More than Temptation

by Taige Crenshaw

  “My eyes did not shoot fire. That isn’t even possible.” Bella snorted.

  “I could swear they did. I almost asked for a fire extinguisher, since I was afraid that I was going to be burnt up.” He held out his arm. “See, I even have goose bumps.”

  “You’re silly.” Bella chuckled.

  “Yep.” Morgan hugged her then opened the door to the passenger side of his vehicle. “I’m not telling you what was said. It’s fine. Let it go.”

  Bella studied him, then, trusting him, she nodded although she was curious.

  “Good.” He kissed her then helped her into his SUV.

  Soon he had them on their way and Bella decided to instead focus on what they had planned.

  “Where do you want to go first?”

  “Let’s get to Kinsey Avenue then we can decide.” Morgan shrugged. “Since all the errands we have are in that area, we can just play it by ear.”

  Bella hummed in agreement. “So did you get completed what you needed to at the station?”

  “Yes.” Morgan briefly thought of the case he had just closed, which had been arson. A house had been burnt down with a family of five inside. Only the father had survived and the same man was now arrested for having set the fire. He’d got caught inside after he’d set it and had suffered burns. Morgan had gone to the station to finish his report so that they could make sure the man paid for killing his family. “It amazes me what people do to each other.”

  “Sounds like the case you were working on turned out to have an unexpected conclusion.”

  “Yes it did.” Morgan didn’t say anything further, since the case was still open until the prosecution was done. He didn’t share much of his cases, only speaking in generalities if he did say anything.

  “You solved it and got justice. That counts,” Bella said.

  Morgan stared at her, shocked at her insight, before he returned his attention to the road. “Hopefully it does.”

  “Is that why you became an investigator?” Bella shrugged. “I mean, after you couldn’t fight fires anymore. Why did you decide to become an investigator instead?”

  “Fire is in my blood. Even if I couldn’t be a firefighter anymore, I knew I wanted to still be part of the fire department. So I changed from going in to rescue people, to finding the answers if needed to what caused the fire in the first place.”

  “Do you miss fighting fires?”

  Morgan thought of the question instead of giving his usual, standard answer. He replied, “Some days I do miss it and get this feeling in my belly that I want to be in there with the other firefighters. There is something about fires that I can’t explain that fills you. It is, as I stated, in the blood. It sounds weird and not really an explanation, but that is the best I can come up with. But other days, I’m good with where I am. Doing what I love, being around fires and hopefully bringing closure to those who want answers of why they lost a loved one.”

  ”We’ve talked about your job before and what strikes me each time is there is so much passion in your voice.” Bella placed her hand on his thigh. “I can tell you love what you do.”

  “I do.”

  She asked more questions about his job. Morgan answered each question and eventually the conversation turned to other topics. They continued to talk as they reached their destination, parked then went about their errands. In each store, Morgan enjoyed trading banter with Bella as they got what she and he wanted. At most of the shops, the owners knew either him or Bella and sometimes the two of them. Morgan knew in his case it was because he was there often since he liked the shops in the area. From what Bella had mentioned, she did too. Bella paid for her purchases in Adrian’s Bakery and from her body language, she was teasing the owner. Bella was leaning against the counter, her hip cocked and with that smile he knew so well on her face as she spoke with the man. Morgan was too far away to hear what she was saying, but when she put her head back and laughed, and he heard the sound, he smiled too. The semi-erection he always had when around her went even harder. Heck, he actually didn’t need to be near her to have it. All he had to do was think of her and he wanted her.

  Morgan shifted the bags he held to his other hand. Bella came to him and her smile made heat curl in his chest. He touched the centre of his chest as she moved towards him. Her slow, sexy strut made him want to rush her home and have her. They had one more stop before that and he was looking forward to it. Bella came right up to him and leaned against him, placing her hand over his on his chest. Unable to resist, Morgan lowered his head and kissed her gently. Bella made the sensual sound deep in her throat she did whenever he kissed her. Morgan moaned, rethinking whether they should leave and just go home. He pulled back, staring into her eyes.

  “Home.” He gave her another peck. “Need you.”

  “Uh-uh, not yet.” Bella licked her lips, leaving them moist and so tempting for another kiss. “Ellis Candy Shoppe first, then we can go home.”

  “I love the sweets at that place, but I have another sweet in mind.” He smirked. “In case I need to be clearer, it involves me and you on a horizontal surface naked and having a good time. We can get our adrenaline pumping.”

  “I love how you work off that rush of energy you get from that—”

  Morgan made a hmm sound, sensing that he was about to convince her.

  “But I want to go to the candy shop first.” Bella kissed him softly. “It’ll be worth it, believe me.”

  “Okay.” Although disappointed, Morgan figured it would take maybe a half an hour tops then they’d be on the way home. After they got there, he would have her as he’d stated. “Candy is always worth it. Hmmm… Maybe we can get some of the caramel or coconut syrup Storm makes.”

  “How about in addition to a favourite we have in common, we get one each of another of our favourites we don’t have in common? I love coconut like you do, but how about we get strawberry for you and pecan for me?”

  “That sounds good to me.” Morgan leaned close to her ear. “Any of them will taste wonderful on your skin.”

  “I’m betting that it will and since I plan to use the pecan on your body, I’m going to enjoy each and every lick, suck and taste.” Bella shifted her hand down the plane of his stomach then cupped his erection. “Especially here. I will pay loads of attention to this.”

  Morgan pushed into her touch and groaned. “God, Bella, how am I supposed to leave this bakery much less go to get candy when you are tempting me like this? Are you sure you don’t want to just go home?”

  Bella’s sultry chuckle flowed around them then she said, “No going home yet. Think of it as anticipation for later. For now, let me help you out with your bulging problem.” She shifted the bag to her arm then slid her hand to his side and un-tucked his dark orange T-shirt from the waistband of his jeans. She smoothed down the fabric then rubbed over his member, which was now covered from view.

  “Bella. That’s not helping me.” Morgan pulled away.

  “It’s a good thing you wear baggy shirts that can cover you.” Bella moved to his side and placed her hand in the crook of his arm. “Where is your spring jacket?”

  “It’s not that cold.” Morgan tugged on the collar of her coat. “You look cute in this jean jacket.”

  “Cute”—Bella wrinkled her nose—“is for puppies. I was going for so sexy that it makes you want to rip my clothing off and have me.”

  “You could be in a brown paper bag and I’d want you. And this makes you even cuter.” Morgan kissed her scrunched up nose.

  “Aww, you say the sweetest things. Okay then, I can accept cute. I’d do you even if you were in a paper bag too. Although at first it would be real loud and crinkly. Then it would rip easy, since we would sweat through it.”

  Morgan blinked then laughed. “God, Bella, the way your mind works is fascinating.”

  “What? It’s true. Paper bags when wet do rip easy.” Bella pursed her lips. “It’s a proven fact.”

  “It is, but for you to get from my comm
ent about a paper bag to it coming off is just interesting.” Morgan led her towards the door of the bakery.

  “What can I say? I’m unique.” Bella pulled open the door and they walked towards their last stop. “We can even test my theory later. I’ll put a paper bag over your—”

  “Bella,” Morgan said in warning, looking at the bustling area with people walking around them as they also shopped and browsed.

  “What? A paper bag isn’t freaky.” Bella squeezed his arm, a devilish grin on her lips.

  “Somehow I think you’d find a way to make it so.” Morgan stopped in front of the candy shop.

  “Probably.” She laughed the melodious sound he loved. Bella stared at the etched glass with the logo for Ellis Candy Shoppe. “Back to where we met. When I went in the other day, Storm wondered where I’d been since I hadn’t been in since that day. I usually go by a few times a month.”

  “I haven’t been in either.” Morgan frowned as he thought of it. “That’s not like me.”

  “I’ve been distracted.” Bella wiggled her eyebrows. “By a tall man who makes me want to experiment with paper bags.”

  “Oh, God. I bet you will do it too.” Morgan tried to recall if he had a paper bag at his house. “I don’t know if I have a paper bag at my place.”

  “Hmmm… I don’t know if I have one either.” Bella pointed to the shop. “We can ask Storm for one.”

  “I’ll ask, but you say nothing. Hell, don’t even look at him when I ask or he’ll know something is up.” Morgan rolled his eyes. “Wait, when did you go into Ellis Candy Shoppe? And why didn’t you bring me anything?”

  “I make me no promises. Don’t pout, I didn’t buy anything.” Bella sighed. “Yeah I know going in and not buying anything was so unlike me, but I was in a rush to make our date.”

  “Awww, you say the sweetest things. Rushing to me and forgoing your favourite candy.” Morgan kissed her cheek briefly. “Now you have me curious about why you went in to see Storm? Are you planning another event for the club?”

  “Ummm… The syrups are calling my name.” Bella partially lowered her lids and stared at him. “Where do you plan to use it?”

  Morgan instinctively looked down and focused between her thighs. “You don’t even need to ask. Damn, Bella, I was just calming a little and now I’m hard as rock again. You did that deliberately.”

  “Maybe. Let’s go in.” She tugged him towards the door.

  Morgan bit his lips as he stared at her ponytail. He imagined holding her in place with the tail of it while he took her from behind. Bella opened the door and led him in. He didn’t really pay attention, all his thoughts focused on the images in his mind. Absently, he said hello to Storm but left the conversation between him and Bella. Morgan set down their bags on the floor by the display counter. When he straightened, he still didn’t register what they were saying as he lifted his hand and smoothed the ponytail then wrapped it around his fist, giving a slight tug. Bella glanced at him, lifting an eyebrow in question.

  “Just checking something.”

  Bella’s expression changed and the knowing look in her eyes made him know she’d figured out what he was thinking. Morgan smiled a slow grin, winking.

  “Trouble,” Bella whispered. “You are nothing but trouble.”

  “I know.” Morgan held her close, kissing the side of her face then realised that Storm wasn’t before them anymore. “Where did Storm go? Hell, I didn’t even see when he did.”

  “Because your mind was in the gutter.” Bella put her arm around his waist and slid her hand in the back pocket of his jeans.

  Morgan mirrored her, putting his hand in her back pocket, and he squeezed her derrière. Bella jumped then pushed back into his touch.

  “Behave, you wicked man.”

  “I am.” Morgan looked around for Storm. “Let’s get our candy and go. You know what I like.”

  “Patience.” Bella patted his chest.

  Storm came from the back, holding a tray with two pieces of candy on it and a medium-sized light blue box with the shop’s logo. Morgan recognised the box because the colour was the one Storm used for when he was having someone test out candy. His mouth watered. Although he teased Storm about being his guinea pig, he enjoyed it. Storm made delicious candies and he had the chance to sample them and give his input. Storm set the tray down then the box beside it.

  “Usually you let me take it home and not taste it here,” Morgan said.

  “This time it is a special candy.” Storm glanced at Bella. “I’ll let you explain.”

  Storm walked away. Morgan glanced at Bella questioningly.

  “Taste this.” She picked up a piece.

  “Brittle.” Morgan stared at it. “I haven’t seen this before in Storm’s store.” He opened his mouth and she slipped the piece of candy onto his tongue.

  Morgan chewed and his eyes widened at the delicious taste as it filled his mouth. In moments, the combination registered with him.

  “I taste caramel, pecans and strawberries.”

  “Good taste buds. It’s a caramel, pecan and strawberry brittle with a vanilla glaze and a sprinkle of coconut on top.” Bella rocked back on her heels. “I asked Storm to make something that was us—well, our favourite flavours.” She ran her hand down the side of her jeans. “At first, he wasn’t sure if those tastes would work together. But then he took it as a challenge and you know how he is. He got into it and really went all out to get just the right flavour combinations to fit. He liked how it turned out and let me pick what to call it. I came up with Temptation Delight. I wanted to have something to signify where we met.” Bella studied him.

  Morgan glanced at the other piece of brittle, surprised that she had done this—had something made that was them. For her to come up with it and have it done was just like her. She was so giving and Morgan was grateful she was in his life. A warm sensation filled him and he turned to her before pulling her against him then kissing her deeply.

  Chapter Six

  Bella moaned as he deepened the kiss. The sound of applause and cheering made Morgan remember where they were. He slowly gentled the kiss then released her and looked around. The other patrons of the shop returned to what they had been doing. He focused back on Bella.

  “No one has ever done such a thing for me.” Morgan cleared his throat. “Thank you, Bella. Meeting you that day was—”

  “An awesome experience that enriched you so much for the better.” Bella winked. “We have lots of adventures to have together, Morgan.”

  “We do.” Morgan smoothed his knuckle along her cheek. “It—”

  “Bella,” a demanding female voice called.

  Bella glanced behind him and leaned her head against his shoulder, groaning. “Oh, God, that’s Miss Edin. She knows my mom and from the look on her face she’s going to tease me mercilessly. Heck, there are a few people in here today who know someone in my family. Once people start filling in who they know in my family, I’ll be getting loads of phone calls from them about what just happened.” Bella lifted her head and chuckled. “Might as well go speak with Miss Edin. She has a wicked sense of humour and I expect I’ll be blushing soon.” She kissed him briefly then patted his waist before she went past him.

  Morgan turned and his eyes widened when he spotted the elegant older lady who Bella embraced. The women were too far away for him to hear what they were saying, but Bella, who was partially turned to him, was indeed shifting her feet, with a sheepish grin on her face—a signal that she was indeed blushing.

  “Finally seeing you with Bella, I’m so going to be getting some money from my brother,” Storm spoke behind him.

  Morgan moved back so he could look between Storm and where Bella was.

  “What do you mean?” He focused on Storm for now.

  “The last few times at our monthly Sunday dinner when you mentioned Bella, I knew something was there. That you were becoming invested in being with her. My brother disagreed, saying that I was putting things that
weren’t there.” Storm tapped his finger on the counter. “But there was something in your voice.”

  “In my voice?”

  “That signalled you were serious.” Storm crossed his arms and leaned against the counter. “It’s serious, isn’t it?”

  Morgan didn’t know how to answer that question so instead he changed the subject. “Wait? Money? You bet on me?”

  “Yep. And my brother owes me money.” Storm laughed. “Boy, am I going to have a good time rubbing this in.”

  “He was a sucker to bet with you. You have this uncanny ability of winning.”

  “I know.” Storm snickered. “You would think he would learn, but he’s stubborn.”

  “Just like someone I know.” Morgan glanced at Bella.

  She hugged the woman again then turned and headed back his way.

  “Here.”

  Morgan saw Storm was holding out a cloth. “What is that for?”

  “To wipe off the drool on your face.” Storm set the towel on the glass counter. “Enjoy the candy, and I expect a rundown about it so I can decide if I want to add it to my stock.” He walked away.

  “I’m not drooling,” Morgan called after him.

  Storm lifted his head and said, “Keep telling yourself that.”

  Morgan opened his mouth to retort, but his cell dinged and vibrated, signalling an incoming text. He took out his phone and checked the message.

  “Do you have to go in?” Bella said as she arrived by his side.

  As usual in her voice, he just heard curiosity and no recriminations for having to change their plans. Again, he thought of how it was so easy to be with her. He didn’t have to worry that she would get all bent out of shape about such things like his career.

  “Nope.” Morgan read the text again. “Just some of my friends from work inviting me out for drinks and some pool at a bar we all frequent close to the job. Lemme just tell them I can’t make it and then we can go on with our plans.”

  “Don’t do that.” Bella placed her hand over his. “We can go. Unless you think they would mind if I tagged along?”