Tempt Me: A First Class Romance Collection

by Hawkins, Jessica

  Turning quickly, I swipe the mouse back and forth to bring my oversized Mac to life. A large colorful bar graph is on the screen.

  Yes, market analysis is what I need. The perfect boner-killer…

  I refocus my thoughts.

  I’ve always been good at tests. No reason to think I’ll fail this one.

  7

  Ruby

  “Wait. How long have I been gone?” Drew’s voice is all the comfort I need after my run-in with the elementary school bitches turned preschool mean moms. “You’re a nanny?”

  I’m pacing my enormous bedroom on the third floor. “And you’re not going to believe how much he’s paying me.”

  I tell her, and she shrieks again. “That’s… a hundred eighty thousand dollars a year!”

  “I know!” I walk to the French doors facing the lake. “I was going to flip out, but then I googled it. Most celebrity nannies make like two hundred a year.”

  “So you’re not the highest paid nanny in America. I guess you’ll have to keep looking…” She’s playing it off, but I can tell she’s impressed. “You know, I had a feeling Remi was well-off, but hell. I didn’t know he was that rich. What is he? Bill Gates’s kid?”

  “I don’t think Bill Gates is old enough to have a son Remi’s age. He’s only thirty.”

  “Have you slept with him yet?”

  I almost choke. “He’s my boss, Drew.”

  “Well, have you?” She’s laughing now. “He’s hot as fuck.”

  “You can say that again.” Leaning against the window sill, I remember him in those bare feet and faded jeans last night. “But I’m a professional childcare provider.”

  “Why should that stop you?”

  “I couldn’t keep working for him if I was sleeping with him.” My voice goes soft, and my stomach sinks at the truth. “I’d have to give up this amazing job… give up the chance at finally being financially independent.”

  We’re quiet, and when she speaks again, I’m reminded why Drew and I have always been so close. She just gets me.

  “So are you going to sleep with him?

  We both start laughing harder. “I’m hanging up now.”

  “Love you, hooker.”

  “Love you more.”

  Only Drew would know exactly the predicament I’m in—brain versus hormones.

  Isn’t the brain controlled by hormones?

  I’m in trouble.

  A glance at the clock tells me I have about an hour before I have to pick up Lillie. Walking down the stairs, I stop on the landing at the second floor and see Remi at his impressive workstation, frowning at an enormous computer screen. Those hazel eyes quirk up to meet mine, and the frown is replaced with that smile.

  My stomach tightens.

  “Hey!” He slides back and stands, walking to where I’m waiting. “Did you meet Lillie’s teacher? She seems great, but I don’t know. What’s your professional opinion?”

  That makes me grin. “She’s amazing. Lillie’s going to learn a lot this year.”

  He nods, and I notice his bare feet again. He’s in those jeans, but this time he’s wearing a maroon tee that shows off his toned arms. Those biceps… I remember him lifting Lillie this morning at breakfast and how they flexed. It takes all my willpower not to exhale a delighted sigh.

  “Seemed like something was up with Eleanor this morning.” He walks back into his office, and I follow, noting that ass, wondering how much I should share with him about my earlier power struggle.

  I guess he did say Eleanor was driving him crazy, too. “I didn’t mean to have a run-in with her on my first day here.”

  “Technically it was your second day.” He stops at his desk and looks up at me with that panty-melting smile. “What happened?”

  The way he says it, it’s almost like a joke, like he knew it was coming all along. I guess that makes me feel less guilty?

  “Apparently, she’d put out this fancy dress for Lillie to wear to school. I didn’t know, so I let Lillie wear what she wanted.”

  “I thought Lillie looked great—exactly like herself. Mermaid princess.”

  “Right.” Now I’m confident he’ll understand. “I guess I could have made her change. What she wears isn’t so important to us… but it’s a big deal to her.”

  “I think it’s great how you treat her. It’s how I would.”

  “She’s a lot like you. She’s adorable.” The words are out before I realize what I’ve just said.

  “Is that so?” His smile changes from panty melting to flat out want.

  His hand twitches, and I can imagine going to him, putting my hand on his shoulder and pulling our mouths together. I imagine straddling his lap, him lifting my shirt over my head, pulling on my nipple with his lips… Oh, hell, I’m already wet.

  I want to bone my boss.

  Bone my boss…

  Yes, please.

  “Don’t you think she’s like you?” My breath is shallow, and he returns to where I’m standing.

  “I hope she’s not.”

  “Why? What’s wrong with you?”

  His chin drops, and it’s like he’s baring his soul. “You’re a therapist… tell me what you think—unless that’s not allowed… Can you treat your boss?”

  “Of course, I can.” Can I? “What’s bothering you?”

  We’re so close, and today his scent is less earthy and more soap and sexy man-scent. It’s delicious.

  “Is it inevitable… Do we all eventually turn into our parents?” He looks up at me from under his brow, and Oh, sweet Jesus, those eyes.

  “Lord I hope not.” I gently tease. “My mom is a piece of work… and my dad, well…” I don’t want to get into that.

  “Dads.” He exhales deeply. “I can’t be that man… Absent, distant, always distracted by my work, missing Lillie’s childhood. Showing up only to criticize.”

  The tone in his voice pulls at my chest, and his expression is so earnest. It captures my heart.

  I swallow the tightness in my throat. “Well, I know a little something about distant fathers. You are not like that.”

  “I try not to be.” The muscle in his jaw moves, and he looks over my shoulder. “Eleanor says I work too much. She says I’m missing my daughter’s most important years… Sometimes I think she says it to get under my skin. I mean, I have to work, or I’ll fall behind. Other investors will get ahead of me.”

  Reaching out, I touch his arm. It feels so good, warm and strong. “Everyone has to work, Remi. You can’t feel guilty for providing for your family.”

  He puts a hand on top of mine. “I’m too close to judge my own behavior. If I start neglecting her or putting my work first again—”

  “Lillie loves you. She’s so excited every time she sees you, which means you’re doing something right.” Our hands lower. He’s still holding mine, and instinctively our fingers thread. “I’ve been here less than a day, but you seem to have a great relationship with her. You seem to be there for her… as much as she needs you to be. I think it would be okay if she turns out like you…”

  “Will you let me know if I let her down?” His voice is lower.

  “I will.” His eyes drop to my mouth, and my tongue slips out to touch my bottom lip.

  His gaze stays there, and his lips part. God, I want to kiss him. Tightness fills my stomach, and I sway forward, lifting my chin. Warm breath skates over my cheek…

  It’s happening.

  We’re going to kiss.

  My heart beats so fast. He leans closer. My chest aches from the pressure. Perhaps we’ll meet in the middle.

  His eyes move across my cheek like a caress, up to my eyes. “I don’t mean to offend you. I hope you don’t mind me saying this…”

  “What?” The word floats out on an exhale.

  “You’re so beautiful.”

  “So are you…”

  Because, yes. Yes, he is.

  He leans a little closer, and the heat between us is right there. It’s fire, a
burning ring of fire, like the song. Our hands are still joined, an electric connection, sparks in our fingertips. I exhale a whimper, a plea for more. I’m slippery and wet, vibrating and magnetic.

  He inhales again, placing his hand on my shoulder. “You smell like roses.”

  My shirt is so thin, I’m sure my nipples will rip through the fabric. I want to reach forward and slide my hand along the front of his pants, feel the erection I know he has.

  One step forward, my chin lifts. My eyes slide close, and my breath stills…

  “Ruby!” Eleanor shouts my name so loud, we both jump apart.

  “Oh my god,” I whisper.

  “If you’re late to pick up Lillian, they fine us a dollar a minute.”

  She’s coming up the stairs. She’s almost to the landing, and I go to the door. Remi turns his back and steps out the open French doors onto the small balcony.

  He didn’t even touch me, but I smooth my hair and straighten my blouse. I’m hot and bothered and breathing fast. “What’s that?” My voice is wobbly.

  “Here you are.” Eleanor pauses at the door, and her eyes narrow suspiciously.

  I pass her, going out to the landing, without a backwards glance at my boss.

  My boss.

  Remi is my boss.

  “I must’ve lost track of time.” My voice is light, not breathless.

  Eleanor pivots and follows me down the stairs. “You might set your watch—”

  “That’s a good idea.” I lift my wrist and tap on my Apple watch.

  “That’s nice.” She leans forward to look over my shoulder. “I looked at one of those a while back, but it seemed so expensive…” Her tone makes it clear she wants to know how I could afford an Apple watch. Like it’s any of her business. “And I’m so old, you know.”

  “It was a Christmas present from my mom.”

  “Oh… of course.”

  Checking my watch also shows I have twenty minutes left to get Lillie. “I guess you drive slower than I do, too.”

  She grins, and her eyes narrow as if she’s sizing me up. “Tell me, Ruby, why does an educated, attractive young woman like you want to be a nanny? I’m sure there’s something you’d rather be doing besides babysitting someone else’s daughter.”

  “Being a nanny is not the same as a babysitter.” I already had this conversation with my mother; now I’m having it with the Dark Lord. Lordess? But while Ma is overly helpful, Eleanor is manipulative, controlling, and pouty. “Anyway, I like Lillie. She’s adorable.”

  “We don’t need you.”

  “Remi seems to have a different opinion on the matter. He said he needed help, and I’m here to help. It’s the Christian thing to do.”

  I couldn’t resist tossing in that jab.

  Church ladies love being so holier than thou.

  “I know you, Ruby Banks. I’ve seen you at church, and you’ve never struck me as particularly Christ-like.” I’m pretty sure she’s trying to insult me, but I’ve never worried about my reputation in Oakville. “Do you even know CPR?”

  “Do you?”

  Her eyes flare. “What is it you really want?”

  I pause, considering her question, how to answer, and I decide to give her the truth. “I want what I think everyone wants—to be useful, to help others, to be independent.”

  “To find a husband?”

  “When the time is right. Speaking of time… Don’t want to get fined!” I pat my watch and give her a perky smile as I walk out the door.

  Nice try, Eleanor.

  8

  Remi

  I’m deep in a proposal Stephen forwarded me about a new developer in Manhattan when I hear singing downstairs.

  At once, I’m on my feet, hustling to the kitchen so I don’t miss lunch. Rounding the corner, the sight hits me again, right in the stomach.

  Lillie follows Ruby to the microwave while they both sing “Be Our Guest”—another Disney princess song. I happen to know this one.

  Watching her, I’m completely mesmerized, and I can’t help remembering our near-kiss less than an hour ago. Despite all my logical, reasonable decision-making, the moment I was alone with Ruby, I found myself a breath away from taking her.

  We came so close… Seriously, if Eleanor hadn’t interrupted us, I can pretty much guarantee, I’d have done more than kiss Ruby.

  The heat between us is so strong… It doesn’t help I can see she wants me as much as I want her. Now here she is, dancing and singing with my daughter, and I’m completely helpless.

  I’m totally at her mercy.

  “Don’t believe me?” Ruby sings, popping the plate in the appliance and pressing a button.

  Lillie’s right behind her. “Ask the dishes!”

  Ruby holds her hand while Lillie turns, and a smile splits my cheeks. “What’s going on in here?”

  “Daddy!” Lillie screams and runs to where I’m standing, leaping into my arms. “Ruby’s making me pigs in blankets! Only they’re not really pigs. They’re little bitty hot dogs!”

  She’s so excited, she’s bouncing on my waist, and I look over at Ruby. She blinks down, and her cheeks flush. I’m not sure if it’s me or all the dancing.

  “It’s crescent rolls around cocktail weenies. I hope that’s okay.” She looks up at me, and her eyes are so bright.

  “I think it sounds great. Are there enough for me?”

  Her expression melts into a genuine laugh, and I’m a goner. “I think so. I’ve got baby carrots to go with them.”

  She holds up a bowl with carrots and another with ranch dressing.

  “My favorite.”

  A minute passes, the microwave beeps, and I’m at the table with my daughter, crunching carrots and hearing all about her day.

  “Then Louie said girls couldn’t play with toy soldiers. Only boys could, and I said that’s stupid. Hasn’t he seen Mulan?”

  Lillie hasn’t stopped talking, lifting a small hot dog and pulling the crescent roll off it. “Look, Daddy. My pig lost his blanket.” She starts giggling, and I grin, smoothing a hand down her head.

  Ruby isn’t with us. I noticed when we sat down, she slipped out of the room. I don’t know where she went, and it bothers me she’s not here.

  “Wrap him up again.” I kiss her head. “I’ll be right back.”

  The living room is empty as is Lillie’s playroom. I’m about to jog up the stairs when I see her outside the back doors, standing on the patio.

  When I step through the open door, she seems startled. “I’m sorry. Is lunch over?”

  “Not quite. Don’t you want some pigs in blankets? Did I eat your lunch?”

  Her cute nose wrinkles. “I had a late breakfast. I’m good. By the way, having lunch with your daughter pretty much confirms you’re not a distant or detached father.”

  “It’s something I try to do every day. You’re welcome to join us.”

  “I think it’s better if you have that time with her.” She tilts her head and gives me a little smile. “She gets you all to herself.”

  I don’t know why that pleases me so much. Still… “What are you doing?”

  “Would it be okay if we set up easels out here?” She gestures toward the lake. A bridge arches over one end, and cranes stand beneath it. “That’s a really nice scene. I’d like to try painting with Lillie.”

  “Do you paint?”

  “Just for fun.” She shrugs, seeming embarrassed.

  “I think it’s great. I’d love you to give Lillie art lessons.”

  “Okay.” She starts for the door, and I catch her hand. Her eyes fly to mine, startled, and I release her. “Sorry. I just wanted to say I think you’re doing a great job with her. I hope you like it here.”

  Her shoulders relax, and she smiles. “I do. I like it very much. More than I thought I would.”

  “Daddy?” Lillie’s voice is serious. “I finished my lunch. I think you’d better finish yours and get back to work.”

  She’s standing in the French doo
rs with her little hands on her hips, and I can’t resist picking her up again. “Is that so? You think I need to get to work?”

  I tickle her, and she laughs. Ruby’s hand goes to her mouth, and she’s laughing as well. Our eyes meet, and those feelings are so strong. I was going to apologize for almost kissing her. I wanted to make it clear I’m not trying to crowd her or make her uncomfortable.

  Her answer to my question gives me some relief, but I’ll make a point of clearing the air later, once Lillie’s not around to misunderstand.

  Giving her a wink, I put my daughter on her feet. “I guess I’m getting back to work now.”

  Ruby holds out a hand to her. “How do you feel about painting?”

  It gets about the exact response I’d expect. Lillie starts jumping up and down, clapping and cheering. Walking to my office, all I can think is this is exactly how I want it to be.

  9

  Ruby

  Dinner with Eleanor is an unexpectedly formal event.

  I didn’t get the memo to wear a ball gown, so I showed up in the same outfit I’ve worn all day—my purple skirt and “Stay Gold” tee. Eleanor’s wearing a fancy beige pantsuit with another one of those little scarves tied at her neck.

  Lillie changed out of her sparkly mermaid costume, and now she’s wearing a fancy version of Belle’s dress from Beauty and the Beast. It has sparkly gold tulle and a full skirt and looks nicer than anything I own.

  Remi’s drop-dead gorgeous as always in his jeans and tee, but he pulled a navy blazer over it. When I enter the room, he gives me that swoony smile, and I swear, I’m never going to get used to it.

  Everyone’s standing behind their chairs looking at me. “Were you waiting for me?” My face gets hot. “I was…”

  The sentence is started, but the way Eleanor glares at me, the words die on my lips.

  I was on the toilet.

  “You were saying?” She raises her eyebrows, but I only wave my hand.

  “It was nothing.”

  We take our seats, and I nearly jump up again when a woman I don’t recognize appears at my elbow. “Roasted beets with organic kale, avocado, and a splash of balsamic vinaigrette.”