Delightful Temptation

by Scarlett Avery

  Honestly, this close, he’s so good-looking, it’s ridiculous. He reminds me of a much younger version of Special Agent Sam Hanna from NCIS—one of my favorite drama reruns. Just like the actor, his wider nose keeps him from being too pretty. He certainly takes the lead in the smoldering hot Brit category. Well, maybe neck and neck with Ethan. He’s impeccably dressed in a tailored suit that accentuates his athletic body. Everything about him screams powerful build—from his broad shoulders, to his large hands to his thigh muscles bulging from his pants. “Would you rather I guess?”

  His question makes me realize that I’ve been staring at him like I’m in a trance.

  You’re distracting me in such a pleasant way, dear Xander. “I’m Texan born and raised.”

  “So you’re a Southern girl?”

  “Only fifty percent. You’d never know from the accent.” I laugh. “My daddy’s Californian, but we try not to hold that against him.” I giggle.

  “What brings you to London?”

  “I got lucky.” I know I’m teasing him. I must say I’m having fun being this lighthearted.

  “You’re going to have to give me more than that to go by, Dee.”

  I giggle. “I—”

  Xander lifts his finger, stopping me in mid-sentence. He cringes apologetically as he pulls out his phone from his jacket. “I’m terribly sorry to interrupt you so callously. I have a friend joining me tonight. I have a feeling he’s trying to locate me. I’m going to quickly text him to let him know I’m the lucky bastard sitting next to the most beautiful woman in this place. I’m sure he’ll find me in no time.” He smiles.

  “Oh.” My cheeks flush so much, I bet I’m as red as a tomato. “Your mother would be extremely upset if she heard you talk like that,” I manage despite my initial shock.

  Xander laughs his head off. “You’re absolutely adorable. I’m sure Mum would only be offended for a few seconds. She’d agree with me if she were to meet you.” He winks. “Let me send this off and I’ll be able to devote all my attention to you again,” he says before dropping his eyes to his screen.

  Oh, gosh. Did he actually say that? I swallow hard. “That’s fine. I understand. Take your time.” God, please don’t tell me he’s gay. My gaydar alarm isn’t ringing off the hook, but you never know. I’m not expecting anything to happen between us, but I don’t think my ego could take it if it turns out that he’s batting for the other team. When he’s done typing his message, he places his phone back in his jacket’s inside pocket and turns his focus to me again.

  “Thank you for being so patient.” Really, it’s nothing. “Now where were—” He stops mid-sentence and lifts his eyes above my head. Xander places his hand on my bare arm. The brief contact jolts me and sends trickles of pleasure down my spine. “My friend is here,” he says, looking up again.

  “Xander,” his friend cheers.

  “Mate.” Xander stands up to greet him.

  I don’t turn around, but from the sound they’re slapping each other’s back. God, please don’t let them start kissing.

  “And who is this red-haired vixen you’re trying to corrupt? Am I too late to save her?” I must be intoxicated by Xander’s charm—that or I’ve already had too many to drink—because I swear that sounded like Ethan. No, seriously. Xander’s friend has the same low, chocolatey voice as the man I’ve been obsessed with for the past three weeks. Maybe the music and the voices around us distort things? That must be it.

  “Please meet my new friend, Dee.”

  I’m still facing the bar dreading the moment when I’ll find out this guy who’s been flirting with me has a boyfriend.

  “Dee, please meet my best friend, Ethan.”

  Is my mind playing tricks on me? I turn my head so fast I fear my neck might snap off. “Ethan?” Oh, my God. It’s really him.

  His eyebrows draw together in confusion. “I’m sorry. Have we met?” he asks.

  Huh? It takes me a second and then it hits me. This is the first time he’s seen me with my new hair color. “It’s me.” I jump to my feet. “Delilah. From the gallery.”

  CHAPTER 11

  Ethan

  When I found out that my best friend had an hour’s head start on me, I rushed to get to Hush as fast as humanly possible. Why linger at home when we could be seducing a woman willing to take both of us? When I texted Xander as I stepped inside the lounge to let him know I had arrived, I knew he was already flirting with an unsuspecting soul. He’s never been that patient. It gets worse when he hasn’t shagged anyone for a few days. When he responded by letting me know he was having drinks with a buxom redhead with the type of luscious curves both of us could indulge in, I was already hard. Strutting through a room quickly becomes a very uncomfortable exercise when your twelve-inch cock decides to unexpectedly spring into life.

  Realizing that the woman in question is none other than the sexy little curator who made me come to the point where I thought I was going to black out while I was wanking off in the shower before coming here is flabbergasting. No matter how many cold showers I’ve taken this week—and God only knows how I haven’t turned into an ice sculpture—I seem to be walking around with a permanent hard-on. Here I thought I had to wait until next week before seeing the saucy American again, but here she is in the flesh.

  “Delilah?” I ask, stunned.

  “I can’t believe this.” She’s nearly jumping up and down.

  “What?” Xander’s eyes grow wide. All three of us are equally astounded. “Dee is Delilah?” He takes a step forward to stand by my side. It’s almost as if he needs a better angle to take her all in. “Is this the same Delilah who works with Ashley? At Harrow Sloane Arts?” He couldn’t be more precise. His voice has gone up an octave. I can’t blame him. I’m as taken aback as he is by the coincidence.

  “The one and only.” I smile. She blushes. “Your hair is stunning. You look so different,” I exclaim. My hands are twitching. I’m dying to fist her wavy red locks as I tilt her head back right before I slide my cock between her pouty red lips. Damn.

  She runs her fingers through her silky mane. “Since Piper became a blonde a few weeks ago, I decided to follow in her footsteps. Her hairdresser thought I’d look better with this color. I think he’s right.” Indeed he is.

  “It’s also the first time I’ve seen your hair flowing freely like this. You usually style it and pin it up.” Not even in my wildest dream could I ever have imagined that her hair would be this long. I’m already imagining how beautiful she would look with her cascading locks covering her huge naked tits. God, her skin must be luminous.

  She giggles. “Yeah, I’m still getting used to the weather out here. My hairdresser applied enough frizz-repellent products in my hair to withstand anything London has to throw at me. Let it rain,” she cheers. “Also, he cut quite a bit of it off. It used to reach down to my butt,” she says, turning around, rewarding Xander and I with a phenomenal view of her full ass. I furtively glance at my best friend and his tongue is practically hanging out of his mouth. I shoot him an ‘I told you so’ look before returning my focus to Delilah, who is still going on about her new hairdo. “I think it looks better now that it’s in the middle of my back. It’s still long, but stylish.”

  “Indeed,” I agree. Xander just shakes his head. He’s still in shock. “Everything about you is just, wow.”

  “Well, thank you, sir.” She bats her eyes at me and I swear the only thing I want to do is walk up to her and smash my lips against hers. Yeah, I know it’s a recurring thought, but damn, do I ever want to taste her.

  “I have to repeat what I’ve been saying since I met you, Dee, you’re ravishing.” Finally, Xander finds his voice. “I know you introduced yourself as Dee, but Delilah is so much sexier. It fits you to a T.” I turn to face him just in time to watch him eat Delilah up with his eyes like she’s Sunday dinner… with all the fixings. I warned him that it would only take one encounter to fall under her charm. I’m glad I was right.

  “
Stop it, Xander. This is going straight to my head.” She fans herself.

  “I’ve never been one to hold back with compliments when I’m in the presence of a goddess.” Great. He’s a poet now.

  From the way Delilah is dancing from one foot to another, I sense this is too much for her to handle. I’m not surprised when she steers the conversation away. “So the two of you really know each other?” Her eyes bounce from mine to Xander’s.

  “Xander and I have been friends and neighbors for as long as I can remember,” I say, clapping him on the shoulder. His body is still rigid and his mouth is still gaping. Unexpectedly, Delilah bursts out laughing. “Is it something I said?” I know I can be funny, but I wasn’t trying to be just then.

  She waves her hand and shakes her head at the same time. “Is this a coincidence or is this God playing a trick on me?” Her question leaves a lot of room for interpretation.

  God is sending us a message. And I’m capturing it loud and clear. “It’s fortuitous serendipity.” I wink.

  “I agree with Ethan,” Xander jumps in.

  Unconvinced, Delilah flashes us an incredulous side glance. I step in to clarify things. “Think about it. This is the first time you and Xander meet and there was no way for you to know there was an association between the two of us, yet out of all of the delectable women in here, he was drawn to you. And I can see why.” My eyes rake her body from head to toe. I shamelessly allow my gaze to linger between her heavy tits before gliding down her curves. When I land on her indecently high silver sandals, I have to exert an insane amount of restraint not to drop to my knees right here in front of her and worship her feet. You could say I have a thing for these types of seductive high heels. What I would give to fuck her while those sandals are pinned against my shoulders.

  “If you ask me, it was definitely written in the stars for all three of us to connect tonight.” Xander is spot on.

  “Okay, you guys win,” she concedes. Her huge smile is dazzling. With her fiery hair under this light her eyes are bluer than the Indian Ocean. They twinkle. I could lose myself in her sapphire gaze.

  Both Xander and I are staring at Delilah. She shifts her eyes from mine to his and back again. We’re in our own little world. You’d never think we’re surrounded by hundreds of people. The energy between us is that strong, it pulls us together like a magnet. I don’t even have to look at my best friend to know he feels the same way I do. We stand there for a few long seconds until a familiar voice forces us to look up.

  “Mr. Ethan Akuna. Mr. Alexander Emerson. Are you hitting on my girl?” Jeremy asks from behind the bar.

  “She’s yours, mate?” I ask. Fuck. The night just went from fantastic to sour in the flash of an eye. If Jeremy has already claimed Delilah, that definitely puts a damper on our evening. Neither Xander or I make it a habit to look at a woman who belongs to someone we know, let alone touch her.

  “You two are lucky.” He grins. “I just started a new relationship a couple of weeks ago. Her name is Paulina. It’s still the honeymoon phase, so I’m officially off the market. Delilah is all yours.”

  Delilah’s eyebrows hit her forehead. “Hey, don’t I get a say in this?” Her expression is priceless.

  Jeremy winks at her. “For tonight, I’m Delilah’s babysitter. It’s her first time out alone and her first at Hush.”

  “Jeremy,” Delilah scolds. “You’re totally killing my cool factor here.”

  He smiles at her and continues. “Piper asked me to keep an eye on her, since she’s out partying alone.”

  “Piper?” I’m surprised. I pull my eyes away from Jeremy and look down at Delilah. “From the gallery?”

  “Yeah. She sold me on coming out tonight, but at the last minute she couldn’t make it.” Delilah pulls her lips down in a frown.

  “Boyfriend problems?” I guess the flowers didn’t do the trick.

  “You could say that.”

  “Ah.” I’m sorry Piper is dealing with the woes of her relationship, but I’m grateful Delilah is here on her own. Having one of her co-workers around would have made things a little trickier.

  “I gather the three of you know each other?” Jeremy asks.

  I nod. “Delilah and I have known each for a few weeks since she moved here,” I answer on her behalf. “Xander met her for the first time tonight,” I say, slapping my friend on the back.

  “Since it’s ridiculously busy tonight and it’s only nine o’clock, I’m glad I have some back-up. If you hang out with her, I won’t feel so guilty that I’m not able to take care of her as much as I’d like. The last thing I need is Piper chasing after me with a cast-iron skillet because I wasn’t attentive enough. If Delilah is with you, I’ll rest assured that she’s in good hands.”

  “Jeremy, mate. What kind of friends would we be if we didn’t offer to help?” Xander answers before I do.

  “Exactly.” Jeremy’s quivering lips suggests he’s on to him.

  “Ethan and I will gladly take care of Delilah.”

  “I don’t even know how to thank you.” Jeremy plays along. He turns his attention to the curvy, petite woman who’s looking at all three of us in disbelief. “Delilah, is it okay if you hang out with those two? They might get you in trouble, but it’s the good kind.” He winks. If we have our way with her, we definitely will.

  She shakes her head. Her eyebrows are drawn together and her lips are pursed. For a second I’m certain she’s about to refuse, but what comes out of her month surprises me. “Did Piper orchestrate this?” She places her right hand on her hip and taps her left foot against the floor. When I see her fight a smile, I know she’s dishing it out as much as we are. I love her playful nature.

  Jeremy flashes her a mischievous side smile. “No, but she’d be damn proud. I might get a gold medal for this impromptu master plan.”

  We all laugh.

  “I was just going to suggest Delilah join Ethan and I for dinner. We already have a table reserved, so it’s perfect timing.” Xander is way ahead of me. Good for him for requesting a table for four.

  “Dinner with the two of you?” Delilah’s head whips around to face us. “Really?” she asks, surprised.

  “I’d be honored and I suspect Ethan feels the same way.” Smooth, Xander. He claps me on the back and I nod. He’s sporting the biggest grin I’ve ever seen in my life.

  “You took the words right out of my mouth, mate.” I smile. I take a step forward and place my hands on Delilah’s shoulders. This is the second time this week that I’ve touched her and something tells me I could get used to feeling her soft body under my hands like this. “I think God would be incredibly upset with us if we didn’t follow the path She laid for us, don’t you?” I ask. “You should definitely spend the rest of the evening with Xander and I to avoid Her wrath.” I wink.

  “Well, in that case, who am I to piss God off? Looks like I’m ditching the bartender and hooking up with you guys.” Her smile is wide and her eyes flash a hint of sassiness.

  I turn to Xander. He gives me a knowing look and I simply lift an eyebrow in response.

  This might start off as dinner, but Delilah doesn’t know what we have in mind for dessert.

  CHAPTER 12

  Delilah

  After two gin and tonics, I need to retreat to the ladies’ before I burst. Well, my bladder is one excuse, but honestly, after that little exchange inside the lounge I need a respite from so much smoldering hotness.

  After Ethan and Xander escort me to the restaurant, I politely excuse myself. I’m so grateful to our waiter for directing me to a smaller bathroom that’s not nearly as busy as the other two larger ones. Thank God, I’m the only one here. I really need time to process everything. I’m tempted to pull out my phone and call my cousin Maggie. She’s still in California in this intense training for work. Not to mention she doesn’t even know I have this serious crush on Ethan. And then how the hell do I explain Xander? It’s best not to bother her. I don’t want to distract her. Piper is out of th
e question because she’s a coworker and she’s clueless when it comes to how much Mr. Akuna affects me. I could call Gemma, but then I’ll have to face her on Monday morning. That could be a sticky spot to be in. You’re on your own, girlfriend.

  I’m staring at my reflection in the mirror and I’m trying my best not to hyperventilate. “I can’t believe I accepted their invitation without an ounce of hesitation. It’s so not like me. Maybe this new hair color is giving me courage I didn’t even know I had,” I say aloud.

  If I weren’t clinging so hard to the marble counter, I’d think all of this is a dream. Dinner with not one, but two drop-dead-gorgeous hunks is more than I can handle. Heck, it’s more than any girl should have to deal with in her lifetime. Forget about dipping my toe in the water, I’m busting out of my shell tonight.

  “Are they just being friendly?” Suddenly a nagging thought pops into my head, but I dismiss it quickly. Nah. I might not be most worldly of the bunch, but even I can detect the strong energy between us.

  “Are they interested? Both of them? Hmmm. Are two guys supposed to be interested in you at the same time?”

  The way Xander and Ethan devoured me with their eyes was all too consuming. I’ve never been on the receiving end of such fiery lust in my life. This is something that happens to other women, not me. There’s no doubt I’m attracted to Ethan. I spent all of last week coming to terms with my feelings for him. But how do I explain this pull I have towards Xander? I mean, I just met the guy, for God’s sake.

  “They’re complete opposites.” I’m sure if someone was watching me right now, they’d think I’ve taking leave of my senses for having a conversation with myself. Talking it out is the only way I can wrap my head around this.

  Xander is lighter-skinned. Something tells me he’s mixed. He’s wearing a light grey suit and a white shirt that accentuates his dazzling smile. Ethan on the other hand has a rich dark complexion that makes me drool. His head-to-toe dark clothing makes his eyes even blacker and more seductive. There’s no two ways about it, women would fight over these two. So how in the world did I end up with both of them all to myself? I’m not used to such attractive men zooming in on me like this. I mean the lounge was packed with beautiful women, but yet they chose me. I’m sure nothing much will happen past dinner, but knowing I’ll be hanging out with them for the next couple of hours is thrilling. I feel ten feet tall.