The Right Temptation

by Diane Escalera

  Nico inspected his arm. “It’s just a tribal design I had customized to fit around the word.”

  “What word?”

  “Familia.” He showed her with his finger.

  Kayla took a closer look. Oh. Now she saw it. She’d been so preoccupied with his ripped muscles… Black patterns and swirls surrounded the letters. Splashes of red designs framed the dark text. Sexy. Badass. The tattoo artist had done a fabulous job.

  She didn’t mind a well-placed tattoo, but some men took it to the extreme. Not Nico. The one tattoo complemented his physique. So did the meaning behind it. Familia. Kayla could relate. She too, put family on a pedestal. “When did you get it done?”

  “Got the lettering when I turned eighteen.” He looked at his arm again. “I added the design a few years ago.”

  “They did a great job. It’s beautiful.”

  He grinned. “Thanks. I’m happy with it.”

  Her gaze swept his upper body one more time. Shame she had to cover it up. Kayla pulled the towel off the rack. She folded it in half, length-wise, and draped it around his shoulders. “So, are you ready for me?” With her fingers, she measured his hair. She wouldn’t categorize it as long. The sides weren’t too shabby, just the top needed attention.

  “Don’t mess with the sideburns. I’ll do them.”

  “Got it,” Kayla said. “Can you spread your legs a little more?”

  Looking up at her, he complied. Kayla inched forward between his thighs. His face practically touched her chest, an added bonus–one he seemed to enjoy. She considered his hair carefully before making the first cut.

  “You’re not gonna wet it?”

  “Wet hair looks longer. If we keep it dry, I’ll cut off less.”

  “Keep it dry,” he quickly agreed.

  She grabbed the scissors and comb off the vanity and went to work. “Do you have any other tattoos?” Kayla snipped his hair. “Like on your ass?”

  “Maybe we shouldn’t talk right now.”

  She laughed. “Relax. I can chew bubblegum and walk at the same time.”

  “No other tattoos.” He kept his answer short.

  “Cool. A special one is all you need.”

  “Do you have any?”

  “Maybe.” As a tribute to her profession, she had a medical symbol on the right side of her pelvis just above her bikini line. It had a yellow staff entwined by two small green snakes and pretty blue wings at the top of the rod.

  “Where?”

  “That’s for me to know and you to find out,” she said, keeping an air of mystery. Not everyone got to see her tattoo. Though, when the time came, she’d gladly show it off to Nico.

  “Okaaay.”

  She loved getting a rise out of him. “If you behave, maybe I’ll let you see it later.”

  “Oh, I’ve been behaving. You on the other hand…”

  Listen to him. If her memory served her correctly, he initiated those kisses. “Whatever. Quit acting like a Boy Scout.”

  “I’m not the instigator.”

  Partially true. She’d baited him. Kayla found the whole thing thoroughly amusing. She laughed to herself. “Is that a complaint?”

  “You’re cutting too much. I can hear it.”

  “Oops. I’m sorry,” she said, yanking his chain. Bet she could rile him real good in bed.

  Nico leaned back so fast he almost fell off the toilet. “What the hell is that supposed to mean?”

  “The bald spot you were so worried about…”

  “What?” He shot up and looked in the mirror. “Where is it?” He searched his head, bending his neck, tucking his chin, looking everywhere for damage.

  “Kidding,” she said, laughing at him in the mirror.

  Glaring at her, he ran his hand all over his hair. Satisfied there weren’t any bald spots, he sat down again. “Ha-ha, real funny.”

  She made a cutting sound with the scissors. “You’re so gullible.”

  “I told you I have a thing about my hair.”

  “Issues.”

  “You’re such a smartass.”

  Tell her something she didn’t already know. “So am I doing a good job?” She already knew the answer.

  “I’m still here, right?”

  She stepped back and hooked a hand on her hip. “Your tone didn’t sound very appreciative.”

  “It looks good. Okay?” he grumbled.

  “Really? Thank you so much.”

  “Anyone ever tell you you’re a royal pain in the ass?”

  “Me? Never!”

  Nico slapped her butt. “Are we done?”

  “And he says I’m a pain in the ass.”

  “You are.”

  Propped between his legs, his warm breath on her chest, she didn’t feel like rushing. She let him have the last word, refocused her attention on the task. Her fingers stroked his baby-soft hair more intimately than his stylist’s probably ever did. Kayla measured her work, snipping stray pieces and ensuring everything came out even. Mr. Meticulous wouldn’t accept anything less. Neither would she.

  She leaned in for a closer inspection, used her hand to shake off loose clippings. Kayla caught their reflection in the mirror. She could see the widest part of his back, how his lats bunched with strength. Taut muscles shaped him into a beautiful V.

  Just looking at him filled her with an aching need. Her nipples tightened. What if she sat on his lap and did him right here in the bathroom? God, she couldn’t think of a better scenario, except maybe doing it on his bed. She had no qualms straddling him, taking what she’d been wanting all these years. Making love with Nico had been a recurring dream. Time to make it a reality.

  Chapter 8

  Getting a haircut had never given Nico a hard-on. He needed to fire his hairstylist and hire Kayla on permanently. She had skills, but it wasn’t the only reason he wanted her for the job.

  Her sexy breasts were in his face. He only had to open his mouth, poke out his tongue. She had bangin’ proportions, with a waist-to-hip ratio coveted by most women, cherished by all men. Skinny jeans accentuated lean legs, and her bare feet were pretty, toes nicely aligned and painted in bright pink.

  Her arms were lifted above his head. The dangling gold pendant around her neck glistened. Every so often, it gave off a flash of light that shined in his eyes. Nico liked what he saw, what he felt. Whenever her fingers stroked his hair, his skin prickled all over. He wet his lips, closed his eyes and relished the mesmerizing sensations. Pent-up with fierce desire, he’d give anything to savor her tempting body.

  “Perfect,” Kayla said. She set her tools on the vanity. “I think you’ll be happy.” She deftly lifted the towel from his shoulders.

  The feeling he had right now left happy in the dust. He set it aside and came to his feet. “No bald spots?”

  “See for yourself.”

  He looked in the mirror. “Nice,” he said, patting his spikes. “Now I just need to wash it.” He started to feel human again. His usual good grooming had taken a backseat to the accident, not to mention a lack of interest. He only wore cologne today because his mom had sprayed it on him. Good thing she had.

  “I’ll wash it for you.”

  Music to his ears. Two hands were better than one, especially hers. “The shampoo is over there,” he said, pointing at the tub.

  Kayla folded up the towel and propped it on the counter. She slid the shower curtain to the side and turned on the water. “Let’s just wash it here. I’m gonna go get a cup. Be right back.”

  Nico knelt on the floor mat and positioned himself over the bathtub. He kept his cast tucked close to his body. Kayla returned in a flash and sat on the ledge. She guided his head, poured lukewarm water over his hair. Dark clippings rained down on the white porcelain. He felt a spurt of cool liquid on his scalp. Kayla massaged it into his hair. He closed his eyes because her fingers were so fucking amazing. She leaned over him, and he felt the weight of her breast resting against his side. His erection got even harder.

 
Kayla never said a word. She washed his hair twice, melting his bones in the process. Rinsing him one last time, she squeezed the excess water out, shut off the faucet. “There you go.” She slipped the other towel off the rack and dried his hair while he just stood there, staring at her with his mouth open.

  She’d rendered him useless, and it took a moment to come back to Earth. Kayla watched him with total amusement on her face.

  He pretended not to notice and went about brushing his hair. Maybe he should do his sideburns. He opened the medicine cabinet and grabbed his razor.

  “Don’t shave.” She touched his face. “I like a little scruff.”

  Nice to know. She didn’t think he looked like a bum. “Just cleaning up the sideburns,” he said.

  “Not too much. They look better on the longish side.” She wiped his back and shoulders, brushing off hair bits.

  “Yes, ma’am.” That’s how he wore them anyway.

  “You have a broom?”

  “Storage closet in the hallway.”

  She lifted the towel from the counter and took it with her. Nico’s gaze followed her glorious ass until it disappeared from his sight. He gave his sideburns a light touch-up. Staring at his reflection, he had to admit, the spiky top of his hair stood up just how he liked.

  “Somebody looks pleased,” Kayla said, appearing in the doorway.

  “Hey.” They locked eyes and he gave her a lopsided grin. “I see you found the broom.”

  “Yep. And I shook out the towel, but it still might have some hair.”

  “Thanks,” he said. “Leave the broom. I’ll clean up later.”

  “It’ll just take a second.” Kayla started to sweep the floor. She stopped and looked at him. “Are you done here?”

  Not even close. He couldn’t explain what had suddenly come over him. And he didn’t care about the consequences. He took a step toward her. Kayla backed into the sink and watched him. He brushed curls from her face, trapped her with his bare torso. “I want to kiss you again, even though I keep telling myself that I shouldn’t.”

  Her hand went to his shoulder. “As Nike would say, just do it.”

  He fought back a smile. “Here’s the problem. I don’t think I can stop at one kiss.” The minute he tasted her again, all bets would be off. And so would their clothes.

  She set the broom aside and looped her arms around his neck. “Why is that a problem?”

  “I’ll want to take you to my bed.”

  “Good,” she said, with the sexiest grin.

  He gazed into her eyes. They were a window to her soul, and damn it, he liked what he saw. Her earthy sense of passion ran deep. “Not good,” he said, shaking his head. “You’re not like those other girls.”

  “You mean a friend with benefits?”

  That’s exactly what he meant. Someone he could sleep with and invest nothing but a good time. “Yes.”

  She kissed his chin. “I’m glad you think I’m worth more.”

  He most certainly did. “You are. But I can’t give you more than that.”

  “Then just give me what you can.”

  She mattered to him, and he owed her complete honesty. “I’d be shortchanging you. And you deserve better.”

  She took his face with both hands and kissed his lips. Nico wrapped her with one arm. The heat of her kiss blasted his heart, shattered his doubts. Rabid need rushed to the surface, leaving him raw to the core.

  “I want you,” Kayla said against his mouth.

  Christ, he wanted her too. He wouldn’t allow himself to think about anything else. Just Kayla and the promise of more kisses, more everything. Nothing less would satisfy his hunger.

  Nico broke the kiss and took her hand. He led her out of the bathroom. “Be sure about this, Kayla. Once we start, I won’t be able to stop.” He gave her one last chance to change her mind.

  “Is that a promise?”

  “God, woman, why did you come here?”

  Her eyes blazed at him. She looked like a goddess, and he wanted to drop to his knees and worship every inch of her.

  “I couldn’t go any longer wondering, wishing.” She put her warm hands on his chest, over his racing heart.

  Nico backed her against the wall. He took her wrists with one hand and lifted her arms, pinning them above her head. “Is this what you wished for?” He ravaged her mouth until they were both gasping for air.

  “That was one of the things,” she said through choppy breaths.

  He licked his way around her graceful neck, her sleek shoulder blades. Once he’d gotten his fill, he went south, dipping his chin into her tank top. He pushed it down, suckled her breasts, and nibbled the tips of her hard nipples. Damn. If the rest of her tasted this good... “What about this?” He stared into her smoldering eyes.

  She freed her hands from his grip and pulled off her top. Then she removed her bra and made his heart stop. “It was more like this,” Kayla said. She guided his mouth to one beautifully erect nipple.

  Nico took her breast in his hand and let his tongue do a slow exploration. Her light whimpers told him how much she loved it, especially when he licked the sensitive tip. He sucked harder, and when he did, she dug her fingers into his shoulders, rubbed her pelvis against his erection. She moaned and hissed with pleasure. Those sweet sounds of ecstasy drove him insane.

  “God, Nico,” she whimpered, while he feasted on her.

  He liked how she used God and his name in the same sentence. She tasted like a delicious new flavor, better than anything he’d had before. He wanted more. And he took more, all that Kayla had to give. Nico turned her around. His arm encircled her waist, and he pulled her into his straining erection. Her world-class ass ground against him, and when she pressed her hands to the wall and arched her back, he groaned and rode her sensual sways.

  Kayla knew how to use her hot body. He undid the button on her jeans and slid the zipper down. A small cry escaped her. His hand traveled to her breasts again because they felt so damn soft and inviting. Plus, she really liked it when he played with her nipples. He gave them lots of attention, and when her breathing grew ragged and her moans came louder, he slipped his hand down her jeans and cupped her between the legs. Whoa. Heat singed his palm.

  “Nico,” she murmured.

  She said his name so erotically, and he wanted to hear it again and again. His fingers traced over lace. Fast, hard breaths matched hers, and when he put his hand inside her panties, they both gasped.

  Holy shit, she was dripping wet and so fucking primed for him. He leaned her back against his chest and anchored her in place. She lifted her arms and locked them behind his head, giving him full access to her body. Yeah, that’s what he wanted.

  Nico’s finger found her opening and slid inside her. Hot. Tight. He swallowed the thick lump in his throat. The thought of his dick replacing that finger had him going crazy. But right now, it was all about Kayla. She whimpered his name again and when she grasped his hair, he stopped abruptly and spun her around.

  “Was that one of your wishes too?”

  “It was so much better,” she croaked, her voice overcome with need.

  His kisses began at her lips. They covered her plump breasts, quivering stomach and flat pelvis. He crouched on one knee and worked her jeans over her hipbones, pulling them down to her calves. Her legs were fantastic. She should never cover them up. He stopped to admire how shapely they were, how beautiful all of her was. His eyes went to her black lace panties, and in one swift move, he had them down her legs.

  Christ. Her naked body knocked the oxygen right out of his lungs. And she hadn’t been lying about a tattoo. Nico examined the artwork. He liked how she’d chosen a design with special meaning. Small and colorful, the medical symbol looked sexy as hell, especially in the spot where she had it. “You’re so hot,” he said, touching it.

  He stroked her silky skin, her firm thighs, turned her again, because there was something else he wanted to see in the flesh. Wow. Her ass was round and juicy and ju
st the way he liked it. He cupped one cheek at a time, and cursed at the freaking cast that prohibited him from grabbing two good handfuls. But he wouldn’t let that deter him. He used his mouth to compensate.

  Kayla pushed her butt out into his face. He loved the boldness and lack of inhibition. She liked sex and she wanted him to know it. He licked dangerously close to her center, and when he tasted her juices, he nearly came in his pants. He lapped some more; he lapped it all. Kayla went out of control, surging his heart rate to stroke level. He shifted positions so she faced him again.

  He freed one leg from her jeans and panties and looped it over his shoulder. His nostrils flared at glistening pink flesh, a swollen bud that begged for release. He gave it a slow licking. Kayla’s head thumped back against the wall. Her fingers dug into his hair. He sucked her into his mouth, and she mumbled something in Spanish. “Was this on your wish list?” He gazed up at her sex-ridden face.

  “Yes,” she whimpered, grabbing his head tighter.

  That was it for him. He wanted her to come in his mouth so he could drink up every drop of her tasty fluids. It took no time at all to make it happen. And when it did, it was by far the most exhilarating experience of his life.

  Chapter 9

  Kayla had known Nico would be an excellent lover. He’d already lived up to her hottest fantasies, and they hadn’t even had sex yet. She should’ve felt self-conscious with her most intimate parts all up in his face. No man had ever given her an orgasm while she stood on her feet, but Nico didn’t appear to be in any hurry to get her horizontal.

  Good Lord, his tongue worked magic on her anatomy. He’d made her come with such ease, maybe because she’d anticipated this moment for years. So what if her jeans and panties were tangled around one ankle? Kayla had no body hang-ups. Besides, the way his eyes drank her in bolstered her confidence. She felt like a centerfold model.

  Nico worked his way around her body like he knew it personally. Everything he did left her shaking, aching for more. She’d never felt so aware of her own sexuality. He showed her new pleasures, things she’d never done with anyone else. College boys had only cared about themselves. Nico focused solely on her enjoyment.