Dance of Seduction by Elle Kennedy

He really was a decent boy. She just hoped Luke Russell wouldn’t eat him alive.
    “Thanks, Miguel. I’ll have a check for you next time you come by.” She rose from the pool chaise she’d been lounging on and walked Miguel to the back gate. “Take care of my girl tonight, will you?”
    He shot her a big smile. “I’ll do my best. You know, this is the first date I’ve had in ten years.”
    She raised a brow, not quite believing him. “Really?”
    His smile widened. “With a woman, of course.”
    Opening the door for him, she fought back another wave of laughter. Damn, maybe she ought to go into work tonight, if only to see the fireworks sure to explode.
    After Miguel left, Vivian crossed the yard and climbed up the large cedar deck. She collected the sarong and magazine she’d left on the table, and then headed inside the house. Since her entire body was covered with tanning oil, she decided to take a shower before she settled down on the couch with a good book. She allowed herself one day a week to unwind and relax, and no matter how tempted she was to go to the club and take a front row seat to Ellie’s date, she concluded it wasn’t worth giving up her downtime.
    “Poor Luke,” she muttered to herself. The guy was barking orders at the wrong girl.
    She reached for the strings holding her bikini top together and tugged on them. The top slid off, causing her breasts to drop a little, which in turn caused her to stifle a sigh. Ah, she longed for the days when her breasts had been so firm and perky she didn’t even need to wear a bra. Or when those irritating stretch marks that had plagued her skin since giving birth had yet to exist. Oh well, she knew she still looked good. Slim waist, firm ass, wrinkle-free face. Sure, there were minor imperfections like the sagging breasts and stretch marks, but she could overlook those. With her non-existent sex life, it was doubtful anyone would see them anyway.
    She took two steps toward the washroom when a loud knock rapped against the front door. Now who the hell was that? She paused for a moment, and then realized it was probably Ellie. No doubt a basket case over her date tonight.
    Grinning to herself, Vivian walked to the door, having no qualms about covering her chest with one hand and throwing open the door with the other.
    She regretted it instantly.
    “Hi, Viv.” His voice was deeper than she remembered. But still sexy. He was still sexy.
    “Josh,” she squeaked. She cringed. “What are you doing here?”
    She lifted her other hand to her chest, feeling exposed and vulnerable as she stood there. Topless. A rush of heat coursed through her when his blue-eyed gaze swept over her upper body. A muscle twitched in his jaw but he remained expressionless save for the quick spark of suspicion in his eyes. “Am I interrupting something?” he asked coolly.
    “What?” She caught the implication and found herself stuttering. “No, uh, of course not. I was about to hop in the shower.”
    His suspicion gave way to relief. “Oh.” He hesitated. “Can I come in?”
    She had no idea what to say. The word no bit at her tongue but she also wasn’t thrilled about standing half-naked in front of her open door for the entire town to see. Finally she just nodded, wordlessly gesturing for him to come inside.
    She closed the door behind them and turned slowly, looking at him. God, he was gorgeous. His dark hair was shorter now, almost a buzz cut, but it suited him, and the white button-down shirt he wore emphasized his broad chest and trim waist. He’d grown a slight beard too. The last time she’d seen him he’d been smooth and clean-shaven. Now dark stubble dotted his face, making him appear far older than he was.
    But she knew better. He was young. Much too young. Fourteen years younger than her, to be exact.
    “You look amazing, Viv.” His voice jarred her from her scrutiny, but he didn’t seem to mind that she was checking him out. He was doing the same,