Page 2 of Taking the Heat

He turned away, packing leaves into a strainer while I searched my bag for change. My fingers trembled and I tried to analyse why I was having such a strong reaction to the barista. Sure, his shoulders were wide and he was clearly hiding a six-pack under his stained t-shirt, but I’d seen attractive men before. In fact, I’d just left a lobby full of them. I decided I was just being silly; it was a reaction to being dragged out of bed before 6am and standing around on an empty stomach.

But as he turned back with a lidded cup and passed it to me, our fingers touched and heat leaped between us. His icy eyes locked on mine, confusion in their depths. His hands shook slightly as I handed him the coins, and I knew I wasn’t the only one feeling something.

‘Thanks,’ I said, my trembly voice betraying me. Desperately, I tried to think of something more to say, not wanting to leave him.

‘The machine broke down earlier,’ he burst out. ‘It’s all those idiots lining up for the auditions. They all ordered coffee and the morning girl didn’t check the valve, and then it blew up.’

‘I’m sorry,’ I said, a smile working its way over my lips.

‘Don’t be,’ he said, his anger dissipating. ‘I’m just glad you wanted a tea. God, did you see the morons, lining up in the cold for something so ridiculous. Who the hell would sign up for a show like that anyway? You’re not auditioning, are you?’

‘Nope,’ I said. I wasn’t lying—in that moment, I genuinely changed my mind. I wasn’t going back in with Serena. ‘Actually, I thought I might stay here and drink my tea.’

‘Would you like some company?’ He indicated around at the lack of customers. ‘I’m free.’

We stared at each other for a few seconds, the heat palpable. I could see his firm chest rising and falling quickly, mirroring the thrumming in my heart.This is what it feels like when people say ‘love at first sight’.I’d never believed in it before, but in that tiny coffee shop, I truly thought I might have been wrong.

‘Company would be great.’

His face lit up and he began to move around from behind the counter. Feeling him step towards me, I felt warmth rush to my cheeks. And just as he drew close enough for me to catch his scent, all coffee and spice and sweat, Serena banged on the glass door.

‘Girl! Let’s go, they’re calling us in early. Time to go win a million bucks!’

Desperately, I turned back to my coffee-god, but his eyes were focussed on the number on my thigh.

‘It’s not what you think—’

His jaw set in a fine line. ‘Jesus. Unbelievable. You know, I didn’t take you for the type to have sex on TV for cash.’ He left, stalking out through a storeroom door, shaking his head.

Before I could call after him, Serena grabbed my hand and dragged me back out into the cold.

‘Serena, wait! What the hell did he mean? What’s this about sex?’

Her face was one big apology, while behind her, two workmen unrolled a massive poster against the building. A guy with a sculpted chest and a platinum blonde in a bikini embraced against a background of a heart-shaped island. The words screamed in a bold red font, ‘Erotic Island: Out-flirt, out-seduce, out-f#ck.’

Serena started rapid-fire explanation. ‘It’s not as bad as it sounds, I swear—’

‘Out-WHAT?!’ My voice was so high, I’m sure dogs were cowering in pain somewhere.

‘Look, it’s just likeSurvivor—’

‘Withsex. You forgot to mention the sex bit, Serena. I’m out of here.’ Hot humiliation burned through me and I stomped away from her.

‘Yes, there’s sex,’ she pleaded, following me. ‘But it’s not mandatory!’

‘Answer me this,’ I said, not stopping. ‘Do you have to have sex to earn the million bucks?’

Her eyes lowered. ‘Yes.’

‘Jesus …’ I cursed.

‘But only the once! And there are other challenges! It’s an all-expenses-paid luxury trip! And everybody is super-hot! Tara, please …’

Her voice faded behind me, mixing with the background noise of the city. Her final frantic cry brought me to a halt. ‘It’s a million dollars! You’ve slept with ugly guys for free!’

I wanted to scream back at her that it wasn’t true. But, of course, it was. There was the short guy I picked up during a dry spell a while ago, and the unwashed musician who shagged me in the back of his van after I’d convinced myself that talented equalled sexy.

Storming back to Serena, I hissed, ‘There’s a big difference between making a bad choice when you’re drunk and having sex for money.’

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