Tempted

Find a different lady to spend his week with—someone less complicated.

Less dangerous.

But he knew that wasn’t going to happen.

A slow burn of a smile spread on his lips. Harper was a challenge that fired him up in ways he hadn’t allowed himself to feel in a long time.

But if he remembered the rules of this game correctly, a direct approach would end in failure.

Harper was all about strategy, cunning.

So he had to respond in kind.

Well, J.T. had wanted him to cut loose, have fun.

What better fun could there be than trying to catch a woman intent on running away?

Hell, it was a bad idea—practically reeking of disaster—but he was in.

All in.

Tonight’s event was a standard meet and greet, with a single-and-ready-to-mingle vibe. Polite laughter and the buzz of conversation floated around the room. There were plenty of fish in this fishbowl, that was for certain.

Once his buddy Kirk Addler had joked that Teagan ought to put himself on Tinder. Teagan hadn’t paid attention to the newest apps and whatnot that were out there, so he’d reluctantly checked it out, seeing as Kirk seemed keen on it.

After a few appalling swipes, Teagan was a definite no.

And Kirk deserved a kick in the ass.

And more than likely, an STD check.

Swipe right, swipe left...no thanks.

If that was the dating in the new age, he’d happily remain single.

Ignoring the urge to insert himself into her circle of admirers, Teagan made a deliberate detour to the bar but managed to make brief eye contact with the brunette hottie. However, he made sure he was the one to break contact first before continuing on, as if she were merely a blip on his ever-roving radar.

Chicks hated to be overlooked.

Especially ones who knew they were the hottest in the room.

A smartly dressed bartender politely attended to his needs and, after receiving his beer, he tipped the man well.

Teagan didn’t have to wait long before his bait caught a nibble.

But not by the right fish.

Cougar Lady was hot on his trail, eyes flashing and tail twitching. “There you are again,” she said, sliding into the seat beside him at the bar. This time she extended her hand in a seductive introduction. “Vanessa Vermuelen. And you are? Aside from tall, delicious and ready-to-eat?”

“Teagan Carmichael,” he answered, appreciating the view of her bountiful cleavage practically inviting him to lay his head on it. He flagged the bartender, and because Teagan had tipped well, the bartender was eager to serve. “My lady friend here is in need of a drink.”

“Whiskey sour,” she said with a throaty laugh that was deep and sexy. Then she gently tugged at the bartender’s sleeve and said with a wink, “And don’t go light on the whiskey, sweet thing.”

The bartender grinned and ducked his head in a nod. “You got it.”

Vanessa turned to Teagan. “The drinks are included in your package but they tend to skimp on the good stuff. I always like to let the bartender know that I like a stiff...drink.”

If Teagan hadn’t been clued in already, he would’ve caught the message loud and clear this time—he was on her meal plan.

“So tell me, Teagan... What are you here for?” she asked, going for the direct approach. “A little fun, something deeper? Because I’m open to either. I’m footloose and fancy-free and I intend to live it up.”

Teagan couldn’t help but smile at the engaging woman, even if he didn’t want to sleep with her. She had a way about her that was infectious, and he liked her company.

“I’m not sure what I’m looking for,” he answered. “My brother booked this cruise and kinda forced me to go.”

“Sounds like a fun brother,” she said, sipping her drink. “So, not married? Divorced? Widowed? What’s your story?”

“Absolutely single. Never been married. You?”

Vanessa released a breath in dramatic style and readjusted her ample cleavage. “Was married to a real son of a bitch but he did me a solid and died. His insurance payout was about the only decent thing he ever did in his life.”

“That bad, huh?”

“He wasn’t winning any humanitarian awards,” Vanessa drawled with derision, then tacked on, “Well, I stayed with the bastard too long so that’s my fault, but I was raised that you didn’t quit. So I stayed. Wasted the best parts of my life, too. But that’s over, honey. I’m here to tear things up, starting with you, sugar pot.” She squeezed his thigh, and he jumped. Her eyes lit up as she grinned. “You are a jumpy thing. All that young energy, stamina...mmm...just what I am looking for.”

Teagan didn’t want to hurt the older lady’s feelings, but he didn’t want to lead her on, either. “Vanessa, you are a smoking-hot woman, no doubt. Some man is going to be counting his lucky stars with you on his arm but I’m not sure I’m ready to take things to that level.”

Vanessa’s smile was strained around the edges but she nodded. “Sure, no problem. You’re old-fashioned. I like that. Most times men are just eager to drop their drawers if the invitation is bold enough.”

“When did your husband die?” he asked.

She exhaled before taking another drink. “Two years ago. Heart attack. Dropped dead in the middle of a steak dinner. Ruined everyone’s appetite, that’s for sure. I haven’t been back to that restaurant since.”

Even though Vanessa implied she was glad to be widowed, Teagan sensed lingering grief. Some things were hard to quit, especially if it was something like a long-term relationship.

“So, I do these cruises for fun, to pass the time. Meet people.”

“How many cruises have you done?” he asked.

“This is my fourth.”

Four singles cruises? Basically, two a year for the past two years since her husband died. That admission told a story.

“What was your husband’s name?”

She cast him an uncertain look as if surprised he was asking, then answered, “Dale. We were high school sweethearts.”

Vanessa blinked rapidly and Teagan realized she was fighting tears. Fluttering her hands to wipe away any moisture before it left a track down her heavily made-up face, she rose and excused herself before Teagan could say anything.