Twenty Times Tempted: A Sexy Contemporary Romance Collection

by Petrova, Em

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  A NIGHT OF PASSION

  Maggie Anderson

  PROLOGUE

  Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, June 20, 2009

  Prue had been sitting at the bar in Hemingway’s Cafe during Happy Hour, contemplating whether to leave or stay when he appeared on the stool beside her and offered to buy her a cocktail. She didn’t usually accept drinks from strange men but tonight would be different. She needed him, needed to feel desired again, needed to be touched in a way she hadn’t been in a long time, even if it was only for the briefest moment. He didn’t give his name nor did he ask for hers, which was fine with her, and after an hour of idle chit chat they ended up in a luxury hotel suite not far from the bar. At least it wasn’t a dive of a motel that would make the experience seem cheap and dirty, and for that she was grateful. She had never done anything like it before―it wasn’t in her nature to pick up men―nor would she do it again.

  His skilled, gentle fingers wandered the length of Prue’s yearning body, caressing and teasing, causing the wonderful tingle that would build to a crescendo. The thrill of his touch made it almost impossible for her to hold in the delicious moan threatening to escape. But she would for as long as she could. She wanted to savor every delightful second of his hands on her skin before that earth-shattering release. How could a man who knew so little about her be so adept at playing her body like a finely tuned instrument? Knowing every secret place that incited so much pleasure?

  Prue lay on her back against the plump pillows, her eyes closed, inhaling his intoxicating cologne deep into her nostrils―an expensive fragrance that ignited every nerve ending in her body, setting it on fire. Mingled with his musky masculine scent, it was enough to push her senses to the brink. His lean, muscular frame moved with slow, seductive precision over hers sending a clear message to the quivering epicenter of her sex and she ached to feel him inside her.

  She trembled as his lips brushed her skin, kissing a pleasurable trail from the hollow of her throat all the way to her navel, where he sucked the sparkling, blue jeweled stud and teased her bellybutton with his tongue―a taste of things to come―then to the small V of closely-cropped hair above her soft folds. She opened her legs in expectation of him moving his mouth to her moist, eager core, but instead he trailed deliberate slow kisses down her left inner thigh to her knee and up her right inner thigh, stopping to gaze at her with those amazing, dark brown, bedroom eyes once his mouth reached the place she so urgently needed his tongue to explore.

  He lingered, knowing it would drive her already heightened senses to a new level of pleasure. He wanted her to enjoy him as much as he would enjoy her. They could do anything they liked to each other, they would never see one another again after tonight, so what did it matter? He lived in another state and was only in town on business. Tonight they needed each other, needed to satisfy their sexual yearnings without any emotional strings. That was the agreement they had made.

  She curled his dark hair around her fingertips and bit her bottom lip, her need for him becoming more and more demanding as the heated rush of arousal enveloped her. It had been a long time since she’d had sex and her body was screaming for him to take her. “Satisfy me,” she said, pushing his head between her legs. Where did that come from? She never asked for anything during lovemaking, but tonight she wanted to be satisfied by this man she didn’t know. He excited her.

  A sensuous smile turned the right corner of his mouth up. He would enjoy tasting and tantalizing her. La petite mort. Once he brought her to the edge she’d surrender to him and he’d be inside her, her yearning body transcending to new peaks of sexual awakening.

  He dropped his head of dark curls between her thighs and ran the tip of his tongue along the naked crevice but didn’t delve deeper. Not yet. He blew a line of cool air along the thin crease and watched the delicate pink skin swell in anticipation of the pleasure to come.

  Prue exhaled a wanting sigh, shivered, and waited for his tongue to dip inside her and connect with the tight, tingling knot of nerves ready to explode.

  He made no attempt to continue his seduction. He wanted her senses on the edge.

  Half opening her eyes she gazed down at him. “Why are you waiting?”

  “Ask nicely.” He winked and offered a playful smile.

  She blushed. “For what?”

  His left eyebrow arched.

  “Please,” she said coyly, biting her bottom lip.

  “Please, what?”

  “Do it.”

  “Do what?”

  She remained silent.

  He ran the moist tip of his tongue along the bare crevice again.

  Her eyes closed as she pushed her pelvis forward and the words rushed out. “Pleaselickme.” Prue was hot and wet and wanted his tongue on the pulsating flesh between her thighs.

  A satisfied smile spread across his lips. “With pleasure.” He ran the tip of his tongue slowly along the soft crease and slid it into her moist, warm flesh connecting with the taut node.

  “Yesss.” Her fingers grabbed his hair as a heated wave of ecstasy rushed through her. Prue’s body tensed, her head swam, and she could barely breathe.

  His tongue swirled around the tiny knob, circling faster and faster. Every inch of him ached to be inside her, to feel her yielding warmth wrap around his hard flesh as they became one.

  She drove herself into his mouth, waiting for the intensifying tingle to erupt into an explosion.

  His left hand reached for her firm round breast, the dusky pink nipple rolling between his proficient fingers. Squeezing, teasing, causing it to stand erect.

  Prue moaned even more. “Ohhh, yesss, do it harder.”

  He flicked his tongue across the taut mound, knowing at any moment it would tip her over the edge.

  She arched her back and let out a long continuous moan before falling back onto the crumpled cotton sheets, panting, her skin glistening with perspiration.

  He sprang from between her legs and covered her body with his. “Take me in your hand,” he said, breathless.

  Prue gripped his hard length with eager fingers and guided him into her, moaning as his firm tip pressed against her sensitive core. He swelled inside her, his thrusts deep and insistent.

  She wrapped her legs around his waist to take him in further. She wanted to feel every inch of him.

  He pumped and pumped, kissing her breasts, her neck, her hungry mouth, the taste of her lingering on his lips.

  Her body tightened and her breath caught in her throat as the final, potent orgasmic wave rolled over her. She let out a low moan and the sated sexual tension in her body unwound beneath him.

  He came soon after, giving a throaty growl, his body shuddering with release. He remained on top of her, gazing into her eyes, his gentle fingers brushing her long blonde hair from her flushed cheeks. She was beautiful. Rolling onto the bed beside her, he pulled Prue into his arms and kissed her forehead. “I hope it was good for you.”

  “It was.” She glanced up into his attractive face and gave a shy smile. “You?”

  His smile broadened. “Yes, it was.” He kissed her forehead again. “Very good.”

  Prue felt comfortable in his arms. It had been three years since she’d been in a relationship and wondered what it would be like to be with this man. Get to know him. But as they had already agreed it was to be only one night, what hope did she have? She hadn’t given any thought to the possibility that he could be married. Something she didn’t want to think about.

  As the thought crossed her mind, he eased her out of his arms and headed to the bathroom. “Won’t be long.”

  She heard the shower run and after several minutes he returned wearing a white hotel towel wrapped around his waist. Her eyes followed his lithe muscular frame across the room, and she wished he was hers. He seemed decent, and had been more than attentive during their lovemaking. Not once had she felt like a one night stand. He’d m
ade her feel desired.

  He gazed at her lying naked in the bed and smiled. “Can I drop you somewhere?” he asked, zipping his pants and shrugging into his white business shirt.

  Prue’s thoughts were pulled back to reality. This was all there would be. They had satisfied their needs and now it was goodbye. “Thanks, but I don’t have far to go.”

  He stared at her for several seconds as though he wanted to say something, but then turned around and continued dressing. Within minutes he was ready to leave. He moved across the room to the king-sized bed, leaned in and kissed her on the lips. “It’s been a pleasure. Take care of yourself.”

  Prue smiled up at him, tears stinging the backs of her eyes. She wouldn’t cry. She knew what tonight had been, even though now she wished she hadn’t agreed to it. “Yes, it has. You too.”

  He picked up his jacket from off the chair and headed to the door. Before leaving he turned around, studied Prue once more, then opened the door and walked out of her life.

  Chapter One

  New York City, February 2015

  Prue Granger stepped into the busy corner deli opposite the broadcast center to pick up a vanilla latte before facing her first day on the job. She had landed the role of personal assistant to Rachelle Reed, one of New York’s top morning talk show hosts, and had recently moved to The Big Apple from Pittsburgh. It was a culture shock, to say the least, but the city had already found a place in her heart.

  She had been in a lessor role at WTAE Channel 4, for the past five years, attempting to work her way up the media corporate ladder to become a production manager on their regular morning show, but when the job had been handed to an outsider, Prue knew it was time to look further afield. She was nervous and excited about working with Rachelle as she walked along the sidewalk carrying the container of hot coffee. It was a chilly winter morning and the city was bustling with pedestrians, taxis, cars and couriers making their way to wherever they had to be for the day.

  Prue knew this move was a huge opportunity for her and she was going to do everything she could to ensure her success. It was a dream come true. She had been told that a thousand other girls would have killed for the opportunity to work with Rachelle, and Prue realized she would have to step up her game if she wanted to retain the position and move up in the world of television.

  She approached the front entrance and gazed up at the large black CBS Broadcast Center sign emblazoned on the side of the stainless steel marquee and sighed. She was here at last and about to start a new phase in her life. One she hoped would take her career to a whole new level.

  When she walked over to the revolving door, the glass one beside it swung open and a young man held it for her to step through.

  Prue smiled. “Thanks. You’re a gentleman.”

  “My pleasure.” He held out his hand. “I’m Gabe Hamilton, welcome to CBS. We’ll be working together on Rachelle’s show.”

  How did he know who she was? She shook his hand. “I’m Prue Granger, but you already knew that, didn’t you?”

  “Yes… and I’m not psychic.” His smile broadened and he raised his left hand. It contained a blue manila folder with her name on it.

  “Oh, of course,” she said, her smile widening.

  “Ok, follow me.” He led her along the ground floor corridor lined with lightboxes of current News and TV presenters. “These smiling faces are our news, current affairs and talk show hosts. You’ll see them floating around the building from time to time.” He headed back along the corridor. “The elevator’s this way. Before we get started, you should be aware that Rachelle can be a bit of a diva at times, but you’ll get used to it. She’s a nice enough person until you make a mistake and end up on her wrong side. I guess you could say she’s passionate about her job.”

  Prue’s stomach did an uneasy flip flop. “I thought she was meant to be lovely. That’s what I’ve been told.”

  “Don’t get me wrong, she is lovely, but she can be dramatic sometimes. When that happens all hell breaks loose. She is, after all, one of the top talk show hosts in New York, in the US for that matter. Goes with the territory.”

  Prue was grateful for the heads up. She wanted to make a good impression on the CBS hierarchy and Rachelle Reed. She planned to move up the ladder this time and not be knocked back for someone younger with less experience. “Good to know. Thanks.”

  “No problem.”

  The elevator doors swished open and Prue and Gabe stepped inside. “I’ll show you around and introduce you to the people you’ll be working with. Always a good icebreaker before your first show.”

  “Thanks, I really appreciate it.” Prue’s heart did a little shudder. Joining a new team and being the new kid on the block was difficult at best, there was bound to be someone who didn’t like her, but she was determined to make it work.

  “We usually record two shows with the same audience and do a seat swap during the break. It’s fairly painless. You’ll need to be here bright and early tomorrow morning for the briefing before the show.”

  “Oh, ok, what time?” She glanced at her watch although she didn’t know why.

  “Seven thirty.”

  Prue wanted to show him she was a flexible team player. “Sure, no problem. I can be here.”

  “Great.” The elevator stopped and the doors slid open. “Here we are.” He gestured for her to step out. “After you.”

  “Thanks.” She stepped into the corridor, Gabe following her.

  “Ok, let’s get started.”

  ***

  After doing the rounds and introductions, Gabe escorted Prue to Rachelle’s dressing room. He knocked.

  “Go away.” Came the warning from inside.

  “Rachelle, I have Prue Granger with me, your new personal assistant. She would very much like to meet you.” He gave Prue an uncertain smile and mouthed, “This is what I mean.”

  The door flew open. “Well why didn’t you say so?” She threw out her hand. “Hi. Nice to meet you.”

  Prue reached for Rachelle’s hand but the TV host turned and strutted back to the mirror to check her makeup.

  Gabe cleared his throat and motioned for Prue to go in. Prue wasn’t sure she should. She shook her head. “After you,” Gabe said, motioning with his head.

  Prue decided to try some reverse psychology. “I can see Rachelle is busy so we can make it another time.”

  Rachelle swung around, pursed her lips and gave Prue the once over. “No, it’s fine. Come on in. Better now than never.”

  Prue gave Gabe an unsure glance before stepping through the doorway and wondered what she had gotten herself into.

  Chapter Two

  After six months in the role, Prue had become an integral member of The Rachelle Reed Show and felt as though she had always worked there. She loved the friendly atmosphere, it was more like a family environment than a workplace, and she’d made some great friends too. She had also managed to form a best friendship with Rachelle. Go figure. They had become so close they told each other everything. And as it turned out, Rachelle was a nice person who was, as Gabe had said, passionate about giving her viewers a quality show and candid interviews with extraordinary people.

  This morning was no different. Rachelle would be interviewing Nicholas Colton, one of New York Times and USA Today’s bestselling thriller authors. He had written fifteen successful novels over the past six years and had shot to celebrity status with his debut title, The Contract Killer. Rachelle was in a whirl over having the esteemed, award-winning author on her show. And he was male model attractive too.

  Prue had been instructed to meet and greet Mr. Colton and to escort him to the green room. She had no idea what he looked like, as in her haste to get down to reception she’d forgotten to collect the author’s profile from Rachelle’s office and didn’t have time to go back for it. She’d just have to keep her wits about her and scrutinize every good-looking male that came through the revolving door. That could be fun. When she reached the foyer, Prue
noticed an entourage of fans waiting outside the building, books in hand, hoping to get an autograph when the author arrived.

  He’d only have ten minutes, and that would be cutting it fine. But, of course, he couldn’t disappoint readers, they were his livelihood and the station knew that.

  Prue was curious. She slipped through one of the glass side doors and wandered over to a middle-aged woman standing on the sidewalk to ask about the author.

  “Oh, he’s wonderful. I love his books. I have ’em all, you know,” the woman gushed. “And he’s so handsome to boot.” She passed the novel in her hand to Prue and turned it over to show her the back cover photo. “I’m so glad to be here for the show. I missed his latest book signing.”

  When Prue saw the photo her face paled and the woman asked if she was alright. Prue looked at her dazed. “Huh? Yes, I’m fine. I have to go. Thank you.” She shoved the book at the woman, disappeared through the revolving door and headed for her friend’s dressing room.

  Rachelle had finished having her hair and makeup done and was slipping into a designer, navy blue dress when the door flew open and Prue barged in. “Whatever happened to knocking, hon?”

  “It’s him.” Prue blurted. Her face flushed, her breathing ragged.

  Rachelle dashed over to her and sat her on a chair. “Take it easy, honey. Who?”

  “Nicholas Colton.”

  The TV host glanced through the open doorway. “He’s here already?” She was keen to meet the man in person. Maybe they could have a drink later.

  Prue shook her head. “Not yet.”

  Rachelle frowned and sat down beside her. “Then what’s all the excitement about?”

  Prue’s heart was racing. She could barely breathe. “It’s him.”

  “You said that already, honey. What do you mean?”

  “He’s the one night stand I told you about.”

  Rachelle’s eyes widened. “Nicholas Colton? Oh, good lord, are you sure? What are you going to do?”