GUILTY PLEASURE (STEELE FAMILY Book 13)

by Brenda Jackson

  He raised a brow. “The memo?”

  “Yes. The one that suggested we color-coordinate our outfits tonight.”

  He let his gaze roam over her, then he looked down at himself. He smiled even brighter. “Yes, I guess I did. The color looks good on us, don’t you think?”

  “I definitely think so.” She would even go as far as to say they looked good together. She stepped out in the hall and pulled the door shut behind her. “Which restaurant are we eating at tonight?” The resort had several.

  “What do you have a taste for?” he asked, as they walked toward the bank of elevators.

  She was just able to resist answering “you”. “It doesn’t matter. I’m a big eater.”

  He chuckled and the rich sound flowed over her. “Yes, I found that out today. How do you eat so much and stay in shape?”

  “I walk a lot and try to squeeze in aerobics whenever I can. On the days I can’t make it to the gym, I work out at home with a program I found online.”

  “Interesting.”

  She glanced up and met his gaze, causing a sizzle of awareness to flow through her. At this moment, she was tempted to agree to his proposal and suggest they go back to her room and order room service. But only after they’d engaged in several rounds of mind-blowing sex.

  But a part of Dee knew that there was more between them than just incredible chemistry and great sex. She knew it and more than anything, she wanted him to know it, as well. She wanted to be more than the woman he slept with, the one he thought needed him to fulfill her needs. She wanted to be the woman he trusted his heart to, the woman who would always be there for him and with him.

  The sudden ding of the elevator door broke the sensuous spell. Drawing in a deep breath, she stepped inside. Somehow, she would have to find a way to control her overpowering desire for Cohen and fully concentrate on something else.

  His heart.

  13

  Cohen thought tonight had been perfect. Dinner had been delicious. He had never had a steak he’d enjoyed more. He was a medium rare kind of guy, but without fail, his steaks were usually delivered close to being well done. But not tonight. And, he thought, glancing over at his company, he could not have asked for a more beautiful person to share the meal with. And man, did she smell good.

  He watched as Dee picked up her wine glass and took a sip. His abdomen clenched and it took everything in his power to keep his breathing at a normal rate. She hadn’t mentioned anything about his proposition and he wasn’t sure if that was a good sign or a bad one. Even though he’d been against the idea when Tyson had suggested it, he now found himself desperately wanting her to agree to it.

  He didn’t miss the way men would occasionally look at her. The only good thing was that she wasn’t looking back. But if she decided against his proposal, he knew she’d soon start sizing them up as possible prospects. He couldn’t let that happen.

  “Would you like to dance, Dee?” Even though other couples had been on the dance floor most of the evening, he had a feeling his question surprised her.

  “You want to dance with me?”

  He smiled. “Yes.”

  “But you never dance.”

  She was right. Normally, he didn’t. But that didn’t mean he didn’t want to dance now. “I promise I won’t step on your feet.”

  “No, that’s not it.”

  “So, will you dance with me?”

  It seemed that the question hung between them for the longest time. She was probably thinking the same thing he was--how it would feel to be wrapped in each other’s arms, their bodies rubbing against each other?

  “Yes, I’ll dance with you.”

  He tried to keep his heart from pounding in his chest as he stood and offered her his hand. The moment they touched, a crackle of energy passed between them. He tightened his hold on her.

  Then, with soulful music beating in the background, he led her to the dance floor. The overhead lights were dim, barely providing any illumination, which added to the romantic atmosphere. Cohen doubted that he needed any more stimulation. He was wired up, with hot, raw, carnal sensations filling his mid-section.

  He pulled her into his arms, and immediately, desire for her had him throbbing, making him rock hard. There was no way she couldn’t feel it. Feel him. And the more they swayed to the music, their bodies moving in rhythm, blood rushed through his veins and his breath caught in his throat. And if that wasn’t bad enough, he’d just barely caught himself from growling in deep male appreciation at how good she felt in his arms.

  Today had proven something to him, though. Even though he’d fought against it for most of his life, he had to admit--Dee was the woman he wanted. The woman he’d always wanted. He didn’t have the strength or the will to turn her down again. He’d be the lover she’d always dreamed of having…if she let him.

  **

  Dee couldn’t describe how wonderful it felt to be in Cohen’s arms while they danced. Her body felt warm next to his and the scent of his masculine aftershave seemed to surround her. She couldn’t help but bury her face in the hollow of his throat, drinking in more of him. This was the first time they’d ever danced together and she was amazed at how her hips and thighs flowed against his, their bodies perfectly aligned as they moved around the dance floor.

  She wondered how much longer she could hold out before giving him an answer. Even now, as they danced together, they seemed to be gliding on clouds of anticipation. Ignoring the pulsating heat and carnal attraction between them was no longer an option.

  But she wasn’t ready to give in yet. She didn’t want the decision to be hers, but his. She wanted him to take action. Although she was sorely tempted, she had to stick to her plan. She wanted him to make the first move.

  Instead, he’d dropped the decision as to how things would continue between them in her lap. She wanted it in his. She had seduced him twice. Now it was his turn.

  The music ended and she pulled back from the comfort she’d found in his arms. She looked up at him and the dark heat in his eyes had every hormone in her body sizzling, causing arousal to coil in her core.

  “I enjoyed dancing with you,” he said, taking her hand and leading her back to their table.

  “And I, you.” Her desire for him was at an all-time high. She feared she would give in and jump his bones if she didn’t soon bring tonight to an end. She glanced at her watch. “It’s getting late. We’ll both need a good night’s sleep if we plan to go snorkeling tomorrow.”

  He stared at her, as if studying her words in his mind. “All right.”

  He stood and offered her his hand. She took it and felt heat curl inside of her again. Her heart skipped, and then quickly began racing when he led her from the restaurant.

  Dee was glad there were other people in the elevator with them as they rode it up to her room. More than once, they glanced at each other, no doubt wondering the same thing: how would tonight end? She wasn’t ready to go any further than they had last night. A goodnight kiss in front of her door was all she planned on giving him. As much as she wanted to surrender to the frissons of fire and desire that were racing up her spine, at this point, it was about more than sex. It was about her love for him.

  She had to admit she’d been lying--to him and to herself--yesterday when she’d told him she had fallen out of love with him. She doubted such a thing was possible. She’d loved him too much and for too long. But it was important that he believe it now. Because the last thing he’d want to do would be to hurt her in any way. And allowing her to equate good sex with love on his part would definitely hurt.

  Dee had no doubt the sex between them would be good. More than good, actually. After all, it already had been. He’d made her first sexual experiences something dreams were made of. As a lover, he had catered to her every physical and emotional need, while delivering the hottest and most satisfying climaxes she’d ever imagined. Her body still simmered whenever she remembered.

>   After stepping out of the elevator onto her floor, he walked her to her door, holding her hand tightly in his. She wondered what he was thinking. Did he expect her to invite him in tonight? Was he wondering why she was taking so long to give him an answer?

  Once in front of her door, she drew in a deep breath. “Thanks for an enjoyable evening, Cohen.”

  “You’re welcome.”

  “What time do you want to meet me for our snorkeling lessons?”

  “Around eight will work. That way, we can grab breakfast first.”

  “Okay.” She reached out and cupped his cheek in her hand and on tip-toe, kissed his lips. “Goodnight.”

  Instead of letting her step back, he wrapped his arms around her and pulled her against his hard, solid form. She immediately felt his erection, as well as his heartbeat pounding against her chest.

  He captured her mouth, devouring it in a way he’d never done before. Even the hunger she’d felt in his kiss last night didn’t compare to the intensity of the one he was laying on her tonight. If he was trying to stir enough desire in her to make her change her mind and invite him in, it was working. Heaven help her, she was about to drag him into her room when the sound of the elevator door opening made her pull her mouth away.

  Dee quickly regained her senses and dug her passkey from her purse. “Goodnight, Cohen.”

  Opening the door, she slipped inside and quickly closed it shut behind her. Then, as she’d done last night, she stared at him through the peephole. And like before, he stared back. But he wasn’t frowning, as she’d expected. Instead he smiled and did the same thing he’d done last night with his tongue. Then he walked away.

  She drew in a deep breath as every nerve in her body fired with potent desire. And she wondered just how long she’d be able to resist sexy Cohen Carlson.

  **

  Hours later, Cohen got out of bed. Slipping into the silk robe that was compliments of the resort, he decided to go sit out on the balcony. He was tired of fighting sleep. Every time he closed his eyes, he saw Dee in his bed, letting him do all the things he wanted to do to her and with her. The hottest fantasies anyone could ever imagine.

  She hadn’t given him her answer yet. Why? Did she not think he could give her what wanted? He knew she desired him. He saw it each and every time she looked at him, every time they touched. So, why was she hesitating? Was she unsure of herself? Of him? Did she fear a third rejection?.

  Cohen rubbed a hand down his face. Maybe his proposition hadn’t been a good idea, but he hadn’t known what else to do. There was no way he was going to let her continue her search for a suitable sex partner, parading herself before a pack of lecherous guys who meant her no good. The thought of her sleeping with anyone else bothered him more than ever before.

  He released a deep breath. Starting tomorrow, he would take matters into his own hands. Literally. It would be his hands, his mouth, his body and whatever else he needed, driving her over the edge, pushing her closer to giving him the answer he wanted.

  Anticipation built in his stomach. His seduction of Dee Lewis was about to begin.

  14

  Good morning, Dee.”

  Dee studied Cohen and wondered, not for the first time, how any man could look so delicious, so early in the morning. Today he was wearing a pair of shorts and a t-shirt. Both looked good on him. “Good morning Cohen. I’m ready,” she said, stepping into the corridor and closing the door behind her. Like him, she’d decided to wear a pair of shorts. But instead of a t-shirt, she wore a printed tank top. Her bathing suit was under her outfit and she assumed his swimming trunks were under his.

  “I thought we’d grab bagels and a hot drink at that small café downstairs. I don’t think it would be a good idea to eat anything heavy before the lesson.”

  “Bagels and a cup of tea is fine with me. I’m still full from dinner last night, anyway.”

  “So am I. And speaking of dinner, I found a good place for us to dine tonight.”

  “Okay.” That was one of the things she liked best about Cohen. He was a take charge kind of guy. She had no problem with him selecting a place for them to eat. So far, all the places he’d chosen--whether it had been for breakfast, lunch or dinner--had been wonderful, and the food, outstanding.

  As if it was the most natural thing in the world to do, he took her hand and headed for the elevator. “Did you rest well last night?” he asked, as he pressed the button for the elevator to come up to their floor.

  McSexy would have to ask. Yes, she’d rested well enough, if you wanted to count the number of erotic dreams she’d had of them together. More than once during the night, she’d awakened on the verge of an orgasm. “I did, thanks. Are you feeling relaxed, Cohen?”

  He glanced down at her, his eyes, dark and penetrating. “Relaxed?”

  “Yes. From taking some time off work. Do you think you’ll be well rested when you return to the hospital?”

  He smiled at her. “That’s my plan.”

  She doubted Cohen knew the meaning of relaxing, so she intended to help him. She’d suggested parasailing and snorkeling. Now it was his turn to come up with ways to spend their time. “So, what do you want to do tomorrow?”

  He leaned close and whispered hotly near her ear, “Umm, I’ll let you figure that one out, Dee.”

  Before she could respond, the elevator opened. They stepped inside, joining other singles anxious to experience everything the resort had to offer.

  **

  “We’re having dinner in your room?”

  Cohen’s smile slipped into a grin. He’d just arrived to escort Dee down to dinner…or so she’d thought. “Yes, my room.”

  “Why?”

  Was that nervousness he detected in her voice? “I thought it would be a little more intimate,” he said, as they walked down the corridor toward the elevators.

  “Intimate?”

  Yes, that was nervousness in her voice. “Do you have a problem with it?"

  She glanced up at him. “No, I guess not.”

  He found it quite telling that a woman who’d snuck into his bed a few years ago would be so reluctant to be in his room. “We can always go to a restaurant if you’re uncomfortable.” There was no need to tell her about everything he’d done to make ensure the evening would be incredible for both of them.

  She shrugged delicate shoulders. “Why would I be uncomfortable?”

  Good question. “You seem nervous.”

  “You’re imagining things.”

  “Okay.” He paused a minute, then attempted to lighten the mood. “Did you enjoy snorkeling this morning?”

  “Oh, yes. I definitely want to do it again, sometime. What about you?”

  “I really liked it,” he replied honestly. First off, he’d seen her in that two-piece swimsuit. All those luscious curves contained in a bikini so skimpy, he thought it unsuitable for public display. Luckily, he’d signed them up for private lessons. He wasn’t sure he could have handled watching her be ogled by a whole bunch of men. She was his to admire. Still, he was grateful she’d put her shorts and top back on before leaving the area where the lessons had been held. It had been hard enough for him to concentrate on what the snorkeling instructor was saying. He couldn’t take his eyes off Dee.

  Then there was her company. It was nice spending time with someone he knew so well already. He liked that she was independent in every way, even though she was raised with two older brothers. Over the years, he’d gotten used to being protective where Dee and Stacey were concerned, but in retrospect, he had to admit that they usually made sound decisions. The only time he’d worried about Stacey was when she’d become involved with Wallace Flowers. But then, as Stacey said, maybe some things were meant to be. Should he feel that way about his encounter with Amanda? Somehow, he just couldn’t justify going through that period in his life without feeling it had been a lesson for him never to make the same mistake again, to never be so careless with his he
art again.

  He looked at Dee. Her decisions were usually pretty good, too. And that was why this whole singles’ vacation idea of hers had thrown him so badly.

  The elevator came to a stop on his floor and they stepped off. He took her hand in his again and he could feel the tension running through her. She’d said she wasn’t nervous about being alone with him in his room, but her body language said otherwise.

  When they reached his door, he opened it and ushered her inside. “Welcome to my room, Dee.”

  **

  Dee noticed the table set for two the minute she crossed the threshold. The second thing she noticed was just how much larger his room was than hers. He had a spacious three room suite that included a bedroom, a living room and an eat-in kitchen combination. And his view of the ocean put hers to shame.

  “Nice,” she said, glancing around.

  “Thanks. And nice outfit.”

  She glanced down at herself. She knew very well what she was wearing, but at that moment, she needed to break eye contact with him. “I bought this a few years ago. Stacey and I were on one of our shopping sprees.” She had liked the flowing floral-print skirt with matching tunic the moment she’d seen it on the mannequin.

  “It looks good on you.” He checked his watch. “I gave room service an estimated time of delivery. Dinner should be here any minute.”

  “What are we having?”

  “It’s a surprise.”

  Dee wondered if their meal would be the only surprise. Although his suite was a lot larger than hers, the atmosphere was still very close. And charged.

  “Would you like to check out the view from the balcony?”

  “Yes, please. I noticed there is a lot more ocean to see from here.”

  “That’s one of the reasons I selected this room,” Cohen said, leading her over to the sliding glass door.

  Again, his scent overwhelmed her senses. He smelled so darn good. She stepped out on his balcony and smiled. There was definitely more ocean to see from here. He’d come to stand directly behind her and placed his hands on her shoulders. His body was pressed to hers and she could feel his erection against her backside. She fought back a moan.