Instant Enticement Read online

  Table of Contents

  INSTANT ENTICEMENT

  Acknowledgements

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  Chapter 22

  Chapter 23

  Chapter 24

  Chapter 25

  Table of Contents

  INSTANT ENTICEMENT

  Acknowledgements

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  Chapter 22

  Chapter 23

  Chapter 24

  Chapter 25

  INSTANT ENTICEMENT

  SAMANTHYA WYATT

  SOUL MATE PUBLISHING

  New York

  INSTANT ENTICEMENT

  Copyright©2017

  SAMANTHYA WYATT

  Cover Design by Fiona Jayde

  This book is a work of fiction. The names, characters, places, and incidents are the products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, business establishments, locales, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

  All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the prior written permission of both the copyright owner and the publisher. The only exception is brief quotations in printed reviews.

  The scanning, uploading, and distribution of this book via the Internet or via any other means without the permission of the publisher is illegal and punishable by law. Please purchase only authorized electronic editions, and do not participate in or encourage electronic piracy of copyrighted materials.

  Your support of the author’s rights is appreciated.

  Published in the United States of America by

  Soul Mate Publishing

  P.O. Box 24

  Macedon, New York, 14502

  ISBN: 978-1-68291-539-4

  www.SoulMatePublishing.com

  The publisher does not have any control over and does not assume any responsibility for author or third-party websites or their content.

  Books by Samanthya Wyatt:

  The One and Only Series

  (Historical Romance):

  The Right One

  The True One

  The Only One

  Contemporary Romance Novels:

  Something More

  Instant Enticement

  Acknowledgements

  My deepest gratitude goes to everyone who has helped me along the way to getting my books published, which includes the writing process.

  Beginning with my loving husband, who has been my main support and encourages me every day.

  I’d like to thank everyone at Soul Mate Publishing. My editors, my publisher Debby and her team.

  A special thank you to the art designer, Fiona Jayde.

  Thanks to my friends’ encouragement, my critique group, and every person who has faith in me and everyone who has bought my books.

  Keep the Spirit!

  Samanthya

  Chapter 1

  “You give all your time and resources to this man, so, where is he?”

  Yeah, where is he?

  Kelly regarded her friend across the elegant dining table. She thought about the man she’d been dating for the last eight months and considered taking their relationship to the next level. The next level meaning something more than just sex. A ring perhaps? True, he spent more time at the office than he did with her, and his overnight visits were rare. Maybe they should move in together.

  Robert’s image was important to him. He flaunted his Saks four-thousand-dollar suits the way a woman would gush over a couture gown. But he wasn’t all flash and pomp. There were days when he would be sweet, considerate, and thoughtful. She could fall in love with him if he promised her forever. Given time. All she’d ever wanted was someone to love her. Someone to stick around.

  “Kelly. You’re doing it again.”

  She blinked. “Doing what?”

  “Wandering off somewhere without me. Snap out of it,” Sandi said, snapping her fingers. “What’s got you so distracted?”

  “It’s nothing. Really.”

  “No. Something’s on your mind.”

  Her best friend knew her better than she knew herself. And Sandi had an annoying habit of pointing it out.

  “Just because we’ve been friends forever—”

  “Don’t change the subject. Spill.” Sandi lifted her wineglass and leaned back in her chair as if she were settling in for a long story.

  The popular Heritage had been in the Richmond Magazine as best restaurant of the year and it was a favorite of Robert’s. When he cancelled their date, Kelly decided to call her friend. Of course, Sandi had jumped at the chance for a meal at the posh restaurant, especially when Kelly offered to pick up the bill. She took a sip of wine, then drew a breath, ready to share what was on her mind.

  “You know Robert backed out of our date at the last minute.”

  “Thanks for reminding me I’m second to your lover, which I take offense to, by the way.”

  “He’s not just my lover. We are . . .” What were they? Boyfriend and girlfriend seemed so high-school. He hadn’t given her a ring, so she couldn’t say she was his fiancée.

  “You were saying?” With a smirk on her face, Sandi dangled the wine goblet barely gripped within her fingers.

  Kelly held up her left hand, imagining a diamond on her third finger.

  “Kelly,” Sandi gasped. “Is there something you’re not telling me? Are you expecting a ring? Is Robert about to pop the question? With his wallet, he can afford a sizable rock. Two carats at least.”

  “I don’t care about the size of my diamond.”

  Sandi sat up in her chair so fast her wine sloshed in her glass. “Then you are expecting a ring.”

  “Not expecting.” Kelly drew out the word. “More like . . .”

  “Hoping?” Sandi supplied.

  “We’ve been together for eight months. I think it’s time we talked about our future.”

  “Your future with him?”

  “Of course, with him.”

  “I don’t mean to be the cloud on your sunny day, but do you really want to get married?”

  “You know I do. I want a family and children.”

  “What’s the rush?”

  Kelly didn’t like being on the defensive, and Sandi’
s question made her uncomfortable. “There’s no rush. I’ve thought about this. I just want to—”

  Sandi leaned forward. “I know you’ve spent most of your life alone. Staff in a household does not count.”

  As a child, Kelly had relied on the staff for companionship. “I used to think my parents forgot they even had a daughter.”

  “Why are you considering this now? Why don’t you give it some time?”

  “Why wait?” Kelly brushed over the question as if the duration of their relationship didn’t matter. Abruptly, her eyes narrowed. “I know what you’re thinking. Of course, my parents’ neglect hurt. I don’t want to spend the rest of my life by myself. Robert and I—”

  “Oh my God!” Sandi said in a harsh whisper and slapped her hand over Kelly’s wrist. The powerful grip startled her. When she glanced at her friend, she found Sandi’s attention firmly fixed somewhere over Kelly’s left shoulder. The expression on her friend’s face had her already racing pulse pick up a few beats.

  “What’s wrong?”

  “That rotten son-of-a-bitch.”

  “Who?” Kelly made to turn her head in the direction of Sandi’s gaze.

  “Don’t look!” Sandi tightened her grip. “Don’t turn around.”

  Kelly froze. “What’s wrong with you? Who is it?” she hissed.

  Sandi’s eyes flashed with shock and anger. “Don’t look until we have a plan. Just listen, and for God’s sake, do not turn around.”

  To hell with that. Kelly swung, scanning the left side of the room until her gaze landed on Robert. With another woman.

  “I told you not to turn around.” Sandi’s harsh whisper grabbed Kelly’s attention.

  She seethed. “No wonder he sounded so anxious on the phone.”

  Sandi took a gulp of wine, her eyes narrowing while she spied on the couple. “Have you ever seen her before? Oh, God. Don’t turn around again.”

  Kelly braced her hands on the edge of the table, her fingers cramped with tension. The woman’s face clearly in her mind, she forced herself to remain still. “No. I’m sure I haven’t.”

  “Who do you think she is?”

  “I don’t know, but I’m damn well going to find out.”

  “Kelly, don’t go over there half-cocked.”

  “Half-cocked? I’ll go fully loaded.” She threw her napkin on the table, ready to leap from her chair when Sandi grabbed her arm again.

  “Don’t. You’ll embarrass yourself if you’re not prepared.”

  “Prepared for what?”

  “Think a minute. Once you’ve composed yourself, just waltz over there and say ‘Hi’. If he squirms, you’ve got him. If you act like a crazy woman and he’s having dinner with his sister or something—”

  “He doesn’t have a sister. I know that grin. It’s the one he uses when he thinks he’s going to get lucky.”

  Kelly nearly lurched from her chair, trying to remember to stay calm, her adrenaline driving her forward. He’d canceled their date because something important had come up. Something he couldn’t get out of. Heat filled her chest and raced through her veins making the hair stand on the back of her neck. Sandi was right. She shouldn’t make a scene. But who thought rationally when she found her man with another woman?

  Kelly drew a deep breath. She gathered her composure, pondering Robert’s face when she confronted him. She stood beside the table for long excruciating seconds before he noticed her presence.

  Robert glanced up, obviously expecting a waitress. His eyes filled with disbelief. His astonishment quickly changed to anger. A piece of her heart splintered when the smile on his face turned formidable.

  “Hello, Robert.” Thank God her voice sounded normal.

  She was no stranger to his moods. His tense body reminded her of a caged lion ready to spring. The truth hit her like a Mack Truck. Guilt. Robert had lied to her. It was written all over his face. She turned to the woman sitting across from him.

  “Hello,” she said with a degree of courteous formality. “I’m Kelly.” From the corner of her eye, she saw Robert stand.

  “Excuse me, Miss, uh, Kelly.”

  Miss. Had he forgotten her name? Squirm, you bastard.

  “I’m having a private dinner,” he said. “Maybe we can talk in my office. Would you call me tomorrow?”

  Without taking her eyes from the woman who’d been silent the entire time, Kelly replied, “I’d be happy to call you tomorrow, Robert. If you introduce me to your companion and tell me who the hell she is.”

  The woman flushed and her eyes darted to Robert. “Yes. I’d like an introduction as well.”

  Robert grasped Kelly’s arm and she immediately shook it loose, which caused her to stagger back a step. So much for being levelheaded.

  “Kelly.” His voice cracked like thunder. “Please leave.” It wasn’t a request. He was furious. The veins in his neck stood out. What the hell was he so angry about? He was the one two-timing her. Shame and anger took over her common sense.

  “Not until you tell me why you cancelled our date and I find you here with her.” Kelly’s voice grew louder until she practically shouted. On the last word, she flung out one hand and pointed an accusing finger directly to the woman dining with him.

  The woman’s faced reddened, in anger or embarrassment, Kelly couldn’t tell.

  “I’m his wife. Who are you?”

  ~ ~ ~

  Kelly’s hands shook as she viciously ripped the paper in half and then in half again. She tore the bits off one at a time, imagining they were arms and legs. His arms. His legs. Fury churned her insides as she crushed the fragments into a ball and squeezed, wishing it was his neck. Killing was too good for that seedy, double-crossing, adulterous bastard.

  Robert’s betrayal remained fresh in her mind. Green eyes imploring his innocence, lips pleading for her to believe him—lies. All lies.

  “Kelly? When did you get here?”

  She froze. Her chest heaved, her breathing sounded harsh to her ears. Lost in her own little world in a dark corner of her friend’s kitchen, she hadn’t heard Dennis enter. Guess he figured out by now she’d used his hidden key. She wondered how long he’d been standing there.

  “Kelly,” Dennis said softly. “What’s wrong?”

  She inhaled a deep breath and slowly released it, her shoulders drooped with fatigue. When she’d fled the restaurant, all she could think about was running. Dennis had been her first thought, her safe haven. She’d given no consideration to the time or distance, only that she needed her best friend.

  Focusing on the crumpled ball in her hands, she threw the paper into the bin and released the foot-pedal on the trashcan. Her insides still churned.

  “The son-of-a-bitch is married!” Raw and exposed, she admitted the hard, cold facts. She’d been duped. Used. A willing accomplice in something she never would have been a part of if the bastard had been honest. She whirled around.

  Dennis. The only trustworthy man in a world full of deceitful men. He studied her for some moments before he spoke.

  “You drove in the shape you’re in? You should have called me. I don’t like the idea of you being on the road for hours when you’re upset. You better come sit down.”

  “I don’t feel like sitting.” She wanted to scream and yell and beat her chest like a Viking warrior. Following Dennis’s direction meant she had to be rational. She felt anything but. When she’d caught her boyfriend with another woman, she thought he’d been cheating. Then the horrible moment dawned when she realized she’d stumbled upon him and his wife.

  His wife.

  “I want to do something,” she blurted, desperate to block out the embarrassing scene.

  “All right. What do you want to do?” He sounded indifferent, although he looked at her as if she was an e
scapee from a mental institution and he was assessing his next move.

  “Don’t analyze me, Dennis. I want to hit something. Scream. Yell. Ooooh . . .” She fisted her hands and blew out a jagged breath. She’d already tried counting to ten. By the time she hit three, she’d been ready to erupt like a volcano. Even now she paced like a caged tiger.

  “So, you just jumped in a car and drove to Charlotte.”

  Was he asking or making a point? Of course she drove here. Where else would she go when her world was crumbling at her feet?

  “I needed to get away. It’s the first place I thought of.” Kelly shoved her hair out of her face, thinking of the long hours in a car where she’d been on autopilot. Her only conscious thought? Keep the vehicle between the white lines and head for the North Carolina state line. She raised her gaze to meet his. Dennis opened his arms. With a choked sigh, she ran and fell into them.

  He hugged her tight. “It’s been entirely too long. What? Six? Eight months?”

  “Yeah. Too long.” His comfort was just what she needed right now, but she wouldn’t cry. She was too mad to cry. A big strong chest and solid arms to hold her, that’s what she desired.

  The last time she’d been held in a man’s arms—

  Robert. She jolted back.

  “My God, Kel. You’re wound as tight as a coiled spring.”

  “Damn him.”

  “Who?”

  “Robert.” Just saying his name caused her temper to flare again. Every time she thought of her boyfriend—ex-boyfriend being married, she wanted to take a gun and shoot his balls off so he’d never be able to take advantage of another woman.

  “You’re doing it again.”

  “What?” she asked.

  “Looking at me like I’m scum.”

  “Oh, hell. This isn’t directed at you.” Kelly shook her thoughts away and gave Dennis a wobbly smile. “You know you’re my best friend in the whole world.”