“I have shorts and a t-shirt in the dresser if you prefer to wear something else since that can’t actually be considered a dress anyway.” He winked and then took off out of the room.
I decided I’d rather wear the shorts and t-shirt. I would already be doing the walk of shame, but at least my ass would be covered up.
Everything remained fuzzy, but I was trying really hard to remember something, anything. I’d been planning Brittainy’s bachelorette party for months, so I knew I had to be out with her and a few of our other friends—Katie, Ella, and Staci. I just don’t remember the actual events that took place after getting ready.
“Here…” Alex said as he walked back in. I couldn’t help my eyes wandering back down to where his shorts were. They lay loosely on his hips, not really concealing much at all. He handed me two white pills and a small glass of orange juice. “You should eat.”
I swallowed the pills down and shook my head no. “Not sure I could keep food down right now.”
“You should try…absorb the alcohol at least. It might make you feel better,” he insisted. It was then I realized we were in a hotel—a suite. I’m not sure how I didn’t notice it earlier, but now I could definitely tell.
“Okay, I’ll try,” I agreed. “Where are we?”
“The Standard,” he responded. Things were slowly making sense. Le Bain was a club inside The Standard, which meant we didn’t have to go far once we left. “I’m staying here while my things get shipped back over.”
“Shipped from where?”
“I spent the last few years studying abroad for graduate school. I just flew back and haven’t moved back home yet.”
“Oh, interesting. Guess this was one way to celebrate coming home…waking up to a girl who remembers nothing.” I laughed, mostly to myself and of the irony. I was so going to hell.
“You’ve definitely made it interesting,” he agreed. “Memorable, as well.”
He grabbed the room service menu and started looking it over. “Would you like me to order something for you? Do you have any specific requests or anything?”
I’ve been on a diet for over a year, making sure my body was always in perfect shape. The damn paparazzi loved taking my picture any chance they could get, making sure to point out every single flaw they could find. They were relentless.
But today…hell, I’d already had a plateful of sins adding up, so I was going to continue to indulge.
“I want…everything.” I breathed out a sigh. “Pancakes, eggs, bacon…oh, god, bacon. I haven’t had that in over a year. Maybe longer. Toast with jelly, waffles, anything with blueberries…”
“Basically, the whole menu?” He grinned. His eyes glazed over as he continued staring at me as if he were impressed.
“Basically.” I laughed again, realizing how comfortable I felt around him.
After ordering, he sat down on the bed next to me and leaned up against the bed frame. “It’s okay to sit by me, you know. I won’t bite. I mean…unless you ask me to, of course.” Was he flirting with me? Considering everything we apparently did last night, you’d think our one-night stand would be as awkward as I felt. He sucked in his lower lip and winked at me.
He was definitely flirting with me.
“I feel a little awkward not remembering you and you remembering…everything. Usually one-night stands just do the quick dress-and-bail, right? Well, you’re acting kind of…normal.”
He laughed lightly with amusement in his eyes as he continued looking at me. “I haven’t ever had a one-night stand before, but I’d guess you’re probably right.”
I leaned back against the bed frame next to him, my body relaxing more. “Seriously?” I frowned. “Are you just messing with me? You’ve never had a one-night stand before?”
His eyes shifted as his lips pursed together, thinking before he responded. “Nope. Well, they might’ve started like that, but they always ended up as more.”
I chewed my lip, thinking how this was not…could not…turn into more.
“Well, consider your cherry popped for one-night stands,” I said lightly, hoping he’d understand what I was trying to say.
He shifted, bringing his body closer to mine. I swallowed nervously as his hand moved to my face, cupping my jaw. “Would you be upset if I kissed you?” His question felt so misplaced, but I didn’t mind. I should’ve minded a lot, but I couldn’t find it in me to deny him. “Just once so you can say you actually remember something about me?” His voice was low, sultry. If I had any panties on, they’d be melting right off my skin with his voice.
I stared into his intense, brown eyes and nodded. I didn’t have the nerve to respond. I didn’t trust what would come out of my mouth if I did.
He pulled my face closer to his, our mouths each meeting half way. His lips covered mine, soft and warm, as he gently pushed his tongue inside. It started slow and easy, our tongues slowly finding a rhythm. His hand shifted and wrapped into my hair, pulling me even closer. My body felt like it was on fire, heat and arousal building up inside me. The sensation alone clouded my head and any logic my mind was trying to make. My body was driving, not stopping to hear any rational reasons as to why I should’ve stopped the kiss.
Before I had the chance to second-guess my decision, he pulled back lightly, nipping at my lower lip before pressing one last light kiss on my mouth.
“Any chance that sparked your memory?” he whispered hopefully, his hand still tangled in my hair. I wanted so badly to tell him I remembered everything, but still, nothing. I shook my head, keeping my eyes closed as I tried to force any memories in. Anything that could bring to light what had happened.
This was wrong. That much I knew. But my body disagreed—stomach flutters, heart thumping, arousal building inside—it was nothing like I’ve ever felt before.
“Can you tell me how we met? About what happened last night?” I asked, opening my eyes to see his locked on mine.
He lowered his hand but continued pressing up close to me. “You mean you want me to tell you how you were all over me?”
I laughed, appreciating the way he was trying to lighten the mood. I shoved my elbow into his side and said, “No. If I wanted the made-up version, I’d just tell myself a story.”
“Are you saying it was the other way around?” he asked, pretending to sound offended.
“I’m saying that’s the only option if this is how we ended up.”
“So sure of herself—a quality I don’t mind. Confidence is a good trait.”
I frowned. “No, I just know what kind of person I am. I wouldn’t risk disapproving behavior knowing I could easily be seen.”
“Seen?” he inquired. “Are you someone I should know?”
I laughed nervously. “No, not really. I rather enjoy just being Mac.” I was not going to tell him who I actually was. Hell no. There were plenty of elite celebs living in Manhattan—most of which the paparazzi just wanted to make a buck from. It didn’t always mean anything, but when you were expected to be perfect in every way, you were criticized and analyzed even more often.
A knock on the door interrupted us. He grabbed a shirt from the dresser and pulled it on as he walked out to answer it.
A nicely dressed waiter pushed two carts in filled with trays of food. He really had ordered everything on the menu.
I watched as he thanked and tipped the guy. He was generous, that much I could see. The waiter thanked him over and over before Alex finally escorted him out of the room.
He lifted the tops off; the scent of fresh fruit and maple syrup hit my nose and suddenly, my stomach began to growl, loudly.
“I guess your appetite has suddenly changed.”
“Yeah, I think my stomach finally realizes I am.” I smiled, appreciating how comfortable he was making me. I should’ve done the dress-and-bail, but I couldn’t, knowing what I had done. I needed answers, but part of me was starting to wonder if I was better off without them.
He served me a plate filled with scrambl
ed eggs, toast and jelly, pancakes, and bacon. He piled butter, syrup, and fresh blueberries on the pancakes—just how I liked them.
“Most people I eat with would scowl at this amount of food,” I admitted, taking the plate from him.
“Most people are morons.” His head was down as he piled food on his plate, but I saw the corner of his lips curl up in a grin.
I chuckled. “That’s true,” I said matter-of-factly. “In fact, they’d never eat anything like this at all.” I learned at a very young age food was never a guarantee and never to be taken for granted.
He grabbed his overly full plate and sat back down next to me, smiling from ear to ear. “Well, then I guess this can be our little secret.”
I knew he was referring to much more than our little eating binge…
He flicked the TV on while we ate. I couldn’t help the moans escaping my throat, as I tasted food I hadn’t eaten in years.
“God, this is amazing,” I groaned, pushing another forkful into my mouth. “Feels like a sin, it’s so good.”
I caught myself, but it was too late. I hadn’t meant to say it aloud, but I knew he heard me when he nearly choked on the orange juice he was sucking down.
I playfully patted him on the back. “Are you going to make it?” I tried not to laugh—the mere mention of sinning had this guy almost choking to death.
“Um…yes. I think so. However, I’m pretty sure you’re trying to kill me.” His voice was smooth now, playful. The morning after a one-night stand should be awkward, nerve-wracking even, but he made me feel at ease by his laid back nature.
I finished my entire plate. My stomach full and satisfied, but my mind spun out of control. Who was this guy? Why did my body react to him in a way it never had before?
I should’ve felt fear, nervous even, to be lying side by side in a bed with a man I couldn’t remember meeting, but I didn’t. It was as if my body remembered everything, and my mind just hadn’t caught up yet.
Chapter Two
“I’m going to take a quick shower,” he said stacking the empty plates of food back on the tray. My headache was clearing, but my mind was still racing. This guy was the complete package—laid back, genuine, and sexy as hell. “Feel free to join me…if you’re feeling dirty and want to wash all your sins away.” He turned and winked at me, making it almost impossible to turn him down.
Sweet Jesus.
My breathing picked up, my heart racing as I actually contemplated his offer. What the hell am I doing?
“You have no idea…” I groaned. “But I really need to get going.” I pushed myself off the bed, grabbing my dress in one hand and my purse in the other. Just then, I realized, there was no way I could leave the hotel in the daylight looking like this. “Actually, I have to call a friend first.” I shot him a sympathetic look. I hated how I couldn’t indulge in his very nice offer. My conscience was already eating at me with the layers of guilt.
“All right…” he said smoothly, lifting his shirt off his head. “I won’t take long. Unless, of course, you change your mind.”
I closed my eyes, hoping by not looking at him, my mind could clear up. “Sorry,” I said half-laughing. I was sure he could see the agony in my face.
I could feel him as he walked toward me, the movements of his body pulsing as the room vibrated underneath me. I opened my eyes as his hand came up to caress my cheek. He leaned forward and placed a sweet, gentle kiss on my cheek. “Wait for me. Don’t leave.”
I couldn’t say anything, my throat suddenly dry, and I was incapable of speaking. I nodded, holding my face in his hand. He stroked his thumb over my cheek as a silent thank you.
As soon as he walked away, I grabbed my phone and called Staci.
“Dude, where are you?” she asked right away.
I sighed. “The Standard.”
“Still?” she gasped.
I sighed, closing my eyes before speaking again. “Any chance you can come get me without asking a million questions?”
“Doubtful,” she said overly amused.
“Staci, please! I need a new outfit. A hat and some dark glasses.”
“All right. What room?”
“Um…” I looked around, noticing a key card envelope on the bedside table. “Suite 1225.”
“All right. I can be there in a half hour.”
“Thank you,” I breathed out in relief.
“Are you safe? You’re okay?” she asked genuinely.
“Yeah…I’m good. I just need to get out of here without being seen.”
We both said our goodbyes and hung up. I heard the shower running, curiosity piquing my interest.
Hell was hell, right? I was going there anyway.
I shrugged to myself and began to tiptoe to the bathroom. The door was cracked open, and I could see his reflection in the half-fogged mirror. His back was to me as the water cascaded down on him. He was brushing his hands through his hair as I moved my eyes down and noticed the scratches had turned bright red on his ass and up his back. Holy hell…those were fingernail scratches! I held my hands up to look at my nails and sure enough, they were sensitive to the touch. How the hell do you forget something like that?
A pang of bitterness rippled through me. I had a full night of sinful, hot, wild sex, and I didn’t even remember it! Granted, it was wrong. So wrong. But I couldn’t change the past. It had already happened.
I stepped back, forcing myself to go back to the room and wait for Staci. God, what would I tell her?
I SAT ON the edge of the bed as a half-naked Alex came walking back into the room. A white towel hung loosely on his hips as he brushed a hand through his damp hair. I swallowed, slowly turning my eyes away from him. It felt wrong to stare.
“Are you blushing?” he taunted, standing right in front of me. My head moved on instinct as soon as I heard his voice, and my eyes were now level with his crotch. Oh, hell.
“I was trying to be respectful,” I said weakly. Even I could hear the insecurity in my voice.
“Sweetheart, there’s nothing disrespectful about a gorgeous woman checking me out.” His voice was laced with seduction and, for a moment, I contemplated ripping the damn towel off.
I looked up, eager to make eye contact with him so they wouldn’t wander anywhere else. “My friend is on her way. I’ll be leaving shortly.” My voice cracked, my body suddenly nervous around him.
He nodded, his smile turning into a disapproving frown. Since I was close to leaving for good, the comforting atmosphere that was lingering before was no longer there. Enter the awkward leaving your one-night stand after having zero memory of the night before. Fucking great.
I watched as he turned to grab some clothes out of the closet. My eyes turned to the desk in the corner, and I repeatedly blinked as a short flash from the night before resurfaced.
“How do you want it?” he asked quietly as he kissed his way along my jaw and down to my ear. “Tell me what you like.”
I could hear the growling in my ear; my body shivered anxiously as a flash suddenly entered my mind. We were on that desk. I was sitting on top of it with his hands all over me. My body began to heat as the emotions flooded my mind, remembering how it felt to have him touch me.
I swallowed as I watched him. He dropped his towel—right in front of me—as he threw the clothes on the edge of the bed. I should’ve diverted my eyes, but I couldn’t. They were frozen in place. I took in the back of him again, his bare ass marked with scratches that apparently, I had made. His back muscles were solid, chiseled marble as he moved effortlessly.
He pulled over a loose fitting pair of gray sweats. They were so simple—just sweats—but fuck me. They were the kind with white drawstrings that lay loosely on the V of his hips. He grabbed a t-shirt next and turned around to face me, a devilish smirk playing at his lips.
My eyes narrowed in on him. I was like a cat in heat, ready to pounce on him at any given moment. My hands dug into the comforter on the bed, keeping me from moving or doing anyth
ing reckless. The brief glimpse of last night had me panting at just the thought of his hands and mouth on me.
“We were on that desk,” I breathed out more of a statement than a question, but I just needed the confirmation. Was my memory playing with me?
He grinned as he walked toward me and said, “Sweetheart, we were everywhere. But yes…the desk is where it started.”
I nodded in understanding, not sure of what else to say. I didn’t want to hear a play by play. I wanted to remember it my damn self.
“You remember?” he asked hopeful, sitting in a chair across from me.
I shook my head. “Just a flash. A short glimpse of me sitting on top of it.”
“Well, I’d be happy to give you a reenactment. You know…to help jog your memory.” The corners of his lips curled up in a taunting smirk.
“Oh, I didn’t realize you were a freaking comedian.” He laughed and shook his head at me. A knock on the door saved me from any more embarrassment and awkward silences. “Oh, that’s probably my friend with my change of clothes.” I stood up eagerly.
“I’ll give you some privacy,” he said with a short nod. I thanked him as he walked out into another room of the suite. I walked to the door and finally exhaled a breath of relief.
“Oh, thank god!” I wrapped my arms around her.
“Are you all right?” she asked, pulling me back to inspect my appearance.
“Yes, I’m okay. He’s been really nice.”
“Who?” she asked as soon as I let her in.
“His name is Alex…” I narrowed my brows together. “Alex something…”
“What happened?” she asked again, following me into the bedroom.
I grabbed the bag from her with the things I asked her to bring me. “I don’t know. I was hoping you could tell me. I can’t remember anything. But since I woke up naked in a stranger’s bed, I have a freaking good idea.”
“Oh, shit,” she cursed under her breath. “We were all out drinking…”
“Yeah, I assumed that. I remember getting ready. I just don’t remember once the drinking started.”
Dangerous Temptations Page 2