Playing With Desire

There. Question answered.

“Everything else, like what?”

“I volunteer for a variety of organizations.” Also true. The PTA, the local girls’ club and the girls’ soccer league.

The server arrived with their salads before he could pose his next question. Glad for the distraction, Maya returned the conversation to him. “How long have you been in Pleasure Cove?”

His knowing grin indicated her maneuver hadn’t gone unnoticed. “A few months.”

“And how long will you stay?”

“For the next year, maybe two.” He didn’t look happy about it.

Maya wanted to ask why, but it felt too personal. She opted for safer topics like the weather and restaurants around town she’d recommend.

“So, how many birthday licks shall I administer this evening?”

So much for safe topics.

“Most women would consider that question rude.” She picked up her wineglass. “But I don’t mind telling you. I turned twenty-nine today. Too old for birthday licks.”

His eyes danced. “Spanking not your style, then?”

Maya nearly choked on her wine. She set the glass down roughly. He was teasing her to see how she’d react. Still, it was better to be clear about where the night was going, or rather where it wasn’t. “Let’s just file that under Things You’ll Never Need to Know.” His hearty chuckle made her laugh, too. She shook her head. “The moment I saw you, I knew you were trouble.”

He shrugged. “Some might agree. Though it’s often a case of being misunderstood, despite my clearly stated intentions. How can I possibly be to blame for such a thing?”

Maya took a piece of French bread from the basket and dipped it into the plate of herb-infused olive oil. She raised her eyes to his. “So the brokenhearted women you’ve probably left in your wake...they were all to blame?”

His eyes widened with surprise, then narrowed as he watched her eat her bread. “I’m not one for long-drawn-out relationships,” he stated without apology. “I don’t see how I could possibly be any clearer about it.”

Maya laughed. “The thing is, we don’t believe you when you say that. We’re convinced you just haven’t found the right woman. That we’ll be the one to make an honest man out of you. So, unless you find a woman who has zero interest in a long-term relationship, you’re going to break her heart, whether you intend to or not.”

Liam looked thoughtful, almost sad for a moment, as he sipped his wine. He shifted in his seat, back pressed against the chair. “Wish I’d had that bit of wisdom a few years ago. I appreciate your honesty. Isn’t there a rule against cluing the dafter sex in on the secrets of dealing with womankind?”

She absently stroked her nearly empty wineglass as she admired his handsome features. “It’ll be our little secret.”

Chapter 2

Liam studied Maya as she spoke, her lips shiny with olive oil, her hands gesturing wildly. There was something about her he found intriguing. Her smile was adorable, like a mischievous imp who’d pulled a naughty prank and expected to be discovered at any moment. Her laugh was genuine, infectious. It lit her entire face, like the candle inside of the paper lantern on the table between them. Every time she laughed his chest filled with a deep but inexplicable sense of gratification at being the source of it.

The light danced off her glossy tresses gathered in a messy updo. Her hair was a deep chocolate brown, like a decadent torte, streaked with warm caramel highlights. How would her hair look grazing the smooth brown skin of her bare shoulders? How would her soft curves feel pressed against the hard planes of his body? If he played his cards right, he’d find out by the end of the night.

Maya was beautiful, but a direct contrast to the tall, thin blondes to whom he’d gravitated during this five-year binge of serial dating and one-night stands. His interest in them didn’t extend beyond his bedroom walls. Theirs didn’t extend any further than his family name—and the nine figures in the Westbrook family bank account.

It was a side effect of being the son of a well-known businessman. Women heard his last name and imagined themselves as members of the Westbrook family—with all that it entailed. But that ship sank five years ago, taking any chance of him entertaining thoughts of matrimony along with it. He was satisfied to paint the town with women who looked good on his arm and whose bodies offered a few hours of warmth and comfort. He desired nothing more.

Maya caught his eye because she was stunning. Yet, she was so self-conscious in that sexy little red dress that hugged her body and highlighted her curvy frame. Flirting with her came second nature. He hardly realized he was doing it. However, he had no real designs on her. He was simply being polite.

When he invited her to dine with him, his intentions had been innocent, pure. Two words he’d rarely attribute to himself. Despite rumors that stated otherwise, he did possess a bloody heart. There she was, disappointed and alone on her birthday with some old codger staring down her dress, so he’d asked her to join him for dinner. Partly because he felt sorry for her. Partly because he was afraid she might actually take the dodgy old bastard up on his offer. It was to be his good deed for the day. Perhaps the week.

They’d have dinner. Then he’d walk away. It was the gentlemanly thing to do. But she was feisty and charming. Then there was the way she filled out that dress with those scrumptious curves. Still, he had every intention of being a very good boy—until she insisted she had no intention of sleeping with him.

He never could resist a good challenge.

As he sat opposite her, his resolve to keep their dinner date strictly platonic began to dissolve. He was mesmerized by her luscious lips and the teasing pink tongue that kept darting out to lick them. His body tensed, excited by the sensation of how they’d both feel sliding along his member.

So much for being a very good boy.

He adjusted in his seat, nodding as she spoke. Only she wasn’t speaking anymore. She stared at him expectantly. “Sorry. You were saying?”

“What do you do at the resort?” She sliced into the land portion of her surf and turf.

He cleared his throat. This was where their casual evening could quickly go off the rails. The Westbrook name obviously meant nothing to her, for which he was grateful. However, revealing that his family owned the resort and dozens of other luxury hotels in ten countries could have much the same result, which would be unfortunate. He was enjoying their easy banter.

“I’m on the management team,” he said. “And you? You said you work for an NGO?”

She nodded. “I’m the program coordinator at the Leila Arts Foundation. We’re a small organization, so everyone does a little of everything.”

“You must enjoy your work. You’re practically glowing.” He took a bite of his lobster.

“I do. We help underserved members of the community get a fresh start. It’s something I can relate to.” She looked uneasy. Her gaze dropped to her plate, as if she’d do anything to reel those words back in before she’d spoken them.

He wouldn’t press. No point in ruining the mood. They were having such a lovely time. Besides, there was a topic he’d much rather discuss. “No more talk about work. It’s your birthday, after all. Let’s discuss how we plan to spend the rest of the evening.”

“Liam, this—” she indicated the plates on the table between them with her open palm “—is the extent of our evening. I appreciate the dinner invitation, and it’s been fun—”

“Then why not continue it? Unless, of course, you doubt you’d be able to resist my charms, since you’ve declared we won’t be sleeping together, and all.”

She narrowed her gaze and sat taller. “It would be rude to impose on you any further.” Her response was an open invitation for him to overcome her objection.

He grinned inwardly. “I asked you, so you wouldn’t be imposing. Consider it a favor.”

Her almond-shaped eyes narrowed, and she scrunched her adorable nose. He could practically see the wheels turning in her head. “What do you have in mind?”

“An unforgettable evening.”

“Modest, aren’t you?” The corner of her mouth curved, almost imperceptibly. “And what is it that will make this night so memorable?”

“You’ve taken my most surefire weapon off the table.” He smirked, watching for her reaction.

Maya averted her eyes. She tried, unsuccessfully, not to smile.

His grin widened. “Fortunately, I have an impressive backup plan. A night of dance.”

“You don’t strike me as the dancing type.” She raised an eyebrow and tucked a few strands of hair behind her ear. Did she know how enticing a move it was?

“I was referring to the ballet. A friend held two seats for me. Have you ever seen Swan Lake?”

“Never been to a professional ballet. We don’t get much of that here. But I’ve always wanted to go.” Her eyes danced with excitement.

The town’s expansion of cultural offerings had been one of the requirements he’d negotiated in the deal to bring their resort to Pleasure Cove. “Then this is your chance. If you don’t go, that ticket will go to waste.”

Maya twirled a strand of her curly hair around her finger as she carefully assessed him. “I should call it a night.”

He kept his countenance neutral. The trick with reeling in catch was not to jerk the line too soon. One of the few worthwhile lessons he’d learned from his older brother, who was otherwise an untrustworthy cretin. Maya wanted to go to the ballet with him. He was sure of it. She just needed a bit of convincing. He could help with that. Liam opened his palm and extended it to her. “Take out your phone.”

She stared at him, puzzled. Still, she reached into her purse and produced her phone, clutching it to her chest.

“Excuse me, miss,” he called to their server as she walked by. “Would you take a picture of my friend and me?”

A syrupy smile, typically reserved for toothless babies in prams, spread across the woman’s face. “Sure.”

Liam nodded toward the server, indicating that Maya should give the woman her phone to take the picture.

Maya opened the camera, then handed the phone to her. The woman took their photo and then returned the phone.

He thanked her, then turned to Maya. “Send that picture and a picture of my driver’s license—” he placed it on the table in front of her “—to your sister. Let her know you’ll be with me this evening. Would that make you feel better?” He watched her expectantly, not saying another word. If he pushed too hard he’d spook her.

Maya furrowed her brows, hesitating for a moment. She sighed, then took a photo of his license, typed out a message on her phone, then hit Send. “Looks like you’ve got yourself a date.”

“So we’ve graduated to a date-date.” He lifted his wineglass and took a sip. Maya laughed. A melodious sound he might never get his fill of. “Tonight will be no mere date. Tonight, we go on an adventure.”

“To unforgettable adventures.” She raised her glass, clinking it against his.

Liam finished his glass of wine. A victory libation. She’d accepted his challenge, and he’d accepted hers. Because by the end of the evening, he had every intention of having Maya Alvarez in his bed.

* * *

Maya’s phone rang moments after she sent the message. Of course. No way could she send pictures of Hot Suit Guy to Kendra without expecting a call. If she didn’t answer the phone, Kendra would keep calling. “I’m sorry, but I need to take this.”

Amusement danced beneath his penetrating dark eyes. His gaze was drawn appreciatively to the fabric pulled taut across the sensitive, beaded tips of her breasts. “I’ll order dessert.”

Her cheeks burned, and she felt a rush of liquid pooling between her thighs. Legs wobbling, she swallowed hard, grabbed her purse and left the table. She could feel his intense stare on her retreating back. Her flesh tingled, as if his gaze seared her skin.

Maya ducked into the restroom, pressed her back against the wall and exhaled. She’d allowed Liam to unnerve her. It was unlike her.

Was he gorgeous? Sure. Rich? Obviously. But she was no consolation prize either. Maybe she wasn’t the tiny-waisted siren she’d once been, but she still turned heads, dammit. He should be grateful she’d accepted his offer of companionship for the evening.

Companionship. God, it made him sound like an escort. Or maybe she was the escort. Which was ten times worse.

The phone rang again. She answered in a hushed tone. “Yes.”

“Are you serious right now?” Kendra’s voice was also muted. From the muffled sound of a PA announcement in the background, Kendra was still at the hospital.

“Am I that pathetic?” She was only half teasing.

“No, honey. Of course not. I’m just saying, dude looks like a freakin’ model. Where’d you meet him?”

“Here at the restaurant. He knew I was alone on my birthday, so he invited me to have dinner with him.”

“I can’t believe you accepted his invitation. There’s hope for you yet.”

“Don’t get so excited. It’s not like I’m gonna sleep with the guy. I told him that.”

“You said those actual words to him? Yet, he’s still taking you to the ballet? Okay, now I really like this guy.” The background of Kendra’s call was silent, like she’d gone somewhere quieter. “Maya, I’m thrilled you’re getting out there again. A night out on the town with a handsome guy is just what the doctor ordered.”

“It does feel nice to relax for one night and just be...me. Not mommy, you know? God, that sounds selfish.” She was suddenly conscious of whether the other women in the restroom were listening. Judging her.

“No, it doesn’t. You’re an amazing mother. You deserve to have some fun. Tonight is about you. Have a blast. Call me in the morning by ten, so I know you’re okay. I’ll take you to a belated birthday lunch tomorrow.”

“Sounds good. I’ll call you when I get home. Tonight.”

Maya ended the call and inhaled deeply, hardly able to believe she was going out with a man she’d just met. She’d been struggling lately with a stifling feeling of suffocation. Her life was the same song playing endlessly on repeat. She’d been trying her best to suppress a growing desire to do something different. Unexpected. A bit naughty even. Maybe ignoring the feeling wasn’t the answer. Maybe what she needed was to get it out of her system once and for all. With Liam.

No. No, that’s ridiculous. Insane. I can’t.

She took out her lip gloss—a pale, barely there pink—and reapplied. She’d insisted there would be no sex, and that was best. So why was there a flutter low in her belly at the mere possibility of it?

* * *

Visions of Maya Alvarez naked in his bed flooded Liam’s brain. He wanted her. Needed those heart-stopping curves beneath him as he reached his pinnacle. To hear her call his name in that adorable accent she reverted to occasionally. And he wanted her to want him, too. To plead for it.

His eyes traveled the length of her body as she approached the table. He outlined her shapely figure, staking his claim and mapping the trail his tongue would take along her skin. “I was beginning to think you’d slipped out the back door.”

“Why? Does that happen to you a lot?”

He laughed. “Define a lot.”

“Oh God.” She swept a loose curl behind her ear, lines crinkling around her dark eyes. “What on earth have I gotten myself into?”

Chapter 3

Swan Lake was divine. Maya sat beside Liam, barely able to hold back the emotions evoked by the tragic, beautiful finale.

She sniffled and wiped the corner of her eye with the back of her finger, refusing to glance in his direction. They barely knew each other. No way she’d let him see her cry.

They were both on their feet applauding during the curtain call. Liam reached inside his jacket and handed her a handkerchief.

She accepted the offering. “I’m not crying.”

“Right. Figured it was allergies.”

The lights rose in the house and patrons made their way toward the exits. Liam placed a hand low on her back and guided her toward the stage, against the crush of the opening-night crowd.

“Isn’t the exit in the other direction?” She glanced back at him.

There was that damned smirk again. It was enticing, and so was he.

“It is. But, I have a surprise for you. How’d you like to meet Karina Alexandrova, the dancer who plays the Swan Queen?”

Maya halted, turning to face him. “You...you know her?”

“Friend of a friend and all that.”

“And it won’t be any trouble? She must be exhausted after her performance.”

“It’ll be fine. Promise.”

Butterflies fluttered in her stomach. She’d seen her first ballet that didn’t involve her daughters. Swan Lake, no less. Now, she was going to meet the principal ballerina of a highly acclaimed company. A rarity in Pleasure Cove. Liam had delivered on his promise of a memorable evening. But beside the elation at the prospect of meeting Karina, a growing sense of sadness lodged in her chest.

Her night with Liam was coming to an end.

* * *

They were escorted to Karina’s dressing room. She answered the door in the silk robe he’d given her after his trip to Japan two years ago. Her damp corn-silk blond hair hung in loose waves on her thin shoulders.

“Liam, how lovely to see you.” She leaned in and let him kiss her cheek before turning to Maya. “And who is this gorgeous creature?” The smile plastered on her face was nearly convincing.

Maya’s eyes widened like she was surprised the great Karina Alexandrova had deigned to acknowledge her. There was something about Maya that was refreshingly unpretentious. It was endearing.

She extended her hand. “Maya. Alvarez. It’s a pleasure to meet you, Ms. Alexandrova. Your performance tonight was brilliant.”

Karina’s tight smile relaxed into a more genuine one. No quicker way to the woman’s heart than to recognize her outstanding balletic skills. Even nearing the end of her career, no one could pull off double and triple fouettés with the skill, beauty and sheer will of Karina Alexandrova. “Thank you, Maya. And please, call me Karina. All my friends do. And any friend of Liam’s is certainly a friend of mine.” She shifted her gaze to him.

Liam nodded toward the roses on her dressing table. “I see you got the flowers.”

“Yes, and they are very beautiful. Thank you. You always know how to make a girl feel special.” Karina gave him a knowing grin, then turned back to his date. “Maya, have you ever been backstage at a performance?” Maya shook her head. “Then we must make this a special occasion. Several members of the company are having a small opening-night reception, if you’d like to meet some of the other dancers. Would you like that?”

Maya’s eyes danced. Utterly adorable. “I would.”

Karina opened the door and summoned a stagehand. She poked her head back inside the dressing room. “Gordo will walk you over to the reception. If you don’t mind, I need to borrow Liam for a moment or two. Then I’ll send him right over.”

Maya glanced at him, her brows furrowed. He nodded, his arms crossed as he leaned against a dressing table. “I’ll catch up with you shortly,” he said. A message meant for both Maya and Karina.

She smiled in response, then thanked Karina before following Gordo down the hall.

Karina locked the door, then stood with her back pressed against it. She pursed her lips and gave him that look. The one that always meant trouble.

“I wasn’t sure you’d come.” She inched closer, her gaze gliding down the length of his body.

“Neither was I. After all, the last time we saw each other you chucked a metal garbage can at my head. Only missed it by this much.” He held up his thumb and forefinger to demonstrate. “Forgive me if I was a little skeptical when you offered opening-night tickets for me and a guest. How’d you know I was here in Pleasure Cove? Last time we spoke I was still in LA.”

“A girl has her ways. And as for our little...misunderstanding, you know us ballerinas. We’re a temperamental lot.” She shrugged, a feigned look of innocence on her face. “I said I was sorry, didn’t I?”

Liam chuckled. “You did indeed. Thank you for the tickets. I was debating whether to use them when I discovered Maya had never been to the ballet. Seemed like fate.”

Karina stepped as close as his long legs, stretched out in front of him, would allow. Frustrated by the barrier he’d created between them, she folded her arms and pursed her lips. “I know I left you a guest ticket, but I hoped you’d come alone.”

“Still reigning queen of the mixed signal, I see.”

“I would think you’d understand them by now.” She pouted.

He did. In fact, before meeting Maya, he’d been debating whether to take Karina up on her offer. Doing so would’ve been a mistake. He realized that now. “Karina, you’re a talented, beautiful woman, and I adore you. But we’ve been down this road before, love. Time to stop bashing our heads against the wall.”

She turned her back to him and strode toward her dressing table on the other side of the room. Raising her eyes, she met the reflection of his gaze in the mirror.

“I was angry before, and I apologize for that. We agreed to an open relationship. Then I changed the rules. It was wrong of me. I realize that now.”

“Appreciate the apology.” His posture softened. “Doesn’t change the fact that you want more than I can give you. You deserve to be happy. I want that for you, but it’s not something I’m prepared to offer. Sorry, love.”

She crossed the room and stood in front of him again. “I don’t need anything more. I can be happy with things the way they were.”

“No, you can’t.” Liam stood. He gripped Karina’s shoulders and kissed her forehead. “And we both know it.”

He walked to the door and unlocked it.

“What about Maya?” Karina’s voice was shaky. “Can you give her what she deserves?”

He slipped out of her dressing room without a response. It was a question best left unanswered.

Chapter 4

By the time he found Maya, she’d drunk two glasses of champagne and met nearly half the ballet company. They stepped outside the theater and into the warm night air. The salty breeze coming off the Atlantic Ocean rustled loose strands of her hair. Her skin glistened in the light of the moon shining brightly above. She’d been practically giddy back at the party. Suddenly, she seemed sad.

“What’s wrong?”

Maya shook her head. The knot she wore at the back of her head had loosened and hung low over her right shoulder. “Nothing. Tonight was incredible. Just like you promised. Thank you. I had a wonderful time.”

“What, you think the night is over? It’s not even midnight.”

“Way past my bedtime.” She laughed.

“That saddens me deeply.” He chuckled. “Besides, it’s your birthday. That warrants an exception, wouldn’t you say? You’d planned to go to a jazz club with your sister tonight. So let’s do it.”

“You listen to jazz? Really?” Arms crossed, she regarded him as if he were trying to convince her that the earth was flat.

“Don’t look so surprised. I’m a man of many interests. Classic American jazz happens to be one of them.”

“Who’s your favorite jazz artist?”

“Miles Davis, though I’m also partial to John Coltrane and Dave Brubeck.”

“Favorite Miles album?” She narrowed her gaze.

He smiled. “Is that even a question? Kind of Blue, of course.”

Shoulders relaxed, she nodded her agreement. “There’s a small jazz club near the waterfront that plays live music on Friday nights. The place is a dive, but the music is excellent and the martinis are fantastic. We missed the earlier jazz band, but they play Latin jazz at midnight. There’ll be dancing, if you like that sort of thing.”

“Spent a few holidays knocking about South America. My samba is a little rusty, but I do an impressive mambo.” He winked.

“Is that right?” She smiled, eyes twinkling. “Well, that’s something I seriously need to see.”