Temptations: A Limited Edition Contemporary Romance Collection

by Blue Saffire

  "You're upset." It wasn't a question.

  "Of course I'm not. I'm relieved. Can't you see this?" I said, gesturing to all of me. "This is what relief looks like."

  "Relieved?"

  "Yes, the bastard is out of my life. He could have done it way before we spent the money and energy planning the damn wedding, but at least we didn't get married, and immediately divorced." I probably sounded angrier than I actually felt.

  He watched my hands and the champagne bottle as I ranted, and then grabbed it from my grasp so fast I couldn't even react.

  I gave him a death stare he seemed not to notice, and watched as he wrapped a piece of linen around the neck of the bottle before returning it.

  The next drink I took was all defiance. "Aren't you supposed to be driving?"

  "Are you always so friendly?" he asked, sliding closer.

  The height of the backseat required him to slump into the leather, giving off faint squeaks as he moved. His lips were full and plush, and those cheekbones had to be illegal. I gave him the once over. Being single had its perks. His build suggested his suits were custom made. That height, combined with some huge biceps, proved a deadly combination. His eyes were my weakness—soft, caring, drawing me in.

  No, you are done with men. I mentally berated myself and took another drink, staring at the psychedelic carpeting on the floor.

  "Can I ask what happened?"

  I slid my gaze to meet his. "He decided I don't value myself because I gained weight."

  "Gained weight?"

  I nodded, taking another swig before speaking again. "I was a size six when we started dating, and now I'm a size sixteen."

  His gaze roamed the length of me, and I pointedly ignored the heat creeping into my neck and face. "Well, if you don't mind me saying, he is a dumb-ass."

  He seemed sincere, and his kindness took me aback. I probably shouldn't have been so snarky with him before.

  "I suddenly like you. What's your name?"

  He chucked, low and deep, before thrusting his hand forward across an acre of tulle. "I'm Alex."

  "Helena."

  His palm felt hot against mine, and I pulled away after a brief shake.

  "So, Alex, how often do you drive away with only one member of the wedding party?"

  "This actually isn't my full-time gig, so you would be the first."

  "Oh, what do you usually do?”

  "I load at the docks outside the city, but my friend Jimmy hooked me up to get some extra cash."

  I smiled. "I think it's against limo driver code to get into the backseat or something."

  "Is there a manual I needed to read or something? That code, I'm sure, only applies to those experienced drivers who have had more than one client left at the altar."

  "Oh, I see. My mistake."

  His damn grin again. I thrust the bottle of champagne toward him in offering, but he waved it away. I shrugged and took another drink. It was almost half gone at this point, and my head grew fuzzier by the minute. I hadn't eaten anything the entire day, as the preparations had demanded my attention. A bottle of champagne on an empty stomach had to be a bad idea.

  I rested the bottle in the curve of my thighs and stared at the beautiful Alex a little longer. There was something about him. Something warm and comforting, and yet, part of me wanted to rip his clothes to shreds and mount him here in the backseat.

  "I don't understand where my life went wrong. Jace made up my whole world, and I don't even think I liked him. I mean, I don't feel sad or hurt, only relieved…and maybe a little embarrassed," I said, probably sharing more than he cared to know.

  His Adam's apple bobbed as he swallowed, certainly trying to think of something placating to say to the crazy woman to make her go away.

  "So what now?" he asked.

  I shook my head and clutched the bottle to my breasts. "I think I simply move on with my life. Find a new place to live, a new boyfriend, eventually, and move on. For now though, get drunk. You sure you don't want any?"

  He squinted at the bottle, then took it after a few seconds. I wished I could see inside his mind, because he gave the bottle a stare down before grabbing it.

  Something like a drunk's version of slow motion came over me as I watched him bring the bottle to those full lips. A deep heat seated itself in my belly and trailed lower while I watched him wrap his mouth around the opening and suck back the liquid. My thoughts took an erotic turn once he finished it off and then cradled the empty bottle in his lap.

  I had to blink myself back to reality but…holy hot limo driver. I cleared my throat, the sound bouncing in the confined and silent space, and said the first thing that came to my mind. "Do you want to have sex?"

  He sputtered and coughed. "Excuse me?"

  "Do you want to have sex?"

  He blinked a few times and then shook his head slowly. "No. I'm sorry. You're drunk, and I'm technically working for you. It wouldn't be right."

  I sighed and searched his face for any signs of subterfuge. Maybe no man wanted me at this size.

  As if reading my mind, he added, "And don't take my 'no' as I don't want to. I'd have you on my lap in a minute if it weren't for the circumstances. You're stunning."

  I swallowed the shame burning up my esophagus.

  "We're outside your hotel. Why don't you go on up?"

  "To what, my bridal suite? Alone?"

  A softness returned to his eyes. It didn't hold traces of pity, as I would expect, only sympathy. "Is the room still charging to your ex?"

  I shrugged. "Sure."

  "Then let's go have a drink. I'm sure the minibar is excellent at this hotel."

  I chuckled. "Room service might be in order too."

  "Atta girl." He climbed out, the leather giving off soft squeaks as he moved.

  Once he got out, I fumbled toward the door, moving the dress as I slid closer. The second both feet stood firmly on the ground, my knees buckled. Alex caught me before I landed in a puddle of wedding gown, and easily swung me up into his arms.

  I wrapped my hands around his neck and allowed him to carry me inside the hotel. It wasn't until the applause followed us through to the elevator, that I realized how it looked. The doors closed with a ding.

  "I'm in the penthouse."

  He grinned. "Of course you are."

  "You can probably set me down now."

  "Not a chance. All I need is one drunk woman, in way too much dress, stumbling down a premier hotel hallway."

  I shrugged. His choice. I could stay wrapped in his strong arms all night. The hard bands of his arms held me firmly against his chest, and I rubbed as much of the warm skin on his neck as the length of my fingers would allow.

  Once we reached the floor and stepped into the penthouse suite, he carefully put me on my feet. I slipped the blue suede heels off and kicked them away with a sigh. The second I’d bought those things, I’d known it would be a mistake.

  When I began to tug at the laces in the back of my dress, Alex spun around to stare at the wall.

  "It took me twenty minutes and two people to get me into this dress. I'll at least need your help to get out of it," I said to Alex's back. "I promise this isn't a ploy to seduce you."

  He chuckled and turned around to help undo the rows of buttons and ties holding me inside a tight embrace of fabric and lace. I noticed his gaze didn't linger anywhere I might have preferred. Either he lied when he said he wanted me, or he was a gentleman.

  Alex did well with his hands, and we achieved freedom in less than ten minutes. Every pass of his fingers over my bare skin caused a nervous skitter down my spine I could barely hide. Luckily, his valiant nature compelled him to ignore it. Once I completely disentangled myself from the dress, I exited the main living room, and went into the bedroom to slip into something more comfortable.

  I removed every shred of lingerie, and pulled out a thin silk cami and short set I bought specifically for the honeymoon. My other option was sweat-pants and a T-shirt, but I had eno
ugh vanity in me still to not go there. I slipped into the silk dressing gown and returned to the living room. Alex stood by the full-size refrigerator, perusing the liquor selection.

  He settled on a beer and glanced at me as I sidled his way. I knew the silk hugged every curve, and this time he couldn't hide his appraisal. A flush of color ran up to his ears as he turned back to the appliance.

  "Lady's choice?" he asked.

  "I'd like that obscenely expensive bottle of Beringer there." I pointed to my choice, and he went about opening it. The cork popped out so hard it hit the ceiling, and he laughed as champagne fizz splashed down his jacket.

  "Oh well, now I can get you out of your clothes," I said playfully, taking the bottle from his hands.

  He swiped at the fabric, but gave in and removed his jacket. I stared pointedly at the tie and waited. He got the hint and removed it as well before grabbing his beer and following me into the main room.

  Describing the penthouse suite as opulent would be like saying The White House was just the place where the president lived. The gold-filigreed chandeliers and plush white furniture belonged in magazines, and I had a whole night to relax and spend Jace's money here.

  "Should I call for room service?" I asked as I took a swig of the liquid. This bottle had a drier flavor than the last. The tart chill caused me to shake some of the sensation off.

  He only shrugged, and I grabbed the receiver from beside the couch as I flopped onto the warm, soft piece of furniture.

  "How can we help you, Mrs. Walkins?"

  My heart seized at the words, and for a moment, I sat speechless, the phone pressed against my face.

  "Mrs. Walkins?"

  "Actually, this is Miss Helena Banks, and I would like to make a room service order."

  "Of course, madam, what would you like?"

  I thought of all the food and delicious things I'd forgone in the last two months to fit into that wedding gown, and I decided to take a walk on the wild side. "Can I please have a grilled cheese sandwich, side of fries, a coke, no…two cokes, and a piece of tiramisu." I glanced at Alex. "I'd also like a steak." I appraised him for a moment, tilting my head to the side. "Medium-rare, with a side of mashed potatoes. Please throw in a piece of strawberry cheesecake as well."

  "Right away, madam."

  "Thank you."

  I hung up the phone and took another drink, the tart taste growing on me.

  "How on earth did you know I like my steak medium-rare?"

  I shrugged. "A guess. I'm good at reading people."

  "How did you learn that skill?"

  "I went to Harvard Law and got my law degree, but the cut throat politics of law firms and courtrooms became too much for me. I went back to school for a psychology degree, and then I learned to read juries. Now I'm the top trial consultant in the country."

  He looked impressed. A small tendril of pride curled up inside my chest.

  "That's amazing. You are an amazing woman, Helena."

  I swallowed and watched him closely. He leaned back into the couch as if he were comfortable, but the way his legs angled toward the exit suggested he was ready to bolt at a moment's notice.

  I sighed. "You don't have to stay with me if you don't want to. I promise I'm not about to tell on you, nor will I stiff you for a tip."

  "No, it's nothing like that. I'm just afraid to touch anything. How much does this room cost a night?"

  I shrugged. "Probably a few thousand dollars." I answered while he was taking a sip of his beer, and my words caused him to spit out his drink, spraying the cocktail table and his pants.

  There was nothing to do but laugh. The whole day, the whole situation, the entire thing now somehow seemed like someone else's life. Someone else's comedy. I laughed so hard my side ached under my ribs and I spilled champagne on the fur carpet.

  "I think that is more than I make in—" He stopped to count on his fingers, holding the beer bottle wrapped with his index finger and thumb. "—three months as a dock-hand."

  I shook my head. It would only make him feel bad if he knew how much I spent on my wedding dress.

  A quiet knock sounded at the door, and Alex went to sign for the food without me even making a move to get up. The aroma of melted cheese hit me full force. I surged to my feet, fixing to make a beeline for the tray, when the alcohol caught up to me and I wobbled, about to keel over. Alex had nowhere near my level of intoxication and caught me smoothly. He could do nothing but help buffer the fall with his arms.

  We both landed on the plush faux fur in a tangle of limbs. The silk of my outfit did nothing to disguise any part of me, and when we both stilled, he was laying in the curve my open thighs created. Alex pushed up on his arms, removing his comforting weight off my chest, but made no move to get up.

  Those green eyes ensnared me, and I did the thing I had been dying to do since I watched his lips wrap around the bottle earlier. They were just as soft as I imagined, and tasted like lemon and beer. He didn't respond at first, but when I probed the seam of his mouth with my tongue, it felt like an electric current shot through both of us. He wrapped one arm around my back, and the other hand tangled in the mass of curls at the nape of my neck. Effortlessly, he pulled me into his body while pressing his hips into mine.

  Not even a Disney kiss could have been as equally magical. He traced my tongue with his, demandingly. I savored it as small currents of need sparked from the tips of my fingers all the way to my toes. I would have stayed there for hours if the sound of the door lock opening to a keycard hadn't broken the spell between us. We both looked up just in time to register the shocked face of my former fiancé.

  2

  Alex

  "Well, I see you moved on rather quickly. Not as heartbroken as you pretended to be, now are you?" Helena's ex announced as the door clicked softly closed.

  The man even looked like a sneaky, big-city lawyer, but it didn't mean I was about to put up with him talking to a woman with so much disrespect. Even if Helena and I had only just met…and made out.

  I gently untangled her legs from around my hips and helped her to her feet. She closed the silk thing she wore around those beautiful curves and faced her ex-fiancé head-on.

  "Can I help you, Jace?"

  He assessed her like a piece of livestock that somehow didn't meet the mark, and shoved past into the bedroom. It took only moments for him to return with a small overnight bag. Before he reached the door, he turned back. "Enjoy her at this size while you can, no telling how big she'll finally end up."

  Her gasp undercut the sheer fury zipping through my blood. I took two strides and punched him square in the face.

  The man stumbled back clutching his nose, now gushing blood. "You'll find yourself in jail, you hooligan."

  Helena stepped up to my side and clasped my elbow. "And you'll find yourself facing me in court, Jace. I may not have the stomach for court-rooms with juries, but it would be my personal pleasure to make you the fool in a civil case."

  He snarled and exited the room as quickly as he entered.

  I turned to the petite brunette, but my hand was already the focus of her attention. My knuckles were cut and starting to swell.

  "This is going to hurt," she said, turning for some ice from a nearby bucket.

  "Totally worth it." I chuckled. As she pressed ice wrapped in a linen napkin onto my hand, I inhaled her scent. She smelled like my grandmother's jasmine tea, a beautiful nocturnal scent mixed with the sweet bite of fresh honey.

  "I'm sorry. I didn't think he would come back here."

  "I should probably go," I said, backing away. She might be my undoing, and it would make this whole situation even more complicated.

  A small crease appeared across her forehead, as if she wanted to protest, but kept silent. She simply nodded.

  I gathered my jacket and tie off a nearby chair probably more expensive than my apartment, and gave her a soft peck on the cheek. Her only response was one of those tight smiles you reserve for tense situ
ations still requiring some sort of response.

  Leaving the room was the hardest thing I'd ever had to do. I shouldn't have even put myself in such a situation. A job was a job.

  I exited onto the street and dug my cell phone from my pocket. I swiped my finger and listened to it ring until I got Jimmy's voicemail. Clearing my throat as I walked around the car, it finally beeped.

  "Jimmy, it's me. You know the job you gave me today, the wedding? I did something dumb, and it went way past complicated. Call me when you get a chance."

  I hung up and climbed into the driver's side, but didn't start the limo. I needed to clear my head, and getting rid of the most persistent hard-on I'd ever had in my life would go a long way in helping. The moment I caught her scent as she tried to force the champagne on me, I knew it wouldn't end well.

  "It's just a job, Alex. Just a job. Nothing more, nothing less." Sometimes even talking to myself didn't help. I ran my hands down my face and groaned. They give me directions to follow and still, somehow, I always fuck it up.

  Darkness had fallen by the time I got the limo pulled into the garage. I went through the backseat and found a small, glittery box sitting where Helena had been. Suspecting it was her purse, I pushed the silver button on top and it popped open, revealing IDs, credit cards, lip-gloss, condoms, and a business card. What kind of woman carries business cards to her wedding? Or condoms?

  Now I had the perfect reason to see her again. I sat down and wondered what she looked like on a regular day, without so much makeup and glitter. Her eyes were a deep blue, like the darkening sky at sunset. I was also dying to see how long her hair fell. The image of her hair grazing a bare, shapely ass came to mind, but I shook it off.

  "Let it go," I told myself.

  I climbed out of the limo, slipping the glittery box into my pocket, and walked toward my motorcycle parked in the back of the garage. My mind continued to stray toward Helena. Would she even be at work tomorrow? Unlikely. I might need to take her stuff to her hotel room.

  I hopped on the bike and started it. A deafening roar echoed off the garage walls. As I tore out onto the street, I smiled and whispered, "Game on."