Twenty Times Tempted: A Sexy Contemporary Romance Collection

by Petrova, Em

  “I want my hibiscus.” Christine pushed aside the ice pack and caused the EMT to throw up his hands. “When can you get it?”

  “She’s dazed, maybe a bit out of it,” the EMT muttered and moved to replace the ice pack. “She may even need a sedative.”

  Christine shoved at his hands. “I am not. I want my hibiscus, the sapphire one, the history one. Right now. Or soon as possible.”

  Charlie stared at her. “You want the ring? But you never said yes.”

  “Geez, Jergens, you aren’t usually so dense. Yes, I’ll marry you. I’m taking a chance. You take it too. Gimme my ring.”

  He grabbed her, sling, bruises, and all, and kissed her so deeply applause, whistles, and cat calls, reminiscent of their greeting in Hawaii, broke out around them. When he finally released her lips, he leaned his forehead to hers. “I love you, my Christine.”

  “I love you, Charlie.” She grinned and sagged in his arms. “Let’s go home.”

  Adam slapped him on the back. “Welcome to the family, Dad. But there’s no way you’re ever borrowing my car again.”

  Chapter Fifteen

  One Year Later

  “She wanted the purple orchids. Nothing would do but those.” Christine sighed and reached for the telephone. “Even Crystal and I tried to tell her she didn’t want them on the cake of all things. Now after we fly them in from the other island, she wants the special order blue orchids instead which leaves us stuck with one hundred purple orchids she doesn’t even want to look at. Tell me again why we decided to do this?”

  Charlie took her hand and kissed it as he kept his gaze on hers. “Because we live in paradise, we’re excellent organizers, and they swore they just wanted a simple beach wedding.”

  “This wedding is anything but simple,” Christine muttered as she dialed the number she knew by heart.

  Charlie laughed and tugged on her hand until she leaned across the table to meet his lips with hers. “Suggest they elope like we did. We can do a small, just-the-two-of-them wedding. You and I can be their witnesses. Sunset would be perfect.”

  “I can only wish.” Christine abandoned the phone to kiss him again, deeply, stirring passion and almost making her forget who she needed to call.

  Breathless, Charlie pulled away first. “I have to be in a conference call with our newest couple in ten minutes. Want to clock out and meet me in the store room?”

  “Ten minutes is never long enough.” Christine grinned, raised his hand to her lips, and licked each finger. Charlie muttered something in Hawaiian as she released his hand. “I’m not a tease.”

  “The hell you aren’t.” Charlie stroked his lips with the finger she’d tasted, making her heart skip two or three beats. “Come on, Ku’u lei. Ten minutes.”

  “The new couple seemed so excited when they scheduled, I bet they’ll be early.” Christine sighed. “So a very reluctant no, but a promise for something wonderful later. I have to call Crystal about the change in orchids for the cake, and you have to start with our new couple. I’ll be in as soon as I can.”

  “Don’t be long.” Charlie stood and winked before he pulled her Australian scarf from his pocket. He sniffed it, his gaze on hers, intense and filled with sinful promises. “Crystal’s a pro. She can handle this. I have other plans for you.”

  Christine tried to still her wildly pounding heart. All the things they’d done with that scarf, and he still carried it around with him daily. How could she not love this man? She watched him walk into the outer room, laughing as he put an extra wiggle into his hips. “You’re aware I’m watching you leave the room.”

  “You bet.” He closed the door behind him.

  “I took a chance on you and look how it worked out,” Christine murmured and then dialed their cake specialist.

  They had both resigned from the corporation. Some called them crazy, some called it romantic, and some just didn’t care. After their elopement, they began their own business: Weddings by C & C. Who would have ever thought her idea born while curled on the sofa, sulking in self-pity, and indulged by ice cream would become a booming business? Hawaii remained the perfect wedding destination, and they helped make dreams come true. What could be better?

  “Hi, Crystal, yes, there’s another change for the Bradlee Wedding. The deep blue orchids for the topper and table decorations are the only thing she will accept and nothing else. I tried to reason with her, but she refused to hear anything different. And nothing purple. She now hates that color, so deep blue only. God knows how many times she’ll change her mind again.” Christine waited a moment for Crystal to sigh and speak. “I agree, but the bride gets what the bride wants. At least she’s sticking with the same flavors and icing. For now.”

  ***

  “You’re sure she doesn’t suspect?”

  “She has no clue.” Charlie glanced at the phone, saw the second line light, and knew he only had a few more minutes. He absently stroked the scarf in his hands. “You and Robin will meet Adam at the airport. His flight comes in thirty minutes before yours. Alyssa is on his flight too, and she’ll get Harry to drive you all here.”

  “Oh cool, everything’s all set then. Did Crystal get her cake all finished?”

  “It’s spectacular. Coffee flavored cake and mocha icing.” Charlie grinned as Anna moaned. “Yep, Adam said you’d love it as much as your mom.”

  “Adam knows me and Mom well.” Anna paused. Charlie heard her speak to someone beside her before. “Robin says all our cohort members are jealous. No one else gets to spend Spring Break in paradise. So thanks for living there.”

  “You’re both very welcome. You’ll have lots of time to relax and forget about studying for a while.” It never failed to amaze him how Christine’s children had accepted not only him as their step father, but their mom moving thousands of miles away. “I’ve made certain to keep the schedule light so you get all the time you want with your mom too. We only have the Bradlee wedding scheduled. She’s going to be thrilled.”

  “I can’t wait to see her face. What an awesome birthday surprise. Charlie, you’re the best!” Anna giggled, bubbly and full of life, so like her mother. “Did I mention my birthday is in August?”

  Charlie laughed. “I think you have actually. Several times. We can also talk about the holidays while the three of you are here, schedule some things. Does Adam have a move in date for his new condo?” Christine’s son had moved into her home after she moved to Hawaii, more than content while he waited for his new townhouse to be built, and taking a load off Christine’s mind about what to do with the house.

  “Not yet, but it should be soon. He’s going to make sure the house is kept up, though, until after I graduate and move back. I applied at a couple of school districts near there already.” Anna giggled once more. “Robin says he’s applying in Hawaii and becoming a beach bum.”

  “He’s more than welcome and so are you.” Charlie twirled a pen and wondered if Anna realized how many times she mentioned her best friend’s name.

  “Oh, I’m aware and don’t think I’m not tempted. We’ll see. It’s still two years away after all. But you have coffee mocha cakes and fabulous sunsets. Hard to top those.” A loud speaker announced boarding would now begin. “We need to dash, Charlie. They’re calling our flight.”

  “Okay, hun. I need to go as well.” Charlie waved as a smiling young couple, hands entwined, entered the glass door. He shoved the scarf back into his pocket. “See you all in a few hours. Safe journeys.” He disconnected and put on his best smile as he walked forward to greet the new customers.

  “Hello, I’m Charlie Jergens. Welcome to Weddings by C and C. We’ll make your dreams come true.”

  Excerpt from Wedding Belle Blues

  Weddings by C & C book 2

  Appalachian State University, Early Senior Year

  Robin Bates paused to tap his head on the wall. This couldn’t go on. Stop stalling and do it. He opened the door and took a deep breath. “Anna, we have to talk.”

>   The blue lamp on the table glowed. Books and crumpled papers decorated tangled sheets. Her laptop perched at an angle on the pillows. But she was all he could focus upon. Robin’s gaze followed the line of Anna’s bare legs. All but transparent from numerous washings, her favourite blue nightshirt rode high on thighs he’d give his right arm to caress. His body hardened.

  Anna whispered in her sleep and shifted. Her thighs parted.

  Robin felt actual pain in his groin. Did she wear those cute smiley face panties or the ones with the little bows? What the hell was he thinking? “Jesus, get a grip.” Robin ran a hand through his hair. “I’m supposed to be breaking away from her not perving and imaging sex.”

  Yet he couldn’t stop. Moth to her flame his gaze devoured her in the way his hands couldn’t. Her glorious dark golden hair tumbled out of a braid. Waves spilled over sonic screwdrivers and Tardises printed on her pillowcase. One arm was thrown over her head, small slender fingers curled. The slow rise and fall of her chest made him picture her breasts filling his hands. Robin wanted her in a way he’d never wanted anything.

  “Robin.”

  He jerked around as her lashes fluttered. His hands covered his crotch as if that alone could ease the ache. Her southern tone, sweet butter sliding over hot bread, could drive any man insane. When half-asleep her voice became pure sin, honey on skin he could lick and never taste enough. Robin seriously contemplated a shower in ice water from the Antarctica Ocean.

  “Robin?”

  If he turned right now he’d see which panties she wore, big brown eyes drowsy with sleep, and lips parted on a yawn, an unintended seductress. God help me focus on the door.

  “You’re home?”

  “Sorry to wake you.” Robin began to recite the periodic table of elements in his head. “I’m grabbing a shower.” And chickening out again. “Go back to sleep.”

  Sheets rustling, muttered words, the thump of books and computer placed on the table. “I just took a short nap. I haven’t finished this assignment because you said you’d help me.”

  Guilt flooded Robin. “Give me a few minutes. I’ll be back.”

  “Are you all right? You’re acting weird.” Her voice whispered behind him. “Did something happen on your date?”

  Yeah, something happened. Melody’s sexy and fun. But all I could think about was you. She realized my mind wasn’t on her and caused a freaking scene. “Everything’s fine.”

  Anna’s small hand gripped his arm. “Doesn’t seem fine. What’s wrong?”

  “Don’t touch me.” Robin pushed past and stalked to his own bed. He ripped off his jacket and tried to ignore her shocked expression. He tossed his cell phone and wallet onto her laptop.

  “Sorry I bothered you.” Anna bent her head, long hair falling to cover her face. Her shoulders slumped. “Never mind the assignment. I’ll just ask Professor Randall for an extension.”

  “Stop with the guilt.” Hide in anger. “When someone offers help it’s on their schedule not yours. I have a schedule and a life that doesn’t include you.”

  Her head snapped up, gaze enflamed whisky brown fire. “I’m well aware of that. We worked the whole separate lives things out after I got stuck with you in my room.”

  “You got stuck?” Robin ripped his shirt over his head. “I thought you were happy with your own damn solution. I’ve stayed out of your way.”

  “You aren’t ever here. I don’t have a roommate.” Anna waved her arms. Robin nearly sank to his knees at her exposed skin. “The girls call you Playboy Prince of ASU. Those stupid ninnies think you’re God’s gift with your tight jeans, leather jacket, and idiot motorcycle. Did the great Robin Bates finally meet the one woman who could resist his infallible charm in Melody? Aw, poor baby. That explains your bad mood.”

  “I’m not in a bad mood.” I’m horny as hell for you, damnit. “We both need to cool off before you say something you regret.”

  Anna marched over to poke his bare chest. “You aren’t going to take your rotten mood out on me. It’s not my fault—”

  “It is your fault.” He grabbed her arms and shook her. Her hair cascaded around her shoulders as her head wobbled. Appalled at his treatment, Robin released her. Anger not violence. Oh God. She smelled like damned cherry blossoms. He wanted to dive in and see if she tasted as good. Hell. If I don’t get out of here in the next three seconds... “Leave me alone.”

  “No.” She stood on tip toe, pressed against him from shoulder to hip. His body ached to be joined with hers. “I won’t.” She wrapped her arms around his neck, warm, vibrant woman. Her mouth settled under his, tender, trembling, parted. He was only human.

  THE END

  Writing has always been a passion to Mia. Reading is a bigger one. When she appears to be MIA or can’t be found, search for her in a cozy nook, curled up with a book or at her computer spinning new stories to share.

  Mia is hopeless, helplessly, forever addicted to coffee and chocolate, particularly the Elite Truffles found in a local shop called, fitting enough, The Chocolate Fetish. She is married to an extremely patient Husband who doesn’t mind (too much) her new book boyfriends and has learned when she’s muttering to herself or talking aloud to invisible people to stand clear.

  The emergency landing scene in this book was a true life experience in Mia’s life. At the time it was happening she, like her character Christine, could only think of the television show Lost and how she did not want to meet a polar bear on a tropical island. Despite the return flight, Mia does hope to return to ‘The Land Down Under’ some day and fully explore Hawaii on the way home.

  Contact Mia Epsilon

  Mia loves to hear from readers. Please contact her at any of the below contact links and let her know your thoughts on her book.

  Blog: Authors, Books & Chocolate: The True ABC’s of Life

  Facebook

  Other titles

  Wedding Belle Blues (Free)

  If You Want Me

  DESERT HEAT & NATIVE TONGUE

  Lucy Felthouse

  Chapter One

  Captain Hugh Wilkes sucked in a deep breath, steeling himself for the heat he was about to be subjected to, though he already knew all the deep breaths in the world wouldn’t help. Darkness had fallen on Camp Bastion, in the notorious Helmand Province of Afghanistan, but there would still be residual warmth left to seep away throughout the small hours. Then the sun would rise, and it would start all over again. It was a damn desert, after all. But, all being well, it would be his last ever tour of the godforsaken place. The British Army was already preparing to pull out. The manpower had been reduced drastically over the previous months. It was time to leave the Afghans to get on with it. They weren’t being abandoned—far from it—they would still receive aid, training and money for years to come. But the British Army was no longer needed, apparently. It was still a volatile place, which would no doubt be monitored very closely, in case strategies needed to be reconsidered.

  None of that was down to Wilkes, though. He was here with his platoon for six months, doing whatever they were ordered to do by their Company Commander, Major Hunter. It was unlikely they’d be doing any fighting—they weren’t here for offensive operations. More probably they’d be accompanying their vehicles, weapons and ammunition across the country as it was transported to the air base to be sent back home, or patrolling towns and villages as a show of presence, to reassure and protect the inhabitants.

  There was only one way to find out. Grabbing his kit, he headed toward the ramp of the huge C17 aircraft with his colleagues, and followed them out onto the airstrip. Immediately, he was hit by the overwhelming smell of aviation fuel. As he moved away from the airplane this was replaced by the dry atmosphere.

  Wilkes imagined he could feel the grains of sand coating his throat and tongue. He’d soon get used to it—he always did. Plus, on the bright side, he’d end up with a nice tan at the end of his deployment. Mentally, he crossed his fingers for a nice, event-free tour of duty. Letting his g
uard down wasn’t going to happen, naturally, he just hoped it wasn’t necessary. Hoped the insurgents would play nicely. The country was completely different to how it had been when Allied forces had gone in after 9/11. Some fantastic progress had been made, but it still wasn’t completely safe. But then, where was? People died in picturesque villages in the English countryside—though generally not courtesy of IEDs, AK-47s or suicide bombers.

  Shoving the thoughts from his mind, Wilkes walked along the tarmac with the other members of the platoon, ready to find out where he was sleeping for the night. A few hours of shut-eye were absolutely necessary, as he’d no doubt be called to a meeting with his boss, Major Graham Hunter, first thing in the morning. The last thing he needed was to be tired and fractious when he was due to talk with the bombastic old fucker—he barely tolerated him as it was, and keeping a firm grip on his temper was a must. He was worried that one day Hunter would make one homophobic comment too many, and Wilkes wouldn’t be able to bite his tongue. Telling the Major exactly what he thought of him was something he’d dreamed about many a time, but he remained realistic—it would be Wilkes that would end up being given a dressing-down for insubordination, and no doubt Hunter would make his life hell. Even more than he already did, anyway. Not to mention if he flew off the handle, he’d be outing himself at the same time. He’d remained firmly in the closet ever since he’d joined the army—he wasn’t about to make it general knowledge now.

  Still, at least once he’d had the meeting with Hunter, he could bugger off to wherever he was being sent and spend the majority of the next six months not having to see him. There would be occasional meetings and frequent contact, obviously, but it was easier to tolerate the man when he could pull faces and make rude hand gestures at a handset without anyone seeing.