Tempting Dusty (The Temptation Saga 1)

“Yeah. Real short, actually.”

“I can’t imagine that look on you.”

“Trust me, it’s not flattering. Luckily my hair grows really fast.” She threaded her fingers through his black waves. “Now I get to do you.”

“Oh, I’d love that, darlin’.” He gave her a playful smirk. “But I’ll settle for you washing my hair for now.”

She gave him a good-natured splash and lathered his thick, dark hair. Her hands weren’t as strong as Zach’s, so she hoped her scalp massage felt as good to him as his had to her. His soft moans indicated she was successful.

When they had washed and caressed each other’s bodies and the water turned lukewarm, they toweled off and dressed in the fluffy robes.

“Feel better now?” Zach touched her gently between her legs.

“It never felt bad,” she said, “but yes, it’s better now.”

Their dinner arrived soon after, and Dusty ate heartily, allowing the food to replenish her body. Eating with Zach was becoming a habit that would be difficult to break. Though not as difficult as the other habit she had just begun with him.

The wine he had ordered complemented the meal, and Dusty was nearly too full to try the chocolate soufflé, but Zach insisted.

“Oh,” she groaned. “I don’t need to eat for another week.” She looked around the room. “Where are my clothes, Zach? I need to get going.”

“They were filthy with hay and dirt. I sent them down to the laundry.”

“Oh, no. When will they be ready?”

“In the morning.”

“Great. What do you propose I wear back to my hotel? This robe and a pair of your boxers?”

“Sure.” He reached into a dresser drawer and threw her a pair of red silk shorts. “You’ll look adorable in these.”

Okay, the thought of putting his silk boxers on her bare skin had possibilities…but no. “I’m serious, Zach. I have to go.”

He leered at her. “You’ll just have to spend the night here, darlin’.” He pulled her into a hug.

“I can’t.”

“Why not?”

“Well, Sam…”

“I think I’d rather it just be you and me,” Zach teased.

“You know what I mean.”

“Why do you need to leave, Dusty? Don’t you want to be with me?”

“It’s not that…” God, no, it isn’t that.

“Please stay with me. I want to hold you and wake up next to you.”

Her heart melted inside her chest. What could it hurt? One night. One wonderful, incredible night in the arms of a wonderful, incredible man. What a perfect memory to get her through the rough times.

“Okay, Zach. I’ll stay. But I need to be at the barrel racing competition by nine sharp to warm up.”

“Yes, ma’am.” He saluted.

“Be serious.”