More than Temptation

by Taige Crenshaw

  “Be—”

  “Try the wings,” Richard urged, glaring at Julianne.

  Julianne leaned her face against Kennan and chuckled.

  “Why am I suddenly feeling like there is something I’m not being told?”

  “No reason.” Richard pushed the plate towards her. “Eat.”

  Bella did as he said and picked up a wing. She bit into it and the sound she made caused Morgan to jerk and be grateful that his T-shirt covered his erection. She continued to make obscene noises as she finished off the wing.

  “Oh, God, that is so good.” Bella pointed a sauce-covered finger. “I should call you on cheating because this is one of the sauces that are Harmon’s,” she said, referring to a friend of theirs who was known for his barbecue sauce, rubs and other sauces. “But I’m going to concede. I am curious, how did you get Harmon to share his sauce with you for this place?”

  “Family.” Richard smiled. “Harmon is my cousin.”

  “I’ll be damned. You’re Cousin Ricky.” Bella laughed. “Harmon talks about you all the time, but I hadn’t seen any picture of you before so didn’t know it was you. The bright blue eyes are so much like Harmon’s.”

  “Yeah. Harmon calls me that nickname.” Richard smiled ruefully. “Goes back to our days in diapers when I called him Harmy. So I’m Ricky and he’s Harmy. But no one else can call us that.” He glared around.

  They all agreed not to call him that. Bella slid off the stool, picked up the plate of wings and handed them to Richard.

  “Keep those hot for me.” Bella patted her belly. “I don’t sing on a full stomach. And make me six more sets to go. Put them in three bags with two in each.” Bella glanced at Morgan and said, “I’m getting the extras for Driscoll and Stuart. Do you want any?”

  “So you’re not going to share your wings with me?” he teased.

  “Nope. Add two more and put in a bag with my two.” Bella strode off.

  “Where is she going?” Richard asked.

  “To sing for her supper. Come on, honey, let’s get a good seat.” Julianne hopped off the stool, grabbed Kennan’s hand and pulled him along with her as she followed her cousin.

  Morgan went behind them and Richard hurried with him.

  “But I didn’t get to tell anyone,” he said to Julianne.

  “I wouldn’t worry about that, Bella will take care of that.”

  As soon as she had said it, a note ripped through the air that made Morgan’s head tingle with its purity and beauty.

  “Come on.” Julianne rushed.

  Morgan kept up, already seeing people heading for the room that had the stage and dance floor. They made it in and sat at a table close to the stage.

  Bella held the note then trickled down before rising with the sound again. Morgan glanced around and saw the room filling. Richard was sitting at the table with them, an awed expression on his face. Morgan had never seen him look that way.

  “Stop gaping at me,” Richard growled, not taking his sight off Bella.

  “Take me home and hold me close.”

  Bella’s sultry words made Morgan forgo teasing Richard to stare at her. She was watching him and that familiar look of hunger was on her face. He shifted in his seat as his cock hardened more. He didn’t even think it was possible. Bella’s knowing grin made him want to kiss her senseless. She continued to sing, prowling the stage and dancing. Her sensual movements made him ache to take her home. Bella moved and entertained the crowd as she sang for her supper. Her one song morphed into two then three. Morgan was awed that she sang a cappella.

  “Time is but a memory that you embrace.” Bella sang the last line then put the mic back before stepping off the stage. Although the room was hyped by her singing, they were respectful as people stopped her on her way to their table. Richard rose as she finally arrived and held out his hands. Bella put hers in his and smiled at him.

  “Sang for my supper. Where are my wings?”

  “Let me get you some new wings.”

  “I’ll come with you.” Bella glanced at Morgan and he inclined his head.

  When they’d left, Morgan let the conversation flow around him. Bella was talented, gracious and sexy. She was the complete package and he was indeed a lucky man to have her in his life. Morgan rose and wandered back to the game room to play some pool while he waited for Bella. A game was going on so he stood talking with some of the others while he waited his turn. As time passed and Bella didn’t return, he wondered where she was. His cell vibrated in his pocket and he pulled it out. He read the text.

  Meet me outside. —Bella.

  “I’m heading out,” Morgan said to Julianne and Kennan.

  They nodded and he left. Morgan paused by the bar and waved to Richard before he went to the door and outside. He glanced around for Bella but didn’t see her. He headed to his SUV and saw her leaning against the vehicle.

  Three bags sat on the hood and Morgan said, when he was close enough, “See you got your wings.”

  “Yes. And we have to make a quick stop to drop them off at Driscoll’s and Stuart’s then head home.” Bella held up her cell. “I texted them we were dropping off the wings.”

  “Okay.” Morgan replied. Soon I will have her. Patience, you can do that.

  He opened the door then retrieved the bags and put them in the back seat while Bella got in the front. Morgan went around and got in then moments later he had them on their way. Bella chatted as he drove. Morgan listened, not really participating as she did. The time from the bar to Driscoll’s and Stuart’s neighbourhood dragged until finally he pulled up to the kerb and turned into Driscoll’s driveway, then drove the few minutes to the house and parked at the base of the steps.

  “Wait here, let me just run it up.” Bella reached behind the seat and grabbed one bag then got out. She went quickly up the steps and in moments, she was coming back.

  Driscoll came to the top of the steps and waved. Morgan tapped his horn. Bella was soon back inside the car and he headed out. Morgan drove across the street and up to Stuart’s house and she again got out and went to the house. Stuart also came and waved then handed Bella a plastic bag as he accepted the wings. Bella hugged him then turned and descended the steps. Bella opened the door and got in then put on her seatbelt.

  “Any more stops?” Morgan asked and prayed not.

  “We almost had to have one, since someone forgot to get what we said we needed.”

  “Huh?”

  “This.” Bella opened the plastic bag and pulled out what was inside.

  Morgan stared at the paper bag before looking at her. “You asked Stuart for that?”

  “I asked Driscoll and Stuart and thankfully Stuart had them.” Bella wagged the bags at him. “So are we going to finally get to the naked horizontal or what?”

  “Yes.” Morgan drove out onto the street then asked, “I know we talked about the bag but what are you actually going to do with it? Or put in it?”

  “Wait and see,” Bella said mysteriously.

  Morgan moaned. He couldn’t wait to get home.

  * * * *

  Bella folded the paper bag then paused, staring at it with a smug smile on her lips. She recalled a week ago when she and Morgan had had fun with the syrups and the paper bag. They had gone through a few bags trying various things with them. Bella rubbed her finger along the bag, already plotting what had become her favourite way to drive Morgan out of his mind when she used the paper bag. She’d taken scissors to cut lines along the bag then twisted the other edge before using the bag to tease him. She then added syrups to lick off him. Morgan had been babbling and begging for more. Morgan’s words that he wouldn’t look at a paper bag the same again had made her laugh. But now, standing here, she knew what he meant. She put away the bag then pivoted and stared off into space. Since that day and night, she’d not seen much of Morgan. He’d been working hard on a case that had recently come in. After glancing at the time, Bella went to the living room and turned on the TV. She sat as th
e news started. The case Morgan was working on was headline news and on all the news channels, as well as in the print media. Morgan hadn’t been the one who had told her he was on the case. She’d seen him standing in the background during the first news conference given by the mayor. He and Kennan had both been there.

  Even if she hadn’t known the men, she would have been following what was going on. The apartment fire that had claimed the lives of over twenty people and had left thirty more injured was big news. Then in the same week, another building had burnt and even more casualties had happened. The news said that the fires were linked, that they had an arsonist who didn’t care about the loss of human life. Bella curled her legs under her as she stared at the screen and the pictures of the victims whose funerals had been and were being held throughout the week.

  “So sad,” Bella whispered.

  The malicious intent to the fires—taking so many at once—was what had the town on edge. Bella clenched her fists and leant forward as she viewed footage from one of the scenes. Although she knew it was old, Bella’s heart still raced. She recognised Morgan and Kennan as they grabbed a person from the firefighter who had come out of the burning building. They lifted the woman between them and carried her off camera.

  “Please, please keep him safe. Don’t let there be any more fires. Let this arsonist be caught,” she said the prayer and hoped it was heard.

  The doorbell rang and Bella rose, frowning, since she hadn’t been expecting anyone. She went to the door and looked out of the peephole, then her eyes widened and she smiled before yanking open the door.

  “Morgan.” She studied him. “You look so tired. Come in, come in.” Bella tugged him inside and embraced him, inhaling deeply as she pressed her face against his neck.

  “I’m beat.” Morgan kissed the top of her head gently. “But I couldn’t take sleeping alone one more night. I wanted to come over last night, but didn’t want to wake you, since it was so late. Got off earlier today.”

  “You can come by anytime,” Bella said, kissing the side of his neck. “I’ve been so worried about you. I saw you on the news.”

  “I won’t wake you up so late.” Morgan hugged her tighter. “I needed this. No need to worry, I’m fine. The news only uses the sensational stuff so don’t pay them too much mind.”

  “Okay. I needed this too. Have you eaten? Do you need to rest? What do you need? Why are you still in the doorway? Come in.” Bella stepped back, urging him inside.

  Morgan moved with her and chuckled tiredly. “In order of your questions. I didn’t eat but can eat something. I do need to rest. And what I need is you. I’m in the doorway because I needed to hold you.”

  Bella cupped his cheeks. “I can take care of all you need.” She moved to his side, leading him to the staircase. “Go upstairs and take a shower to relax. I’ll make you something to eat and bring it up for you.”

  “Thanks, Bella.” Morgan kissed her then went up the steps.

  He trudged up and his limp was more pronounced—a testament to how tired he was. Bella waited until he made the left, disappearing from view towards her bedroom. She returned to the living room and turned off the TV before going into the kitchen and making him something to eat. As she compiled the sandwich, Bella thought of what he had said about wanting to see her last night but it being too late. She finished making the sandwich then grabbed a bottle of juice for him before going into the hall. She made a detour to her office and retrieved what she needed before going upstairs to the bedroom. When she entered the bedroom, she heard the shower in the adjacent bathroom running. Bella set the sandwich, drink and what she’d got from her office on the nightstand on the side of the bed Morgan usually slept on.

  She went back to the chair by the door and stripped her housedress off before slipping into her sleeping gown. Bella retraced her steps to the bed and sat, waiting for Morgan. The shower turned off and she heard Morgan in the other room. Shortly he came into the bedroom, his bare chest visible and his pyjama bottoms on. Since they slept over at each other’s places, they had started leaving clothing they could use. Morgan’s slumped shoulders and slow steps only reaffirmed to her that he was tired. He sat beside her, placing his hand on her upper thigh.

  “Thanks.” He picked up one half of the sandwich and took a big bite.

  Bella retrieved the juice then held it for him while he ate. Morgan took the bottle and drank in between his bites. When the first half was done, Morgan glanced at what lay beside the plate then at her.

  “What is that?”

  “A key for my place.” Bella stroked his arm. “I want you to have it. Come by whenever you want, no matter how late.”

  “Be—”

  “That way, you don’t have to worry about waking me.” Bella pressed a kiss to his lips and the taste of strawberry juice he drank was sweet on his lips.

  Morgan licked her lips then said softly, “I was going to say thanks. And that I haven’t had a chance to yet, but planned to give you a key too.”

  “Oh.” Bella leaned against him. “Good then. Finish your sandwich then we can get some rest.”

  “I can’t eat anymore.” He took the glass of juice from her then wiped his hand on the napkin she had brought. “I really need to lie down.”

  Bella got up and gestured for him to lie down. Morgan did, but he snagged her wrist and pulled her down onto his chest.

  “Morgan.”

  “Hush.” Morgan smoothed his hand up and down her back. “This is your spot to sleep, at least when we first go to bed. Later I spoon behind you or vice versa, but this is our going to sleep spot.” Morgan’s voice lowered as he blinked.

  “Shhh… Sleep.” Bella snuggled against him.

  “Yes, sleep with my Bella.” Morgan closed his eyes and sighed. “As I helped with the people alive and dead at those fires, all I kept thinking was about you. That I wanted to have you in my arms. It’s so fucking evil that this fucker killed all those people. Even when we catch him—and we will catch him—there isn’t any reason why he did this. We can’t tell the families there is a reason for their loss of life, memories and how their world changed.”

  “But you will get them justice,” Bella said softly.

  “Justice doesn’t mean much when the person who matters most to you in the world is gone. The memories of your life are gone.”

  “It can’t bring back what was lost, but in the long run, the knowledge that justice is done will bring some comfort.” Bella rubbed her hands along his side.

  “It can’t, but what I do, I hope I can bring some kind of closure to the families.” Morgan sighed. “Sometimes life sucks.”

  “It does.”

  “Thanks for letting me be here with you, Bella.”

  “Don’t make me beat you,” Bella warned. “Don’t thank me for something that is my pleasure.”

  “Let me get my strength back first, then you can beat me.” Morgan laughed.

  “Okay, deal.” Bella kissed his forehead then laid her head back on his chest.

  Morgan exhaled and she heard his heart slow and his breath deepen as he slipped into slumber. Bella held him as he slept, glad that he’d come to her.

  “You can always come to me any time you need me, Morgan.”

  “I always need you,” Morgan whispered groggily.

  “Me too,” Bella admitted.

  Morgan relaxed again and went to sleep. Bella lifted her head and studied him.

  When did you come to mean so much to me? What am I going to do about you, Morgan?

  Chapter Seven

  “Bella,” Morgan called softly.

  “Hmmm…” She blinked and saw him squatting beside the bed. “What?”

  “I have to go back in.” He kissed her softly then rubbed his finger down her cheek. “I have the key you gave me and will be back once I get off later. It might be late.”

  Bella lifted her head and noticed through the blinds it was still dark out. She glanced at the clock on nightstand—it was four o’cl
ock in the morning.

  “I hope the case is solved soon and you can get back to working your regular shift.” She touched his cheek. “You still look tired.”

  Morgan usually worked the A shift, which meant that he only worked days starting at eight o’clock through the week, and no evenings or weekends. Occasionally he was on call for emergencies. With the case, he’d been working long hours—sometimes all night and through the next. Until last night, she’d only had texts from him.

  “I’ll be okay. Thanks for being here for me last night.”

  “Waiting until I am half asleep so I can’t beat you to tell me that again.” Bella smiled. “I’m keeping track and will do it when we are both in better shape.”

  “You do that.” Morgan rose. “See you later.”

  “Later.” Bella turned over and watched him walk to the door. “Be safe.”

  “I’ll try.” Morgan winked and went out of the door.

  Bella yawned and snuggled back into bed then went to sleep.

  * * * *

  Later when she woke, Bella pottered around the house, not really doing much. She was off today and didn’t know what to do with herself. She was worrying about Morgan and didn’t think she would be good company for anyone. The sound of her doorbell made Bella hurry to the door. Maybe it was Morgan again, she paused to look at the clock on the wall over the entry table. It was only ten o’clock and he wouldn’t be back so soon. She glanced out of the peephole and opened the door.

  “Mike and Jules, what are you doing here?” She glanced at the other women and men surrounding them. “And with guests.”

  “Morgan texted me earlier and said you were watching the news and worrying about what they were showing. He suggested I come by to get your mind off things.” Michelle shook her head. “Maybe give you some insights into what firefighters do and so on.”