”

  “I was thinking we could meet up with Harlyn and her boyfriend this weekend. If you’re interested.”

  “Sure. I should know them if they’re your friends.”

  I press a hand flat to his chest, the steady beat meeting my touch. “They’re awesome. I wish we saw each other more often. Living with Harlyn was a blast. She has plenty of dirt on me.”

  Jace leans forward, resting an elbow on his knee. “Speaking of your wonder years, how’s the apartment hunt, Sutt?”

  Grady chokes on his sip of beer behind me. I glance at him over my shoulder. “Are you okay?”

  He wipes droplets off his face. He juts his chin at my brother. “That depends on how you answer his question.”

  I look at Jace before returning my gaze to Grady. “I’m still searching.”

  A hollow scoff is my response. “The hell you are. There’s a very permanent spot for you in my bed.”

  I crinkle my forehead. “But that’s your house. I need my own space.”

  “Are you serious?” The question comes from Jace.

  Grady’s body goes rigid underneath me. “Not your business, Ace.”

  “You’ll never tell her.”

  “The hell I won’t.” Grady’s hand roams up and down my thigh. “Just been waiting for the time to be right.”

  “Nothing better than the present,” my brother shoots back.

  What is it with these two? I yank at my hair. “Oh my gosh, you guys. Stop talking in circles.”

  Jace and Grady are glaring at one another, doling out a silent pissing match. Neither move or utter another word. We might be here all night at this rate.

  My brother stands up abruptly and dusts off his hands. “Well, my work here is done.”

  I gape at him. “Now you’re leaving?”

  He shrugs. “Plenty of moonlight left. I’ll be at Broncos if you need me.”

  After he’s out of sight, I turn fully towards my secretive boyfriend. “What’s he talking about, Gray?”

  His exhale blows the stray strands off my face. “Come on, Sutt. Doesn’t my place seem familiar to you?”

  A memory of my first visit filters into my mind. I recall all of the similarities to a certain happy something. There’s no denying the resemblance. My voice is barely a whisper when I murmur, “Yes.”

  “And why do you think that is?” His green eyes are locked on me as he prods.

  My heartbeat booms to a staccato beat. “You liked my ideas?”

  He shakes his head, a slow motion I track with a steady gaze. “I wanted to build that dream for you, and us.”

  I gulp at the pressure quickly building in my throat. “W-what?”

  He cups my jaw. “You heard me, Sutt.”

  “Why are you the sweetest man ever?” I clasp my palms to his cheeks.

  Grady presses his lips to mine. “You deserve the best. I’ll never stop trying to be that for you.”

  I sniff and blink off the moisture from my lashes. “You’re already perfect, Grady Bowen. If you get any better, I’ll feel extremely inadequate.”

  He barks out a laugh. “That’s not possible.”

  I lift an eyebrow. “No? What if I disagree?”

  “Then I’ll spend hours proving you wrong.” With the stealthy moves of a panther, he scoops me up and rises to his feet. One strong arm is banded under my knees, the other cinching around my shoulders. This hold screams of protection. I’m safe and not going anywhere.

  “Sounds like a promising compromise.” I nuzzle into him.

  He tightens his grip on me. “You’re coming home with me to our house. That’s where you belong.”

  A tremble wracks my limbs. Bossy Grady is pushing all the best buttons. He gives me a cocky smirk that tosses another torch on the blaze in my core.

  Better indeed.

  A thought occurs to me as he hustles across the yard. “What if we didn’t end up getting together?”

  He gives me a fast jerk of his head in response. “I don’t want to consider that as a possibility.”

  “Only a few short weeks ago, you were hell bent on keeping me away.”

  Grady snorts. “I was being an asshole.”

  It was difficult to dispute the truth. But I still give it a shot. “Well, things certainly had changed. There’s no blaming you. Negatively speaking, what was the alternative?”

  His nostrils flare. “Maybe I would’ve sold the house and moved away.”

  “You’d actually leave? Give our home to someone else?”

  A muscle in his cheek jumps. “That was my plan. Not sure I ever would’ve gone through with it.”

  I bury my face in his shirt, inhaling smoke and fresh pine and a man always meant to be mine. My fingers twist in the fabric and cling on for extra security. “Well, it’s a damn good thing we’ll never have to find out.”

  21

  Grady

  Happy something #27: Playing board games. This wasn’t a tradition in my house, considering we never owned any.

  The following Saturday, we drive 70 miles north to meet Sutton’s friends. Having my girl clinging to me while we fly down the freeway is a great way to spend an hour. That might’ve been my favorite ride yet. An electric buzz hums in my veins from having her lush curves pressing so close. But there’s no time for sneaking off to a secluded area.

  I press a palm into the dip low on Sutton’s spine. That notch at the base of her back is fit for my hand. As if proving my silent claim, she pushes against my subtle touch. The smile she graces me with over her shoulder is icing on the damn cake. My woman loves the possessive parts of me.

  We walk across the brewery parking lot with the sun beaming behind us. This is the type of day meant to be spent outside. Bottom Up Brew House appears to be a great place to do just that.

  “How’d you hear about this spot?” I tuck her into my side as we wedge through the entrance.

  Sutton bumps her hip into mine. “Harlyn lives nearby. I guess it’s her new stomping ground.”

  “This isn’t one of the many bars you frequented?”

  She rolls her eyes. “Very funny. No, all of those clubs are by campus. This is the first summer Bottom Up has been open.”

  “Maybe you’ll show me a favorite haunt one day.”

  “Other than Bronco Buck?” She flutters her lashes at me.

  “Smart ass. I want to fill in the gaps. There are four years worth of memories I’m missing.” I raise my voice above the growing chatter enveloping us.

  The mid-afternoon crowd is gathering, with more pulling in. There’s a taco truck boxed in along one side. Fried cheese and spiced meat pepper the air. An array of picnic benches, iron tables, and lone standing stoo
ls decorate the concrete patio. Most of the seating is already taken. We manage to snag an open space with four chairs and a small slice of shade.

  “Popular area,” I say.

  She nods. “It’s close to downtown. Being on the outskirts has benefits.”

  I glance up and around, taking in the view. “I can see the appeal. This industrial style awning is a nice touch.” I motion to the slatted wood structure above us.

  Sutton follows my line of sight. “You’re such a carpenter.”

  “Thank you.”

  “Do you want me to set up a website for you?”

  I kiss her red-stained lips. “Sweet of you to offer, but I don’t need all that. Simple and easy works for me.”

  She swipes a thumb over my mouth. “You’re the furthest thing from either of those, Gray.”

  “For you, Sutt. Most barely give me a second glance or assume the worst. You’re the only one who sees me as anything more.”

  Her sigh is long. “Sucks for all them. I’m living the best life with you.”

  “And that’s all I care about,” I add. She nibbles on her bottom lip. I tug on the plump flesh being held hostage. “What’s on your mind, Sutt?”

  She peeks over at me. “Did your mom come home yet?”

  Sutton is well aware of my mother’s disappearing act. She’s a saint for letting me vent about all the problems that woman causes. I bob my head. “Her neighbor called me this morning. She stumbled in at the ass crack of dawn. I guess she looks even worse than usual. It would probably be best if I check on her tomorrow.”

  “Want me to come with you?”

  “You’d do that?”

  She reaches for my hand. “Of course, Gray. I’ll always support you with everything.”

  I suck in a choppy breath and glance off into the distance. “Are you sure?”

  Her fingers squeeze mine. “Positive.”

  My swallow is rough. “Okay. I’ll warn you, the sight isn’t pretty. She’s harsh reality in the cruelest form.”.

  She offers a timid smile. “I can handle that. Don’t worry about me. I love you, Gray. Let me be there for you.”

  I ghost my mouth over hers. “I love you so damn much, Sutt. Having you with me will make all the difference. I want to share all my truths. No more hiding.”

  She closes the remaining distance between our lips for a quick kiss. “Glad we settled that.”

  “Me too, baby. You amaze me.”

  “Look, I found them.” A feminine tone comes from in front of us.

  I lift my gaze and catch a couple approaching us. The woman tugs her guy along, dodging groups of people standing in their path. Her bright pink hair stands out in the masses. She’s sporting a huge grin aimed at Sutton. I take a wild guess and assume this is Harlyn.

  My girl blinks at this newcomer, her jaw going slack. “Oh my gosh. You finally went through with it.”

  “Whatcha think? Too crazy?” Harlyn tosses some neon curls this way and that.

  Sutton stands and wraps her friend in a hug. “You’re stunning, as always. The color suits you. Now that vibrant personality of yours can really shine.”

  She winks. “I figured why the heck not, right? If I ever wanted to go pink, it needed to happen before school starts. Come September, I have to be professional.”

  “I’m sure the kids would think you’re cool.”

  “Maybe, but I need tenure before taking big risks.” Harlyn laughs at her own words.

  Sutton crosses her arms. “Oh, whatever. The principal is already halfway in love with you.”

  “Hopefully not too much,” the man beside Harlyn grumbles.

  She cups his jaw. “She’s a her, cowboy. And super married. Nothing to worry about.”

  “I’m happy to see the bubbling bliss hasn’t worn off,” Sutton coos at them.

  “Not in the slightest,” Harlyn agrees. Her gaze slides to me. “Speaking of, who do we have here?”

  Sutton baulks and turns to me. “Whoops, sorry. It feels like you should already know each other. Gray, this is Foster.”

  He pops out from behind Harlyn, offering me a wave. “Howdy.”

  I nod at him. “Hey, nice to meet you.”

  “And this is my college roomie, Harlyn.” Sutton hitches a thumb at her.

  Harlyn remains quiet, giving me a long once-over. I cock a brow and wait for her appraisal. She taps her chin, squinting closer. This ought to be good. “So, you’re the illusive Bowen.”

  “Grady,” I correct.

  “Right.” She elongates that single word until her breath runs dry. I brace for more sass, but she surprises me with a wide smile. “I’m happy to finally put a face to the name.”

  “Likewise,” I respond.

  Harlyn’s eyes sparkle. “Sutton talks about me?”

  The girl in question gives her a shove. “Don’t be a dork. Of course he’s heard about you.”

  “And all the trouble we caused?” Harlyn adds.

  Everything inside of me stretches taut, until I’m liable to snap. “Is that so?”

  “You’re so bad, Har. Knock it off,” Sutton scolds her. Her baby blues lift to me. “We were harmless. She’s joking. Mostly.”

  I trace a line down her jaw. “Not sure I believe you, Sutt. I’m sure the guys were always chasing your ass. Hell, they still do.”

  “Oh, they definitely were,” Harlyn chimes in. “She had to beat them off with a stick on the daily.”

  Sutton huffs. “Talk about an exaggeration. That’s not true at all.”

  “That sounds like my worst nightmare.” I curse a stream of expletives into my fist.

  Harlyn laughs. “Don’t ruin this for me. I finally get to mess with Sutt about a man.”

  I glare at the cloudless sky. “I’m beginning to regret this trip down memory lane.”

  Sutton pinches her friend’s elbow. “Please stop. You’re gonna scare Grady off.”

  “Yeah right.” Harlyn snorts. “I doubt that’s possible. Just check out the way he’s staring at you. His protective stance further proves my point.”

  I startle at her observation. Heat prickles up my neck. “Uh, what?”

  She flicks her wrist. “Don’t be embarrassed. Sutt never looked twice at any guy. She refused to admit it, but this girl has always been totally obsessed with you. I’m relieved to finally meet the one who owns my bestie’s heart.” She leans forward and whispers, “I approve.”

  Sutton hides her face behind a hand. “I didn’t tell you to reveal all of my secrets.”

  “Isn’t that the point of this gathering?” Harlyn lifts a brow.

  Sutton’s sheepish gaze flickers to mine. She offers a light shrug. “You wanted to know about my college years. This girl was an essential part. She didn’t know much about you, but clearly read between the lines.”

  I kiss her forehead. “Love that you couldn’t forget about me. Even when I was an ungrateful asshole. I couldn’t let you go either, Sutt.”

  She steps into me and tugs at the hem of my shirt. “Not even for a moment.”

  “Gah, you two are so presh. I’m a happy witness.” Harlyn’s voice is soft, but bursts our bubble all the same.

  Sutton winks at her. “That’s how I’ve always felt about you and Foss.”

  “Dreams are coming to life left and right.” Harlyn clasps her palms together.

  “As if we planned this or something,” Sutton giggles.

  “Oh, remember that night our freshman year?” Harlyn begins recalling some event I wasn’t around for.

  Foster clears his throat. “Thirsty?”

  “Fuck yes, man.”

  “Let’s grab a round of beers. The girls can catch up without us.”

  “You’re speaking my language.”

  I follow him to the keg station set up in a far corner. We have to dip and dodge our way through the endless throng. Soon we won’t be able to weave from one side to the other. Straight madness. The bar is finally in sight after getting my personal space tested far mor
e than I care to admit.

  I stand next to Foster while a line quickly forms behind us. It belatedly occurs to me that I don’t know Sutton’s alcohol preferences. I missed out on learning what she likes. A pile of bricks land in my gut. Damn. I scrub a hand over my mouth and glance over the choices.

  Foster must notice the panic in my expression. “You okay, man?”

  “Yeah, just thinking. What do you recommend?”

  “They brew a killer IPA. Harlyn likes their blueberry sour. I think that’s what Sutton would drink.”

  “Sold.” I repeat the order when it’s my turn. The bartender fills two mason jars and passes them over. With a deep sigh, I turn and face the fray. Foster takes the lead again, people immediately bumping into him. We eventually make our way back to the girls. It’s some sort of miracle I didn’t spill half our beers along the way.

  Sutton makes grabby hands at the deep purple concoction. “You know me well. This looks right up my alley.”

  “Foster pointed me in the right direction. I figure fruity shit is always a good choice.”

  She blows me a kiss. “You’d be correct.”

  I settle on the chair next to her, across from Harlyn and Foster. We all lift our glasses and clink them together. “Cheers,” we all say in unison.

  “Should we play a game? They have a bunch inside. Monopoly could be fun.” Harlyn is already half out of her seat at the prospect.

  Foster’s face takes on a gray shade. “No way, not again.”

  “Oh, come on,” she prods. “It’ll be fun.”

  He shakes his head. “Nope. It’s too competitive. I can’t handle you at that level.”

  Sutton starts laughing. “Right? She’s always cool as a cucumber until hotels start being built. I agree with Foster.”

  Harlyn slumps in her chair. “That’s lame.”

  “Do they have Life?” I find myself asking.

  Three pairs of eyes focus on me. Sutton leans on my armrest. “Maybe. Is that what gets your vote?”

  I shrug and drop my gaze. “It always looked fun. Getting to choose your path and see what happens. I’ve never played.”

  Sutton stretches for my hand under the table and applies some gentle pressure. I drag my gaze up to hers. She smiles, her stare a calm blue ocean inviting me in. I’ll gladly go. “Then that’s what we’ll do.”