Into Temptation

by Skyla Madi

  I glance at the small, silver surveillance camera above the counter. I hope it only records video and not audio, otherwise I’ve just confessed to Oleg, our boss, that I semi-jerked off Father Andrews’ son.

  “You think I’d make something like that up?”

  Regaining a sliver of composure. Fiona tucks thin locks of her straight, auburn hair behind her small ears and leans forward onto the glass counter.

  “He took his penis out of his pants? Just like that? With no provocation from you?”

  “I might have antagonized him a little, but I sure as hell didn’t ask for it.”

  I exhale, propping myself against a large box of perfumes.

  “Trust me when I tell you Caleb doesn’t function like anyone else I’ve ever met. He’s infuriating, and direct, and he has this egotistical air about him that I can’t stand.”

  “You know what I can’t stand? The fact you waited until closing time to tell me. Now I don’t have enough time to pick your brain apart and pry out every graphic detail.”

  I laugh. “If you’re not doing anything later, my parents are going to a Catholic banquet and I’m staying home to indulge in some Lethal Weapon. You can pick my brain then, so long as it’s not during any of the action scenes.”

  “Lethal Weapon sounds like the name of a hulk sized dildo.”

  Snorting, I roll my eyes. I think I’ve had just about enough of these oversexualized human beings. Between Fiona and Caleb, how am I ever going to get my head out of the gutter and keep it out? You know, now that I think about it, Fiona would fit Caleb perfectly. The things that come out of her mouth are just as inappropriate as what comes out of his, and, like him, her mind is constantly geared toward sex.

  Funnily enough, my parents often argue that Fiona is a saint. They’re always bringing her up in conversation, asking me what she’s doing with her life and why she doesn’t come to church, blah, blah, blah. For some reason they straight up idolize her—even told me I should strive to be more like Fiona. It amuses me. They have their heads so far up their own asses they fail to see what I saw the second I met Fiona. She’s a whore—self-proclaimed—and she loves it. It’s actually hilarious. They want their daughter, who has only had sex with one person, to be more like the girl who has fucked more men than anyone else in this town. Again, Fiona's words.

  Naturally, I haven’t told Mom or Dad that Fiona’s just about banged the whole town—men and women—and is proud of her achievements. Why? Because it’s none of their business and she’s just about the only friend I’ve made since moving to Paradise Valley. I cherish her. Without her here, I’d probably go mad not being able to express myself—my true self.

  “Lethal Weapon is a movie.” I point out.

  Pushing off the counter, Fiona carries her slender body over to the door. Clicking her tongue against her teeth, she flips the sign, and locks the door with a key.

  “I don’t watch a lot of movies, Sia. They’re kind of boring.”

  I shake my head, closing the flaps on the box that holds the ‘Sex and Bubbles’ perfumes.

  “Not Lethal Weapon. Never Lethal Weapon.”

  Sighing, she smooths her palms down the front of her tight, black dress. “Fine. I’ll come watch your stupid movie, but only because Hex stood me up and my mom has a new boyfriend coming over to the house tonight.” She grimaces, exposing perfect white teeth. “I’m starting to regret moving her into my apartment.”

  I chuckle. You couldn’t pay me enough to move either of my parents into my house. No way in hell.

  “Put that box back in the storage room and I’ll grab the other two. I need to get a coffee from Steamers before we go and maybe a slice of cheesecake—ooh, do you think they’ll have any of those apple pastries today? I like those a lot.”

  I mock her as I grab my box. “You eat like crap.”

  “And?”

  I step around tall, glass cabinets, clenching the box to my chest. “And it’s annoying. I can’t eat a slice of bread without looking like I’m four months pregnant. You down a whole bakery and somehow manage to lose weight.”

  “Don’t be such a hater.” She shouts as I slip into the storage room. “You’re the one who could stand to put on a few pounds.”

  I scoff, placing the box of perfumes on top of another at the front of the room. Covering my mouth, I cough as harsh scents and chemicals from the bottle Fiona dropped and smashed this morning burn my throat and tickle my lungs.

  “Is it still bad?” Fiona asks, sauntering into the back room, holding her two boxes.

  “Yep.” I groan, pulling my shirt over my face to mask the smell.

  It’s too late. It’s already imbedded in my nose hairs.

  “Ugh. I texted Oleg, but he didn’t reply.” Fiona bends low and sets the boxes on the floor. “Fuck it. He can deal with it when he opens up tomorrow morning.” She turns around, a wide, relieved smile plastered on her thin, glossed lips. “Let’s grab our snacks and go watch that stupid movie.”

  * * * *

  I texted Mom from Fiona’s phone, telling her not to bother picking me up and that I’d be coming home with Fiona. To make sure I was telling the truth, she called Fiona on her cell to confirm it.

  “Jesus.” Fiona exhales, slipping her cellphone into the pocket of her leather jacket. “They’re still riding you hard, huh?”

  I nod. “Harder than ever.”

  “Are they aware you’re almost twenty years old?”

  “I don’t even know anymore.” I exhale and slump my shoulder against the wall that has tiny coffee beans glued all over it as we wait for our drinks. “I feel fifteen.”

  Fiona stuffs her hands into her jacket pockets, leaning backward into its fluffy hood. “Why don’t you move out?”

  “Where would I go?”

  Her vibrant, brown eyes flare with excitement as an idea lights up her features. “Come live with me. We can be roommates.”

  “And snuggle in next to your mama and her new boyfriend?” I blow air between my lips. “No, thanks.”

  She laughs. “I guess, right now, being roommates doesn’t have the appeal it would have had prior to Mom moving in.”

  I shake my head. “Definitely not.”

  “Just keep saving your money the way you’ve been saving and you’ll be out of there in no time.”

  I nod, avoiding her eyes. I don’t have the stomach to tell her I’m not in a rush to move out of home. Don’t get me wrong, my own space—space away from Mom and Dad—would be amazing, it’s just...I’m the reason they live out here in Paradise Valley, Arizona. I can’t abandon them after forcing them to flee our hometown. I’ll live with them until I feel they’re happy...until they respect me again.

  I glance around the café, taking in all of the mutual tones and endless shades of white. Coffee drinkers mill about, like tadpoles in a pond, filling the café with low toned conversation. I must admit, Steamers has done quite well for itself. It’s absolutely bustling for a late Thursday evening.

  “So, tell me more about Caleb.”

  Sweet, torturous tingles dance along my spine at the sound of his name.

  Caleb. Sexy, sinful Caleb…

  I glance back to Fiona. “Here?”

  “Yes, here. I’m bored.”

  Swallowing, I roll my shoulders, adjusting the way my shirt sits. “What do you want to know?”

  “I just want to know what he’s like.”

  Warmth surges up my neck and trickles into my cheeks. He’s outrageous, unapologetic, and incredibly captivating. “I don’t really know the guy, Fi. I’ve only spoken to him a handful of times.”

  “That’s more than I can say for eighty percent of the guys I’ve slept with.”

  “Fiona!” I jump as the barista shouts her name.

  “Hold on.” She excuses herself to collect her order.

  I use the time she’s gone wisely, managing to get a grip on my hormones. If Fiona knew just how badly I want Caleb, she’d go above and beyond to make it happen. I’m
already fighting Caleb and myself, I don’t have the strength to fight Fiona too. With a bagful of cakes and pastries in one hand and a large, hot coffee in the other, Fiona wanders over to me, a content grin complimenting her already stunning features.

  “So let me get this straight, you don’t want Caleb?”

  I shake my head, but the thrumming of my pulse as it kicks up at the thought calls me out on my lie. I can lie to others, but I can’t lie to my body.

  A jolt of arousal zaps my core and I shift uncomfortably, squeezing my thighs to help take away some of the pressure.

  Those dreams though...

  “Maybe I’ll give him a go, see if his bark is bigger than his—oh my God. Check out the two dudes that just walked in.”

  With indifference, I drag my stare over my shoulder and onto the boys Fiona is talking about. I gasp as my heart painfully stutters, stops, and then picks up again at an erratic pace. Loose fitting jeans, white sneakers and a tight, black tee...my mouth runs dry.

  Caleb.

  Andrews.

  Heat swells in my breasts, tightening my nipples against my bra. Knowing what transpired between us four days ago...knowing what he hides in his pants...

  God…is the air conditioning in here broken? What’s the deal? It’s hotter than Satan’s nutsack.

  I sweep my hair off the back of my neck and nervously tug at the collar of my V-neck tee. Where’s my damn mocha Frappuccino?

  Turning back to Fiona, I drag in a desperate inhale. To be honest, I’m not sure I have the energy to deal with him today, not when it’s that time of the month and I can’t do anything to sate the horny beast that dwells just beneath my surface. The last thing I need is Caleb teasing me with things I can’t have.

  “Hot, right? Let’s go say hi. I call dibs on the blond.”

  Typical Fiona. She has no problems engaging the opposite sex in conversation, but that’s not me. I’m awkward as all hell. I grab the sleeve of her jacket.

  “We’re not going over there.” I spit in a harsh whisper. “That’s Caleb.”

  I don’t even want to acknowledge the irrational twinge of jealousy in my stomach at the thought of Caleb and Fiona together.

  “Which one?” She flicks her wide stare over my shoulder.

  “The dirty blond.”

  “Holy mother of all things Christmas. That’s Caleb?”

  “Yeah.”

  “Christ. Your willpower is impeccable. He would’ve had me six ways from Sunday by now.”

  I don’t doubt it.

  “He’s looking at us. What do you want to do?” Fiona asks, thankfully keeping her voice casual and low-key. “Ohhh-kay. They’re coming towards us. Now would be the time to tell me what you want to do? Should we go? Should we stay?”

  “Uhhh...” I rub my fingers against the palms of my hands.

  Is it too late to run? Can we jump the counter and go out the back door?

  “Well?” She pushes, plastering a polite, but fake smile on her lips.

  “Uh...I...we...”

  “And behold,” he states, his familiar voice rousing my body to life. Shit. “The majestic Cassia Claire out in the wild, temporarily free from her shackles. What a rare sight indeed.”

  Excitement hums over the surface of my skin, pooling in places it shouldn’t. I turn around and his intense, heavy eyes sweep up the length of my bare legs.

  Four days.

  Four days since we almost had sex in my room with my parents, and his father, just downstairs. The hot, feverish dreams I’ve had every night since then have been incredible. I never thought orgasming in your sleep was possible, but I’ve experienced it.

  “Hey.” I point at Fiona. “This is my friend, Fiona.”

  I expect Caleb to revel in Fiona. I expect his eyes to glue to her like they do to me—like they did to that girl that morning during Sunday Mass. Fiona is tall, slim, and beautiful. Her breasts are bigger than mine, her hair is nicer, and she doesn’t have overbearing parents hanging over her shoulder twenty-four seven. She can give him what he wants quicker than I can. Instead, he looks at her, says hi, and settles his lovely green stare back on me.

  “So this is Cassia?” I look at the other man he’s with.

  He’s shorter than Caleb and his face is boyish which doesn’t match his thick and shapely eyebrows. The friend is handsome as hell with his tan skin and volcanic eyes, but there’s something about him that makes me feel a little…off.

  “The one and only.” Caleb says.

  I don’t like the way his friend rakes his greedy stare over me.

  “I’m pretty sure I’m not the only Cassia.” I mutter, nervously scratching my forehead.

  “I take back what I said in the truck.” The friend states, leaning toward Caleb.

  Caleb’s lips pull into an amused smile. “I knew you would.”

  “What’s your name?” Fiona asks Caleb’s friend.

  His friend flinches, his face pinching in confusion. “You don’t remember me?”

  I suck my bottom lip into my mouth and bite down, preventing my lips from curling in shock. I peer sideways at Fiona who shrugs her shoulders.

  “It’s me, Drew.”

  “Ohh, okay. Yeah…” An uncomfortable silence falls as Fiona sucks nervously on her straw.

  Pulling off, she clicks her tongue against her teeth and turns to me.

  “This just got awkward so I’ll meet you in the car.”

  I chuckle, unable to help myself, as Caleb’s friend, Drew, gapes at her like a fish.

  “Wait. You really don’t remember me?” He asks as she passes by him and heads for the door.

  He turns and follows, a desperate act from a desperate man. “You said I was the best you’ve ever had.”

  “I swear I have cooler friends.” Caleb announces with a laugh.

  Butterflies release themselves in my stomach at the sound.

  He has a beautiful laugh.

  “I’m sure you do.”

  The uncomfortable silence makes another appearance, weaving itself around us and squeezing tightly. I glance around the room. This has to be the most painful silence I’ve ever been in. I think what unnerves me more is the fact I’m the only one who seems to be finding the silence unpleasant.

  His stare is on my face. I know it is. I can feel it.

  I shouldn’t have done what I did Sunday night. I shouldn’t have provoked him. I shouldn’t have touched him. This moment would have been a hell of a lot less awkward if I hadn’t.

  I clear my throat, locking my eyes with his. “Do you want a drink?”

  He shakes his head. “I don’t drink coffee.”

  And yet this is where he miraculously found me…in a coffee shop. I bite the inside of my cheek as I fold my arms over my chest.

  “Then what are you doing in a coffee shop, Caleb?”

  “Peppa’s was closed.” He simply says.

  Peppa’s was closed. Peppa’s is where I work and, somehow, I don’t think it’s a coincidence that he was going there.

  “Wow. You stalk women, too. You’ve got quite a unique bag of fetishes.”

  “You have no idea.” He smirks. “It’s good to see you.”

  I roll my eyes. “Is it really?”

  He nods, swallowing the distance between us with a final step. I pulse. I pulse in hot waves all over and the muscles in my body tighten. Tremors vibrate my knees as I fight the urge to melt into him. It takes everything I have to remind myself that I’m in public. Someone could see me.

  I inch back until the heel of my shoes press against the wall.

  “Don’t you have photographs to steal and relationships to ruin?” I ask, pressing a hand to my belly.

  I need to regain my composure and quick. I pinch the collar of my t-shirt between my thumb and pointer and tugs three times, allowing extra air to swoop in and cool my feverish skin.

  Caleb shrugs, playfully. “Speaking of which, I never did thank you for the photo.”

  Funny. I glare at him. “You never
asked for permission to take it either, so I wasn’t holding my breath.”

  He laughs, loudly, pushing a hand through his hair, tousling it in that way I like so much.

  Public. We’re in public.

  I swallow in an attempt to moisten my dry mouth.

  “Pretty and hilarious. Shit. I’ve missed you.” He says, slipping closer, his green eyes darkening with passion and promise. “Four days is an awfully long time when all I have is your beautiful photo.”

  “You don’t miss me.” I tell him. “You miss antagonizing me.”

  He laughs again and I listen to it as it fizzles into an amused chuckle, his smile remaining fixed on his face. “I’ve spent the last four days surrounded by stand up, Bible loving, good goods, giving fresh produce to struggling families. Trust me when I say I missed you.”

  Caleb, the missionary. Who would have thought? And has he always smiled this much? I can’t help but notice that before we met, Caleb never smiled. Now it’s all he does. Maybe he’s telling the truth. Maybe he did miss me. My heart flutters at the thought, then it’s stilled by the churn of my stomach.

  He didn’t miss me.

  He missed the thrill that accompanies me. The way he chooses his words is clever. They’re words that caress my feelings and appeal to the romantic side of me. If he did truly miss me...I guess it’s safe to say my life in this town isn’t going to end well. If I’m being honest, my shot at redemption was doomed from the second I saw him sitting at the altar, his elbows on his knees, his jaw tight, and his green eyes watchful.

  Caleb is a powerful current in a sea of sin and suffering. It’s apparent to me, every time we meet, that no matter how hard I fight against him, his surge will pull me under eventually. Whether or not I drown in him or wash ashore broken into pieces still remains to be seen.

  “Cassia!” The barista yells and I startle, pressing the palm of my hand to my chest.

  Exhaling, I slip away from Caleb and retrieve my drink. The sixty seconds I spend freeing a straw from the dispenser isn’t enough time to pull myself together and neither is the stroll back over to him.

  “What are you doing tonight?” He asks as I take a nervous sip of the chocolate infused coffee goodness.

  I swallow my mouthful. “Why do you ask?’