Page 12 of Provocation (Temptation 3)

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“Good evening, sir,” a petite blonde said with a cordial smile as the man approached the concierge desk of the upscale hotel. “How can I be of service to you this evening?”

He glanced at the name tag attached to her gray suit jacket, then lifted his eyes to meet hers. “Hello, Katherine. Such a beautiful name. One you don’t hear all that often these days.”

The blonde’s smile wavered, her fingers grasping her necklace, briefly toying with the pink, teardrop-shaped pearl. Her reaction only served to increase the man’s curiosity.

“Th-thank you, sir,” Katherine replied, her expression brightening once more. “What can I help you with this evening? Do you need assistance with dinner reservations? Sightseeing tours? Perhaps theater tickets?”

He studied the woman for a beat, observing her as she pushed a tendril of hair behind her ear, a blush blooming on her cheeks. She truly was beautiful. Flawless, creamy skin. Pink lips that weren’t too thin or too full. Small, button nose. And innocent, blue eyes, making him think the world hadn’t jaded her just yet.

“Actually…” He sat in one of the armchairs opposite the ornate, wooden desk, a smile curving his mouth. “I’d hoped to get a recommendation for dinner. I’m not too familiar with the area. Where do you like to eat?”

“I’m sure your preferences are much more sophisticated than mine.” Pushing that same lock of hair behind her ear yet again, she chewed on her bottom lip.

It took every ounce of resolve he possessed to resist the temptation to ask if he could chew on her bottom lip, too.

That wasn’t what tonight was about.

No. Tonight was simply a…reconnaissance mission. See if she fit the role he needed her to play.

If she did, he’d taste those lips soon enough.

“What makes you say that?”

“Look at you.” She laughed nervously.

“What about me?”

He relaxed into the chair, resting his calf on his opposite knee, taking care to remember every detail about her. From the way she repeatedly licked her lips, to the sweet lilt in her voice, to the way she wouldn’t look him directly in the eye.

God, she was perfect.

She gave him a knowing look, then leaned across the desk. As she did, he caught a whiff of her perfume. Powder. Rose water. Perhaps a hint of peppermint. She dropped her voice to barely louder than a whisper.

“Since you can afford a room at this hotel, where one night is about two weeks of my pay, your tastes are a bit more…refined than mine.”

“Just because I can afford the more expensive things doesn’t mean that’s all I want out of life. You know what they say, don’t you?” He brushed his thumb along his lower lip.

“What’s that?”

He inched closer, still cognizant to keep a respectful amount of space between them. He couldn’t raise any eyebrows. Couldn’t make a mark. Couldn’t have anyone remember him.

Except Katherine.

He most certainly wanted her to remember him.

Think of him.

Crave him.

Just like he craved her.

“Variety is the spice of life.” He lingered for a moment before pulling back.

“So, give me some variety. I’m in town on business. Every night this week, I’m stuck in meetings at pretentious restaurants with white-gloved waitstaff and a wine list longer than Webster’s Dictionary. Give me somewhere fun. Somewhere the drinks are strong and the food abundant. Give me something real.”

“Something real…,” she mused.