Soul Temptation (Souls Entwined) (8 page)

“You have a gorgeous bod for
any
woman.” Oliver eyed her up and down. “How old are you anyway? Fifty?”

Serene gasped. “Thirty-nine!” She glared at Oliver when he chuckled.

“I know you’re not fifty, Serene.”

“That
wasn’t
funny. How old are you?”

“Thirty-three.”

“Thirty-three.” Serene scoffed and leveled a gimme-a-break look at Oliver. “Just a babe.”

“Hardly.” Merriment and something darker twinkled in Oliver’s eyes. “I’m a man who appreciates and adores women. I say you can rock that
thing
or anything else you desire. Thirty-nine looks damn good on you.”

Stunned, Serene stared at him. “Thank you, Oliver.”

“You’re welcome.”

Goodness, he was gorgeous.
And knows all the right words to say.

Serene rubbed her clammy hands on the dress. It was time to tell him he’d won and get the hell out of dodge before she had to admit to herself—she was
very
attracted to him. Serene exhaled as she squeezed her thighs together, uncomfortably aware of her damp lingerie. “I also apologize for that snarky ‘babe’ comment.”

“Apology accepted.”

“Okay, Oliver. You did find three things that fit me out of that gift shop. I was wrong. I’ll just change and—”

“There’s one more thing for you to try on.” Oliver pointed to the unopened gift bag on the couch.

Serene waved her hand. “No need.” Against her better judgment, she picked up her glass from the bar counter and took a generous sip of the alcohol. She swallowed, her eyes watering as the liquor coursed a heated path down to her stomach. “No more rum for you?”

“Not right now. So, you’d rather concede than try on my final selection? This could be the ill-fitted garment you need to win this whole thing. Aren’t you curious as to what’s in there?”

She was, damn him. Serene cut her eyes to the bag on the sofa then back to Oliver. There was that amused grin of his again. She finished her drink, set the glass back on the counter then moved forward and before she could talk herself out of it again, she’d picked up the parcel and reached inside.

Something silky.

Serene pulled out a beautiful white nightie with black tropical flowers embroidered up the sides of the piece. “It’s beautiful.”
And practically sheer.

“Isn’t it? I was impressed with their selection of sleepwear.”

Serene touched the edge of one of the sewn flowers. She really should’ve taken the time to scope out that gift shop. “You win.” Serene handed the nightgown to Oliver with a bright smile.

“Oh?” He took the slip of fabric from her. “Not going to try it on?”

“No.”

“That means you’ll wear something I’ve picked to a place of my choice.”

Serene sighed. “I remember the terms of our wager, Oliver.”
Please don’t let it be this mini dress.

“Okay.” Oliver raised an eyebrow. “Let’s go.”

Serene frowned in confusion. “Go where? I didn’t think you’d pick
tonight
to do this.”

“Tomorrow night’s the wedding. The next we’ll all be preparing to leave. This is really the best time.”

He had a point.

Damn.

“Fine. I’ll change.”

“No, you won’t.”

“Oliver—”

“Hey, you conceded. Those were our terms, or do you want to change your mind”—Oliver dangled the lovely slip in front of her—“and try this on?”

Serene glared at him even as his commanding tone set off quivers of awareness within her. She shook her head stiffly as Oliver chuckled and strode past her into the bathroom. “I need my sandals,” Serene called after him. Seconds later, he was back holding her shoes up in one hand.

“I’ve got them.” Oliver gave them to her and Serene managed not to grumble as she put them on. She straightened to see him glance at his watch. “We’ll get there just in time. Come.”

“Get
where
, Oliver?” Serene asked as she grabbed her purse and followed him out of the door.

“A place just the locals know about. I’m going to show you a little hotspot most people who visit Tahiti never see.”

Serene speculated about the kind of place that could be as Oliver let her pass then locked up. She tugged on her short hemline and glanced down at the other lit bungalows. She wondered what everyone else was doing.

Not getting into an SUV with a man driving to who knew where while wearing a dress of his choosing.

They walked a few feet away from the bungalow and Oliver pointed to a black Jeep parked a few feet away from the curb. “That’s us.”

Serene blinked in surprise as he moved beside her to open her door. She motioned to the SUV. “So this is why you didn’t have more of that rum. There was never a doubt in your mind that you’d lose this bet, was there?”

“I don’t make wagers I’m not fairly confident I can win.” Oliver winked at her. “Do you need help getting in?” Oliver asked as she scoped out the vehicle with the big wheels and no windows.

“Uh, maybe—wearing this dress.”

Oliver had the nerve to chuckle. “I’ll give you a lift on three. Okay?”

“No—”

“Ready?” Oliver grasped her by the waist. “Grab hold of the seat. One, two, three.”

Serene gasped when he lifted her, giving her the boost needed to hoist herself into the worn leather seat. She remained quiet as Oliver closed the door, pondering the lead up to her present predicament.

“Buckle up,” Oliver said as he got into the vehicle. He turned on the engine then looked at her. “It might get a little bumpy.”

“I wasn’t expecting this.” Serene yanked on her dress again, even more dismayed with the length in a sitting position.

“Stop worrying about that hemline. You’ll be overdressed for where we’re going.” Oliver gave her a sideways glance as he shifted gears. “Don’t worry. I promise you’ll have a good time. We’re almost there.”

Serene took her eyes off his handsome profile as the wind whipped through the Jeep.

Overdressed in this?

She couldn’t imagine where they were headed as she admired the indigo sky with whirls of orange and purple blending in the waning light. It was a perfect night, not too hot or muggy. Soon all evidence of the resort faded as Oliver drove, taking them deeper into the country. Content to simply take in the exotic scenery, Serene didn’t feel the need to talk. Her cell rang and she reached inside her little embroidered purse for her cell.

Brady.

She’d forgotten to call him and Shawn back. Serene lowered the volume on the device before slipping it back into her bag.

“Boyfriend?”

“Not exactly.” Serene waited for him to ask another question when he slowed the vehicle down. She couldn’t see much with the foliage around them as he stopped the Jeep in front of what appeared to be a wooden pathway leading down to a private beach.

“We’re going to walk the rest of the way.” Oliver shut off the engine, got out of the SUV then came around to open her door. “Ready?”

“For?” Serene took hold of his hand as Oliver helped her out of the vehicle. He led her forward without letting go of her. Serene paused when the wooden planks gave way to sand. “Wait.” She kicked her sandals off in the sand and Oliver released her hand then bent down and picked them up. “I can carry them.”

“I know, but I’m going to.”

He took hold of her hand again before she could respond and Serene tried to ignore the weirdness swirling inside when her fingers interlaced with his. She considered pulling her fingers free of his, but decided that doing so would only draw attention to the fact that she was uncomfortable. It was bad enough that he already seemed to know she was off kilter. “Do you come to this place every time you visit Tahiti?”

“Not every time. Sometimes when I come I just want to be alone and take a break from it all.”

“Nice.”

Flames from a bonfire drew Serene’s attention farther down the beach. She could make out the outlines of people dancing to the faint strains of island music. The delicious smell of meat cooking on the grill mixed with the scent of burning wood. They drew closer and Serene gasped when she saw many of the women dancing topless around the flames.

“See?” Oliver grinned. “I said you’d be overdressed here.”

Gorgeous Tahitian females twisted and swayed to the beat created by several charismatic drummers playing their instruments a few feet away. A few ladies had partners, but others danced alone, completely uninhibited in their nakedness. There were big umbrellas lying in the sand facing the bonfire, with couples and others relaxing on blankets. Serene eyed lovers who were passionately touching and kissing one another, seemingly unaware that their amorous action could be viewed by all. A man untied a woman’s bikini top, baring the lady’s pert breasts, and Serene’s pulse quickened when he palmed them without taking his mouth off her.

What had she got herself into?

“Oh, my God.” Serene tried not to gape at the scene before her.

Oliver squeezed her hand. “This is a private beach, Serene. Clothing optional.”

“Clothing optional?” Serene shook her head. “Look, Oliver, I don’t think—”

“Don’t think. Come get a drink with me and let me introduce you to a friend of mine.”

Serene tore her gaze from the couple that had moved way past PDA. “I am
not
taking my clothes off.”

Oliver laughed. “You own a spa. Why are you so anxious about nudity?”

“I’m not.” Serene turned her attention back to the couple she’d just been looking at. They’d turned the umbrella away from the fire, affording themselves some privacy from everyone else.
So they do care about having an audience.
“But there’s a time and place for everything.”

“Not here, Little Miss Structured Serene.” Oliver waved to a few people who called out his name.

Little Miss Structured Serene?
Serene frowned as they approached a table covered by a canopy. She could let loose when she wanted to, she could… Did sometimes.

When was the last time?

She couldn’t remember. Running a successful business took up all of her time. She barely had time to half ass date Shawn and Brady, much to their disappointment.

Oliver spoke to a good-looking, bronze-hued man behind a long table serving the drinks and food. From the friendly way they chatted, Serene knew they’d met before.

“Serene, meet Apona.” Oliver reached out and clapped him on the shoulder. “Apona, Serene.”

Serene shook the man’s hand and returned his warm smile. “Hello. Nice to meet you.”

“And you.
Maeva
… Welcome to
Tiaré.
”

“
Tiaré?
” Serene cast a glance between the two men.

“Flower.” Oliver let go of her hand, plucked a white gardenia from a small vase and tucked it behind her ear.

“Because everything blooms here.” Apona tossed a Martini shaker in his grasp then poured the contents into a glass and gave it to Serene. “Enjoy.”

“Thank you.” Serene took a sip of the drink. The fruity taste of pineapple and citrus burst on her tongue. “This is delicious.”

“Thanks.” Apona chortled. “It’s also potent.”

“Very. Make mine a pineapple club soda spritzer. I’m driving.” Oliver took the glass Apona offered him and turned to Serene. “I don’t think you’ll want a second one.”

Serene took a generous sip and gave Oliver a defiant grin. “We’ll see.” She ignored the liquid warmth heating up her insides as she tapped her bare foot on the sand to the beat of the rhythmic song playing.

“I like her.” Apona chuckled. “She’s got fire.”

Oliver nodded. “She does. Thanks, man.”

“Anytime.” Apona waved them off. “Have fun.”

Oliver touched her shoulder. “Come this way.”

Serene followed Oliver through a crowd of swaying, half-naked Tahitians. The dancers’ sensual moves were hypnotic. Serene dug her toes into the warm sand as they walked, finding her surroundings and her company a bit surreal. They stopped in front of an unoccupied umbrella and Oliver moved to sit on the blanket. Serene watched him place her shoes to his side then lift up his hand.

“Let me hold your drink so you can join me.”

“Okay.” Serene gave him her glass then knelt on the blanket, supremely conscious of her skirt riding up as she situated herself ungracefully beside him. Oliver was right. Her fruity drink was deceptively strong.

Sip it slow.
Serene took her glass from Oliver as the beat of the drums intensified and the men dancing stepped back, leaving the five women to sway alone.

“You’re going to love this,” Oliver said as the tempo of the percussionist ensemble increased and with it the hip action of the ladies. “The
tamure
is something to behold.”

Serene shifted her attention from him and watched the females gyrating their bodies faster and faster. She was captivated by the pure physicality of their movements and the undeniable eroticism of it all. Her gaze swept over each smiling woman. Each one lovely, with honey-hued skin and long dark hair that didn’t shield their breasts as they danced. Serene envied the confidence and fluidity they possessed with their bodies. She clapped loudly when they finished and the music softened with the addition of a guitarist.

“Incredible, right?” Oliver laid his glass on the blanket.

“Yes. It’s amazing how fast those women can move their hips.” Serene finished her drink then sighed, still observing them. “I could watch them all day, so beautiful.”

“Indeed.”

Something darkened in the tone of Oliver’s voice, quickening her pulse. Serene turned to find his eyes on her, not the ladies she’d been referring to.

No way, not possible.

Oliver’s gaze dipped to her lips and Serene’s stomach responded in kind. He was so close, too close. She could just lean over and—

“Do you want another?” Oliver gestured to her hand.

One more and I might ask you to kiss me.
Serene ignored the silly thought and nodded. “Yes.” She gave him her glass after he stood.

“I’ll be right back.”

She nodded as he pivoted, leaving her to look after him in confusion. The last thing she needed was another alcohol-laden fruity concoction, especially when it seemed rum and Oliver didn’t mix well. This was the last drink. She didn’t intend to take another sip of anything else. Serene couldn’t believe for a few scant seconds, she’d entertained the idea of kissing him.