A Pleasing Temptation

by Deborah Fletcher Mello

  “This is very nice!” Kamaya exclaimed as she spun around in slow, tight circle, taking it all in.

  Wesley nodded. “It’s where I retreat to when I need to clear my mind,” he said, as he moved toward the galley to drop the picnic basket. Turning toward her, he held out the small gym bag that Kamaya’s sister had packed for him.

  Kamaya eyed it and him with a raised brow. “That’s mine. Where did you...” she started.

  “Your sister is very resourceful. We both figured you might want a change of clothes,” he said, as he passed the carrier into her hands. “I’m not sure what’s inside, but I asked her to pack something you wouldn’t mind getting dirty. Just in case.” He pointed toward the master bedroom. “You can change in there.”

  “I can’t believe you already have my family plotting against me.”

  He laughed. “I prefer to see it as Maitlyn plotted with me on your behalf.”

  Kamaya shook her head. “Just wait until I get my hands on her.”

  He took a step toward her, closing the space between them. He brushed the backs of his fingers against her cheek, sliding stray curls from her face. “Be nice to your sister. I owe her.”

  His touch suddenly had Kamaya heated. A response caught deep in her chest and she could only nod. She took an abrupt step back, and then she turned, practically racing toward the bedroom and the door she could close tightly between them.

  Once inside, Kamaya dropped down onto the bed and sucked in air. Her reaction to the nearness of him had been unexpected. And intense. There was a low throbbing that had begun to beat between her legs, her sweet spot seeming to cry out for attention. And release. She sighed, her wanting suddenly feeling like a weight around her body that she couldn’t escape.

  She had no words to explain what she was feeling. It was something more than sexual desire. Something that was completely foreign to her. Whatever it was needed to be contained and extinguished, and she suddenly fathomed that giving in to her carnal urgings might happen tonight. But playing where she did business was never a good idea, and although she really liked Wesley, she couldn’t cross that boundary. Or could she?

  She shook the garments from the bag, curious to see what Maitlyn had packed. A pair of denim shorts, her favorite Bob Marley T-shirt and flip-flops fell onto the bed. Maitlyn had gotten it right, Kamaya thought, as she reached inside to make sure there was nothing else left to unpack. And then she laughed, her head shaking as she pulled out the satin-and-lace teddy tucked down into the bottom corner. Maitlyn had a sense of humor and Kamaya couldn’t help but be amused.

  * * *

  Wesley was topside when Kamaya finally reappeared. He had changed his clothes, as well, his suit replaced by chino shorts, a Polo shirt and boat shoes. He was readying the boat to sail, inspecting all the standing rigging—the cables and ropes that supported the mast and the turnbuckles and cotter pins that secured the rigging to the hull. He explained everything as he did it, and Kamaya was anxious to take it all in. It was only minutes later that they were headed out of the channel into the open waters.

  “How do you know where to steer around the other boats?” she asked, genuinely interested.

  “You have to honor the navigational buoys. They tell you where the water is safe and where it isn’t. When you leave a marina, the red buoys are always left to port.”

  Pointing the boat into the wind they hoisted the sails and then it was as if they were running with the late afternoon air. Kamaya instantly understood the attraction to the sport. Watching Wesley, she could see just how smitten he was. Everything about sailing excited him, and she was thoroughly engaged as he educated her on sailing terminology and boat parts. It took no time at all before she was just as enthusiastic already plotting to perhaps buy her own boat.

  “Watch the boom!” Wesley hollered.

  Kamaya ducked as the horizontal support swung over her head, the boat shifting directions as Wesley turned it around. They sailed for a good two hours before heading back into the marina, returning to the dock. When the boat was tied in place, the sails lowered and the anchor dropped, Kamaya threw her arms round his neck and hugged him tightly. “That was so much fun!” she exclaimed.

  Wesley hugged her back, holding her close as he savored the nearness of her. She felt like she’d been made especially for his arms and when she stepped back he didn’t want to let her go. “I’m glad you had a good time,” he said softly, as he pulled her hand to his lips and kissed the back of her fingers. “Are you hungry? You’ve really been working hard.”

  “I am a little munchie. I think lunch is definitely gone! Are you going to teach me how to cook on the open water next?”

  He laughed. “No. I’m going to show you how to put cheese and crackers on a plate,” he teased.

  “Now that sounds like it would take exceptional skill,” she said facetiously.

  Wesley grinned, guiding her down to the lower level of the boat. As she made herself comfortable on the cushioned sofa, he unpacked goodies from the picnic basket. There were crackers and cheese, pepperoni and salami, a container of fresh berries, cookies and a bottle of Moscato. He plated the food and poured them both a glass of wine, and then he joined her.

  “So, how long have you been sailing?” Kamaya asked, as she pulled one leg beneath her bottom.

  “I did a private party many years ago for a woman who was celebrating her fiftieth birthday with her girlfriends. She had a sailboat and we sailed down to Key West. The crew she’d hired taught me everything and I was hooked from then on. I bought my own boat two years later, and I’ve been sailing regularly ever since.”

  Kamaya nodded. She swallowed a bite of cheese and pepperoni. “So, did you do a lot of private parties when you were dancing?” she asked.

  He shifted his gaze in her direction. “There were a few.”

  She took a gulp of her wine and then a second. An awkward silence swept between them.

  Wesley dropped his own glass to the wooden coffee table in front of them. “If you want to ask me something, just do so.”

  She shook her head. “Nope!” She gulped again. “I have no questions that need to be asked.”

  “Well, I have a question for you.”

  They locked eyes as he turned to face her, leaning forward to rest both elbows on his thighs, his hands clasped tightly together. “Is there something going on between you and Paxton? I noticed some tension between you two that day you came to the club. A little lover’s spat, maybe?”

  Kamaya took a deep breath as she suddenly snatched her eyes from his. She leaned to rest her own drink on the table. Of all the questions she’d been prepared for, she hadn’t expected to be asked that one. Over the years she’d had to explain her relationship with Paxton more than once, her family, especially, always having questions. And over the years she had always lied, not wanting to share the truth of her friendship with the man. But now it was Wesley asking and she couldn’t lie.

  “We’re friends. We were friends with benefits but he recently became engaged to someone I don’t particularly care for and the benefits portion of our friendship ended.”

  “Are you in love with him?”

  Kamaya paused, that question surprising her as well. “We’ve been friends since forever, so, yes, I love him. But I’m not in love with him. What we had was just convenient during a time in our lives when we needed convenience.”

  “And you’re sure that you’re done and finished with the benefits portion of your relationship?”

  “Without any doubts!”

  “Is there anyone else I need to be concerned about?”

  She smiled. “You didn’t need to be concerned about Paxton. But, no, there are no more friends with benefits in my life at that moment.”

  He nodded. “So I’ll answer the question you didn’t want to ask. No, I don’t dance privat
ely anymore. And I’ve never dated nor been involved with anyone that I have ever performed for.”

  Kamaya gave him an eye roll. “That wasn’t my question.”

  His eyebrows lifted slightly. “It wasn’t?”

  She shook her head. “No. I was going to ask, if you and I were dating, could I look forward to a private lap dance. That was my question.”

  Wesley laughed. “I am interested in dating you, but I’ll be honest, I’m worried how that might affect our business together. I’m sure it’s crossed your mind, as well.”

  Kamaya took a breath. “So no lap dances, is that what you’re saying?”

  He shook his head, amusement dancing across his face. “Until we figure out where this is going we might want to just take things slow.”

  “I wasn’t rushing anything,” she said matter-of-factly.

  He nodded. “You’re right. You weren’t. I think I just got a little ahead of myself. It won’t happen again.”

  She blew a soft sigh. “Well, that’s no fun!” she said, her tone dripping with sarcasm.

  Wesley shifted closer toward her. He reached for her hand and held it, gazing directly into her eyes. As Kamaya stared back she could feel herself falling headfirst into the look he was giving her, something earnest and fantastical lost deep in his dark eyes. She found herself searching for something that belonged only to her.

  The moment was heated and she realized her breath was coming in short gasps. She bit down against her bottom lip as she closed her own eyes, trying to reel in each breath. She felt his face next to hers and then his warm breath blowing softly across her skin as he whispered softly into her ear. “But the answer to your question would be yes,” he said. “And only for you!”

  * * *

  Wesley was grateful for the cool breezes blowing off the waters of Lake Ponchartrain. After responding to Kamaya’s question, he stood up, moving onto his feet abruptly as he needed to put some space between them. He refilled both their wine glasses and then invited her topside to get ready for the fireworks.

  He was glad Kamaya had taken a brief moment to herself, her own emotions surely running as high as his. Neither had actually voiced what they were feeling, but if he were honest, Wesley had to admit that he wanted her, and he wanted her more than he’d ever wanted any woman before. It had taken every ounce of his fortitude to contain the rise of nature that had threatened to grow full and abundant for attention.

  He stared out to the water and the sun that was just beginning to set on the horizon. It would only be a matter of minutes before the fiery orb kissed the line of blue moisture. Music was playing in the distance, one of the other boat owners sharing his sound system. The Latin tunes were melodic and playful, and fitting for the moment. Someone else agreed, a man’s voice calling out. “Hey, Bernard! If no one else minds, can you turn it up?”

  “Please, turn it up!” someone else echoed from a boat on the other side.

  Minutes later the music’s volume vibrated warmly and a round of applause echoed with appreciation. Wesley smiled as Kamaya came into view, giving him a slight wave of her hand.

  “Is it a party?” she asked, her body swaying in rhythm with a salsa beat.

  “It is definitely a celebration,” he said.

  She shook her hips from side to side, the exaggerated gesture making him laugh. Holding out both hands, Kamaya gestured for him to join her. “Come salsa with me!” she said, her face shimmering with joy.

  He shook his head as she pulled him to his feet. He slid his right hand around her upper shoulder and clasped her hand with his left. With little effort they were moving in near perfect sync with each other, their bodies twisting and spinning together like a well-oiled machine. Wesley was impressed with how completely comfortable she was, her body movements graceful and seductive. She was enjoying herself, and the sheer beauty of that was written all over her face and in each motion of her body.

  “You are very good,” he said, as he spun her in a tight circle against him and then away.

  Kamaya grinned. “Thank you!” she said as they moved from one side of the boat to the other.

  When the song ended there was another round of applause, and for the first time Kamaya realized the family on the boat beside them had been watching. She laughed as she tossed Wesley a look and then they both took a bow. Wesley’s neighbor gave them two thumbs-up before turning his attention back to his wife and kids.

  Kamaya and Wesley took a seat as energy continued to vibrate between them. It was electrical, shimmering with an effervescence that was completely magical. The intensity of it surprised them both.

  “That was so much fun,” Kamaya said, breaking the blanket of silence that had descended over them.

  “It was fun. And you surprised me. You have serious dance skills.”

  “Five years of Latin dance lessons. You should see me rumba!”

  Before Wesley could respond, a flash of white light burst in the sky above their heads. Kamaya grinned, clapping her hands together. She was giddy with excitement, her reaction almost childlike.

  The lights continued to burst, fireworks snapping, crackling and popping with a vengeance. She shifted her body against his, the two of them settling comfortably against each other. Wesley draped an arm over her shoulders and pulled her close as she leaned her head against his shoulder. They both stared toward the darkened sky.

  The fireworks exploded. The moment was enchanting and Kamaya couldn’t remember the last time she’d felt so carefree and relaxed. When the last burst of light flashed a brilliant shade of red, green and yellow, she snuggled against Wesley and his body reacted.

  The music was still sounding through the air, soft and easy, stringed instruments playing a sweet jazz tune. Kamaya sat upright, shifting forward in her seat. Her mind was suddenly racing, her heart beating rapidly in her chest.

  “Are you okay?” Wesley asked, concern registering in his tone.

  She turned her body to face him. Her head moved up and down. “Everything is perfect,” she whispered, as she eased herself up and over his body, straddling her legs around him.

  “I thought we were going to take things slow?” he said, as his arms wrapped around her waist, one hand clutching her buttocks, the other skating across her back.

  Kamaya whispered. “This is slow.” And then she kissed him, dropping her mouth against his.

  Chapter 8

  It took only a split second for Kamaya to know what she wanted and she knew she wanted Wesley. In that split second she’d been able to weigh the pros and cons of taking their relationship to the next level, and without an ounce of hesitation she’d taken that first step.

  Her lips glided like silk across his lips, capturing his mouth possessively. She abandoned every one of her inhibitions as she wrapped her arms around him, pressing her pelvis against the rise of nature in his shorts. She wanted him, the need just shy of desperate, but everything about it felt right. She pulled her mouth from his, panting heavily as they both gasped for air.

  “Are you sure about this?” he whispered, his hands still dancing over her ass and hips.

  She responded by kissing him again. Her tongue probed against his lips until he allowed her access to his mouth, meeting her tongue with his own. There were an entanglement of hot breath and the sweet taste of the wine they’d shared. He took that as a yes.

  Wesley held her tightly as he shifted forward and moved onto his feet, lifting her into his arms. Kamaya wrapped her legs around his waist as they continued to exchange a long, lustful kiss that left them both breathless. His hand cupped the perfect round of her ass and squeezed each firm cheek as he pulled her tighter against him.

  As if he did it regularly, he maneuvered them from topside to the deck below, away from the prying eyes of those still sitting beneath the late-night stars. He carried her ea
sily back to the bedroom, careful not to bump into any of the furniture along the way.

  When he made it to the edge of the bed, Wesley eased her down onto the covers, his mouth moving from her lips to her neck as he left a trail of damp kisses along the way. Her skin was salty and sweet against his tongue and he lapped at her as if doing so would quench his thirst. He nipped at her flesh, biting her gently, and when he did she clutched him even closer to her.

  He suddenly stood upright, pulling his shirt over his head. Kamaya gasped at the sight of his bare chest. His skin was melted chocolate, decadent and deliciously sweet. It was satin softness pulled taut over hardened steel, each sinewy muscle constricted. She reached a hand out to touch him and her fingers quivered with anticipation, each digit heated as every one of her synapses fired.

  She rose up onto her knees and gently pressed her hand over his heart. She could feel it beating against her palm like a college drumline, and as if she’d willed it, her own heartbeat synced perfectly with his. The moment made them both gasp.

  Reaching for her, Wesley pulled at her T-shirt, the image of Bob Marley on the front proclaiming One Love. She lifted her arms obligingly, the soft pant of her breath moving his temperature to rise. He pulled her back into his arms and reclaimed her mouth, kissing her hungrily. With little effort, he undid the hooks and eyes on the lace bra she wore, easing the straps gently off her shoulders. Her skin was sheer perfection, unblemished and the creamiest caramel color. His hands danced over the soft lines, his mouth following where his fingers led.

  With her breasts exposed, Kamaya suddenly felt vulnerable and feared it might be reflected in her eyes. Tears misted behind the lids and she gasped, holding tight to the breath she’d taken. Wesley hugged her to him, seemingly sensing the rise of her anxiety, and just like that it was gone. She kissed him, her mouth tasting his as his hands trailed over her back.

  Wesley palmed her bare breasts, his touch burning sweetly against her skin. Her nipples had hardened, nubs of dark candy cradled against the round pools of her chocolate areola. He gently rubbed and twisted and pinched her nipples between his thick fingers. Pulling his mouth from her he sucked one breast and then the other, suckling at her with a voracity that surprised them both.