by Tonya Brooks
“I am not having this conversation.” Harley refused.
The fact that she didn't deny it hurt like hell. “We're not leaving here until you tell me, Harley.” he insisted stubbornly.
“Contrary to local gossip, I don't jump in bed with any man who comes along,” she informed him indignantly.
“I'm not just any man,” he countered. “I'm your husband and the father of your child.”
“And I'm engaged to someone else,” she reminded him. “Donald sure as hell wouldn't appreciate me sleeping with my ex.”
“Not even if it meant getting the divorce you want so badly?” Matt asked shrewdly as a completely insane idea occurred to him. Hell, he knew she wouldn't agree to it, but it was worth a shot and he was willing to try anything at this point.
“What do you mean?” She asked and looked at him in confusion.
“The only way I'll sign the divorce papers is if you make love with me.”
Harley's jaw dropped and she stared at him as if he were deranged. “You can't be serious,” she barely breathed. This was a low blow, even for Matthew. Hell, she knew he was willing to go to any lengths to get what he wanted, but this was taking things too damn far.
“You know I don't bluff, Harley.” Matt never bluffed and he wasn't this time either. However, he was more than capable of telling her a flat out lie if it suited his purposes. And it did.
“But this is insane,” she said as reasonably as possible under the circumstances. “Why would you even suggest such a thing?”
“Because I want you, dammit,” Matt admitted bluntly.
That did not impress her in the least. Matthew wanted every woman he met. There was no way in hell she was gonna wind up as a notch on his bed post again. “I don't want you,” she denied adamantly.
“Liar,” he accused.
My Name Is Desire
The Bad Baker Boys: Mark’s story
“I plan to make it as enticing as possible,” Mark assured her. “I want the new place to be first class and a famous chef is exactly what it needs to accomplish that. So, whatever your heart desires, name it and it’s yours.”
That was when she began to worry. This was a business deal plain and simple but Desi was afraid that being near Mark all the time would turn into something more and she knew if it did, she'd just wind up getting hurt again. So the biggest question on her mind was, am I willing to run the risk to have everything I've ever wanted professionally? “It's a lot to consider, but I will think about it,” she promised.
“That's all I ask,” he said confidently. “I'm starving and all this talk about food hasn't helped. What do you say we grab some dinner?”
“Sounds good,” she agreed and stood. “I'll just step into the ladies room and freshen up a bit.”
“You might need this,” Mark said with a wicked smile as he stood and pulled her thong out of his pocket. He placed it in her hand and saw her mouth drop open in disbelief even as her face flamed as red as her glorious mane of hair. He pulled her to him and placed a tender kiss on her lips. “A beautiful woman should never be embarrassed because a man desires her,” Mark said silkily. “And lady, you are one desirable woman.”
Bemused by the knowledge that the dream had been real as much as she was by the look in his velvety eyes, Desi said inanely, “My name is desire.”
“What?” he asked in amusement.
“Desiree. It’s French for desire.”
Man, had her parents nailed that one. “Desiree,” he tasted the word and liked the sound of it on his lips. “It's perfect.”
Oh, hell. Desi was in too deep and in another minute she knew she'd be drowning. Shaking her head to break the spell he'd woven around her, she took a step back and walked into the ladies room to splash cool water on her flushed face. How the hell did she think she could have a professional relationship with Mark when every time he looked at her she practically melted at his feet? It wouldn't work and she knew it. Moving here and going into business with him would be the biggest mistake of her life. Why did he have to be so charming and sexy? And why the hell couldn't she stop wanting him long enough to make her dream come true?
Mark was not having the same difficulty that she was. He thought it was a perfect solution to both their problems. She'd have her own five star restaurant that was guaranteed to attract the clientele he'd hoped for. It would also provide him with ample opportunity to seduce a fascinating woman. If it worked out and they became lovers, so much the better. If it didn't, they'd still have a professional relationship and he was sure they could make the joint venture a success. It looked like a win-win situation from his point of view. Now he just had to convince her.
They sat across from each other in a booth at Ted's and tossed ideas back and forth for the new venture while they ate. In spite of her reservations, Mark's enthusiasm was contagious and Desi realized she was as excited as he was. “I like the smoky, jazz club idea,” she agreed. “Something soft and romantic would be a nice venue for intimate dinners.”
“I like the way you think,” he assured her with that bad boy smile. “Romance and intimacy are two of my favorite things.”
“Mark,” she began hesitantly. “If we did go into business together, I'd prefer we kept our relationship strictly professional. Would that be a problem?”
He became completely serious and said, “I'll admit I'd prefer a hell of a lot more, but business is business and I'm willing to do whatever I have to in order to make this place a success.” He'd even deprive himself the chance to make love to a fascinating woman. He wouldn't like it, but Mark knew he could do it for the sake of the business. He saw her look of relief and couldn't help teasing, “How about you? Can you keep your hands off of me?”
“What?” she asked wide eyed.
“Well, you were the one seducing me earlier,” he pointed out, that bad boy grin firmly in place.
“I did no such thing!” she gasped and then had the presence of mind to ask warily, “Did I?”
“Damn straight,” he cheerfully agreed. “And I enjoyed every minute of it. So you'd have to promise not to get drunk and jump my bones again. I mean, a man can only withstand so much temptation, Desiree.”
Desi wasn't sure if he was teasing her or not, but she had a sinking feeling that Mark was telling the truth, dammit. “That's one promise I'll have no problems keeping,” she assured him. “Alcohol is not something I intend to indulge in again.”
Mark swirled a French fry in ketchup and raised velvety brown eyes to meet hers. “I notice you didn't mention the other part of the promise,” he said silkily and bit the potato wedge.
Desi stared into the heat from his gaze and admitted in all honesty, “That part could be more difficult.”
His smile was one of satisfaction when Mark replied, “We can give it a try, but you and I both know it’s a wasted effort. Sooner or later, we'll be lovers, Desiree. It's just a matter of time until one of us gives in and says the hell with it. Is that a risk you're willing to take?”
“I don't think so,” she denied and knew he was right.
“I won't lie and say I can just stop wanting you, but I can promise not to do anything you don't want me to,” Mark assured her. “And I won't pressure you for more than you're willing to give. That's not how I operate. Besides, Harley would kick my ass if I hurt you.”
Having never witnessed her best friends temper, Desi found that idea amusing. “You think so?”
“Damn straight,” he nodded seriously. “She's got a hell of a temper.”
“Harley?” she laughed.
“I kid you not. She used to fight at the drop of a hat,” Mark assured her. “She even kicked Charlie's ass when we were teenagers.”
“Charlie? The drunk guy from the bar?” Desi asked in disbelief because the man had been terrifying to say the least. She couldn't imagine Harley fighting, much less with a brute like him.
“That's how Matt met her,” Mark said and began to explain how the couple had met, the way they'd b
een drawn to each other against their better judgment, how he came to be involved in the mess and the game they had played, as well as the fact that Matt had intended to marry Harley before their relationship fell apart over stupid misunderstandings.
Desi was fascinated and couldn't believe everything her dearest friend had been through and was equally impressed with the way Mark had tried to protect her from being hurt again. His actions had been gallant and chivalrous in spite of the fact that he had originally wanted Harley for himself. “So the two of you managed to have a completely platonic relationship,” she deduced and then challenged, “You were able to do it once with no problem, what makes you think you can't do it again?”
Mark pushed the plate aside, folded his arms atop the table and leaned forward to say silkily, “Kissing Harley and giving you your first and only climax are two entirely different things.” When her mouth dropped open and she blushed profusely, he added “I've tasted your passion, Desiree, and I'd love nothing better than to do it again. And again.”
Heat filled her entire body and Desi wished the floor would open up and swallow her whole. She couldn't believe Mark had just said that, but at least now she had her answer. There was no way in hell she could maintain a professional relationship with him. She wanted him just as much as he seemed to want her.
Desire So Deadly
Welcome To Lakeside Series: Brett’s Story
(This novella is a prequel to The Bad Baker Boys: Luke’s Story)
When Brett arrived that evening, he was disappointed to find Dizzy fully clothed this time, but he knew that could be easily rectified, especially since she looked so damn sexy. The well worn denim clung lovingly to her bottom and perfectly formed legs and the frayed hem drew his attention to her bare feet. Damn, even her feet were sexy with those coral colored toenails. She was wearing another one of those novelty T-shirts that she seemed to favor, and he laughed when he read it. Forget Mr. Right, Give Me Mr. Right Now.
“I brought the syrup,” he said with a wicked grin as he handed her a bottle of the finest maple syrup the gourmet food store had to offer. “And a drill.”
She eyed the drill warily and quickly informed him, “That's a little too freaky for me.” as she placed the syrup on the table in the center of the foyer.
Brett laughed and shook his head. It seemed her mind had gone straight to the gutter this time. “To install the lock,” he added and saw her look of relief.
“Oh,” she said and laughed at her own foolishness. “You already have the only power tool we need.” He kissed her soundly in appreciation and her hands slid around his waist, her knuckles brushing his gun in the process. “Although, feel free to bring the Glock to bed anytime,” Dizzy suggested and saw his shocked expression. “I have a fetish for guns.”
“You're kidding,” he replied warily, not sure if she was yanking his chain or not.
The look she gave him assured him she was not. Her fingertips trailed over the gun at his hip as if she were caressing a lover. “Firepower really turns me on,” Dizzy confessed and shivered deliciously. “I get so hot and bothered I can't even go to the range.”
He was floored because she was being completely serious. Dizzy was a freak. His smile became decidedly wicked and so was his voice when he said, “I need a shooting partner. Are you interested?”
Side by side on the range, matching her skill against his? Was he kidding? She closed her eyes and could feel the weight of the gun in her hands, the tension of the trigger beneath her finger as she gently squeezed and held it, hear the report as bullets exploded from the barrel in rapid succession, smell the scent of heated gun powder, see the bullets piercing the target with deadly accuracy and a low moan of ecstasy escaped her.
“God, yes,” she breathed and opened her eyes to look up at him.
The glazed and hungry look left him in no doubt that she was seriously turned on just thinking about it and he was astounded at her reaction. He'd never met a woman like her before and he didn't think he ever would again. Brett laid the drill on the table, lifted his hands to cup her breasts, and suggested, “Why don't we try out that bed?”
“Which one?” she asked dazedly, caught up in the fantasy of them making love on the shooting range.
“How many are there?” he asked as he nuzzled her neck.
“Eight,” she gasped and slid one hand between them to caress the evidence of his desire for her.
“Hell, let’s try 'em all,” Brett decided as he scooped her into his arms and headed for the stairs.
Desire Too Wild To Tame
The Bad Baker Boys: Luke’s Story
Two hours later Luke was still thinking about it. And her. He'd finally given up on reviewing the case. It was impossible to concentrate when the only thing he could think about was the way she had felt in his arms. The taste of Easy on his lips. The scent of her filled his head and he'd given up and gone to bed to just lay there and stare at the ceiling as he willed his aroused body back into a normal state. It wasn't gonna happen any time soon, he knew.
When his phone rang, he glanced at the clock to see that it was eleven and picked up the phone. “Hello.” he said thankful for the distraction.
“Hello, Sugah.” That warm, sexy voice purred.
A wave of pure heat washed over him at the sound. “Easy?” Luke asked in disbelief and wondered how the hell she'd gotten his mobile number. He'd be willing to bet good old Brett had given it to her. Misery did love company and he knew his friend had his hands full dealing with the Grayson sisters.
“Did I wake you?” she asked softly.
“No.” he denied.
“But you are in bed, aren't you?” she asked with a knowing smile.
“I am.” he confessed warily.
“Alone?” she asked hopefully.
“Yes.” he admitted.
“Umm. I can just picture you stretched out in that big king size bed.”
The deliciously wicked voice sent a shiver up his spine even as he looked at the door expecting to see her standing there watching him. “How the hell did you know...”
She laughed softly and said in a perfect British accent, “Simple deductive reasoning, my dear Watson. That big, gorgeous body won't fit in anything smaller.” Which made perfect sense when he thought about it, but before he could form a reply, she switched to that soft, southern drawl again, and said, “I wish I were there with you.” The heat intensified and settled low in his loins because he'd love nothing better. “Oh, the things I could do to you.” she said seductively. “Do you like honey, Luke?”
Forcing his brain to concentrate on the seemingly innocuous question and not the erotic images his mind had conjured up, he said somewhat hoarsely, “Yeah.”
“Umm. I love honey,” Easy breathed. “I'd like to cover you in it and lick every delicious inch. It could take hours to get every last drop since there’s so much of you to enjoy. Would you like that, Sugah?”
He closed his eyes in agony and exhaled harshly, his hand gripping the phone tightly as he fought the mental imagery. Dear lord, the woman had reduced him to one big throbbing ache with her seductive words and he couldn't believe they were having this conversation. “Yeah.” he confessed huskily and wished he hadn't when she proceeded to tell him exactly how she'd go about it until he was breathing raggedly and so aroused it was painful.
Deciding that she had tormented him enough for one night, Easy said, “As much as I hate to, it's getting late and you have court in the morning, so I'm going to say goodnight.” Her voice was wicked beyond belief when she added, “Sweet dreams, Sugah.” She ended the call and laughed softly. That should teach him not to leave her all hot and bothered again.
Luke stared at the phone in a daze when she ended the call and wondered what the hell had just happened. And then it hit him. Sonuvabitch. He'd just had phone sex! He was so damn hot the phone should have been smoking. Throwing back the cover with a vicious curse, Luke went into the bathroom and stepped into the shower.
&n
bsp; He howled when the icy cold spray of water hit his heated flesh, but it did little to quench the need that Easy had caused. He still wanted her more than a man should want anything and that doubled his determination to stay the hell away from her. The last thing he needed was to get tangled up with a wild woman and he'd never met one wilder than Easy Grayson.
~~~~
About the author:
I live in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina with my wonderful husband, two amazing sons, and the world’s most spoiled boxer (who has his own facebook page). Trust me when I say that life is never boring!
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