Twenty Times Tempted: A Sexy Contemporary Romance Collection

by Petrova, Em

  Nicholas’ mind snapped back to the present and he gazed at the TV screen, but didn’t make comment because he hadn’t been paying attention. He sighed and bit into the cold piece of pizza in his hand. No matter how hard he tried he couldn’t get Prue or his little girl out of his mind.

  ***

  The next morning, Nicholas was at his desk sitting in front of his laptop frowning at the blank white page staring back at him from the computer screen. The day was gray with heavy, charcoal colored clouds hanging low in the sky. Rain just beginning to fall pattered against the window panes of his office and a chill crept into the air around him. It was perfect writing weather, but for some reason his muse had gone on vacation. Maybe she was mad at him too for not acting like an adult and facing the situation with Prue head on.

  What was he supposed to do? There were always consequences: for every action there was a reaction. And his reaction had been justified. She had hurt him and he didn’t think he could forgive her or pretend everything was alright when it wasn’t. Was he being sanctimonious? He had inadvertently gotten her pregnant to begin with, so he should accept some of the responsibility.

  Nicholas gave a heavy sigh and typed the title of his next blockbuster novel onto the blank page. He had a six month deadline and had to keep focused or the book wouldn’t be completed in time. The situation with Prue would have to take a back seat. Would he ever call her with the offer to negotiate a suitable arrangement where their daughter was concerned? He didn’t have any answers.

  ***

  A knock on her front door pulled Prue out of her daze. She had been thinking about Nicholas all morning and as she stepped into the entry hall she wondered if it was him standing outside her apartment ready to talk. She peered into the peephole, caught sight of the golden locks and threw the door open. “Rachelle. It’s so good to see you!” She gave her friend a tight hug.

  “It’s good to see you, too.” Rachelle stepped into the hall, slipped out of her jacket and hung it on the coat rail beside the door. “I come bearing gifts.” She held up a shopping bag.

  Nikki rushed out of her room and ran along the hall. “Aunty Rachelle, you’re back.” She reached her arms up to give the woman a hug.

  “I am, sweetie, and I have presents from Santa. He dropped these off at my place while I was away.”

  Nikki clapped her hands. “I love presents.”

  They stepped into the living room and sat down on the sofa. Rachelle pulled the presents out of the bag and handed them around.

  “Ok. This is for you.” She passed a colorful package to Nikki. “And this is for you.” She passed a medium-sized, gold-wrapped box to Prue.”

  Nikki ripped the wrapping off her gift. “Yay! Minions. Thank you, Aunty Rachelle.” She turned to her mother. “Can I watch it now, Mommy?”

  Prue took the Blu-ray from her daughter’s hand. “Sure, honey. Want to sit on the floor over there?”

  Nikki positioned herself center to the television screen and waited for the movie to begin.

  Returning to her seat, Prue picked up the present Rachelle had given her and unwrapped it. A white Pandora box. She flipped it open. Inside sat a beautiful silver bracelet with three charms: a little girl, a cloud’s silver lining, and best friends. A tear slipped down Prue’s cheek and she hugged her friend. “Thank you. It’s lovely.”

  “I wanted you to know that I’m here for you.” She balled all of the wrapping up and dropped it into the shopping bag. “So, tell me, how was Christmas?”

  Prue gave her a serious gaze. “A lot happened over the holidays but I can’t say too much right now.” She motioned to Nikki with a nod of her head.

  Rachelle’s right eyebrow arched. “Does it have anything to do with a certain author?”

  Prue nodded.

  Her friend’s eyes widened. “Damn, now I’m so curious I could burst.”

  “Sorry.” Prue stood up. “Want some coffee?”

  Rachelle sighed. “Coffee sounds good.”

  “I have some homemade cookies too.”

  “Yum.” Rachelle moved to the dining table and took a seat near the window.

  Prue returned to the living room with the mugs of coffee and a plate of cookies and took her seat. “I can tell you a little about what happened.” She glanced at her daughter who was engrossed in the movie and giggling with glee. “His family lives in Kennedy, only twenty minutes or so out of Downtown Pittsburgh. We ran into each other at the supermarket on Christmas Eve, of all places.”

  “What?”

  Prue nodded. “He asked if we could meet for coffee and I agreed.”

  “What happened when you met?”

  “We talked for a bit. He told me his wife died from a brain tumor. I told him about Connor.”

  “Poor man.” She rested a hand on Prue’s arm. “Poor you, too. You’ve both been through so much tragedy.”

  “It was all going so well until I told him.” Prue sipped her coffee, waiting for her friend’s reaction.

  Rachelle’s mouth gaped, then she whispered, “You told him about...” She motioned at Nikki with her eyes.

  Prue nodded.

  “What did he say?”

  “He didn’t take it well. He got angry and left and I haven’t heard from him since.”

  “OMG!” She sipped her coffee. “Anything else?”

  “He set up a five hundred thousand dollar trust fund for her.”

  Rachelle almost choked on her coffee. “Jiminy Cricket. I told you he wasn’t a deadbeat dad.”

  Prue sighed. “I know. I want to thank him but he won’t answer my calls. Do you have any idea where he lives?”

  “We already know he lives in Monterey by his author bio. Let me see what I can dig up and I’ll call you when I find out something.”

  “Thanks, Rachelle. I really appreciate your help.”

  “What are friends for?” She took another sip of coffee. “Wow. A lot did happen over the holidays, didn’t it?”

  “Yep. You could say that.”

  Chapter Thirty Three

  Rachelle called Prue Sunday evening to tell her she had Nicholas’ address. She told Prue he owned a cliffside cottage overlooking the Monterey Peninsula tourist route and had been living there for the past several years. She suggested Prue take some sick leave (as she had a week up her sleeve) and travel to California to see the author and try to talk things through.

  Prue thought it was a great idea, but wondered what would happen if management found out she was away rather than at home tucked up in bed with the flu? Rachelle said she would cover for her, that she knew a GP who could provide a doctor’s certificate, and for Prue to organize a flight right away. No time like the present.

  Before she had time to change her mind Prue booked a direct flight for seven the next morning, with the plane arriving in Monterey at around ten o’clock California time, and also pre-booked a cab to take her to JFK Airport. Her accommodation reservation was also arranged.

  She hoped she was doing the right thing.

  Prue organized clothes for Nikki to take to Yolanda’s, her favorite toys and some snacks. She then set to work packing her own suitcase. She wasn’t sure how long she’d be away so she packed enough clothing for the week.

  Nikki was always excited about staying over with her friend Jacinta and tonight was no exception. She grabbed the handle of her case and wheeled it along the hall to her friend’s apartment, Prue close behind her, and knocked on the door. Yolanda opened it and Nikki kissed her mom goodbye and ran inside to play with Jacinta.

  “Thank you so much for doing this on such short notice,” Prue said. “I don’t know how I can thank you enough for the many times you’ve watched Nikki for me.”

  Yolanda waved the comment off. “Hey, I don’t mind. You’ve done the same for me and Jazz loves having Nikki here, so do we. She’s no trouble. So no thanks necessary.”

  Prue gave Yolanda a tight hug. “You’re the best. I hope you know that?”

  “Duane keeps t
elling me I am, so I better believe it.” She chuckled.

  “I’ll call you once I’m settled in at the inn.”

  “Ok. Safe journey.”

  “Thank you.” Prue headed back to her apartment to organize herself.

  ***

  When the flight touched down at Monterey Airport Prue’s stomach flipped over. She was on Nicholas’ home turf. What would he say when she showed up at his home? Would he be happy to see her or would he still be angry? She had to see him, had to thank him for his generous gift to their daughter. She hoped he’d be pleased to find her standing at his door. And she hoped he’d want to talk.

  After collecting her suitcase, Prue headed outside to the pickup point to find a cab. She noticed a sign for Hertz rentals and decided to hire a car instead. It would make traveling from place to place that much easier.

  She had booked a room in Pacific Grove at Gosby House Inn, a charming two-story Victorian on Lighthouse Avenue not far from the city center, and was looking forward to getting settled in before making the trip out to Nicholas’ home. The pictures she had viewed online of the quaint guest house rooms looked beautiful, like stepping back in time, and she knew she’d enjoy her stay.

  Once in the hire car, Prue set the GPS and drove out of the airport. It would take around eighteen minutes to get to the inn.

  Prue pulled into a vertical car space out front of the yellow and white mansion and sat gazing up at the gorgeous, bygone era home with its steepled roof and stained glass window panes. Her heart did a happy dance. How lovely the place was. She breathed a contented sigh, stepped out of the hatchback and grabbed her suitcase from the trunk. The Monterey Peninsula was simply breathtaking and Prue planned to do some sightseeing while she was there.

  She climbed the nine red brick steps to the small front porch and entered the building.

  ***

  As Prue pulled into the steep driveway her throat tightened. Was she making another huge mistake? She turned off the engine and sat for a moment, her stomach doing jittery flip flops beneath her belt. She gazed at her reflection in the rearview mirror. “Are you doing the right thing, Prue,” she asked herself.

  She gave a heavy sigh, pulled the keys from the ignition and stepped out of the rental. I’m here so I may as well get it over with. She climbed the fifteen wooden steps set into the side of the cliff and stepped onto the porch. The view was spectacular. Her hand shook as she raised it to knock and she drew back. Prue swallowed the nervous lump in her throat and rapped on the wood and glass door.

  “Just a sec,” a male voice called from inside.

  Prue stepped back and waited for the door to open.

  When it did she was surprised. The man wasn’t Nicholas. “Hi, uh, I’m looking for Nicholas Colton. He does live here, doesn’t he?”

  Peter recognized her immediately. “Yeah, he does. He’s away at the moment. I’m looking after his dogs.” He glanced behind him as Rocky and Benji moved up close. “Sorry for being rude. I’m Peter.” He held out his hand. Now he could see why Nick was in love with the woman. She was stunning, and the mother of his child.

  Prue shook his hand. “I’m Prue. Can you tell me when he’ll be back?”

  “It’s cold out there. Want some coffee?”

  “Thanks, but I probably shouldn’t.” She gazed past him through the doorway.

  “I don’t think Nick’ll mind, if that’s what you’re worried about. I just made a fresh pot and I can’t drink it all.”

  “Ok, if you’re sure.”

  Peter stepped aside and Prue entered the well-appointed home. “He has nice taste.”

  “Yeah, he does. Follow me.” He moved through the living room to the kitchen. “Have a seat.” Peter gestured to the breakfast table. “How do you take it?”

  “Uh, black’s fine. Thank you.” She pulled the purple scarf from around her neck and shrugged out of her black wool jacket. “So you’re the PI friend he told me about.”

  “That would be me, yes.” He walked over and sat a mug in front of Prue then took a seat opposite and sipped his coffee.

  “I guess Nick’s told you about me, too.”

  “That would be another yes.” He smiled.

  Prue gave a thin smile.

  Rocky and Benji came up to Prue, Rocky nudging her arm with his massive head.

  “Seems the boys like you. They don’t take to everyone, you know.”

  Prue gave each of them a pat. “Hi fella. Hey you.” She glanced at Peter. “They’re gorgeous animals. I’ve always had a soft spot for Rottweilers. They remind me of big, cuddly teddy bears.” She rubbed under each of the dogs’ chins.

  Peter folded his arms and watched her for a moment. He gave a heavy sigh and said, “Prue, there’s something you should know.”

  Chapter Thirty Four

  Nicholas stepped out of the cab and crossed the sidewalk to the revolving door of the broadcast center. He took a deep breath and pushed through the glass turnstile into the reception foyer. One of the ladies behind the counter recognized him. “Good morning, Mr. Colton. Good to see you again. What can I help you with?”

  Taking a quick glance at the young woman’s name tag he said, “Good morning, Rebecca, I’d like to speak to Prue Granger, if that’s possible.”

  She smiled up at him. “Let me check for you.” She called a number. “Hi, Mr. Colton is here to see Prue. Oh, ok. Yes, I’ll tell him.”

  “I’m sorry, Mr. Colton, but Prue is on medical leave. Rachelle’s on her way down.”

  “Thanks.” He frowned as he moved away from the front desk. Medical leave? He hoped she was alright and that it wasn’t anything serious.

  Rachelle rushed along the corridor and out into the lobby. Nicholas was standing off to the side waiting for her. She held out her hand to him as she approached. “Nick, good to see you again.”

  He shook her hand. “Good to see you too, Rachelle. A belated Happy New Year.”

  “Yes, and the same to you.” She took his arm and they moved to the front of the foyer.

  “I hear Prue’s sick. Nothing serious, I hope.”

  Rachelle shook her head. “She’s in Monterey. She went there to see you. And it appears you had the same idea.”

  Nicholas frowned. “She is? When did she leave?”

  “This morning. I gather you left this morning as well. Great minds think alike, huh?” She smiled.

  “Do you know where she’s staying?”

  “She’s at a B&B in Pacific Grove called Gosby House Inn. Do you know it?”

  He smiled. “As a matter of fact I do. Friends of mine manage the place.”

  “God, this is getting spookier by the minute. Serendipity is at work here, I’m sure of it.”

  Nicholas’ left eyebrow rose. He’d been thinking the same thing. “Well I’d better try to get on the next flight out otherwise she might come up with the same idea and fly back.”

  “No, no. I’ll give her a call and make sure she stays put.”

  “Thanks, Rachelle. I appreciate it.”

  “No problem at all. Please, just work it out! Ok?”

  “I hope we can.”

  ***

  Prue gaped at Peter. “Are you serious?” She couldn’t believe Nicholas had done what she had and flown to New York to talk to her… and on the same day too.

  “Couldn’t be more serious.” He sipped his coffee. “I dropped him at the airport this morning.”

  Prue huffed. “Huh, so what do I do now?” Her cell phone went off and her body jumped. She glanced at Peter and gave a nervous giggle as she fossicked through her purse for her phone. “H – Hello?”

  “Hey, it’s me. You’ll never guess who I was talking to a few minutes ago,” Rachelle asked.

  “Nicholas?”

  “How’d you know that?”

  “I’m at his house. His friend, Peter, told me.”

  “Is his friend cute?”

  Prue’s gaze moved to the PI. “Somewhat. Why did you call?”

  “To tell y
ou to stay put. Nick’s on his way back.”

  “Did he tell you to say that or…”

  “I told him I’d call you and he thanked me, so that would be a yes.”

  “Ok. Is he coming home?”

  “No. I think he’s heading to the guest house.”

  Prue jumped out of her seat. “Oh. I’d better go then.”

  “You don’t have to leave right away. Just make sure you’re at the inn within six hours or so. The flight will take that long. Might be a good idea to pick the PI’s brain about Nicholas. See if there’s anything you should know.”

  “You think so?”

  “It’s the perfect opportunity to find out what you can, while you can. Why not?”

  Prue glanced at Peter. “Maybe you’re right. Thanks for letting me know. I’ll talk to you later.”

  “Talk later. Good luck.”

  Prue dropped her phone into her purse. “My friend, Rachelle.” She gave an awkward smile. “Nick’s on his way back.”

  “That’s good news. Maybe now you two can get things sorted.” He leaned back on the chair and folded his arms.

  “Yes, hopefully.” Prue picked up her mug and sipped the coffee. “How long have you known each other?”

  Peter scratched the back of his head. “Let me see. About… fifteen years, give or take. I was a cop with the LAPD before I became a PI. Nick was a lawyer back then.”

  Prue’s eyebrows rose. “A lawyer?”

  “Yeah, and a damn good one too.” He rubbed the stubble on his chin.

  “Wow. That’s something I didn’t know.” She took another sip of coffee. “Criminal law, I take it?”

  “You would be right. He was one of the good guys. He couldn’t be bought off or threatened. He did the best he could to keep lowlifes off the streets.”

  “What made him give it up?”

  He looked into her eyes and frowned. “You know about Pam?”

  Prue nodded. “A little.”

  Peter sighed. “When she passed away Nick… well, he wasn’t the same. He came to realize life was indeed too short and decided to throw it in and do what he loved. Not that he didn’t love his job, he did, but I think he needed a distraction. Something to take him away from the reality of life without Pam.”