Page 40 of Sweetest Temptation
“Oop! They caught the tension too!” Nyala burst out laughing, handing me the phone back. “Girl, y’all done broke the internet. You might as well go ahead and claim that man.”
I snatched the phone, trying to hide my smile, but it was no use. My cheeks were already warm, my pulse a little too quick.
“Whatever,” I muttered, setting the phone down.
“Mm-hmm…” Nyala teased, grinning. “Keep playing. But the people have spoken, sis. And they said y’all look good together. At least they ain’t bashing you.” I rolled my eyes, but the smirk on her face told me she wasn’t done. “Anyway, I’m about to go get me some more sleep. I need my rest for tonight’s festivities. Don’t burn them cakes, Miss Viral.”
“Bye, Nyala,” I said, shaking my head as she walked out of the kitchen, still laughing.
The room grew quiet again, just the low whirr of the ovens and the faint rhythm of waves crashing outside. I leaned against the counter and glanced at my phone sitting there beside the mixing bowl. I told myself not to—I really did—but my fingers had a mind of their own. I opened the video again.
There we were, on screen; me laughing softly, and Samir watching me like I was the only thing that existed. The camera had caught it perfectly. The way his lips curved when I spoke, and how his eyes lingered a little too long as if he was memorizing me, was something from a movie. But damn if it didn’t look real.
I bit my lip, feeling that same flutter in my stomach I’d been fighting all morning. The world saw chemistry, but what I saw was danger. The kind of danger that could pull me in before I even realized how deep I’d gone.
With a slow exhale, I locked my phone and pushed it away. I needed to focus. But even as I went back to stirring the frosting, my mind refused to let him go.
The pre-opening gala was being held in the grand ballroom of the hotel. After spending two hours setting up the pastry table, I had a few hours to get ready. By the time I showered, did my hair and makeup, and slipped into my dress, I knew I’d still be late. Truth was, I’d been stalling more than anything. I knew Samir was going to be there. After what happened on the beach and seeing those damn TikTok videos of us that went viral, I wasn’t sure I was ready to face him again.
Sighing, I sat down on the edge of the bed to slip on my shoes. I fastened the last clasp on my silver, strapped heels, and stood. Giving myself one final once-over in the mirror, I stared at my reflection, barely recognizing the woman staring back at me. I had pulled my braids into a high bun because I didn’t want to be hot. The black gown hugged every dip and curve like ithad been sewn onto my body. The bodice top shimmered subtly, each tiny sparkle catching the light as I moved. It was dangerous and elegant all at once. The thigh-high slit gave a lot of tease, showing off my smooth thighs. The dress cinched my waist and swept the floor perfectly.
I took a deep breath, trying to convince myself to go, make an appearance, and leave. That was the plan. But knowing Nyala, my friend wasn’t going to let that happen, especially since her boo was going to be there.
I sprayed on some perfume—some behind my ears and wrist. As I slipped on my wristband, there came a knock at the door. I rolled my eyes, assuming it was Nyala coming to rush me.
“I’m coming!” I called out, smoothing my dress down before going to open the door.
It wasn’t Nyala.
I was shocked to see Samir standing on the other side. And Lord, did he look good. He was dressed in an all-black suit that fit like it had been tailored just for him. The top few buttons on his shirt were undone, giving a sinful peek at his tatted chest. The dim hallway light bounced off his chocolate skin, making him look carved out of a smooth Hershey bar. For a moment, I forgot how to breathe.
He didn’t say anything at first, just stared. His eyes moved slowly from my silver heels to the slit in my dress, then up over my curves until his gaze finally met mine. There was hunger there, but also something softer, and thatsomethingmade my pulse skip.
“Damn,” he said finally, his voice low and rich, sending a shiver through me. “Damn, Nova baby. You look fine as hell. That dress should be illegal.”
Like a fool, I blushed before snapping out of it and asking, “Samir, what are you doing here? How did you know where my room was?”
“One question at a time, Nova baby.” He chuckled easily, like he’d been practicing to break me out of my defenses. “I came to escort you to the party. Your girl gave me your room number. I’m glad she did too. Ain’t no way I’m letting you walk around in this dress unaccompanied. I might have to shoot a nigga for thinking you free game.”
He paused, just long enough that the joke landed somewhere between possessive and protective. Then his eyes softened, and he boldly pulled me into his chest as if he couldn’t help it. The scent of him was so intoxicating.
“You smell good,” he murmured into my neck so quietly that I had to strain my ears not to play tricks. “Damn, you are dangerous, Zanova. You know that?”
“Samir…” I whispered, my voice barely audible.
He pulled back, slipped his hands into his pockets, and looked at me. “I’m not taking no for an answer, Nova baby. Go grab whatever you need and let’s go.”
“Do I have a choice?” I rolled my eyes, leaving him at the door to grab my clutch out of my room.
“Not really…” I heard him say at my back, and I could feel his eyes on me as I walked away. When I returned to the living room, Samir was standing in the middle of the floor, casual as ever, that damn confident smirk on his face. “Ready?” he asked, holding his right arm out for me to grab hold.
I nodded, slipping my arm through his as we headed out of the suite. Our steps echoed softly, the air between us thick with that familiar tension, and every brush of his arm against mine made my pulse spike. We reached the elevator and stepped inside, the mirrored walls reflecting our image and hidden passion. He pressed the button for the lobby, and as the doors closed, I stole a glance at him standing behind me. Our eyes locked, and Samir wrapped his arms around me, pulling my back to his chest.
“Don’t we look good together?” He placed a gentle kiss on my neck. My body began to heat up from being so close to him.
“Samir… What is it that you want from me?” I asked, my voice trembling just enough to betray the nerves I was trying so hard to hide. “If it’s more than business… I can’t give that to you—I’m not ready for that. Giving another man my heart is not an option. My ex… He broke me in ways I’m still trying to fix. That’s why I keep my guard up. I can’t afford to let justanybodyin, especially if it means risking my heart all over again.”
Samir stepped around me slowly, still holding my waist. His palm was warm against my hip, causing a slow trickle in the seat of my panties. His presence was overwhelming, yet somehow, it didn’t suffocate me. Heated me? Yes. Steadied me? Also, yes.
