Twenty Times Tempted: A Sexy Contemporary Romance Collection

by Petrova, Em

  “I’m so sorry.”

  The new waitress at his favorite haunt fumbled with some napkins and tried to dab away the beer she’d just thrown all over his jeans. His balls tightened. He glanced at the knowing grin of Rocco and snatched the honey blonde sweetie’s wrist.

  “I’ll do that, darlin’.” He nodded over to the bar. “Why don’t you go get me another beer?”

  Her cheeks flushed pink and his cock grew fucking rock hard. She dropped the napkin and dashed away to the bar. It wasn’t the first time he’d admired her pert ass in those tight black pants and it wouldn’t be the last, but he hadn’t gotten hard over her since she started working here over a week ago.

  Until now.

  One look in those wide eyes and he’d been ready to jump from his seat and take her out back to get a real apology from her.

  “Don’t even say it,” he warned Locke.

  His friend smirked. “You’ve got a lot of competition.” The six-foot-five sergeant jerked his head to the tables behind him where every guy under the age of ninety was watching the new waitress. “You’d better take your shot before someone else does.”

  Walker shook his head. As stunning as she was with her curvy ass and impressive rack, he had no intention of getting involved with her. The six of them—Locke, Gunner, Ryker, Rocco, Knox and himself—had been coming to the Fox Hole for years since being stationed at Fort Bragg. No matter where life took them, they always came back to the bar.

  And they never fucked any of the women here.

  Never piss in your own backyard. Well, the same went for fucking. It he wanted a hot pussy, he could go find one easily enough. One that wouldn’t be able to chase after him and ruin the one place they could all call sanctuary.

  No way. He wasn’t pursuing that girl.

  No fucking way.

  “What’s her story anyway?” he asked, mentally kicking himself.

  Rocco shared a knowing grin with Gunner. “Her name is Waverly. Started here last Tuesday.”

  Waverly. He could almost imagine whispering that against her skin as he drove his cock deep into her. Who was he kidding? He could imagine it. And that golden skin would taste fucking beautiful.

  “I thought you knew everything.”

  Rocco chuckled. Walker glared at him. The soldier could be counted on to get them out of any situation. Somehow it didn’t matter where they were, the guy knew it all.

  “She’s running from something. She turned up with only a few boxes in her car and no money.”

  “What’s she running from?” Gunner said.

  Rocco lifted a shoulder. “Justice didn’t say.”

  Justice had owned the bar for as long as they’d been coming here. Rocco and she had an on/off relationship—if you could call the occasional fuck a relationship.

  “You pissed her off again?” Locke asked, a knowing grin on his face.

  “Justice is more than happy right now, let me assure you of that,” Rocco replied.

  “How do you know she’s running from something?” Walker questioned.

  “Who the hell treks halfway across the country with no belongings to work as a waitress?”

  “Does she have any family here?”

  Rocco shook his head. “Justice said she doesn’t talk about her past much. Thinks she’s from quite a bit of money. She’s certainly never worked as a waitress before. All she knows is she came from Maryland and stopped here, begging for a job.”

  He peered over at her. Waverly was the most mind-fucking mix of cute and sexy as hell. He’d spotted dimples in her cheeks when she’d smiled but then she had those curves that begged to be touched…

  “Why did Justice give her a job? She’s clearly not meant for waitressing.”

  Rocco lifted a shoulder. “You know what Justice is like. Loves to take in strays.”

  They murmured in agreement. A hush fell over them. They’d been coming to the bar for over a decade now. No matter where life took them or what it handed to them, they always stopped by to reconnect and wind down. The locals never bothered them and they got a few hours to be something other than soldiers for a while.

  “So,” Locke asked. “Are you going to make a play for her?”

  “No.”

  His friends groaned.

  “Why the hell not?” Rocco shook his head in despair. “Hell, I’d have a try myself if Justice wouldn’t cut my balls off.”

  “She’s not your type anyway,” Walker grumbled.

  Walker preferred girl-next-door types while Rocco went for glamorous women…movie stars, musicians, hell, he’d even taken a politician who was visiting when they were on tour in Afghanistan to bed.

  “Look, I’m not getting involved with someone from the bar.”

  Knox gave a sigh. “You and your damn rules.”

  It wouldn’t be worth it. He’d made the mistake before and not been able to get rid of the woman. There were plenty who saw fucking a soldier as some weird badge of honor. Then once they’d gotten some, they’d hang around like a damned rash. He did not sleep with local women and Waverly wouldn’t change that.

  Locke turned to eye Waverly. “Well, if you’re not interested, I’ll take a shot.”

  Walker curled a fist. “Like hell you will.”

  It didn’t matter that he’d known these guys for most of his life or that they’d been through hell and back together, he still wanted to tear their fucking faces off for even looking at Waverly. There was something about her that made him feel out of control—and he wasn’t sure he liked that.

  “If I don’t, someone else will.” Locke jerked his head over to where Waverly was serving one of the locals.

  She beamed at him while he spoke to her, and it took all Walker’s willpower not to run over there and lay him out for even looking at her.

  Rocco leaned in. “She won’t stay long. Chances are Daddy or husband or boyfriend will come looking for her and drag her home.”

  Taking a drink of beer, Walker held the tanginess on his tongue before letting it slide down his throat while he considered the gorgeous blonde.

  He’d been in a state of agitation since he’d first spotted her. All he’d thought about was her—while he showered, while he ate, while he fisted his cock… That wouldn’t change, he knew that for sure. Should he make his move and take the chance to feel that tight, sweet pussy around his cock before she was gone?

  The throb in his trousers told him everything he needed to know.

  “Fine. I’ll do it.” He put down the beer and ignored his friends’ matching grins before heading over toward Waverly.

  ***

  Her feet pounded and she was fairly certain she needed a long, hot shower. Unfortunately, the shower in the room Justice was letting Waverly stay in went from hot to cold and back again in seconds, making it hard to have anything more than a quick wash.

  God, she longed for her hydrotherapy shower. Every part of her hurt after a long night serving customers.

  She snatched up a cloth and set to work cleaning down the tables. Without any customers, the bar seemed almost ghostly. Her footsteps echoed while glass clinked as Beth washed the glasses in the back and the occasional scratch of a pen could be heard as Justice totaled up the takings for the night.

  Waverly paused at the table where all the soldiers had sat. She eyed one chair in particular which was still a little sticky from where she’d spilled a drink all over the man’s lap.

  Jake Walker, he’d said he was when he’d come over to introduce himself and tell her not to be embarrassed about the accident.

  How could she not be? She’d thrown beer all over a customer because she’d been too busy eyeing up every part of him.

  Justice had told her that there would be soldiers that visited regularly, what with the base being so nearby. Waverly had never really been around any of the forces so she hadn’t been sure what to expect, but she’d imagined they wouldn’t interest her much.

  How wrong she’d been. All of them had been attract
ive. All were strong and muscular. But Jake…She’d never seen a man like him.

  She rubbed vigorously at the chair as though she could erase the memory of him sitting there.

  Short dark hair, darker eyes that seemed to stare into the depths of her. Arms that nearly ripped the seams of his shirt. Damn, why did she have such a weakness for arms?

  And his voice. Her pussy pulsed just when she recalled how he’d said her name. Deep and far too sexy, he’d almost had her coming on the first syllable.

  She shook her head and moved onto the next table. Of course, she’d been too embarrassed to say much. She’d spent her whole life around men in suits. Even Adam had been one. She couldn’t recall any of them having such raw masculinity.

  Hands to the table, she paused for a moment as a wave of exhaustion came over her. It wasn’t that she wasn’t used to working. She’d worked damn hard at her job at her father’s construction company, but she certainly wasn’t used to such physical work.

  Or being in her condition.

  “How you doing?”

  Waverly smiled sheepishly. “Sorry, I was only pausing for a moment.”

  Justice waved a hand. With long, dark hair and an athletic build, Waverly should have felt intimidated by her, but Justice had been the first person on her long journey to offer her some kindness.

  “You’ve had a long day and worked hard.”

  She grimaced. “I messed up. You saw me spill that drink.”

  “Everyone makes mistakes, hon. You’re a hard worker. A few spilled drinks doesn’t change that.”

  Waverly nodded.

  “Why don’t you finish wiping down the bar and head up to bed? You look beat.”

  “I’m fine.”

  “Honey, you’re about as pale as a ghost.” Justice narrowed her eyes at her. “You sure you’re not sick?”

  Waverly shook her head vigorously. “I’m fine, I promise.”

  “One day, you need to tell me all about it.”

  A pang of guilt struck her. The desire to tell Justice all about her mess was strong. She was the kind of woman who would probably want to fix every single one of her problems and then some. But she couldn’t let her do that. Waverly had to prove that she could do this, that she could survive on her own.

  All she needed was a little time, some money, and then she could figure out her next move. While she did that, the job at the bar was perfect.

  Waverly shrugged. “There’s not much to know.”

  “I’m not the only curious one, you know.”

  “Why? Who’s asking about me?”

  “Rocco said Walker was wanting to know everything.”

  A flash of dark eyes flittered through her mind. Her body tingled a little and she couldn’t for the life of her clamp down on the excitement, knowing he was interested in her.

  “I don’t know why he would want to know.”

  Justice eyed her. “Don’t you?”

  “Ok, maybe I do,” she muttered.

  “Why don’t you talk to him next time.” Justice laughed. “Properly,” she added. “Don’t just blush and run away.”

  “I was never any good at talking to men.” She sighed. “Are you sure he’s interested in me?”

  “I’ve known those men a long time. I know when they’re interested in someone and frankly, I’ve never seen Walker look at someone like he looked at you tonight.”

  “I don’t know…”

  “What would be the harm? You deserve a little attention and you don’t have a husband waiting back home, do you?”

  “No,” Waverly said firmly.

  Justice arched a brow at her tone.

  “I really don’t.”

  An ex-fiancé, sure, but no husband. She was free…well, sort of free…and definitely single.

  “Enjoy yourself for a bit, Waverly. What’s the worst that could happen?

  She glanced back at the chair where Walker had been sitting.

  “He’s a soldier. Protect and serve and all that,” Justice said with a grin. “I bet he could protect and serve you.”

  “That’s the police,” Waverly protested.

  The bar owner shrugged. “Close enough. I’m willing to bet he wouldn’t complain if you wanted him to serve you.”

  Waverly laughed at Justice’s suggestive tone, though part of her wanted to strangle her for putting the thought into her head. She’d never had a fling in her life, and likely never would again after this. Would it be good for her? She had to admit the idea of a man like Walker serving her needs held far too much appeal. Maybe she’d see if she could get up the courage to flirt with him then see where it went.

  Maybe.

  Chapter Two

  Walker was trying not to be pissed he hadn’t had a moment to approach Waverly tonight. His last brief conversation with her had been cut short by work—and her shyness. Shyness, he could break through. Work, however, he couldn’t do much about. It was a Friday night so the bar was busy, and a recent set of new recruits had joined the base so the Fox Hole was busier than usual.

  He scowled as Waverly dashed about, fending off various come-ons from the younger guys. There didn’t seem to be enough staff on tonight.

  “Where’s Justice?” he asked Rocco.

  The sergeant shrugged. “I haven’t spoken to her in a few days.”

  “She pissed at you again?”

  Rocco gave a sheepish grin. “Maybe.”

  He glanced around at the drinks on the table. “Who needs a drink?”

  His friends all shook their heads. They’d only just been served but he needed to snatch a moment with Waverly.

  Walker threw back his drink, much to the amusement of his friends.

  “Hitting it heavy tonight, Walker?” Gunner asked.

  “It’s been a long week,” he said.

  It had. Too fucking long. All he’d been able to think about was Waverly. He plucked up the empty bottle and strode over to the bar.

  He had to wait some time, propped up on the bar until Waverly came to him. A sheen of sweat clung to her forehead and above her lip. He could imagine the rest of that golden skin all shiny from exertion.

  “Same again?” she asked, avoiding his gaze.

  “Please.” He eyed a strand of hair that had stuck to her neck.

  Fuck did he want to run his tongue along that arch and taste the saltiness of her skin.

  “Busy night, huh?”

  She nodded. “Justice’s mom got sick so she’s gone to Asheville to take care of her. We don’t even…” she paused and suck in a long breath, looking a little unsteady. “We don’t even have enough staff. Beth’s little boy is sick, and Mick couldn’t make it in.”

  He peered at her. “So you’re pretty much running the place alone?”

  Waverly lifted a shoulder. “Justice asked me to keep an eye on things.”

  Walker smiled. “It’s good she trusts you like that.”

  A little pride lit her eyes. He wondered if she’d never been trusted before with responsibility. Hell, who the fuck would? She looked like a girl when she smiled at him like that.

  Yet those curves pressed against a tight-fitting tee screamed woman.

  And his body screamed back at him. Take her. Fucking have her.

  The pride vanished. “Oh no.”

  Her face turned suddenly pale and she pushed away from the bar to run away into the back.

  What the fuck?

  Walker raced after her, pushing through the doors to the kitchen and farther into the back. He’d been in here once or twice after a lock-in but he’d always been far from sober so couldn’t say he knew where he was going. He froze when he heard retching sounds coming from the bathroom.

  Waiting outside, he folded his arms and listened for the sounds to stop. Stupid woman was sick too. Justice should never have left her in charge. From what little he knew of Waverly, she’d probably work herself to death so she didn’t let Justice down.

  He inched open the door, just enough so that he could pr
op himself against the doorway and lean in. Waverly was braced against the sink, her reflection stared back at him.

  “You shouldn’t be in here.”

  He took one look at her sweaty, pale face and barged in. “Like hell I shouldn’t.”

  He took her arm and led her back into the kitchen. She was definitely sick as she didn’t even fight him, letting him place her on a stool while he grabbed a bottle of water out of the fridge and thrust it at her. She opened it and took a long drink.

  “You should be in bed, Waverly.”

  He was a fucking pervert because as soon as he said those words, he pictured himself in there with her. Tangled sheets, all that gorgeous tanned skin against them. Taking a large breast in hand and squeezing her ass.

  Fucking pervert.

  She was sick. She needed rest. Not his rampant imagination turning him into a raging animal ready to throw apart her legs and thrust himself in her. He forced a breath in through his nostrils and waited for the image to abate.

  “I can’t.” She tried to stand and he put a hand to her shoulder to ease her down. “Walker,” she protested.

  “Stay,” he ordered.

  She looked like she was going to argue but her eyes widened in panic. She made another dash to the bathroom and Walker heard retching sounds again. Damn, the woman was really ill. Worry bunched his insides.

  He strode out to the bar, let one of the other girls know Waverly was sick then marched over to the table where the rest of the guys sat.

  “Waverly’s sick,” he explained. “And they’re short-staffed. Foolish woman will work herself to death if we let her.”

  Locke smirked. “Let me guess, you want us to come to the rescue.”

  “Wouldn’t be the first time you’ve pulled a draft or two.”

  His friend nodded. “True enough.” Locke glanced at the others, who all grinned. “Guess we’re going to be working instead of relaxing tonight. You owe us one.”

  Somehow Walker knew Locke would never hold him to that. They always had each other’s backs and never expected anything in return. That was just how it was between them.