Tempting Adam

She’d dreamed of this. The dream still clung as she faced him, his eyes brimming with hot interest.

She hadn’t been mistaken. He wanted her. He was her secret admirer.

Lauren squeezed off a bite of egg. Cupping one hand to catch the sauce, she held it to his lips.

His gaze never left hers as he chewed slowly. “Eggs Benedict has never tasted this good.”

Spatters of sauce dotted her hand, but before she could wipe them, he brought her hand to his lips. “Allow me.” With deft strokes, he licked the drips.

Her heart quickened with every stroke of his tongue, filling her with desire. “You have a bit…” She leaned forward to skim her lips along the corner of his mouth. She flicked her tongue to capture the sauce.

He angled his head and pressed his mouth to hers. Time stood still as he opened to her. Her breasts pressed against his chest. She shifted on his lap, stirring that part of him that had filled her dream with pleasure. Heat spiraled through her. He skimmed his hands up her sides, as his tongue stroked hers with an intensity that sparked a hunger she had never known.

Adam pulled back slightly. “Lauren, I really want you.”

Dear Reader,

It’s a thrill for me to be able to share my stories with you. I love the latitude Blaze gives writers and readers in exploring the hotter side of romance. Thanks to all of you who have helped to grow this line. I hope it’ll be with us for a very long time.

I brainstorm using a technique I’ve stolen from Orville Redenbacher. I gather together all my ideas, then sift through them until I’m left with only the biggest kernels. The premise of a headstrong workaholic seducing her laid-back best friend when she mistakes him for her secret admirer was one such kernel. Add in an erotic cookbook and we have Blaze magic.

When Lauren Bryant lets friends and family—and perhaps her own secret desires—convince her that her best friend, Adam Morely, is the man behind the anonymous romantic gifts she’s receiving, she decides to take their relationship to the next level. Adam, on the hunt for a serious relationship for the first time in his life, finds her too tempting to resist. Once he tastes Lauren’s forbidden fruit, he embarks on a mission to steer her toward hearth and home, a place she hasn’t visited since their days of playing house together.

I hope you enjoy their journey toward compromise. It was certainly a pleasure to write.

Happy reading,

Dorie Graham

P.S.—Don’t forget to check out www.tryblaze.com!

Tempting Adam

Dorie Graham

To my girls,

Jessie, Lauren and Lindsey,

for loving me and sacrificing their “special times,”

even though they might not have understood

their mother’s strange obsession.

I love you.

Contents

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

1

“I NEED A WIFE.”

Lauren Bryant tore her attention from the advertising contract she’d been studying. Putting aside her worries over her company’s solvency, she focused on Adam Morely, her best friend. She smiled, drawing comfort from his familiar presence.

Then his words registered. She cocked her head. “Excuse me?”

He dropped neatly into the chair facing her desk. Long hours outdoors had burnished his dark hair and etched premature crow’s-feet beside his gray eyes. An earnest light glittered in those eyes. “I said, I need a wife.”

Trying to shake off the inexplicable sense of panic that swept over her, she quipped, “Don’t we all?”

“I’m serious. Taxes are killing me. It just doesn’t pay to be single. Besides…” He shrugged. “I need…more out of life.”

“More?” She set down her pen and raised her eyebrows in disbelief.

Exasperating man.

“This from the guy who has it all—a successful business, a gorgeous new home and a different woman for every day of the week?” she said.

He straightened, a deep groove forming between his eyebrows. “You’re exaggerating.”

“Okay, a different woman for every month. Same thing.”

“Exactly.”

She continued to stare, anger filling her. How dare he not be satisfied? She’d give anything for half his success.

“They’re all the same. One relationship after the other. Meaningless. Empty.”

“So, you’re tired of mindless sex.”

“I’d like a relationship that carries a little weight. Like what you and I have, only with the sex thrown in.”

“I see.”

For some ridiculous reason his words triggered outrage in her. Not that she’d ever thought of him in a sexual manner. From the time Adam’s family had moved in next door to hers some twenty years ago, the two of them had shared an uncommon bond. With his parents’ constant absences, she and Adam had grown up together, conquering their quiet neighborhood in Roswell, Georgia, a suburb of metro-Atlanta.

He drew a quick breath. “Not that there’s anything wrong with what we have. It’s special, no doubt, but, well…it isn’t like we get naked together.”

“True.”

With an effort, she reined in her irrational emotions. Why was she getting upset? They had a great relationship. It was comfortable, convenient. But, no, they’d definitely never been naked together, not unless she counted that time when they were very young.

“You don’t have to get married to have a meaningful relationship,” she said.

“But if I find the right woman, I’ll want to hang on to her.”

“Sure.” Her stomach tightened.

Needing a distraction, she glanced down at the contract. “Look, I’m going to have to break our lunch date. I have to get this deal finalized, then we’re meeting with the Bennett Bagel people.”

She allowed herself the smallest glimmer of hope. “They’re thinking maybe some local TV exposure will help the opening of their new sandwich shops. I’ve already scoped this new actor who spreads mayo like it’s foreplay.”

His gaze narrowed on her. “Only you could make hawking bagels a sensual experience.”

“Food is always sensual. Besides, you know it’s not me. Entice Advertising does it. Elliot’s the one with all that creative talent. We’d go belly-up without him.”

Adam nodded toward a vase on her desk filled with a rainbow bouquet of condoms. “Need spice, think Entice.”

“That’s it.”

She quirked her mouth to one side. Her partner’s preference for other men hadn’t hindered their fledgling agency in earning a reputation for using sex better than anyone else to sell their odd range of clients and products to the general population. In fact, Elliot came up with all the provocative campaigns, while Lauren spent her energies rounding up clients, keeping the books straight and feeling a little like an impostor for not being the sexy siren others assumed her to be.

“So, can I take a rain check on lunch?” she asked.

“Sure, I just thought you might have some quick advice.”

“Quick advice?”

She rose, then moved around to lean stiffly against the desk. Did they really have to pursue this strange new idea of his? He couldn’t have thought this through.

“This is another case of your impulsiveness, isn’t it?” she asked.

He pursed his lips. “I am not impulsive.”

“Oh? Who was it who hopped a flight to Hawaii for just the weekend last month? Who bought that huge house? Who got a tattoo on his—”

“You promised not to ever mention that—”

“All on the spur of the moment? Who was that? Oh, yes, it was you.”

“Okay, so maybe I have an impulsive moment from time to time.”

She stared at him.

“And maybe I hadn’t thought about having a wife before I said that, but I still mean it. I do need a wife. Sometimes, when you know something, you just know it.”

That funny feeling churned again in her stomach. It swirled around inside her, sending unexplainable anxiety racing through her. With an effort, she curved her mouth into a grin. “Let me get this straight. You want my advice on how you should go about finding a candidate for a wife?”

“Yes.”

“A wife? You’re serious?” Her grin stiffened. To her dismay, the anxiety swelled. Nervous laughter spilled from her.

After a moment, she straightened. “I’m sorry.”

She bit her lip and swiped at her eyes. She’d been under way too much pressure lately. That was it. She was displacing her worry over her business’s finances. It did not bother her that Adam wanted a wife.

“Look, given my track record, I can understand your amusement, but you help me with this, and I’ll do something for you…I’ll owe you big time.”

“And I’ll collect.”

After drawing a calming breath, she faced him. “But didn’t we have this conversation when you were ready to buy your car, then your house, then all the furniture to go in it?”

“What’s wrong with that? I value your opinion. And in return you got those hydrangeas, a fine lesson in negotiating price—”

“Ha! Who do you think negotiates all the deals around here?”

“And that new fountain in your backyard.”

“Hey, if I do this, it’s going to cost a lot more than that fountain.”

“Fine.”

“I’ll have to think about it. But don’t expect me to come cheap for this kind of thing.”

“An eye for an eye.”

“Right. Not that I’m looking for a relationship. I don’t have the time.”

“No, you don’t.” He regarded her a moment.

She steeled herself. He’d been very vocal of late in criticizing her work ethic, but he continued, “So, where do we start?”

“Well, this isn’t like those other times.”

“It’s not so different. You know my tastes.”

“Yes, Adam, but don’t you see what you’re doing?”

The muscles of his shoulders rippled in a half shrug.

“This is not another acquisition of personal property.” She spread her arms in appeal. “It isn’t like you can shop for a serious relationship at the mall.”

“Well, of course I’m not looking to buy a wife.”

“Good.” She cocked her head as another thought occurred to her. “What will all your women friends say?”

“You’ll all have to get used to the idea. I’ve made up my mind.”

He settled back in his chair, the look of resolve she knew all too well settling over his features. “On the serious relationship anyway. I’m not going to jump into marriage, though that’s the ultimate goal.”

Drawing up straight, she shoved aside her nervousness. Of course she’d help him. He’d never let her down before. Hadn’t he rushed over last week when she’d been up late working and found a half-live mole her housemate’s cat had dragged in? He’d disposed of the poor creature without uttering a single complaint, even though she’d wakened him from a sound sleep.

Adam was a great guy. The best. He deserved whatever happiness he could grab. “Okay, then my advice is to go about this with one thing in mind.”

“What?”

“Romance her.”

His eyebrows arched.

“When you find the right woman, woo her.”

He folded his arms across his chest.

“Roses, Godiva chocolate, perfume—”

“Diamonds, chartered vacations?”

“Yes. You’ve got the idea.”

“Right. You want me to buy a wife.”

This was what she got for offering her advice? “No. That’s not what I’m saying.”

A quick rap sounded on the door. Elliot Star leaned around the doorjamb. He swept a hand over his graying curls. “Oh, hello, Adam.”

Adam shifted, not quite meeting the man’s admiring gaze. “Elliot.”

Lauren could never have gone into business without Elliot’s help. After one too many prima donna fits over his need for artistic license, he’d been fired from one of Atlanta’s premier ad agencies. Ever ready to champion a new cause, Lauren had left that same agency, plotting with him to try it on their own. The man was a genius. Giving him free creative reign had put Entice Advertising on the map in just under two years.

Elliot sighed and shifted his gaze to Lauren. “Those proofs are back. You ready to talk bagels?”

“Sure.” She gave Adam’s shoulder a quick squeeze. “Sorry about lunch. I’ll make it up somehow.”

“Yeah? How about tonight? I’ve got a taste for that Cajun meat loaf you make so well.”

Surprise welled up inside her. “You want me to cook?”

“It isn’t like you don’t know how. You’re one of the best cooks in Georgia.”

“Now you’re exaggerating.”

Adam simply raised his chin and leveled his gaze on her.

“But I haven’t cooked—”

“Since you started this agency. It’s way past time. I postponed a meeting and traveled across town just for you to blow me off.”

His mouth curved into the smile she’d never been able to resist. “Besides, I’ll bring the ice cream.”

She glanced sideways at Elliot, who shrugged. Throwing her hands in the air, she gave in. “Okay, but it’d better be chocolate.”

“You’ve got it.”

With a slow nod Adam rose to his full height. Lauren let her gaze travel over all six foot three of him. His career in landscaping had left him sculpted and tanned. Even though he now spent most of his time supervising his own independent contracting company, he never turned his back on physical labor.

And it showed. Adam would have no trouble finding a wife.

Her heart thumped dully as she scooped a file from her desk. She didn’t want to think about Adam with a wife right now. “Great. We’ll finish this discussion then.”

“Can’t wait.”

She paused at the door, throwing one last glance at him. He emanated quiet strength and power. It was what people noticed most about him, though he seemed unaware of it.

Sunlight slanted through the office window, highlighting the angular planes of his face. She shivered. She knew no other face better than his, yet somehow it seemed she’d never really seen him before. Like when viewing a hologram, where a slight shift brought a new picture into view, her perspective of him altered in that moment. With his eyes shining and his wide lips curved in that playful tilt, she could almost see what all the women who had chased him must have seen.

“Well, goodbye,” she said, hoping he missed the funny catch in her voice.

He nodded as he turned his attention to the ringing cell phone he extracted from a holder on his belt.

Drawing a deep breath, she hurried after Elliot. Her pulse thudded and a thought she hardly let herself acknowledge whispered through her consciousness.

What would it be like to get naked together?

THE SUN SLIPPED below the horizon, casting long shadows across the porch as Lauren headed up the steps to her town house—a quaint brick-front featuring a small but private backyard. Balancing her mail, keys and bulging briefcase, she kneed open the door.

The scent of roses enveloped her as she dropped her load on an antique bench in the entry. She turned, inhaling the heavenly aroma, then stopped. A tall vase stood on the table gracing the opposite wall of the tiny foyer. Roses with delicate white petals crowded the vase, spilling over the sides.

An envy-filled sigh escaped her. Kamira Davies, her housemate, always dated the most considerate men. She’d received more flowers in the six months since she’d moved in than Lauren had received in her entire life.

“Lauren?”

Kamira emerged from the kitchen, her dark waves captured in a loose braid. Her green, almond-shaped eyes glittered with amusement as she wiped her hands on a dish towel. Nala, her silver tabby, glanced up from her spot by the window. “Beautiful, aren’t they?” Kamira asked, scratching the cat behind the ears.

“Gorgeous.” Lauren tore her gaze from the blooms. “Things are going well with Greg, then?”

“They’re okay, but these aren’t from Greg.”

“You’re seeing someone else?” Lauren asked, surprised.

“No. No. They’re not for me. They’re yours.”

“Mine?”

“That’s what the card says.” Kamira plucked a small envelope from beside the vase, and handed it to Lauren.

Frowning, Lauren scanned her name on the front, then read the neat writing on the enclosed card.

I send you a cream-white rosebud

With a flush upon its petal tips;

For the love that is purest and sweetest

Has a kiss of desire on the lips.

—John Boyle O’Reilly (1844–1890)

She glanced up at her friend. “Love that is purest and sweetest?”

“I’ve never heard anything so romantic.”

“It doesn’t say who they’re from.”

“You don’t know?”

“Who do I know who would have the class to do such a thing? Besides Elliot, who obviously didn’t send them. It can’t be Todd. I haven’t heard from him in months, and roses, not to mention any pure, sweet love, were never his style.”

Her two-year relationship with software guru Todd Jeffries had ended some nine weeks ago, when he’d left the country to share his expertise with a company in Japan. He hadn’t understood why she wouldn’t chuck her job to go with him.

She turned to Kamira. “Are you sure they delivered them to the right address?”

“Definitely. Sure you aren’t keeping secrets?”

“I have no life. You know that.”

“Ah…then there’s only one thing it could be.”

“What’s that?”

Kamira squeezed her arm. “You, dear, have a secret admirer.”

SHE’S KEEPING SECRETS. Adam frowned later that evening as Lauren pulled her meat loaf from the oven, a mysterious smile curving her lips. She’d never kept anything from him before. What could it be? Steam rose around them, filling the kitchen with the spicy scent.

Beside her, he inhaled deeply, his worry easing with the distraction. If she ever realized how easily she could control him with the promise of her home cooking, he’d be in big trouble.

“Ah, I knew you still had it in you.” His gaze fell hungrily on the delicacy. “It’s a rare treat. You’ve been holding out on me.”

With a shake of her head, she set the pan on the stove. “You know I’ve been busy.” She cast him a sideways glance. “And I’m not getting into another argument about my long work hours. I’m doing something productive and worthwhile with my life. Nights like this will have to remain rare treats.”

“I can help you round up more business. Then you could hire an assistant to help out.”

“I appreciate the few clients you’ve referred. And I’ll certainly follow up on every lead you send my way, but you know how I feel about you trying to fix all my problems.”

“It doesn’t hurt you to accept a little help now and then.”

“And I have and I thank you. But I’m a big girl. This is my agency and it’s my responsibility to generate the business. You can’t do everything for me.”

Adam popped the top on a beer he’d pulled from the refrigerator. He handed the drink to her, before grabbing another for himself. He let the conversation drop. They’d discussed her work habits too many times already. Not that he’d quit doing what he could to round up clients for her. He ran into so many people while playing tennis and golf, that it wasn’t an effort to scrape up a referral or two. He just didn’t have to tell her what he was doing.

He took a sip and let his thoughts drift. Funny how the moment he’d said he needed a wife, he’d known it was true. Yes, this was what he wanted. A home-cooked meal and someone to share it with. Sipping wine at the local bistro just didn’t cut it anymore.

Not that Lauren spent her evenings casually sipping wine, unless she was courting a new client. Then there was nothing casual about it. The woman spent way too much time with her nose to the grindstone. Maybe she’d eventually come to realize that work did not make the world go round.

He saluted her with his can, too relaxed to argue with her. Maybe she would enjoy this off night enough to begin wanting a personal life for herself again. “It doesn’t get better than this.”

She raised her beer in return. “Another big account or two would help.” After taking a long swallow, she continued, “But I have to admit spending time in the kitchen wasn’t so bad.”

His gaze traveled over Kamira’s mini jungle of plants that softened the white cabinets and the tan and white–striped walls. Lauren stood framed by the stove and the assortment of pots and pans brimming with the side dishes she’d taken such pleasure in creating, even though she rarely indulged in her old pastime anymore. Her face radiated contentment.

Again, that mysterious smile flickered across her lips.

Was it the mere act of cooking that had brought on that glow, or was she really hiding something?

“So, how’s everything going?” he asked.

“Great. Finalized that deal with the car wash.”

“I didn’t mean with work.”

A soft pink flushed her cheeks. “What makes you ask?”

“I don’t know. There’s something…different about you tonight.” When was the last time he’d seen her blush? He shifted, trying to pinpoint exactly what was different about her.

She busied herself with transferring food into serving dishes. “Did you notice the roses on your way in?”

He glanced through the kitchen’s archway toward the foyer. A bunch of white roses filled a vase on a table near the door. “So, who sent you roses?”

Her eyes brightened and her lips curved into a smile. “Don’t know. Kamira thinks I have a secret admirer.”

“Ah, this wouldn’t have anything to do with that talk we had earlier?” He couldn’t keep the slight annoyance from his voice as he helped her move the dishes to the drop-leaf table.

“No. You think I’d anonymously send myself flowers, just to prove a point to you?”

He laughed, perplexed. “Of course not.” Why was he annoyed? “It’s just a strange coincidence, don’t you think?”

“I’m as surprised as you are.”

“And you have no idea who sent them?”

“No, but I have to admit it’s very flattering. Which brings us back to our earlier conversation. Romancing the woman of your choice is definitely the way to go.”

She cocked her head. “I hadn’t thought about it in exactly these terms, but the whole secret-admirer thing does add a nice touch.”

He made a deliberate effort to relax his jaw. So Lauren had a secret admirer. She’d had a fair number of men in her life, and that had never bothered him before. Wasn’t this what he’d been pestering her about over the past months—encouraging her to find a life outside of work?

She was a phenomenal woman, a flower among thorns. With her golden beauty and welcoming way, she was bound to draw masculine attention. Her allure lay not only in the deep green of her eyes and the generous swell of her hips and breasts—though those were enticement enough—but also in the patience and love she extended to all lucky enough to fall into her life.

Adam had always considered himself fortunate in that respect. Though his parents had never seen their way to spending more than a two-week span in his presence, Lauren had remained steadfast by his side for well over twenty years.

“You need to be careful, though,” he said. “He could be anyone.”

“Don’t go getting all protective on me, Adam. Whoever sent those roses is the sensitive type. I can’t imagine he’d be dangerous.”

“At least he’s not ostentatious in his gift giving. I hate gift buying for its pure material value.”