Chapter 5: Coconut Temptations
Dylan: October
Ripping out drywall is satisfying, like tearing through all my unwanted thoughts. Tossing a chunk aside, I look up—and Jenna walks in. Tight black spandex. Tank top clinging to her chest. A ponytail I want to tug on. My cock twitches. The past few weeks, I’ve become an expert at stealing glances when I think no one’s looking. I watch her laugh. Watch her help everyone around her. Watch her… exist.
Jesus, I sound like an idiot.
Her voice pulls me out of my thoughts. “Morning. Did you see they opened a new gym next door?” she says, shaking her protein bottle. “I can squeeze in a workout on my lun—”
Before she finishes, the bottle bursts, spraying milky cream all over her face that slowly drips down her chest. I bite backa laugh, trying not to imagine that cream being mine, but it’s damn near impossible.
“Fuck, let me help!” Shit, she’s a beautiful disaster… and I can’t seem to look away. Grabbing some napkins, I step closer, gently patting her face and neck. “Do you always end your workouts with a protein shake on your face?” I tease, unable to resist.
“Oh my God,” she whimpers. “Yes, most liquids end uponme rather thaninsideme.”
My smile widens, and I pause. But all I want to do is lick that damn liquid off every inch of her skin. “Hey, I’m not complaining. You pull off the look.”
Her cheeks flush as she stammers. “Oh no. That’s not what I meant. I just. I’m always spilling my drinks. Or food, or bananas like when we first met.”
“How could I forget? You’ve got a talent for surprising moments,” I say, handing her one last napkin. “Though I’m not sure you can top this one. Definitely made my day.” Being around her makes my day.
Jenna blushes, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. “Well, I’m glad my clumsiness entertains you. I better go clean up and start setting up for the office Halloween party.”
“A Halloween party this early in October?” I clear my throat, raising an eyebrow.
“With an event planning company, it’s Halloween all month.” She flashes a soft smile. “And between all our clients’ events, HR decided to throw the party now before the schedule got too crazy.”
“That explains it. A couple of your coworkers asked me and a few of my guys to stop by for free drinks after all the work we’ve been doing here.”
Her gaze meets mine. “Let me guess. Was it April? She loves making friends with any man who sets foot in this building. It’llbe fun," she says, her eyes lighting up. "I love Halloween and dressing up.”
“Yes, it was April.” I pause, holding back a smile. “And Amelia.”
What’s with all these women whose names start with A? No wonder I can’t keep track.
As Jenna walks away, her presence clings to me—along with an image of her dressed in a naughty nurse outfit, dripping with myprotein shake.
Fuck.
How does her clumsiness turn me on? But it’s more than that. She’s sexy in a way she doesn’t even realize. It makes her even more tempting. She lights up a room without trying. And maybe I’m wrong, but she seems to be the kind of person who sees the good in people—even when they don’t deserve it. I’ve only caught glimpses, but it’s enough to make my goddamn head spin.
This is hands down the coolest Halloween party I’ve ever been invited to. But then again, it’s thrown byan event planning company, so I should have expected it.
Bartenders in vampire costumes serve blood-red cocktails from a glowing bar. There’s a bubbling cauldron of punch, a coffin full of food, and skeletons crawling out of it. Even a fog machine on the dance floor, with a live band playing Halloween pop hits.
I duck into a quieter spot near the back bar and pull out my phone to call Amber, my late-night date.“Hey, I have to work late. Can we reschedule?”A lie. I'm already bored with her. Girls who throw themselves at me without a second thought never hold my interest.
As I pocket my phone, I notice Jenna.
Coconut bra. Leafy skirt. Flowers threaded through her hair. Why the hell do I keep staring at her like she’s the only person in this crowded room? Maybe because she looks like a Hawaiian hula goddess straight out of a wet forbidden dream.
She locks eyes with me. “Do you always lie to your girlfriend about your nightly activities?”
“I never lie.” I lean against the wall, dodging her question. “Unless it’s my sister asking if I love her outfit—then I say anything to keep the peace.” My gaze flicks over her before I can stop myself. Jesus Christ, she’s stunning. “And you? Are you planning to break hearts in this little costume?”
She arches an eyebrow, noticing my costume-less self as she avoids my inappropriate comment.
“A lie is a lie.” Her voice is sharp but playful. “Where’s your costume? Did you miss the memo?”
