The Right Temptation by Diane Escalera

historic home–a beautiful mansion in one of the oldest neighborhoods in West Palm Beach. He couldn’t wait to get his hands on those floors, restore them to their original beauty. The thought that he’d leave an imprint, and his work would add to the home’s history, filled him with pride.
    “Things are moving along,” Christian said. He checked his cell phone before slipping it into the front pocket of his dress slacks. “A little slower than I’d like, but you know Dylan. He micro-manages every aspect.”
    Dylan did strive for excellence. But they were in the big leagues now, as Dylan had emphasized. Every detail mattered. Nico wouldn’t have it any other way. The fact that the company had high standards reflected on him too. “Yeah, well, it’s his reputation, his neck on the line.”
    Christian waved his hand in the air. “I know. But he’s still a pain in the ass.”
    True. Dylan had always been the serious one. Growing up, he’d kept Nico and Christian in line. “What’s he up to these days?” He hadn’t spoken to Dylan much since he’d been out of work.
    “He and Shay took off for a romantic weekend.” Christian made quotation marks in the air. “They’ve been carrying on like newlyweds.” He poked a finger in his mouth as if to vomit. “It’s pretty nauseating.”
    “Give the guy a break. When’s the last time he took a real vacation?” Dylan poured everything into the business. He needed to dedicate some time to his wife. Nico adored Shay. She had it all–beauty, brains, class. Dylan had struck gold. Shay fit in perfectly with their family. Everybody loved her.
    “Don’t get me wrong,” Christian said with a snort. “I’m glad he won’t be around this weekend to bust my balls. We’re gonna be working tomorrow. You should swing by and check out the house. It’s looking pretty badass.”
    “Maybe I will,” Nico said. He walked back to the kitchen. “Want a brew?”
    “Sure. Why not?” Following Nico, he stopped and checked out the place. “Your crib is looking sweet. Did you finish the outside?”
    “Yep.” Nico handed him a beer. “As soon as I’m one hundred percent, I plan to attack the master bath. Tearing the bitch out and starting from scratch.”
    “Let me know if you need help. I’ll discount my fee.”
    “Discount, my ass.” Nico laughed. “So where you going tonight?” His cuz was such a ladies’ man. He loved the nightlife. Where did he get the energy? Christian could party the night away and show up for work the next day looking fresh as a cucumber. He liked the fast life–fast cars, fast women.
    “Downtown Delray. It’s crawling with hot babes.” Christian waggled his brows.
    Just then, one very hot babe appeared in the living room. Christian’s head snapped up. His eyes nearly popped from their sockets. Nico looked to the ceiling. His cousin was such a dog.
    “You didn’t say you had company,” Christian scolded him. He swaggered over to Kayla and gave her the standard high-wattage smile he used on the female species. Nico could’ve smacked him upside his head. “Hi, I’m Christian,” he said extending a hand.
    “I know,” Kayla said. She shook his hand.
    “We know each other?” Christian looked her over a little too thoroughly for Nico’s liking.
    Kayla flipped back her hair. “You probably don’t recognize me out of uniform.”
    “Don’t tell me you’re a cop.”
    Kayla laughed. “Nope. I’m a nurse.”
    Christian studied her with narrowed eyes. “Wait a minute. Now I remember. You’re the nurse who took care of Nico at the hospital.” He looked her up and down again. “Yeah,” he said, nodding. “You two hang out now?”
    Nico handed Kayla a beer and stood extra close to her. “Kayla and I are childhood friends,” he said.
    “No shit.” Christian tossed him a glance. “How come you didn’t say anything at the hospital?” he asked Kayla.
    Kayla sipped her beer. “Your family was a tad preoccupied.”
    “Yeah,