Tempted

by Brandi Evans

  She squared her shoulders, lifted her chin. “I’m no victim.”

  “Obviously.” He grinned. “Still…you don’t want me to get in trouble, do ya?”

  She rolled her eyes and smiled. So breathtaking, so beautiful the sight sent a spark straight into his soul. And into his cock. Good thing he wore a long coat. No doubt about it, Lyndi Garrison was real trouble. The sooner he ditched his human form—and her—the better off he’d be.

  How long could he hold out before his desire took over?

  He needed to help her fix her car and get out of here, but he couldn’t merely offer his help without revealing the fact he’d overheard the conversation she’d had with Michaels. “Forgive the cliché,” he said, “but what’s a beautiful woman like you doing alone in a place like this?”

  She pointed over her shoulder. “Car trouble. I can take down a man twice my size. When my car starts smoking, however… Well, let’s just say I’m severely automotivly challenged.”

  “Why don’t I take a look? I know a thing or two about fixing cars.” He may not be of this world, but his expertise on mankind included everything from the most advanced principles of quantum physics to rudimentary things like transportation.

  “Please…” She motioned toward the car with a quick jerk of the head.

  Although she acted casual, a smile tugging her lips, she obviously wanted to keep him in front of her. Just in case he wasn’t who he said he was.

  “Do you have a last name that goes with Seth? Or are you like Madonna and Cher? One name does it.”

  Actually, yes. But his lack of last name would be difficult to explain.

  He picked a last name at random. “Jones. Seth Jones.”

  “And do you normally skulk around parks on Friday nights trying to rescue damsels in distress? Or is this a special occasion?”

  “I was out for a walk,” he lied.

  “Wearing that?”

  Seth looked at himself and realized how absurd his answer must seem to her. Going for a walk in a suit, wool trench coat and dress shoes? Yeah, he wouldn’t believe his excuse either. He should have conjured himself a pair of jeans and—

  His spine tingled. A warm shot of awareness darted to the forefront of his consciousness, an alert he’d fine-tuned over the centuries. Someone like him was watching them. Angel, demon or fellow Death Worker he couldn’t tell. The sensations came and fled so fast he almost dismissed them. Almost.

  He turned on instinct and looked around, opened his mind. He hadn’t sensed anyone moments earlier, when he’d thought Lyndi needed saving. Since she hadn’t actually needed help, his actions shouldn’t have brought him onto anyone’s radar. To be on the safe side, he needed to send her on her way as soon as possible.

  “Seth?” Lyndi’s uncertain voice called to him. “Did you hear something, someone? Did he come back?”

  “No,” he said honestly. “It’s nothing.” He turned back to the road. “What were we talking about?”

  “You being out for a walk in dress clothes.”

  “Oh yeah. I wasn’t out for a walk walk. I’m a tourist. I was strolling. I hadn’t intended to walk this far from my hotel but…” He shrugged. “Everything was so lovely I kept going.”

  The lie might work. A small bed and breakfast sat about a mile down the beach and she’d already clued in to the fact he wasn’t a local.

  They reached her car and it gave him the perfect opportunity to shift the conversation away from himself. He couldn’t tell her who he was, and he’d rather not lie outright if he could help it.

  “Was the smoke white or black?” he asked because he didn’t want her to know he’d seen her earlier. “From your car. A black smoke or more of a steamy, water vapor smoke?”

  “White,” she answered. “Like water vapor I guess.”

  “Sounds like your radiator could have boiled out the last of its coolant.” He turned to the exposed engine, found the radiator reservoir and unscrewed the cap.

  Lyndi stepped next to him. The scent of vanilla honey filled his nose, reminding him of the vanilla orchid fields in Brazil where he liked to meditate. Only Lyndi’s scent was four billion times more alluring and oh-so-much sexier. Arousal filled his cock, hot and hard, familiar but different than he was used to. A physical need, not a spiritual longing.

  The outside of Lyndi’s hip and thigh pressed against his as she motioned to the engine. “What’s the verdict?”

  “Radiator’s dry.”

  And so was his mouth.

  Shit, he could only imagine the shot of lust he’d receive if they ever really touched skin to skin. “How long has it been since you added any fluids?”

  “Fluids?” She worried her bottom lip between her teeth again. “Uh…what kinds of fluids are you talking about? The only liquid I ever add to my car is gas.”

  “Ah…you’re that kind of car owner.” Seth grinned again, amazed how easily she elicited the reaction from him, especially considering how long it had been since he’d last smiled.

  A gust of wind blew in from the ocean and tousled her hair. The locks shimmered beneath the artificial light above them, much in the same manner water glistened beneath the sun’s rays. Or the moon’s beams.

  His cock twitched. Manhandling his reactions to Lyndi in this damn human body was apparently not possible.

  She shifted her weight toward him, the move so slight most men wouldn’t have even noticed it. Hell, she might not even notice it, but being in this fucking human body, tactile sensations were magnified. This must be what it felt like when a human encountered a live, high-powered cable. He had to fight to keep his brain from going somewhere it shouldn’t.

  He focused his attention on the engine. “If we can get some fluids in here right now, it won’t fix it, but it’ll be good enough to get you on the road again.”

  “What kind of fluids? Dad taught me to always have a couple gallons of bottled water in the trunk in case of emergencies.”

  “That’ll work. It’s better to have a mixture of coolant and water, but the water will be enough to get you out of here.”

  And end the temptation he’d gotten himself into.

  Unfortunately.

  He turned to her, and wow—she stood so close to him. He should back away, but the vibrant life sparkling in her eyes put his brain on lockdown. If he leaned in a few inches he could kiss her. And he wanted to kiss her.

  Damn it he couldn’t kiss her.

  “Good,” she said. “I’ll still be able to make it to the party my family shanghaied me into. Apparently, I work too much and have no life.” She rolled her eyes. “Actually, tonight’s get-together is to celebrate my first art show.”

  “Your first art show? Congratulations.”

  “Thanks. I still can’t believe I lucked into finding someone to back my show. He offered to rent out a big space at the Redemption Harbor Art Gallery, but I wanted to have it at my studio. It felt more me, ya know?” She pushed away and headed to the trunk.

  Seth let out the breath he didn’t realize he’d been holding.

  “I’m insanely nervous though,” she continued. “I keep thinking crazy things like, What if no one likes me or What if I get such bad reviews no one will ever take a chance on me again? It’s driving me crazy.” She hit a button on her keys and the trunk popped open. “What about you? Got any big plans for your vacation weekend?”

  Did Lyndi have any concept of personal boundaries whatsoever? Were all topics open season? He liked that trait. After working so long in a world where all words were calculated, where everyone had an agenda, where everyone manipulated every circumstance to achieve their mission, her straightforwardness refreshed him.

  He grabbed both gallons of water and headed back to the engine. “Not really,” he answered.

  “Geez, Seth…lay it all on me, why don’t ya?”

  Deep, gravelly laughter bubbled in her throat. God, the sound was so sexy.

  “I wonder…” She stared at him for a long moment before cont
inuing. “I wonder if it’s possible for you to utter more than ten words at a time?”

  He laughed, spilling water as he poured it into the reservoir. The spontaneous outburst felt…nice. “Sometimes. If prompted properly.”

  “Good to know.” She bumped his shoulder with hers. More like she bumped his elbow with her shoulder.

  A motorcycle whizzed by, despite the chilling temp, and he screwed the cap back on the radiator reservoir and then slammed the hood. “Remember,” he said, turning to Lyndi, “this isn’t a permanent fix. You’ll need to take your car to the shop ASAP. Okay?”

  She nodded. “I’ll have my dad check it once I get to the party. And speaking of the party…”

  Whoa, did she move closer?

  Obviously forwardness made up a large portion of her personality arsenal. He drew in a deep breath. He needed out of this body, and fast. The physical sensations made him want to do things he shouldn’t. Made him conjure mental images of Lyndi’s naked body sprawled beneath him as he pounded into her pussy or—better yet—Lyndi on her knees with her lips wrapped around his dick as she sucked him into oblivion.

  “You should come with, Seth. It’ll be fun. My family’s a blast. And who knows, you might spontaneously spout more than ten words. What do you think?”

  What did he think?

  He thought the suggestion had danger written all over it. In flashing neon lights. He’d already crossed the line by revealing himself to her. No way could he show himself to an entire family.

  Yeah, like letting more humans see him was his biggest worry at the moment. His damn dick was fucking out of control!

  “I don’t know, Lyndi. I’ve still got some work I need to finish tonight before—”

  “Work? I thought you were on vacation?”

  Oops. “I am on vacation, but—”

  “Come on. It’s Friday night! Besides, I need someone to help me fool my family into believing I’ve actually gone out and found a man. And seeing as you want to bow out of my invite because you’ve got work to do—on a Friday night while you’re on vacation—you’re obviously way past ready for a night of fun. Besides, I won’t take no for an answer.”

  She smiled at him and his resolve turned to shit.

  Closing his eyes, he turned his face to the sky.

  Heaven help me…

  Chapter Two

  Lyndi and Seth climbed the steps of her childhood home. As much as she hated to admit it, she was glad Seth had shown up when he did. From the second he and his massive body had arrived on scene, his presence had acted as a calming balm that made her feel safe, protected.

  Truth was, now that the adrenaline had worn off, she was scared.

  If Seth hadn’t shown up, would she have really been able to fight off that asshole? Yes, she taught women to defend themselves against the scum of the earth, but she’d never been in a true life-and-death situation before tonight. Not to mention she’d been on a relatively deserted stretch of highway, no cell phone, no means of transportation. She’d gotten the jump on him, true, when he saw her as nothing but a weak, frail bitch.

  What if he wouldn’t have stayed down? What if he’d kept coming after her? Even if she’d made it back to her car, nothing but a breakable frame of glass would have stood between them.

  A shudder chased down her spine. Would the man have raped her if he’d managed to subdue her? Beaten her? Both?

  Killed her and left her body lying in a ditch somewhere?

  The fear she’d managed to keep wrangled during the attack broke free with a vengeance. Her hands started shaking—she clenched her fingers into fists to cover the weakness. But it was too late. The tremors were spreading up her arms.

  Seth, as if in tune with her emotions, pressed his hand to the small of her back. “Lyndi?” His voice was filled with concern. “Are you okay?”

  “Yeah,” she lied, unable to stop herself from leaning into his big frame. Unable to stop the quivering. “Just…cold.”

  “Lyndi…”

  Her jaw tightened against the sobs that threatened to break free from her chest. Fuck, she needed to get her emotions under control before they went inside. Her sisters were a little like piranhas. They’d pick up on even the smallest amount of emotional bleeding and it’d be game over.

  Trying to settle herself, she took a deep breath and let the familiar sights and smells of her childhood home mingle with the calm Seth’s company brought her.

  “Childhood home” might actually be a stretch. Her father had been in the Marines, so her parents hadn’t purchased the place until Lyndi had started high school. Still, she loved the old two-story’s beachfront ambience and come-take-a-load-off appeal. Light yellow siding, pale blue shutters with matching shingles and white trim contributed loads to the pastoral charm. High-stretching trees, cobblestone walks and flowering bushes completed the look.

  “Lyndi? Are you really okay?” Seth asked again, worry darkening his voice. “It’s okay to be afraid.”

  She let out a long breath. Did she lie to him? Say she was nervous about her plan to bring him along and pass him off as her new beau? Maybe. But what was the point?

  She turned to him, her gaze falling to the ground. “I was thinking about that man, the one from the park and wondering…what would have happened to me if you hadn’t come along. I had no way of getting out of there, no way of calling for help. How long could I have held him off before he gave up?”

  Or killed me?

  “But I did come along.” Seth stopped midway up the stairs and turned her. She stood on the step above him but he still loomed ridiculously high over her. “So don’t give that jackass another thought, okay?”

  She nodded, wishing her mind would comply.

  “You shouldn’t fear the past, Lyndi. Learn from it, yes…never fear it. The past can’t hurt you.”

  And he looked like he knew something about painful pasts. Beneath the soft hue of the yellow porch light, the night’s darkness and his shoulder-length hair no longer cloaked his strong features. His brown eyes seemed even sadder, as if he’d witnessed a thousand lifetimes of sorrow.

  What tragedies did he have in his past?

  “The past might not be able to hurt me,” she whispered, “but having you beside me is calming. It’s like walking around with my very own guardian angel.”

  His gaze slid to the ground, his words soft as he said, “I’m no one’s Guardian. Not anymore.”

  Not anymore?

  She pressed a palm against his cheek. His nostrils flared, eyes rolled back—an expression of pure pleasure. As if she’d dropped to her knees and started sucking his cock, not simply placed her hand against his face.

  She started to pull her hand away, but he caught her wrist.

  “Don’t,” he choked out, forcing more contact. “Don’t…”

  His cheek radiated warmth beneath her hand, too much warmth. The heat spread up her arm, through her shoulder, then slithered throughout the rest of her body, kicking her heart into overdrive. When it hit her womb, what started as a subtle heat turned into a raging fire. Her pussy clenched against its own leaking moisture and her clit sizzled, so sensitive she feared the mere act of walking might set her off.

  And wasn’t that great. Super-horny at her parents’ place. It was like being in high school all over again.

  “Seth,” she moaned.

  His gaze returned to hers—God have mercy. She feared she’d faint from the raw emotion on his face. Sadness. Longing. Regret. Lust. They painted him in the most haunting glow. If only she could duplicate this expression on canvas…

  He lifted his hand and traced his fingertips over her lips. “I’m going to kiss you… Is that okay?”

  He didn’t give her time to answer.

  His hands bracketed her face, still feeling much too warm against her winter-chilled skin. Her sluggish brain didn’t have time to comprehend much of anything before Seth’s tongue bullied its way into her mouth, exploring, tasting, demanding. The moist, textured mu
scle dueled with hers and fueled their kiss. On autopilot, she gripped the lapels of his jacket and yanked him against her.

  Fuck, his touch was unreal.

  “Lyndi,” Seth moaned into her mouth, his long arms banding and crushing her against his boulder-hard body—the word rock was an offensive downsizing for a man of his stature. “I want you.”

  Then take me.

  She wanted to say the words but his tongue filled her mouth again.

  Her knees buckled and Seth’s strong arms held her steady.

  The front door opened. Her father cleared his throat.

  Busted.

  Behind the deep timbre of her father’s hmm-hmm, her sisters’ giggles confirmed everything. Lyndi and Seth had been spied on.

  “I can still catch daddy’s little girl making out on the front porch,” her old man said, humor lacing mock disapproval. “I see I haven’t lost my touch.”

  “Apparently neither has Lyndi,” her oldest sister, Mari, called from somewhere inside the house.

  Thanks, guys. Way to completely guarantee I’ll never get a second date.

  She loved her family—just not so much right now. Still, she couldn’t help but smile as she stepped into her father’s outstretched arms.

  “Hello, Daddy.”

  “Glad you made it, Lynds, seeing as we’re throwing this shindig for you.” He kissed the top of her head. “Ya know, you need to get yourself a better car. Or learn how to take care of the one you’ve got.”

  Lyndi laughed. She and Seth had stopped at a little gas station on the way to top off her reservoir and she’d called her dad to tell him about her delay, leaving out all references to creepy men and ass kickings.

  Her dad turned to Seth. “Who’s this, Baby? And whoa…does he play football? If he doesn’t, he damn well should!”

  Lyndi laughed. Her dad made a valid point. Seth probably had to duck and turn sideways to keep from damaging doorframes. For a split second, her naughty, naughty imagination seized control.