T is for Temptation Read Free Page A

the road hugged a ragged coastline. The quiet lengthened, broken only by the hum of the radio playing steel band music and the odd calypso.
    A pensive shadow accentuated the bleak, taut line of her mouth, as if self-disgust haunted her thoughts. The urge to hold and comfort threatened to overwhelm his good intentions, and he sought refuge in banal conversation.
    “I’ve never been to this part of the island.”
    She jerked her gaze away from the lush, forested landscape on the passenger side.
    “This used to be an American military base. Over there is the old headquarters, and opposite it is a helicopter pad. During the Second World War, Trinidad became an important refueling location for submarines. Since the island’s never been hit by a hurricane, it was also a safe harbor for warships.”
    “I didn’t know that. I always think of Trinidad as British.”
    “It is, or was, British for a long time. Columbus discovered it and claimed it for Spain , of course, in 1498. He saw the three mountain ranges from the sea and called it La Trinitaria, for the Trinity.”
    “You’re very proud of the island, aren’t you?”
    “Yes and no. There’s an underside to Trinidad society you haven’t seen, and it’s not pretty.”
    She pointed to the right.
    “Turn here, Jake. This is it.” She added, “Am I wrong, or weren’t you supposed to come in on Wednesday?”
    “You’re right,” he said. “I had a few cancellations and decided to come earlier. Is my timing inconvenient?”
    “Of course not. I don’t have your hectic schedule.”
    “Why do you say it like that?” he asked, surprised by the intent, self-directed scorn in her voice.
    “Nothing.” She gestured to the left. “Pull in over there. I haven’t been here in ages.”
    “Why not?”
    Her lips flattened, and she shrugged.
    He clued in.
    “Is this where Tony kept his racing boat?”
    She snorted. “It was usually in the water. He kept it at the family home on the island.”
    Turning the vehicle into a wooden stall with a galvanized roof, Jake kept his foot on the accelerator until the SUV’s front bumper paralleled a metal railing. He switched off the engine. Tee had the car door open before he could turn his head, and she hopped out and stuck her head through the narrow opening.
    “The club house is down that path,” she said, pointing at a crazy-angled, geometric structure fronted by a long, curved pier. “Why don’t you change into shorts and sneakers if you have any?” Her eyes angled at his feet. “Oh, you’re wearing Timberlands. Those will do fine. I’ll get the boat into the water.”
    She marched in the direction indicated, and Jake nabbed his carry-on from the backseat. Used to being in charge, the one issuing instructions, her commands set his teeth on edge. He caught up with her in quick order, although she seemed oblivious to the squeaking of the carry-on’s wheels.
    Greeting wizened men in trunks and T-shirts as she walked, Tee ignored his presence. Jake kept a tich behind her along a path leading to a wall of tinted sliding glass doors forming the entrance to the black-and-white-marble-tiled clubhouse.
    The
eleven o’clock
sun lit the surroundings a dazzling white. He squinted as she sprinted to the left, away from him, and he followed her lithe, graceful limbs as she hopped down from the jetty onto a rocky beach, picking her way to an enormous trailer.
    This new efficient edge of Tee disturbed and fractured his long-deliberated plans, but it also rocketed his desire skyward. Seduction seemed so much easier if he could protect her and build a fortress for the two of them. Yet the fierce determination evident in her every line, her taut posture, when she flung those gutting and cleaning words sent a shiver of pride through him. Amazon warrior incarnate indeed.
    The interior of the clubhouse matched the futuristic exterior; sleek, clean lines with a magnificent mirrored bar to the right of a stainless-steel reception area devoid