Don't Tempt Me

by Lori Foster

  Sighing, she said, “Yes, of course.” In for a penny...

  Before she could change her mind, she signed up for a month, paid and put away her contract.

  “Let me introduce you,” the receptionist offered. But when her phone rang, Lexie shook her head.

  “It’s all right. I can handle it.”

  “If you’re sure...?”

  “Yup. Go ahead and take your call. I’ll be fine.” She hoped.

  Grateful, the receptionist turned away and answered the phone with a cheery but professional greeting.

  Well. Like it or not, Sullivan now owed her a month of nightly lessons. He wasn’t cheap, but Lexie felt sure he’d be worth it.

  She’d taken no more than two steps out to the gym floor before he noticed her. From across the room, his incendiary blue gaze locked on her. He ran through a gamut of expressions, starting with surprise, skipping over awareness and ending with narrow-eyed disbelief.

  Without releasing her from his attention, he said something to the kids and started her way.

  Uh-oh. He looked pissed.

  Cocking up her chin, Lexie started toward him. She’d rather be proactive than stand there waiting for his censure.

  “Hey, Sullivan.” She gave a careless wave. “Hope you’re ready to teach me some moves, because I wore my dazzle shoes.”

  He stopped in front of her, stared at her for a heart-stopping ten seconds, then slowly tracked down to her feet.

  Resisting the urge to gulp, Lexie lifted the toe of one shoe. “Pretty, right?” She struck a pose. The sneakers were sparkly pink and added pizzazz to her outfit.

  “No shoes on the mat.”

  That’s what he said? Only that? She frowned at him, and forced a smile. “No problem.” She pulled off the shoes, one at a time. “I have on my dazzle toenail polish, too. So I’m still good to go.” She wiggled her toes to show him.

  A huge breath expanded his chest, but he didn’t implode. Instead he let it back out slowly.

  Deliberately pushing his buttons, she asked, “You okay? Your ears are red.”

  A fight broke out behind him and in a split second, Sullivan was gone.

  Cocking her head, Lexie watched how he handled the dispute between two boys who looked to be around twelve. He spoke calmly but with authority, and while he kept a hand on one of the boy’s shoulders, the other did sit-ups. When he finished, they switched places.

  A girl heckled them, urging them on—and she quickly found herself doing sit-ups, as well.

  Huh. Lexie liked that. No sexism involved.

  She gave Sullivan room to do his thing, which included giving the first boy more sit-ups after he forgot to say “sir” when addressing him.

  The kid didn’t seem to mind, and in fact, it looked to Lexie as if he was out to impress the girl.

  It’d be nice if just once Sullivan would try to impress her. Instead he kissed her, rejected her and now looked infuriated that she’d shown up.

  Party pooper.

  “Everyone who’s warmed up, come sit up front.” Sullivan looked at Lexie. “If you haven’t warmed up, do at least twenty laps.”

  Ha. He thought to intimidate her? Not likely. She called out, “Yes, sir,” in a crisp reply. Never let it be said she couldn’t catch on. Keeping her pace even, she started to jog.

  And every, oh, two seconds or so, she checked out Sullivan.

  He’d divided the group of fourteen kids into three groups and, after demonstrating, had them doing different activities.

  As she passed Sullivan this time, he said, “Five more.”

  She paused. “I only have two more.”

  “Make it seven.”

  Already a light sheen of sweat covered her chest, cheeks and forehead. But Lexie grinned at him and whispered, “Yes, sir,” this time in a decidedly sexual way that made his nostrils flare.

  If nothing else, she’d get in better shape.

  Not that she minded running. With the way she liked to eat, it was either exercise or buy a new wardrobe.

  When she finished, a little more winded and a lot more sweaty, she stepped up to the group he currently had kicking a heavy bag.

  “Good, good,” he said to the girl who’d gotten into trouble earlier. “But remember, with the side kick, you keep your toes flexed, your heel protruding. Like this.”

  He kicked the bag to demonstrate, then brought the girl up again.

  “You want to keep your heel higher than your toes. Do it with me.” Together they went through the motions. “Rotate your hip, pivot on your support foot. Yeah, like that. Don’t forget to keep your knee raised while recoiling.” He patted her on the shoulder and instructed each kid to do five kicks.

  Then he joined Lexie.

  Without meeting her gaze, he took her arm and directed her to the first group. “You can start here. We’re working on flexibility and agility. Follow along with the others. We’ll rotate in fifteen minutes.”

  Lexie watched him go with a frown. Sure, she wanted more attention, but it still fascinated her to see him so calmly and patiently instructing the kids. She’d be here for a month; it wasn’t like he could ignore her every minute. So she’d bide her time, make the most of the instruction and learn a little more about him in the process.

  She turned to the boy next to her and whispered, “Are we allowed to talk?”

  He grinned at her, showing a missing tooth. “Yes, ma’am. But we have to be respectful.”

  “Got it, thank you, sir.” She tacked on the sir, since he’d called her ma’am, and earned another wide grin. “Are you allowed to tell me what’s happening here?”

  Puffing up with pride, he said, “Sure.”

  While she listened to the boy, she felt Sullivan checking her out. But she could play the same game and just ignored him, concentrating instead on what the kid told her so she’d get it right.

  When it was her turn and she went to practice a ridiculous kick into the air, she threw herself off balance, swung around and landed face-first on the mat.

  The others in her group, all of them kids, cracked up.

  So did Lexie.

  Flopping over to her back, she said to them, “I hope you’ll all be patient with me. And hey, I’m open to any pointers.”

  A giggling redheaded girl leaned over her. Lexie noticed she had a black eye. “You didn’t snap it off.”

  Hiding her concern, Lexie sat up. “Oh, I snapped something.” That set the girl into another round of giggles.

  A big hand appeared in front of her. Sullivan. She looked up at him, all the way up his long, strong body, then delicately put her hand in his.

  “Clair’s right. You just kept going with the momentum. You need more control of the movement.”

  Oh, the fun ways she could twist those words. But with a whole bunch of kids watching on, she played nice. “Maybe Clair can show me the right way?”

  Sullivan studied her, then gave one short nod. “Clair? Would you want to step to the side with Lexie and demonstrate the drill for her?”

  “Yes, sir!”

  The boy protested, “But, sir, I was showin’ her.”

  “Since I’m new here,” Lexie said fast, hoping to avoid another conflict, “maybe each of you could show me something. That is, if Mr. Dean doesn’t mind?”

  As if she’d pleased him—and he was surprised by it—Sullivan gave her another long look rife with curiosity and appreciation.

  If the kids were as starved for positive attention as it seemed, she’d be more than happy to dole it out.

  She sent him a cheeky smile. “What do you say...sir?”

  His mouth twitched before he firmed it again. “I’m sure some of the students would enjoy that. Use that far corner of the rear mat. Spend no more than three minutes with each student who wants to show you a move, and then rejoin me.”

  “Yes, sir.”

  His eyes narrowed, but he only turned and walked away.

  Lexie knew she was making headway. But toward what?

/>   * * *

  Every damn time he turned around, Lexie found a way to draw his attention.

  She’d caught on far too quickly about his rules and not once had she given him a reason to reprimand her, much less deny her attendance.

  She interacted with the kids in a terrific way, asking them to show her moves, bragging on them, showing them respect—all in all building up their self-esteem while not being the least put off by their mannerisms and attitudes.

  Many of their own parents didn’t show them that much consideration. The parents who were involved and doing their best were often at a loss as to how to deal with behavioral issues.

  Not Lexie.

  She wasn’t trained in any way, but she never seemed rattled or discouraged when things went off course. Even when he had to intercede because of erupting verbal—and once physical—disagreements, she stayed cool.

  No way did she miss Clair’s black eye, but she’d commented only on her beautiful red hair. She’d ignored Jimmy’s tattered, dirty clothes and instead raved on his great teaching ability after he showed her some positions.

  In one way or another, she impacted each of the kids before the training session ended.

  She seemed particularly alert as parents showed up to get their kids, scrutinizing each one and probably having the same concerns, about the same parents, that he had. After the class had emptied, they realized Lenny was still there.

  Again, he’d been forgotten.

  Sullivan remembered that feeling only too well from his own youth when he’d often been forgotten—although sometimes, being remembered was worse. He’d had no one back then and he’d lashed out by getting into trouble. He’d almost ruined his life, almost pushed things too far...until he’d tried crossing an MMA trainer.

  In his gruff, no-nonsense way, that man had drawn him in, given him a focus, and without really trying he’d become a catch-all role model.

  Sullivan badly wanted to do the same for these kids, but Lenny was a particular challenge, a tough nut to crack and a real heartbreaker.

  He would have gone to Lenny now except that Lexie was already there, patience personified, chatting up the kid and giving Sullivan a chance to track down the dad. Finally, after nearly half an hour, he got an answer. Lenny’s father was short-tempered and said he’d be by within the hour. Worse, he wanted the kid to wait on the curb out front.

  Bastard.

  Sullivan had two choices. Accept the man’s edicts or not let the boy return. So really he had no choice at all.

  All the kids in this particular class, as part of his outreach program, attended for token payments nowhere near what he usually charged. He wanted to make a difference in their lives, give them the same choices, the hope, that had been given to him...but he couldn’t do that turning them away.

  The boy attended because the mother wanted help with his angry outbursts, no doubt inspired by the dad. Unfortunately she worked all the hours and had to rely on her husband to help with getting Lenny to and from the MMA school.

  As soon as Sullivan hung up, the sullen boy showed up at his side, a chip on his shoulder the size of a mountain.

  “Guess he’s late again?” he said with a sneer. “I’ll wait out front. Later.”

  “Later, sir.”

  The kid pulled up short, glared at him, then grudgingly nodded. “Later, sir.”

  Structure, Sullivan knew, greatly helped kids to gain control. Consistency was also a contributor. Many of them yearned for boundaries, and that’s what he gave—as well as an outlet for anger, and instructions on how to channel that inner turmoil.

  There were times, like now, when it felt futile.

  “Hey, Lenny, hold up.” Hurrying to put on her shoes, Lexie said, “I’m ready to go, too. Mind if I wait with you?”

  Lenny glared at her. “You don’t have to worry about me. I’m not a baby.”

  She pretended affront. “I saw the way you followed Mr. Dean’s instructions. You know to avoid trouble. But I’m new and I thought you could tell me what I’ve missed so far. I didn’t mind being the entertainment today, but I’d like to catch up.”

  She was so convincing Sullivan almost believed her. “Would you mind, Lenny? I have a few things I have to do here, otherwise I’d instruct her myself.”

  He waited for some sexually charged gibe from Lexie, but it never came. She kept her attention on the boy, earning his appreciation yet again.

  Suspicious gaze going back and forth between them, Lenny finally shrugged. “Sure. I guess I can tell her a few things.”

  “Great, thanks.” With her shoelaces still untied, Lexie fell into step next to him. “Good night, sir. See you tomorrow.”

  On Lexie, the respect sounded more like subservience, tweaking his brain into thinking of sexual things where he instructed and she obeyed.

  Not good.

  “Good night, Lexie.” He locked the door behind her and Lenny.

  His receptionist had already left for the day, so Sullivan made quick work of returning equipment and mopping the mats. He put some paperwork in a folder to take home with him. Rather than shower at the gym as was his norm, he couldn’t resist heading out to see if Lenny was still around.

  The boy was just getting in his dad’s car when Sullivan stepped outside. Lexie was at the passenger window saying something to the father—and getting eyeballed in return.

  Sullivan had to admit she presented a sexy picture in the snug clothes, all warmed up and dewy.

  But it was beyond rude for Lenny’s dad to openly admire her. Bastard, Sullivan thought again, knowing it wouldn’t be the last time that particular father strained his tolerance.

  After waving to Lenny, Lexie stepped back, and the car drove away. She stood there staring after them, unaware of Sullivan, her expression pensive.

  She was worried, the same as him, and damn it, that wasn’t something he’d expected from her.

  Remaining near the door, he folded his arms. “Hey.”

  Very slowly she turned to face him. Her short blond hair had lost its style and was now curlier from her sweat. Her T-shirt stuck to her in select, tantalizing places. Without kids around to gauge his every thought, he appreciated the sight of her legs in the close-fitting workout shorts.

  And her shoes were still untied...because she’d hurried to go with Lenny.

  From the start he’d pegged her as a party girl, focused on her own entertainment. Sure, she cared for Honor. But that was a world away from concerning herself over needy, unruly kids. Sullivan wasn’t at all sure what he thought of her now, but his initial impressions were definitely off the mark.

  “Are you staring at me for a reason?”

  For many reasons, but he wouldn’t go into them all now. “Thanks for waiting with him.”

  “No problem.” Her golden eyes smoldered. “Mostly I was waiting for you.”

  12

  SULLIVAN LOOKED GUARDED as she approached, probably with good reason.

  Since they were both sweaty, maybe she could talk him into a joint shower. She tugged her shirt away from her breasts, letting in some air. “That was quite a workout.”

  Of course his gaze went to her boobs. “I’m surprised you hung in there so well.”

  “Well, sir,” she teased, getting close enough to walk her fingers up his chest. “I didn’t want to get in trouble.”

  He caught her wrist. “What are you doing here, Lexie?”

  “Honestly?” She glanced around, but they were relatively alone on the quiet sidewalk. It was only eight-thirty or so, and a muggy heat hung in the early-evening air. “How much time do you have?”

  “Not much.”

  So he wouldn’t give an inch? Fine. “No sugarcoating it, then.” She could give it to him blunt, no problem. “Honor is having a hard time of it. I badly want to help her out, but she’s always been a very closed off person. Very much a loner. It’s sort of...” She didn’t want to be dramatic, but he had asked. Wincing, she admitted, “...killing me a little.”
/>
  He still held her wrist, and now his thumb started a slow stroke over her pulse. “I thought the two of you were close.”

  “We are. But it took me a long time to get her there. It’s not my history to share, so I’ll only say that Honor had a few very tough breaks early in life.” Much like the kids Sullivan worked with. “Because of it, she’s afraid to lean on anyone. You’ve met her, so you have to know how resistant she is to help of any kind. I’d gotten her to loosen up some, but now she’s reverted.”

  “Reverted how?”

  “Her grandpa dying really hit her hard. It probably brought up a lot of feelings that, much as she tried, weren’t buried all that deep. I want to help, but she’s back to insisting she can do it all on her own.” After a deep breath, she bared her soul. “Honor doesn’t understand that I need her, too.” God, that sounded pathetic.

  Those bright blue eyes of his mellowed with sympathy. “Maybe she just needs a little time.”

  “That’s what I’m hoping.” She planted on a false smile. “But to make the waiting easier, I came here to use your gorgeous body as a distraction. I’m hoping you’ll play along, because I’m seriously glum and need a pick-me-up.”

  “Sex?”

  “You know a better pick-me-up than that?”

  He hesitated. “You’re here now. You’ve seen what I’m doing.”

  “Helping kids. Yeah, so?” She found it admirable, and actually pretty sexy, too. What could be hotter than a big, capable, trained guy who took time to help at-risk kids? Sullivan was the whole package, and she wanted to unwrap it...preferably in bed.

  “I’m serious about this,” he stressed. “The work I do can be time-consuming. It often overlaps my social life. It’s not something I leave behind when I walk away from the gym.”

  “I think it’s terrific.” She wouldn’t mind helping out now and then.

  Skepticism kept him at a distance. “Anyone who gets involved would have to take it just as seriously as I do.”

  The way he watched her...finally, comprehension dawned. “Ah.” A slow simmering anger made her heart beat harder, and her chest feel tighter.