A Taste of Temptation (Love Spectrum Romance)

by Alexis, Reneé

  “The only way to get over bad ones is to get into a better one and nourish it, help it grow. I know he can do it.”

  “I sure hope so for your sake. Just take things slowly with him. Talk to one another, get to know who each other is before you get too deep into anything.”

  “Mom. Come on. I am twenty years old.” She couldn’t find her watch. “Mom, what time is it?”

  “Almost 7:00, and again, you’re perfect, so stop fretting.”

  “God, I’m so nervous. I can’t believe I actually have a date with the legend. Wait until I tell Tiffany. She’ll freak!”

  “The legend? What are you talking about?”

  “That’s what he’s called at Madison. The girls will miss him like crazy.”

  “He is pretty. Don’t tell your father I said that again.”

  She kissed her mother’s cheek. “Your secret’s safe with me. Where’s the jacket to my dress?”

  “It’s downstairs. I ironed it for you.”

  “Good. I’ll get it. If he comes before I get back, tell him to…”

  “I know what to do. My mother did the same things for Theresa and me. Although she did it way more times for Theresa. Besides, it’s good to let him wait for a minute. It builds a man’s anticipation.”

  “What about mine?”

  “You’re anxious enough! Go and get the rest of that dress.”

  Tim rang the doorbell at 7:05. Brandi remembered what her mother said, and waited upstairs in her room. Mrs. Miles let him inside, taking him by the hand. “Dr. Polaris; how nice to see you again. I take it these flowers are not for me.”

  He smiled embarrassed. “Sorry, maybe next time.”

  “I’m only kidding, but I do love lilies.” She watched as he casually looked around for Brandi.

  “I’m probably the last guy you expected to see picking up your daughter. Surely she has talked about me since I last saw you.”

  “You’re all she talks about lately.”

  “I’m not there anymore.”

  “Brandi told me.”

  Mr. Miles came in from the den. Seeing Timothy Polaris there to take his daughter out wasn’t sitting well with him, but he said nothing other than calling Brandi down.

  At the top of the balcony stood a very nervous, very beautiful young woman going on the date of her lifetime. Nothing else existed but the young man standing next to her mother—the man in the khaki pants, navy shirt and black peacoat. She watched as his honey colored eyes sparkled after seeing her. She carefully descended the staircase toward him. “I hope I’m not over-dressed.”

  He could hardly speak. “You look beautiful.”

  Mrs. Miles interrupted sounding nervous. “Brandi, he brought flowers.”

  She took the bouquet from her mother. “They smell so wonderful. Thank you.”

  Mr. Miles eyed them until his wife spoke up. “Jeff, Brandi’s coat is on the chair. Will you hand it to her? I’ll put the flowers in a vase.”

  “I’ll get her coat, Mr. Miles.” Tim took the coat from the chair and held it open for Brandi. “Button up; it’s getting cold out there.”

  She did what he said, and picked up her bag. “Northern Lakes Seafood, right?”

  “Anything you want. This is your night.” He looked at her parents: her mother was smiling broadly; her father was trying not to have a coronary. “Nice seeing you both again. Ready, Brandi?”

  More than you know. “See you two later.” She took Tim’s hand and they left.

  The minute the door closed, Mr. Miles’s snide comments started. “She’s not supposed to be dating her professor.”

  “He left Madison, Jeff. We told you that.”

  “It’s still…”

  “Jeff, Brandi is insane over him, and there’s nothing you or I can do about it. She’s grown.”

  “He’s a criminal. I finally remember where I saw him. He was a little punk who was tossed into my precinct more than a few times when he was a teen.”

  “That was then. He apparently got his life together. He’s a sweetheart, now drop it.”

  * * *

  Before Tim opened the passenger-side door, he took her into his arms. He could barely control himself as he pressed her back against the truck, kissing her as if he had just come from the wild. His arms wrapped her tightly as he pressed his body hard against hers. His mouth gently pulled and sucked hers, barely able to catch his breath. She felt warm against him despite the cold. And she felt utterly fantastic.

  Brandi held on to him for dear life, not remembering if ever she had felt that wonderful before. Her kisses were as feverish as his, matching him tempo for tempo. Having him so close to her ignited memories of their first night together. She slowly broke the kiss and stared into his flushed face and listened to his heavy breathing. “I can’t believe I’m in your arms again.”

  “I can’t believe I kissed you out here. I couldn’t wait for us to get inside the truck. I hope your parents didn’t see us.”

  “Mom understands. Dad seems to have forgotten what passion is, except when it comes to my mother.” Her hand grazed his cheek. “It feels like a lifetime ago since I’ve touched you.”

  His hands moved up and down the sleeves of her coat. “Let’s get you inside. I can’t have my lady freezing out here.”

  His lady. That was exactly what she had wanted to hear. Tiffany will die when I tell her about this tomorrow. She breathed a heavy sigh of relief. Thank God this man is finally here with me.

  * * *

  Sitting across from Tim seemed almost surreal to her. He looked different somehow, different from Tim the professor. His almost perfect features, deep-set hazel eyes took her back to The Entrapment. He was, once again, Jacob Anthony Wells. “I almost don’t know what to say to you?”

  “Why is that?”

  “It’s as if I start talking to you, my dream will end, and you’ll go back to being my professor at Madison.”

  “It won’t happen. I’m at Columbia to stay.”

  “I’m just relieved you’re happy there. I can now get off my guilt trip.”

  “I’m happy here. I was so nervous turning into your street, that my hands began perspiring. That’s some feat, since its twenty-five-degrees outside.”

  “I can’t imagine you nervous over anyone.”

  “Well, I am sometimes.”

  “We’re all like that sometimes, even the famous Timothy Polaris. Anyway, remember I told you I had something special for you?”

  “It doesn’t get any more special than what I’m looking at right now, Miss Miles.”

  She leaned over the table and gently kissed him. “I really do have something for you, but not what I originally planned. I tried to get tickets to Jeff Lorber. He’s at the Garden tonight, but it was sold out by the time I called.”

  “You were going to do that for me?”

  “I know you like him.”

  “Yes, very much, but I’m having more fun where I am right now.”

  “You’re so sweet, but I did get something else—movie tickets. We both like horror films, so I got tickets to The Demon Dead.”

  “Another movie where some maniac is running around town slicing up young virgins?”

  “That’s it. I know it’s silly, but that’s what makes them fun.”

  “Cool. We can sit in the back and make out.”

  “Exactly my plan. How did you get to be so special? Someone did a good job raising you.”

  “Not really. I told you I was a troubled teen.”

  “Yes. I remember, but you still turned out perfect.”

  “I did manage to get an education. I’m not perfect, though. That’s what saved me from the streets.”

  “I know you were at Huntington College before Madison.”

  “Yes, for two years.”

  “That’s a good college—hard to get into.”

  “That’s the one.”

  “No wonder they had you teaching there. You have to have brains on top of brains to get in there.”


  “I’m not as smart as I should be.”

  “The smartest man I know. How many of your female students were checking you out? I know they were, so don’t deny it.”

  He lowered his eyes, smiling faintly. “I used to get pinched in the halls. I never actually caught anyone doing it because the halls were so crowded. I suppose I had a fan club of sorts. It was rather annoying, to tell you the truth.”

  “Then you shouldn’t be so damn gorgeous.”

  “I don’t see it.”

  “Of course you don’t.”

  “I moved to Bronx College, same thing over there. I made the girls keep their distance. They were not there to drool over me, but to learn, and they did. I had the top honor classes.”

  “Good for you because you have a lot to offer students. I should know because I got an A from you. It wasn’t easy, though.”

  “You had the brains. All I gave you was the motivation. You’re a smart young woman, Brandi, and I feel so lucky to be in your presence.” He took her hand, kissing it. “I get to taste you—tasting temptation; sounds like a romance novel.”

  “Maybe it can be, Tim.”

  “There is no maybe. You’re smart, beautiful and everything I’ve ever wanted.”

  He saw a glimmer in her eyes, one that she couldn’t control. He commented, “What has got those wheels turning around in your brain now?”

  “My other surprise.”

  “Two surprises?” His eyes leered into hers. “What have you done?”

  She pulled a book from her duffle bag. “I also remember you telling me about your high school days.”

  “Really? When?”

  “Conversation during one of my tutoring sessions.”

  “Right. Those were some tough years.”

  “I found your year book.” She opened the book to his graduation picture. “You were the cutest damn guy in the school. Look at you.”

  “I was a mess back then.” He briefly stared at the picture before returning it to her. “What would make you dig up that thing?”

  “I wanted to see what you were like in school. You look the same…you looked smart.”

  “That’s the only thing I had going for me at Lawrence Denby High. Despite my past school records, they took a chance on me.” He gave an embarrassing smile. “Maybe I should have attended Al Capone High, or John Dillinger High.”

  “That’s another thing, you make me laugh; something hard to do since I’m so serious.”

  “I love making you smile. It really does something to me, Brandi.”

  “I’m glad because I really want to please you, you know, do the right things now that I have a second chance with you. What more could a woman want in a man?”

  “One without issues.”

  “Everyone has those.”

  “Not everyone has Greg for a brother and the parents I had.”

  “Tell me about him.”

  “Nothing really to tell. He and I are as far apart from one another that I think I would barely know him now.”

  “That’s so sad. My brother is a pain in the rear but I love him nonetheless. I wish it were different for you.”

  “Me, too, but I don’t want to be sad tonight. We can discuss Greg another time. Tonight is for you, only you. Order anything your heart desires.”

  She stared into his eyes. “I already have that.”

  Brandi finished a plate of lake perch with lemon sauce; Tim had the oysters in Almondine sauce with potato. Neither wanted dessert, but Tim had the waiter bring a box of chocolate hearts from the gourmet candy counter. They both had a piece; it was like a toast to a new relationship…a new love.

  At the theater, they sat in the last row. There was one other couple in the same row but further down. Having Tim sitting that close to her made her whole body tingle. Her hand rested on his upper thigh, and she could feel the heat emitting through the fabric of his pants. His hand covered hers, moving it higher until the tenting between his thigh pressed against her palm. She massaged him, feeling his strength, his power, his hunger.

  Tim moaned low to her advances, letting her take her liberties with him. He put his arm around her, holding her close, inhaling the sweet scent of her hair and body. His hand cupped her breast, tenderly massaging the puckered tip to an exquisite hardness, wanting to taste it, but settled for giving her tolerable pleasure. His lips sucked and caressed each tiny little finger.

  Watching Tim stroke her fingers with gentle tongue swirls made her ache for him, saturating her panties. They kissed throughout the rest of the movie, and sat there after it ended just staring at each other in wonder that of actually being together.

  They pulled in front of Brandi’s house and 1:30 in the morning. Tim asked: “Did you have a good time?”

  “It was incredible.”

  “I hope you weren’t disappointed that we didn’t go back to my house. I just want to go as slowly as possible.”

  “I’m not disappointed. I had a wonderful evening with a man I have been dreaming about practically every night. We have time.”

  “I hope not to give you nightmares.”

  She kissed his cheek. “No silly. Every time I think of you, I get flushed. It feels so good.”

  “You’re so beautiful; I don’t know how long I’ll be able to hold off. You’re special to me, Brandi, unlike any other woman who’s been in my life.” He kissed her lips once more. “I had better get you inside.”

  He walked her to the door, and waited until she was safely inside. Concern soon clouded the good vibrations he had felt all evening. Could he keep her happy, or would his past life intrude, and make her run from him?

  CHAPTER 13

  Sunshine peeking through the blinds roused Brandi, and a smile instantly appeared. Remembering the wonderful evening she had spent with a man who made her world turn was the perfect way to awaken. Then her smile suddenly faded. Was it a dream? Did I simply dream that Timothy Polaris kissed me last night, that we made out in the movie theater? She sat up in bed, mumbling, “He had to be real. I can still smell his aftershave on my skin.” She looked at her nightstand and saw the box of half-eaten chocolate hearts. He was no dream; his arms had been around her and she still burned from his kisses.

  Like a giddy schoolgirl, she grabbed the cordless and punched in Tiffany’s number, hardly able to wait telling her about her date with Tim. It rang three times before Tiffany’s sleepy voice came on. “Who is it?”

  “Tiff, guess what?”

  “Brandi? What could you possibly have to tell me at 8:30 on a Sunday morning?”

  “Well, this might just wake you up. Tim took me out last night.”

  “What?

  “Tim! We went out last night.”

  “Have mercy! You and pretty Timmy had a date? It’s about time.”

  “Yes, it is.”

  “You lucky broad. Where did you go?”

  “We went to Northern Lakes Seafood. He brought me flowers, Tiff. Eric never gave me flowers.”

  “Surely you knew about this date before last night. Why didn’t you tell me before now?”

  “Because I wanted to keep my expectations low in case he cancelled.”

  “He would never cancel on you. Hell, he left a university for you.”

  “I know, but until things are set in stone, I won’t go overboard. You know that.”

  “You said he took you where?”

  “Northern Lakes.”

  “That’s an expensive joint, girl. He must really care. None of my dates would have dared take me there. They couldn’t have afforded it because you know me, its got to be shrimp, lobster, crab, and a side helping of, yes, more shrimp! Tell me you had the oysters.”

  “No, but he had them, and he was live last night, girlfriend.”

  “Really? Did he throw down on you?”

  “He was an absolute gentleman. He bought me candy, took me to the…”

  “Can all that! Did you tongue dance with him or what?”

  “Tiff! Well
, yeah. What woman with common sense wouldn’t have kissed him? We made out in the movie theater. And that’s all you get.”

  “Well, goodnight, Irene! Check you out, making it with the white Superfly of the entire city. He is jammin’, girl. You sure you didn’t do more than kiss him? I would have slammed him down on that car seat, and…”

  “I get it! I know what you would have done to him and I don’t think he would have survived. For us, though, It was sweet and innocent.”

  “Darn right! See, you don’t know how to take advantage of an opportunity.”

  “With him I do. I want it to last, Tiffany. It was so magical last night; he looked so different, not like a professor, but like a regular guy.”

  “Timothy Polaris ain’t no regular dude, girl! Sorry to burst your bubble.”

  “I don’t mean that. It was like he was—Jacob Anthony Wells.”

  “Who?”

  “The name he gave me the first night I met him.”

  “Yeah, I remember. Girl, you got a lot in store for yourself. Do everything this man tells you to do. If you don’t, I will. Get me?”

  “He and I are going to my cousin Verdeen’s wedding next weekend, so eat your heart out.”

  “Right, rub it in, why don’t you.”

  “Shut up and get dressed. Aren’t we still going to the mall?”

  “Yeah, catch you in a half-hour, and be ready, Brandi. My dad only lets me have the Hummer for two hours. He probably thinks I’ll sell it.”

  “You’ve done worse.”

  Both she and Tim were tired from dancing at Verdeen’s reception. They were quiet on the way back. Tim stared straight ahead. He looked so good in his tuxedo; his after-shave was so husky and manly, making her want him more and more. They had decided to put that part of life on hold until they both ready to go deeper into their physical relationship again. She pulled at his sleeve. “Did you have a good time at the wedding?”

  “It was a lot of fun.”

  “You sure? At times you looked bored.”

  “Who could be bored with you around? I just didn’t know anyone there. You know how it is. Besides, weddings make me nervous.”

  “Why?”

  “My mother remarried, and that relationship was a disaster for my brother and me. The guy treated us exactly like what we were to him, stepchildren. There was no love between us at all. Then there was my marriage to Charlotte, another disaster.”