More than Temptation (3 page)

“Sorry it took me so long,” Bella said, beside his table.

Morgan glanced at her, frowning since he hadn’t seen her return.

“I came from the left of the stage. Back there is where the offices are.” Bella gestured behind her.

“No problem about the time. I didn’t really notice how long it was.” Morgan motioned to the room. “I was watching the pattern of your staff.”

“I should be offended you didn’t miss me.” Bella sat beside him. “But you have me wondering, what you mean about pattern?”

“It was better I didn’t think about you because I will need to stand up when I leave.” Morgan moved closer to her. “There is a pattern to the way your staff move as they work the dining room. Whoever trained them made it so they are unobtrusive yet highly efficient. It’s interesting. I like finding out patterns.”

“I could comment on your not thinking of me for worry that you won’t be able to stand without giving everyone a good view. But I won’t.” Bella leaned towards him. “I don’t like the idea of anyone else seeing you that way but me.” She relaxed back against the booth. “The pattern and efficiency you see is all because of Mike.”

There was a fondness in her tone he didn’t like hearing. “Mike?”

“No need to get that cool tone with me.” Bella smiled. “Mike is short for Michelle. She handles the front area staff and security for Bella’s.”

“Mike short for Michelle.” Morgan frowned then shook his head. “It couldn’t be. Is Mike’s last name Monahan?”

“Yes, how did you know?”

“My old partner when I was a firefighter was a Mike Monahan and she was really good at patterns. But it probably isn’t her. She moved out of town to Los Angles when she was released from the hospital. She was there that day when I helped Julianne. She worked on getting Julianne’s husband out, but he didn’t make it. She was hurt too.”

“Give me a sec.” Bella touched her waist and it was then he noticed she had a cordless walkie-talkie on her side, and an ear bud. “Mike, get over here.”

“It would be too small a world if it was her. She—” Morgan stopped as he spotted that familiar walk that was all confidence and take no prisoners. He rose as the woman came closer. “Mike!” He hugged her and she returned it fiercely. “When did you get back to Singleton? And why didn’t you look me up to let me know you were back?”

“Morgie, it’s good to see you.” She smiled and her dark brown eyes had that devilish spark in them. “Wow, it’s been a little over three years ago since I came back. I didn’t even think of how long it’s been till now. I’ve been meaning to get in touch but have been so busy that I lost track of time. Forgive me, Morgie.” She touched his cheek over his scar and Morgan didn’t push her away as he would anyone else.

He placed his hand on the scar, similar to his own, on her dark honey cheek but on the opposite side. He remembered the day when they had both been trapped in the car and cut when they’d tried to save Julianne and her husband. They had been lying side by side with them when the weight had pressed on them. He’d felt the slice and he’d cried out, hearing her echo him. He hadn’t known if she was okay, nor she him, since their focus had been on those they were trying to rescue. At the hospital later, he’d been too out of it and when he’d finally been able to focus, he’d almost lost his temper when they tried to keep him from her but instead had bided his time, waiting for them to leave before making his move. He’d got out of bed when he’d heard she was in ICU and they didn’t think she would make it. It didn’t matter that he was in the hospital too—all he’d wanted to do was get to his partner. He’d passed out and had caused himself more damage trying to go to her. Not being able to see her had been painful and when they could see each other he’d learned she had felt the same way when unable to see him.

It wasn’t until they’d both been well enough that they’d found out they had matching scars on opposite cheeks. They’d been close friends then but had grown even closer after. Even when Mike had left town they had kept in touch for a while before slowly losing contact.

“I’ll forgive you this time.” Morgan hugged her again. “But we won’t lose touch again.”

“Although Mike and I are really good friends, I’m not sure if I like her hugging all up on you like that.”

Bella’s tone was teasing so he knew she was joking. He turned to her and placed his hand at the small of Mike’s back. “In case it wasn’t clear, this is Mike. My old partner.”

“Mike, why didn’t you ever tell us you were there with Julianne that day?” Bella frowned.

“Didn’t make sense to dredge up memories.” Mike glanced at Morgan and in her gaze he saw the same thing he knew was in his. They saw a lot of people on their worst days and moments—making those people relive their pain by seeing them wasn’t something they would ever do. Mike focused on Bella. “I was just doing my job.”

It was similar to what he said all the time. The same words he’d said to Julianne a few times when they’d spoken of what happened.

“You were, but that day, what you all did saved Julianne.” Bella leant forward. “You’ve become part of the extended Locke clan and are family already, so expect to get some hassle for not owning up to who you are. When Julianne finds out, she’s going to want to thank you. I don’t know why she didn’t know about you.”

“She asked for the person who saved her.” Mike shrugged. “There was no need for her to know about the person who couldn’t save her husband.”

Morgan squeezed Mike’s waist gently. Losing anyone they tried to save took a toll. They celebrated those they helped and mourned in their own way the ones they couldn’t.

“Fuck that.” Bella rose and pulled Mike into her arms. She whispered too quietly in her ear for Morgan to hear.

He stepped back and sat, giving them some space. Soon Mike pulled away and patted Bella on the shoulder then turned to him.

“We’ll catch up soon.” She flashed a playful look at Bella. “I promise to not paw at your man too much. Remember, I’ve known him way longer than you so some contact—all platonic, I promise—will happen.”

“Such a troublemaker.” Bella shooed her away. “He’s not my man.”

“Yet,” Mike said then she glanced between the two of them. “But for the Morgan I know, that will be rectified soon. And, Bella, I know you well enough.” She left.

“She knows you well enough for what?” Morgan asked as Bella sat again.

“To know that I’m not usually so on edge about anyone.” Bella propped her hand under her chin and stared at him. “I don’t know what it is about you, Morgan, but you tempt me.”

“Ditto.” Morgan pulled her hand gently from under her chin and put it on his thigh under the table, slipping his fingers between hers. “Tell me a little about you. I know this isn’t our first official date, but we’ll get there.”

“I consider the candy shop when you accepted my offering as our first date.” Bella smiled, a playful look in her gaze. “It was like your accepting my token as a signal I could pursue you.”

“That’s a damn good start. I have a sweet tooth. Give me anything with strawberry or coconut, or even better, both, and I’ll be all yours.” Morgan chuckled.

“I’ll make a note of that.” Bella placed her other hand on the table. “Before I spill about me then you tell me about yourself, do you want something to eat? Drink?”

“I’m not hungry. I ate earlier. But I’ll take a drink. Do you have any juice? I don’t like alcohol.” Morgan placed his hand over hers.

“We have something strawberry. I’ll tell someone to get it for you.” She pulled her hand away gently, pressed the communicator and made the request before she put it against his again. “We’ll have to get a meal together soon. I want to know what foods tempt your taste buds and make you make decadent sounds. Sounds that would make me wonder if you would sound the same way in bed.”

“We will.” Morgan leaned his head closer. “And ditto again. So what food would make you moan?”

“Stuffing. I love stuffing—potato and bread—and with various things in it. Except raisins. Don’t like raisins in my food at all. I haven’t found a stuffing that I didn’t like yet.”

“Stuffing? I haven’t heard of potato stuffing.” Morgan rubbed his finger along the back of her hand.

“You haven’t? It’s an old family recipe from St. Thomas, where we are originally from. There is an easy way to make it with packaged mash potatoes, but none of us do it that way. Our parents would have our hides if we did. We do it the real way with real potatoes and mashing them then adding all the delicious ingredients to make your taste buds sing. I’ll make it for you sometime.”

“I’d like that. And I’ll cook for you too.” Morgan smiled when her breathing increased as he continued to stroke his finger along her hand.

“Great. That’s two dates, one at each of our houses, already arranged.” Bella lowered her lids, making her thick curly lashes frame her golden eyes and causing her to seem even more mysterious. “What is your food that makes you groan?”

“Chicken. I know, boring, but I love it any way it is cooked.” He winked. “Fried, grilled, baked and all sorts of seasonings.”

“Note to self, make Morgan some chicken that will make him make delicious sounds and his taste buds sing.”

“Sounds good to me.” Morgan tilted his head to the side. “About singing. I’ve never listened to your music.”

Bella eyes widened then she laughed. “That’s okay. Although I was sort of famous for my music, that isn’t all that I am. I’m just Bella. Besides, I’m retired and just a poor old supper club owner.”

“You’re not a poor old anything. I’d call you a sassy, blunt and fascinating woman.” Morgan lowered his head.

“Such a sweet talker. And you’re a complicated”—she smiled—“sexy and intriguing man.”

“That complicated thing I said will come back to haunt me.” Morgan chuckled.

“You betcha, buddy.” Bella stared at his lips.

“I want to kiss you but not here.” Morgan shook his head. “Let’s wait until after our first official date.”

“Then you’re behind, since that was at the candy shop.” Bella smirked. “This is our second date.”

“We’ll go to the candy shop together if you want. But our meeting wasn’t a date. It was a meeting of a complication that I sense will make my life very interesting.”

“See, again with the sweet words. No one has ever called me a complication before. Maybe we can make that my pet name.” Bella laughed. “Oh, Complication. God that sounds so weird.”

“You are one strange woman.”

“That’s unique, to you.”

“Unique.” Morgan smiled. “I like that.”

“Now, since you insist, we need a first date that is ‘official’.” She made quotes with her fingers. “What shall it be?”

“How about you pick?” Morgan suggested.

“Sure, since I’m picking, I’ll pick you up. Say, tomorrow night at seven o’clock?”

“That works for me. I’ll be finished with my shift at work by then. If anything comes up, I’ll call you.” Morgan took out his cell. “That is, if I can have your number?”

“I’ll trade you.” Bella held out her cell and he gave her his.

She input her number in his phone and he did the same to hers. He gave her back her phone and she took it then gave him back his. Their fingers connected for a moment.

“Your drinks,” a woman said cheerfully beside him.

“You have such bad timing, Khandi,” Bella said, not looking away from him.

“And I brought you some snacks. Since you didn’t want any of my food,” a male voice said.

Morgan glanced at the man, surprised. “Mallory?” He’d met the man through Julianne and her business partner Dakota, who was Mallory’s brother.

“When Khandi told me you didn’t recall she worked here, I thought for sure she was crazy. I’ve mentioned more than once I work at a supper club.” Mallory wrinkled his brow.

“You never said the name of it,” Morgan retorted.

“I di—” Mallory Campbell narrowed his eyes then he sighed. “Didn’t. Well crap, I can’t give you shit for a faulty memory since I never told you the name of the club. Did you tell him, Khandi?”

“Don’t think I did.” Khandi shook her head as she set down their drinks before them.

“Well how the hell didn’t we?” Mallory slid a platter with appetizers on the table.

“No idea.” Khandi stood by the booth.

“I don’t care. Go away.” Bella waved them off.

Mallory caught her hand and tugged. Bella glanced at him, glaring. Mallory grinned and in that smile, Morgan saw the same devilish look his brother had.

“If you had come to laser tag or some of our other outings when he was there, you would have met him already.” Mallory patted her hand. “Even seen him sing and dance to the dance skits Dakota comes up with when we beat the women.”

“He can sing?” Bella stared at Morgan.

Morgan winced, thinking of his singing.

“Man can’t carry a note. He’s beyond tone deaf, but I give him an ‘A’ for enthusiasm.” Mallory laughed. “He gets loud and starts singing really fast just to mess with Dakota, who tries to keep his dancing up with how quick Morgan is singing.”

“Really?” Bella smiled. “I’d like to see that.”

“Ummm…nope. Not singing in front of you.” Morgan wouldn’t. She was a professional, and he wouldn’t embarrass himself.

“Come on.”

“That’s our cue to leave.” Mallory led Khandi away, laughing.

“Troublemaker,” Morgan called after them.

“Complimenting them will only make them keep doing it.” Bella pressed against his side. “So what can I do to convince you to let me hear you sing?”

Morgan stared into her eyes and wondered if he would be able to resist her.
Stupid man, why wouldn’t you want to give in to her?

* * * *

Bella parked her dark cherry Honda Pilot in Morgan’s driveway and got out. She paused by the open doorway and pulled out her cell. Checking her messages, she grinned at the last one she’d received from Morgan—that he was looking forward to their date. They had exchanged a few texts throughout the day and when she got one, the giddiness at receiving it should have made her feel silly. But it didn’t and she couldn’t wait to see him. She closed the door before striding up the walkway as she admired his two-storey bungalow. She ascended the steps then went to the door before she pressed the bell. She waited, rocking back on the heels of her sneakers. The door opened and Bella tried to control herself from grabbing the sexy man and kissing him senseless.