Twice the Temptation

Mac nodded. “I’ve been thinking about it ever since we ran into each other in the lobby this morning. I was sitting close by at the bar,” he continued, “and I couldn’t help but overhear most of your conversation.”

Reese narrowed her eyes. “You eavesdropped?”

“Rude, I know. But I’m not sorry.” What he’d learned had finally settled the conflict that had been going on inside of him—perhaps since that first moment he’d seen her. If Reese Brightman was somehow destined to hook up with a boy toy this weekend, Mac was determined it would be him. And he didn’t have a moment to lose. Not if Charles Dutoit had come here with the same purpose in mind.

“Did you draw that parchment I read out of Hattie Haworth’s fantasy hat box?” he asked.

When she nodded, he felt some of the tension inside of him ease. He knew he was taking a huge risk professionally and personally. He wasn’t about to tell her who he was, not yet—there was too much baggage there. He had no doubt that he’d eventually pay a price for that, but he’d handle it. There’d be a price to pay personally, also.

But right now, sitting across from her, Mac felt that tingle of certainty, that “click” he always felt when a project jelled for him. Whatever the consequences, he knew he was doing the right thing.

“Can I see it again?”

For a second, Reese simply stared at him while her head spun and her pulse pounded. She’d looked into his eyes before and experienced a kind of intense desire she’d only ever read about. But right now she saw something dangerous in them, something reckless that she hadn’t noted before. And it thrilled her to the bone.

Anticipation and panic warred inside of her. She could refuse. She could get up and walk away. Avery and Nate were just outside in the lobby. But that wasn’t what she wanted. What she wanted more than anything was to give in to the temptation to take the wild ride only this man could give her.

He smiled at her, and she felt the impact right down to her toes. “Please? Can I see it again?”

Without taking her eyes off of his, she drew it out of her pocket, opened it up, and placed it on the table between them. When he took it out of the envelope and turned it so it was facing him, his fingers accidentally brushed against hers. Both of them went very still. It wasn’t just the flame shooting through her and melting everything in its path. There was also a flutter in her heart that continued to dance as his gaze returned to hers.

Who was he that he could do this to her? And who was she turning into that she couldn’t seem to prevent it from happening? Both questions fascinated her. And she wanted answers.

“'You will explore all of the sensual delights of having your own boy toy,'” he read. “I just wanted to make sure that I remembered it correctly. If this is your fantasy, I want to apply for the boy toy position.”

The flutter in her heart danced again. And for one long moment, Reese was tempted to fling caution to the wind and just say yes. It would be the wildest thing she’d ever done. Maybe the only wild thing she’d ever done. And he was making it so easy for her. All she had to do was let herself be swept away.

But that had been the story of her life. People had always made decisions easy for her—whether it was her older sisters smoothing the way or her agent negotiating with her hard-to-please producer.

She dropped her gaze to the piece of parchment lying on the table between them. Even Hattie had somehow gotten into the act, providing the fantasy that was supposed to take care of everything for her, not to mention delivering the perfect boy toy.

She had to hand it to Hattie on that one. Blue Eyes was nearly perfect. But she couldn’t live the rest of her life going along with the flow.

Later she would wonder how she managed it, but she carefully picked up the parchment and slipped it back into the envelope. “You’re going a little fast for me.”

He continued to look at her for a long moment. Finally, he said, “Fair enough. When I really want something, or someone, I tend to rush my fences. But I can do slow.”

She just bet he could. It was easy to imagine those hands moving over her very carefully, very slowly. At the thought, the room was abruptly too hot, her throat too dry. She moistened her lips and glanced around. “I’ve never done this, hooked up with somebody in a bar. I don’t even know your name.”

“I’m Mac. And while I have hooked up with women in bars before, I don’t make a habit of it.” He leaned against the back of the booth. “There’s usually a bit of small talk involved. I’ve put it together—what with eavesdropping and your very friendly staff—that you’re Reese Brightman, one of the owners of this delightful hotel. And this is the first Singles Weekend Haworth House has ever offered. It’s a first for me, too. I’ve never been to one before. How about you?”

Reese leaned forward a bit. “Never. I’m here because the manager asked me to help out. Normally, I’m very cautious. I don’t even jump into the deep end of the pool without testing the waters first. I’m very focused on my job. My sisters accuse me of being a workaholic.”

“I’ve been accused of the same. When I was growing up, I had a nanny who thought I was too serious. She used to invent all sorts of games for us to play.”

Reese found herself smiling. “Sounds like my sisters. Left to my own devices, I would have spent all my time in the kitchen.”

“Looks like we have something in common.”

She studied him for a moment, totally surprised. She wouldn’t have believed she had anything in common with this large, incredibly handsome man. He appeared to be so self-assured. The reckless gleam had faded from his eyes, but they were still very intent and focused totally on her.

She tapped a finger on the parchment. “It’s my first experience with fantasies, too.”

His eyebrows rose. “Ever? You didn’t entertain any even when you were a little girl?”

She thought for a few seconds, then shook her head. “No. I had dreams of becoming a famous chef, and my sisters and I always dreamed of going into business together. But dreams and goals are different than fantasies.”

“You’re right. Goals and dreams are serious business. Achieving them takes hard work and perseverance, not to mention luck. But fantasies should be fun. That would certainly go along with the boy toy theme, don’t you think?”