Page 5 of Pure Temptation

He rose from the couch and stretched, his T-shirt lifting, exposing the sculpted abs and dark trail of hair that led into his shorts. Was she gawking at him again? Kendall swallowed and met his eyes.

He flashed her a smile, a mix of amusement and challenge. “Well, if stress is why my muscles aren’t relaxing, I think we should start right away with my welcome massage.”

Kendall’s face flushed as she leveled her gaze on him. “This isn’t the kind of massage that has a happy ending.”

When Daxon’s smile broadened, still hot and even more determined, she knew she was in so much trouble. “If anyone’s getting a happy ending today, it’s you.”

CHAPTER TWO

WASTHATLASTcomment a little too much? Maybe, but Daxon had made a decision, and once he put his mind to something, he couldn’t let up. His brain had kicked back into gear, and he had decided to pursue the most obvious route, the perfect relaxation plan, one they’d both enjoy. He had never had much success at reducing his intensity level, but he could switch his focus.

His attraction to Kendall was a little dizzying, but that was likely just because he had resisted it—of course, her appeal had intensified when she walked away after a hot-as-hell kiss. His mind had filled in all the details that his body had missed out on that night. Solution: instead of spending another week tryingnotto picture Kendall Clark underneath him, they could have a little fun, get this thing between them out of their systems.

Besides, he needed a really good distraction, something to take his mind off the fact that he’d rather be in Zion National Park right now, preparing to climb Moonlight Buttress. Thinking about that had driven him crazy today. Thinking about sex with Kendall was a stellar alternative, and he had one glorious week to divert himself with it. But she looked far from convinced, which meant he had to get this next part right: keep her laughing and figure out her hesitations and limits. Make it clear from the beginning that getting naked with him meant plenty of fun for her, too.And no more flashing your hard-on, buddy.

Daxon gave her a playful wink. “Satisfaction guaranteed.”

She cracked a little grin. Slowly, it grew wider until her whole face lit up in a beautiful, thousand-watt smile. “You’re relentless.”

“That’s my strength,” he said. “For better or for worse.”

It felt so good to see her again. A whole week with Kendall stretched in front of him, and his smile just wouldn’t quit. She stood, smoothing her tiny shorts over her long legs. Daxon loved any challenge, and this one involved a hot woman whom he’d thought about too much...in the shower, most often. His mind was going in a dozen different directions right now, but it was time to focus and let her do her job.

He rubbed his hands together, quirked an eyebrow at her and nodded to the massage table. “You can go first if you want.”

She rolled her eyes. “Climb up, champ. I want to check out your leg.” She walked over to the table and spread a towel over one half, and he climbed on. “I’m going to start by feeling around and moving your leg to get a sense of what’s going on. Let me know how it feels.”

He nodded.

Kendall moved to his left side, her attention focused completely on his leg, which meant he was free to watch her work. And not stare down her shirt, since he was pretty sure that would fall under obnoxious client behavior. He respected that. After a few unsolicited kisses by women when he was in front of the camera, he understood that there were many reasons why it could put her in a tricky position. So seeing her off duty was the—

“Ooooh,” he groaned as her fingers gently kneaded the top of his calf. “Right there.”

“Does it hurt?” She moved her hands farther down and to the sides, testing.

Daxon shook his head. “Just a little tight.”

She moved to the base of the table and picked up his foot, flexing it gently.

“Still okay?”

“Yeah,” he said. “Rarely hurts anymore. I’m just trying not to push it too hard this week. Which means mandatory R&R for me.” Daxon sighed. Some people just weren’t built to relax, and he was one of them. This week he’d work on his core and hand strength while going easy on his legs—that was the best he could do.

She put down his foot and rested her hands on the table. “I don’t see anything worrisome at this point, but I agree that three weeks is a bit long for a Class 1 tear to heal. Though if you’re still the same person as you were in Costa Rica, I’d guess the reason for the slow recovery is that you’re still pushing yourself too hard.”

“Which is what my ‘personal healing coach’ is supposed to help with?”

Kendall laughed. “Who came up with that title?”

Daxon shook his head. “That would be Calvin. Definitely his sense of humor.”

“Calvin, your producer?” She frowned a little. “Does he think we...?” Her sentence drifted off as she gestured between the two of them.

He paused, considering his answer carefully. “I think he assumes I sleep with a lot of women.” Kendall’s frown grew deeper. “Shitty, I know. Still, assuming we slept together is not enough for him to arrange this.”

Her expression softened. “Then why did he specifically request me?”

Daxon shrugged. “Probably because I actually followed what you said I should do back in Costa Rica.”