Twenty Times Tempted: A Sexy Contemporary Romance Collection

by Petrova, Em

  Prue popped up off the chair. “Yes, I’m one hundred percent sure. Gabe can meet him when he arrives. I can’t do it, he’ll recognize me.”

  “Maybe he won’t. It’s been five years. And besides, what man remembers a one night stand?”

  Prue gave her an irritated frown. She hoped she wouldn’t have been that easy to forget. “I remember him, so of course he will. I haven’t changed that much.”

  “Honey, you need to be on the floor and he’s bound to see you then.”

  “I – I can work from the control room. That way I’ll be out of sight.” She paced. “He can’t see me!”

  “But I thought you wanted a relationship with him back then. Maybe he felt the same way. Don’t you want to know?”

  “It’s been too long and it’s complicated now. A lot of things in my life have changed since then.”

  Rachelle gave her friend a solemn look. “It doesn’t have to be complicated, hon.” She stood up and walked over to Prue, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. “You could talk to him. Find out how he feels. Who knows, he might’ve fallen for you too.”

  “No. I can’t. It’s too late for that. He’s probably married or engaged or divorced, which makes it worse.”

  “He’s not married. He lives in coastal California with two Rottweilers named Benji and Rocky.”

  Prue frowned at her.

  Rachelle shrugged. “It’s in his Bio.”

  Gabe came to the door. “What’s going on? Why aren’t you waiting for Mr. Colton?”

  Rachelle glowered at him. “Prue’s not feeling well. Can you do the meet and greet? I’ll look after our girl and get her to the control room.”

  Gabe looked dazed for a moment. “Oh. Ok.” He glanced at Prue and said, “Sorry you’re not feeling well, lovely.” Then he gazed along the corridor. “All right, I got this. See you on set.” He strutted off down the passage.

  “Crisis averted.” Rachelle gave a triumphant smile.

  Prue looked flustered. “Is it?” She hoped she wouldn’t run into the author after his interview. The only way to avoid him was to hide in the control room until the recordings finished, and that’s just what she planned to do.

  ***

  Later that evening, at home in her apartment, Prue was grateful she had managed to avoid Nicholas Colton. Rachelle was probably right. A one night stand all those years ago would have been the last thing on the author’s mind. He was famous. That was his focus now, why would he even be the least bit interested in her and her life?

  Her mind wandered back to that night in the luxury hotel suite when he had been so attentive and affectionate. The way his hands had caressed and teased her body, and his mouth had taken hers with so much passion. She thought there had been more to the way he’d made love to her, but she hadn’t dared to hope, and afterward, the way he’d looked at her across the room as though he wanted to say something. Had he felt the same?

  She shook her head to clear the image from her mind. None of it mattered now. He’d walked away without telling her how he felt and she’d been guilty of doing the same. And when it came down to it, they had agreed to one night without any emotional strings, so why would she think it could have been anything more?

  The doorbell rang, pulling her out of her thoughts. She wiped her wet hands on her apron, left the dishes in the sink and walked into her entry hall. Her heart trembled as she approached the front door, and she peered through the peephole to see who was there before opening it. She breathed a relieved sigh when she caught sight of the blonde waves and unlocked the door. “It’s after eight, isn’t it time for your beauty sleep?” she joked.

  Rachelle held up a bottle of Pinot Noir and smiled. “I come bearing gifts.” She brushed past Prue and entered the apartment. “Thought you could use a little drink.”

  Prue closed the door and followed her into the kitchen. “Thanks, but I’m fine.”

  Her friend walked over to a cupboard above the stove and took out two wine glasses. “You had a tough day today, honey. It’s the least I can do. What are friends for?”

  “I appreciate that, but I really am fine.”

  Rachelle grimaced. “You may not be after I tell you the news.”

  “What news?” Prue frowned and folded her arms.

  “Nick’s coming in tomorrow to deliver signed copies of his latest book. Isn’t that sweet?” She poured the Pinot Noir and handed a glass to Prue. “After doing it for the audience he thought it would be a nice gesture to do the same for our staff.”

  “Nick? You’re calling him Nick now?”

  “He asked me to. Nicholas is his official author name he doesn’t use it in person.”

  Prue swallowed a large mouthful of wine and coughed as the warm liquid slid into her queasy stomach. “Couldn’t he have the books sent over by courier? Why does he have to hand-deliver them himself?”

  “Because he’s not a pretentious prick and he wanted to do something nice for everyone. The ladies at reception told him how much they loved his books.”

  “And what am I supposed to do? Hide out in the control room every day?” She plonked the wine glass onto the counter and strutted into the living room.

  Rachelle followed her, glass in hand. “You might consider talking to him…”

  Prue swung around. “You know I can’t. I don’t want to complicate my life by letting him into it. He had his chance, we both did, and we let it slip away.”

  “Honey, you can’t hide from him forever.”

  “Yes I can. He lives on the other side of the country so it should be easy.”

  “What if he finds you one day?”

  “There’s no way he can unless someone tells him where I am.” It sounded like an accusation, even to her.

  Rachelle’s expression darkened. “I hope you’re not implying that I’d tell him.”

  Prue shook her head. “Of course not…”

  A tiny voice echoed into the room. “Mommy, I’m thirsty.” A little girl with curly brown hair, clad in pink Minnie Mouse pajamas, appeared in the doorway, rubbing sleepy eyes.

  “Ok, sweetie. One sip and then back to bed.” Prue took her daughter’s hand.

  “Ok, Mommy.”

  Rachelle waved to the little girl, blew her a kiss, then sat down on the off white sofa and swallowed the rest of her wine. She did understand why Prue was cautious, even though she thought it might be beneficial for Colton and his daughter to get to know each other. At least he wasn’t a dead beat dad. He was successful and could offer them a better lifestyle, if only Prue could see it that way. But who was she to interfere? They were besties, and she had to support her friend no matter what she decided.

  Prue returned to the living room after tucking her little girl back into bed. “She’s asleep already.” She sat down next to her friend. “She’s the reason I can’t see him. I can’t disrupt her life because I have feelings for a man I slept with once.”

  Rachelle reached across and took her hand. “I understand that, but think of the child support.” She grinned. “I’m joking. Kind of.”

  “I know.” Prue gave a thin smile.

  “Have you thought that he might be excited about having a child?”

  “He’s a famous author, renowned worldwide. Do you think a child would be in his plans? Come on, who are we kidding here?”

  “Honey, he is a nice man.” She squeezed her friend’s hand.

  Prue sighed. “Doesn’t matter. I’m not prepared to upset Nikki’s life by being selfish.”

  “Selfish? You? Are you serious? You’re the most not selfish person I know. And that’s saying something.” She hugged her friend.

  “Thanks, I think.” Prue stood up and headed to the kitchen to retrieve the bottle of Pinot Noir.

  When she returned she topped up Rachelle’s glass and poured more into her own. She raised her glass. “To keeping secrets.”

  Rachelle eyed her with suspicion and raised her glass. “What, exactly, does that mean?”

  �
��You keep my secret and I’ll keep yours.” She gave her a devious grin.

  “That’s blackmail, you know.”

  “Precisely.”

  Chapter Three

  The consensus in the control room at 10.30 was Starbucks coffee and blueberry scones for morning break. Prue had taken down everyone’s order, called the cab company and was about to leave when Rachelle pulled her up. “Don’t forget the Sweet ‘N Low, hon,” the TV host reminded. “Gotta watch my figure.” She grinned.

  “Already on it. And your figure’s fine.” Prue took the stairs to the ground floor and headed for the revolving door. The cab was already out front. She made her way to the glass turnstile and spotted Nicholas Colton on the sidewalk trying to maneuver a large box of books into the triangular space between the doors.

  When Prue caught sight of him she stopped in her tracks. Could she make it to the taxi via the side door without him noticing her? He looked preoccupied with his difficult task so she was prepared to give it a try. She dashed over to the door on the left, pushed it open, rushed across the sidewalk, pulled open the cab door and dove in head first, sinking down in the seat so she wouldn’t be seen. “Can we please go?” she asked.

  The driver pulled out into the traffic shaking his head. His eyes met hers in the rearview mirror. “What’s your problem, lady?”

  Prue straightened in the seat, brushed an errant strand of blonde hair off her face, and sat her purse on her lap. “No problem.”

  While the taxi made its way to Columbus Circle, Prue worried about how she would get back into the building without being seen by the author. The main foyer could be a catastrophe. Maybe by the time she arrived he’d be gone. He was there only to drop off books, after all. How long could it take?

  When the cab arrived at Starbucks, the driver turned into W 59th Street and parked, keeping the engine and meter running. Prue crossed at the pedestrian crossing, and entered the corner café. The place was cram-packed, as usual. She stood in line, checking her watch every couple of minutes. Why hadn’t she thought to call ahead? The only benefit of it taking a while was that Nicholas should be gone by the time she got back to the broadcast center and that would be worth the wait.

  Prue thought about him while she waited. How strange that she’d named her little girl Nicole. Did she have a sixth sense about the author? She wondered what his middle name was. She had chosen Grace after her maternal grandmother for Nikki’s middle name. When she reached the counter she handed the order to the girl and was told it would take about ten to fifteen minutes. Prue paid, then moved to one of the tall, standing room only tables and checked her phone. Maybe Rachelle would text her when Nicholas was gone.

  ***

  Heading back in the taxi, Prue’s stomach tightened into a knot of prickling nerves. She had to avoid Nicholas Colton at all costs. She had no intention of complicating her life or his. And she knew if they met that’s exactly what would happen. What would be the point after all these years, anyway?

  Gabe was on the street, and as the cab pulled into the curb he opened the door and climbed in next to Prue. “Can you pull around back, please?” he asked the driver. “Make a left into 11th and another left into West 56th and pull up outside the second door.”

  Flicking on the indicator, the driver eased out onto the road, made a U-turn and followed Gabe’s instructions.

  “What’s going on?” Prue asked.

  “The author’s still in the building and Rachelle asked me to take you through the back.”

  Prue felt her face grow warm and knew her cheeks were flushed. She was so angry with Rachelle. Even if she hadn’t explained it to Gabe, he would be wondering. “Did Rachelle tell you why?”

  Gabe wasn’t good at hiding the truth. He gave her an awkward sideways glance. “Not exactly. She said you needed to keep a low profile while Nicholas Colton was here, so that’s what we’re doing.”

  “And what do you think she meant by that?”

  He shrugged. “I don’t know. I’m just doing what I was told to do, like a good little CBS employee.”

  “You must have some idea.”

  Gabe turned to her and folded his arms. “Ok, here’s what I think. You and the author had a romantic tryst at some point and you don’t want to see him.”

  Prue gave a heavy sigh. “Something like that.”

  The taxi pulled up at the single black door.

  “You don’t have to worry, lovely one, I’ve got your back.” He took her hand in his and smiled. “Let’s get these coffees to the control room before they go cold, or neither one of us will be popular.”

  ***

  When Gabe and Prue reached the busy workroom everyone cheered. “Coffee!” The pair passed the drinks and scones around then sat up the back to watch the rest of Rachelle’s show, only half an hour to go for the first recording. Prue wondered where Nicholas was. If he was still in the building, she figured he’d be waiting in Rachelle’s office until the first show finished. She thought about asking Gabe to take a look. She needed to know where the author was so they didn’t run into each other.

  “Gabe?” she whispered.

  He turned, sighed, and eyed her with a frown. “What do you want me to do?”

  It was funny how he always knew when she was going to ask him to run an errand for her.

  “Do you think Nicholas Colton is waiting in Rachelle’s office?”

  “Why? Want me to go check?” He folded his arms.

  Prue gave him her sweetest smile. “Would you mind? I’d really appreciate it.”

  Gabe sighed again. “Even if I do mind I’m still going. The suspense is killing me.” He stood up. “Back in a few.”

  She smiled up at him. “Thank you.”

  Ted Cook, the production manager shushed them.

  “Sorry,” Prue said. She sat in silence and watched the monitors, her stomach tight as a drum. The stress of having the author in the building and the risk of running into him was too much for her to cope with.

  Gabe was back within minutes. He entered the control room, sidled into the seat beside Prue, and whispered in her ear, “He’s there.”

  She sighed. “I hope Rachelle takes the books and sends him on his way. I need to go pick up…” She realized she couldn’t tell Gabe about Nikki. It would be too obvious. She had to pick her daughter up from preschool.

  “Pick up?” He looked at her with an eyebrow raised.

  “Some groceries from the market.”

  Gabe patted her knee. “The market’s open till 9.00, lovely. You should be fine.”

  The afternoon’s recording finished in no time, and when the credits rolled everyone removed their headsets, stood up and stretched. “Great show!” they each said, gathering up their belongings to leave.

  Prue remained seated, Gabe beside her. She wasn’t ready to walk out the door and straight into Nicholas Colton. She could only hope he’d left between takes.

  Ted walked over to them. “We’re closing up shop.”

  “Would it be alright if we stayed for a few more minutes? I’ll lock up,” Prue promised.

  “Everything ok?” Ted asked.

  “Yes, everything’s fine.” She didn’t want to elaborate. “I need to talk to Gabe in private for a minute, that’s all.”

  “Ok, see you Monday. Have a great weekend.” He made his way over to the door and left.

  That’s right. It was Friday. The weekend was here. Prue sighed with relief. At least she wouldn’t run the risk of bumping into the author in her neighborhood. And, besides, wouldn’t he be heading back to California? Or on to his next interview or book signing?

  Once the control room cleared, Prue asked Gabe to check if the author had left. When he returned he told her Nicholas had waited to offer personal messages in each book. Prue gave a huffy sigh. Why couldn’t he just sign them and leave it at that? How was she going to get out of the building without him seeing her? Gabe suggested taking the way they had come in with the coffee.

  Prue kissed
his cheek. “You’re a genius!”

  Gabe blushed. “Thanks. Glad someone appreciates my talents.”

  The taxi was outside the door when Gabe walked Prue out. “Have a stressless weekend, lovely.”

  “Thanks. You too.” She gave him a hug and stepped into the cab.

  When the taxi turned into W 57th and drove past the front entrance of the building, the author appeared on the sidewalk with Rachelle.

  Prue ducked back in the seat so she wouldn’t be seen and hoped it would be the last time she laid eyes on Nicholas Colton.

  Chapter Four

  Two uneventful months went by and Prue was happy. No Nicholas Colton to deal with and no major dramas either. What more could she ask for? Her job was going well and she enjoyed working with the people in her team. They were a great fit. And she’d been noticed by CBS management, which was a plus. Maybe a promotion would be coming her way soon. At least she could dream.

  The holiday season was fast-approaching, with Halloween right around the corner and only ten weeks until Christmas. Her daughter was excited that Santa was on his way. She had already given Prue several choices for gifts. Christmas was a wonderful time of year. Prue especially loved getting into the holiday spirit by decorating and baking.

  Nikki had asked when they were going to see her grandma, she had been asking since they arrived in New York. They both missed the family, but even so, it had been an important move and Prue didn’t regret the decision. She wanted a better life for herself and her daughter and working in New York would achieve that. She loved the television industry. It had always been her dream to work on a show like Rachelle’s and when the opportunity presented itself she took it.

  Her mother had called last week to ask if her girls were coming home for the holidays. She missed them and hoped they could make the trip. Prue wasn’t sure about making any definite plans because the vacation roster hadn’t been posted at work yet. She told her mom she would do her best, which was all she could offer. Nikki had been on the phone with her grandma for over an hour, giggling and telling her all about her new school and friends. Prue knew how much spending time with her grandparents meant to Nikki, and she would make every effort to arrange some vacation time so they could go back home for the holidays.