Soul Temptation (Souls Entwined)

by Gregory, Nichelle

Serene averted her gaze from Oliver’s as heat suffused her cheeks and grabbed her beeping phone from the table. “I’m not even going to dignify that with a response.” She shifted her attention to her cell and replied to Shawn’s text.

  “No need to.”

  Serene paused from typing to look up at Oliver, considered scrapping her dignity then thought better of it. She didn’t want to draw any attention to their conversation. “So, where’s your plus one?”

  Oliver moved closer to her as a waiter placed a basket of buttered rolls in front of them. Serene found herself breathing deeper as his scent wafted over to her. “Shannon’s got a headache. Jet lag is hard on her body.”

  A pithy answer to Oliver’s tongue in cheek reply escaped her once again as another onslaught of erotic images of him thrusting hard into the redhead distracted her. She glanced at his handsome face and saw nothing to indicate that he knew he’d caused a hot flash. She tore her gaze from his, drew in a slow, silent breath and centered her thoughts on the flickering candle in front of her.

  That’s it. Breathe in. Breathe deep. Push those naughty thoughts away. You’re like the flame. You’re like—

  “What are you doing?”

  Serene sighed. “I was meditating.”

  “Dinner parties stress you out?” Oliver chuckled as he placed his cloth napkin and spread it over his lap. “Or is it me?”

  Serene grabbed her own napkin and smoothed it over her thighs. She met her sister’s gaze across the table and smiled at her before facing Oliver. “You are obnoxious.”

  Oliver laughed. “I’ve been called much worse.”

  “I bet.” Serene reached for her fork then dipped it into her fish as NJ sat down across from Oliver. She greeted him then took a bite, mentally thanking him for engaging Oliver in conversation.

  Ava leaned over toward her. “How did you get the best seat at the table?”

  “What?” Serene glanced at Ava and saw her eyeballing NJ and Oliver. “Oh. Don’t be mad at me. Misha did the seating.”

  Ava giggled. “I’m sure she had her reasons. Looks like Josie is having a good time talking to your sister-in-law.”

  Serene turned her head and saw Aimee engaged with Josie. “Those two have similar personalities.”

  “Yeah, they both need to come out of their shells.” Ava picked up her glass then took a sip. “I’m going to get Josie to, if it’s the last thing I do.”

  “Hey, everyone can’t be a wild, free spirit like you.” Serene reached for her cell when it lit up.

  “Free is fun. I know you get that.”

  “I do, indeed.”

  Ava sighed. “But it’s times like these I wish I had someone special to share this romantic experience with.”

  Surprised by Ava’s heartfelt admission, Serene stopped reading the text from Brady to look at her. “I thought Misha told me you thought you’d finally met ‘the one’? The vibe felt right and everything.”

  “Maybe I’m losing my intuitive skills due to lack of sex. I need to recharge.”

  Serene snorted. “That’s what it takes?”

  “Yup. Well, it has to be good sex. Mind-blowing se—”

  “I get it, Ava.”

  Ava laughed as she shrugged. “I guess I’ll settle for fresh fruit and a little chocolate fondue right now.”

  Serene chuckled as the Latin beauty eyed NJ again before getting up from her seat. Seconds later, NJ got up from the table too and Serene smiled. She watched him join Ava by the lush display of exotic fresh fruit and the chocolate fountain. Her cell vibrated and Serene turned her attention back to her phone, quickly reading Brady’s text about missing her. The right response eluded Serene as she stared at Brady’s words. The truth was, she hadn’t thought about Brady. For the last three months, he’d been her Friday or Saturday night date mate. Well, her every other Friday or Saturday night date mate, when she’d juggled dating Shawn too.

  Two men. Two attractive, successful men and she didn’t feel a genuine spark for either of them. How was that possible?

  Ask Ava.

  Yes, she’d consort with Ava, the self-proclaimed date whisperer about her two gentleman in waiting.

  Better wait until after she gets some.

  Serene giggled. She intended to find out who Ava had been seeing when she’d picked up on the vibe between Misha and Cameron. That was the guy she needed to recharge with. Her intuition had been spot on.

  Speaking of recharging…

  She was in need of some hot, mind-numbing sex as well. It had been too long. She was dating two men but having no sex. She’d decided not to sleep with Shawn or Brady until she’d figured out which man she wanted to build something more with. Three months later, and she was no closer to her answer, unless she based it on kissing, because Brady was one helluva a kisser.

  And if he’s that good at kissing…

  Serene hurriedly answered Brady’s text as another one from her sister hit her inbox. She clicked send on Brady’s message then read Misha’s.

  Did you bring Cameron’s gift?

  “Dang it.” Serene bit her lip. She’d forgotten to pick the gift up off the table by the door on her way out.

  “What’s wrong?”

  Serene glanced at Oliver, not realizing she’d spoken aloud. “I left something for my sister back in my bungalow.” She replied to Misha’s text. “I just let her know that I’m going to go back and get it.”

  “I’ll go with you.”

  Serene gave him a bright smile. “No need. I know the way back to the bungalows.”

  “I know you do”—Oliver set his fork down on his empty plate—“but I’m a gentleman and there’s no way I’m going to let you go all the way back there alone.”

  Serene searched the terrace for Ava, ready to tell Oliver she’d get her to go instead, then saw her still talking and laughing with NJ.

  Damn.

  “Come on, Serene. Surely, you can stand being in my presence long enough to walk back to the bungalows with me.”

  Serene chuckled. “All right. Let’s go.”

  Oliver got up before her then helped her out of her chair. They left the others behind, moving silently side by side along the sand-blown walkway. Serene admired the landscaping as they went along, mentally cataloguing new floral arrangements and scents she wanted to incorporate into her business. Tahiti had inspired a whole new spa exotica experience concept she couldn’t wait to work on when she got back.

  “So, what’s the most challenging aspect of running a successful spa?”

  Serene stumbled, surprised by Oliver’s question. He reached out and took hold of her arm to steady her.

  “Whoa. Easy there.”

  “I’m good.” Serene pulled free from his grasp, embarrassed by her misstep. She pointed down at her feet. “New wedges.”

  “They’re sexy.”

  “Thanks.”

  “You’re welcome, thank you.” Oliver glanced briefly at her feet again. “I love beautiful shoes on beautiful women. So what would be your answer to my question?”

  Serene drew in a breath, hoping to slow down her erratically beating heart. “Well, probably just balancing my personal life with my business. I work long hours and I can always find one more thing to do.”

  “I can relate to that. Sometimes, it feels like my job consumes everything.” Oliver slowed down to let her pass as they reached her bungalow. “I guess that’s why I make sure I schedule in time away from it all. Tahiti happens to be one of the spots I like to come and relax.”

  “How many times have you been here?” Serene asked as she unlocked the door.

  “This is my sixth visit.” Oliver stepped inside with her and the space felt different bathed in darkness.

  “Nice.” Serene flipped on the light and searched for Misha’s gift on the coffee table. “What did I do with that damn thing?”

  “What room where you in last?”

  Serene wagged her finger at Oliver. “The bedroom.” She pivoted, walked into the bedroom the
n turned on the light. Misha’s gift-wrapped box lay on top of a pile of new heels she’d bought just for the trip.

  “My goodness, woman.” Serene whipped around to see Oliver leaning against the door frame. “How many pairs of shoes did you bring?”

  “Ten.”

  Oliver chuckled. “Ten pairs for four days?”

  “Hey, I narrowed these”—Serene lovingly caressed a pair of leather sling-backs—“down from fifteen to bring. I like shoe options. Some days you need more than one pair to change into.”

  “Uh-huh.” Oliver moved toward the bed and lifted up her favorite silver stilettos with sparkly straps that wrapped midway up her calf. “And just where did you think you’d wear these here on the island?”

  Serene shrugged, unnerved by the sight of him handling her stuff. “I didn’t know, but that’s the whole point about packing more than I needed. I wanted to be sure I had all my foot apparel bases covered.” Serene held out her hand to Oliver. “Now may I have my shoe back please?”

  Oliver continued to stare at it. “These are gorgeous.”

  “Thanks.”

  “Let me see them on.”

  Serene frowned in surprise. “Excuse me?”

  Oliver fixed his gaze upon her and with the short distance between them, she noticed the color of his eyes.

  Hazel.

  They were striking. Just like the rest of his features. He was maybe a half inch taller than his brother Cameron, but had a thicker build. Serene admired Oliver’s muscles and his obvious dedication in the gym.

  Oliver waved the shoe in her face, dragging her from her unwanted reverie revolving around his sex appeal. “You’re a high-heel fashionista, I am a high-heel enthusiast and I would love to see these on you.”

  Serene gave him a wary look as she took the shoes from him. His request pleased and excited her. Modeling her footwear for anyone was a treat, but doing it for an attractive man was always more fun.

  Don’t do it. Grab the gift and go.

  “Just put one on.” Cameron held the glimmering heel out toward her. “Come on. I know you want to.”

  “And how would you know that?”

  “Your eyes lit up for a split second the moment I suggested it.”

  Serene exhaled. “My sister is waiting on me.”

  “How long does it take for you to put one shoe on?” Cameron took his amused gaze off her to study the heel in his hand.

  Less than a few seconds.

  “Give me the damn thing.” Serene placed her hand on the wall and quickly slid out of one of her wedges.

  “No, please allow me.” Oliver flashed her a grin before squatting and taking hold of her bare leg.

  “What? Wait.” Serene attempted to remove her leg from his hold, thrown off kilter by his unexpected move and the warmth of his touch. “No need.”

  Oliver looked up at her as he tightened his grip on her. “Just relax.”

  Relax?

  Impossible with him at her feet. Serene froze as he gently slipped the heel onto her foot and proceeded to wrap the strap around her calve with nimble fingers. She suppressed a shiver when he finally released her, letting out a low whistle while shaking his head.

  “Now, that is one sexy piece of footwear. I love it.”

  “Thank you. I couldn’t resist them when I bought them.” Serene outstretched her leg, the uncomfortable moment of having Oliver’s hand on her forgotten as she showed off the shimmering heel.

  “It’s a shame you haven’t worn them yet.”

  “I know. I’m waiting for the perfect event.”

  “Absolutely.” Oliver took hold of her ankle. “Thank you for indulging me.”

  Serene remained silent as he carefully removed the shoe and placed her wedge back on her foot.

  What the hell are you doing, Serene?

  “There.” Oliver stood, a charming smile lighting up his handsome face. Serene studied him as he walked to the bed and set the treasured footwear next to its match. She liked the way his sandy brown hair curled a little along the edges in the back.

  Not exactly a corporate cut.

  Serene wasn’t surprised. Nothing about Oliver seemed corporate.

  “Now”—Oliver turned to face her—“let’s get that gift to your sister.” He held up the box in his hand and wiggled it.

  Serene blinked and nodded. “Yes, let’s.” She went ahead of Oliver, flipping the light off while mentally chiding herself.

  She had forgotten all about Misha’s present again.

  Chapter Three

  “Damn it, Todd. That was not the deal we discussed. Be prepared to hear from our lawyers.” Oliver ended the call then uttered a harsh expletive. He ran a hand through his hair and wondered what else could go wrong during the process of building a Banner Hotel in Las Vegas.

  Vegas was supposed to be his baby, his chance to finally prove to his father that he could handle every aspect of the business without him. Oliver knew his father wasn’t keen on letting anyone but him overlook the details, but he’d stepped back and had truly given Oliver a chance.

  And what’s he going to say when I talk to him about this latest development?

  Oliver swore again. He moved toward the window and stared at the sunrise over the ocean. His father wouldn’t likely talk at all. No, he’d give him that look that never failed to make Oliver feel as if he were back in high school, wanting nothing more than to please his dad. Well, he didn’t crave his approval anymore but he did want his respect as his executive vice president, and if the hotel in Sin City bombed…

  He’ll never give me full autonomy on anything.

  Restless, Oliver pivoted and walked to the bedroom door. He peeked in and saw Shannon still sleeping peacefully. She had wanted to sleep in before leaving for the airport to catch a flight to New York that would get her back in time for an unscheduled interview. After the night they’d spent together, he expected her to rest for at least another hour, which gave him time to go for a run and a swim. Oliver stepped inside the room and cursed when he almost tripped over one of Shannon’s stilettos. He glared at the high quality footwear then grinned when an image of Serene modeling her sparkly heel for him popped into his mind.

  Damn.

  Serene was so sexy. Sexy and totally immune to his charm. She hadn’t giggled or flirted with him when he’d asked her to put on the stiletto or helped her get it off. He’d been rock hard trying not to stare at her pretty toes and shapely calves. Touching Serene had set off something inside him. She piqued his curiosity, needled him with her bored expressions when he suspected so much more simmering below her very poised, self-controlled surface. Shannon hadn’t noticed that Serene had been the only woman truly on his mind since he’d caught her spying.

  Oliver grabbed his swimming shorts off the dresser and quietly backed out of the bedroom as Shannon twisted beneath the sheets. Thank goodness the insatiable redhead didn’t notice he’d been a little distracted. It was ridiculous. His interest was obviously his problem alone. Serene had been all about the shoe. They’d separated once they’d walked back to the dinner party, but he’d found himself seeking her out throughout the evening. Not once had she been looking at him.

  Which is a good thing.

  The last thing he needed was any more distractions, and fooling around with Misha’s older sister would be definitely that. No, what he needed was some exercise, to get his head together before his parents arrived later. He could probably guess the questions he’d be asked about business by his dad. Oliver donned the swimwear, grabbed his favorite tennis shoes for running on the beach then opened the sliding glass door that led him out onto the terrace.

  The sun warmed his bare back and Oliver drew in a few deep breaths as the sea-soaked air riffled through his hair. He wondered how old Serene was, because she didn’t look a day over twenty-five. What a body. And that ass?

  Damn.

  Oliver cursed as he bent over and laced up his shoes. “No more distractions.” He went down the stairs and head
ed out toward the ocean. He didn’t encounter many other people as he picked up his pace and moved farther away from the resort. The tranquility of the island never ceased to amaze him. He savored the familiar sounds of the seagulls overhead and the waves breaking upon some rocks along the shoreline.

  Twenty minutes later, he’d worked up a sweat. He pushed himself for another ten minutes then slowed his pace until he was walking once more. The run had cleared his mind. He knew exactly how he’d handle things with the contractors and what he’d say to his father. There was no need to disclose anything at this point. He was in charge of the latest project and he would handle things. Come hell or high water, the Banner Hotel in Vegas would open on time and, by some miracle, within budget.

  Oliver walked toward the ocean. He paused by a rock to take off his shoes then strode forward, enjoying the warm, wet sand squishing beneath his feet. He waded into the sea until it was up to his waist then submerged his body beneath the blue-green waves. Any remaining tension dissipated as he burst through the surface of the water and drew a deep breath of air into his oxygen-starved lungs. He treaded the water, fully enjoying the easy buoyancy that came along with swimming in the ocean. This was exactly what he’d needed to relax. With any luck, he’d get back to the bungalow and Shannon would still be sleeping, leaving him no option but to bring her breakfast in bed—him.

  Selfish bastard.

  Hey, he’d make sure she came and would feed her afterwards. That wasn’t selfish, that was thoughtful. Oliver grinned before he began swimming back to shore, certain that Shannon would appreciate his kind efforts.

  * * * *

  Serene raised her arms above her head and clasped them together before leaning side to side, enjoying her daily stretch routine. She brought her hands down and touched the glass in the floor. Satisfied that she’d warmed up her muscles properly, Serene straightened then walked over to the decorative, full-length mirror facing the living room. She pivoted, assessing her body from every angle. Her yellow tank top accented her small waist and generous breasts while her black running capris showed off the rest of her figure.