Served Hot: Best Revenge, Book 2 Read online

  He would have taken more offense at her attitude if he didn’t see the small signs of nerves he’d long ago committed to memory. Back in high school, he’d been obsessed with her. The Marine Corps had broadened his perceptions and allowed him to experience life and relationships in far-off lands and with a diverse group of people. Yet nothing about his memories of Maya had faded.

  She bit her lower lip, glared at him and stomped her way to his truck. Oh yeah, the woman was nervous, which fascinated him. Maya usually held the world by the balls. He couldn’t imagine that in the time he’d been gone, and with her surly demeanor, much had changed since he’d left. When something got under her skin, it meant more to her than a casual interest.

  Buoyed by the thought he might just be able to seduce her into his bed and hopefully into his life, he got behind the wheel and drove.

  They arrived at a small hole-in-the-wall bar on the south side of town. The place had greasy food, great music and an intimate atmosphere.

  “Never been here.” Maya stared around her, taking in the biker décor and live rock playing at a non-earsplitting decibel. “This is nice.”

  “Well, I thought about taking you to the Astro Lounge, but they’re all about drinks and banging college girls.”

  “Yeah, I’m not into college girls anymore.”

  He blinked, waiting for more and not getting it. “That’s all you’re saying? You can’t leave me hanging, Maya. Did you really go out with a woman?”

  “Once. Not my thing, but she was really cute.”

  He groaned. “You did that on purpose. Now I’ll be spending the night thinking about you and some young, nubile chick in bed.”

  She laughed. “Nubile? Geez. You and Ann should get together and play Scrabble.”

  “I would, but Jack won’t let me get near her.”

  Maya frowned. “She’s happily in love with the guy. Leave her alone.”

  Yep. Always loyal to her friends. Was it any reason he’d been captivated by her from day one? Gorgeous, funny, smart, loyal, and yet she watched everyone with caution, as if waiting for someone to throw the first punch. Back then, he’d wanted to be the one to protect her. To his bemusement, he still did.

  “Dex,” she growled. “I mean it.”

  “Easy, Maya. Ann’s cute, but she’s not my type.” He decided to start his seduction. Slowly, but not so subtly that she wouldn’t know what he wanted. The key to Maya was to keep her off balance and interested. “I prefer a woman with a little meat. Some curves. Darker skin, straight black hair…”

  “Really? A little meat? My heart’s all aflutter.”

  “You know me. Mr. Charm.” He shrugged off his jacket, gratified when Maya gave him a thorough once-over.

  “Are you on steroids?”

  “No. Eight years in the Marine Corps bulked me up. And trust me, it feels better to be this big in a bar fight than the skinny twerp I was in high school.”

  She smiled. “You were cute then. Little, but cute.” She shook her head then glanced down at the menu on the table. “Too bad you grew up.”

  He laughed, and his entire being locked up at seeing her mean grin. He could spend hours watching her. But being mesmerized wouldn’t win him any points. “Baby, I can handle you with one hand tied behind my back. I’m not the one who was scared to go on a date.”

  The teasing left her dark eyes. “How’s that?”

  He shrugged and looked at his own menu. “Just saying I can go out with a woman, not expect sex, enjoy myself and move on with life. You seem to think every man who sees you wants to do you.” They most likely did, but it wouldn’t help to stroke the woman’s ego. “Or that I might want a date for immoral reasons.”

  “So you’re saying you don’t want to do me?”

  He shrugged. “I could go either way. Sure, you’re pretty. But sometimes a guy wants more from a woman.” He chanced a look at her.

  She didn’t appear angry, but fascinated. “Like what?”

  The waitress bussed by and took their orders, then left with a warm smile directed at him.

  “Hello?” Maya snapped. “I thought you just said you want more from a woman than sex.”

  “I did. Why are you mad at me?”

  “Look, you wanted a date. Stop flirting with the waitress and answer my question.”

  He bit back a grin. She didn’t like that look their cute waitress had given him? Excellent sign. “I wasn’t flirting. Smiling is how you win friends and influence people. Take note.” He ignored her middle finger. “Anyway, when I decide to date a woman, sure, physical attraction is a key factor. But I need more. I want to like her smile, the way she deals with other people. Is she bitchy or nice? Selfish or giving?”

  Maya smirked. “So why are we out then? I’m not nice. And I’m told I’m selfish.”

  “Nah. You’re nice to your friends and the people around you. Just not to men who you’re attracted to. Namely—me.”

  “Dream on.” She paused. “So what else?”

  “I can take care of myself. I cook and clean. I make a decent living.” A lucrative one thanks to his skill behind a camera and the business sense to know how to make smart financial decisions. “I’d expect a woman I’m interested in to be the same.”

  “What if she can’t cook? What if she’s a slob? What if she’s broke? You seem to want a lot from a woman. A little exacting. Maybe that’s why you’re still single.”

  “I could say the same about you.”

  “Me? I’m simple. I want a man who’s good in bed. Maybe we talk while we fuck, maybe we don’t.” She shrugged, and her dark eyes invited him to stare and keep on staring. “I have my friends for fun. I trust them, they trust me, and we all get along. Riley, Ann and I do everything together.”

  “Really? So you, Ann, Jack and Riley are sharing the same bed?”

  “Okay, not everything. But Jack accepts Ann is part of a tight group of friends. Just because they’re all gooey in love doesn’t mean that will change.”

  Then why do you look so scared? he wanted to ask.

  The waitress returned with their food. As the meal progressed and their talk turned to friends he hadn’t seen in years, he thought the date had gone amazingly well.

  An hour and a half after they’d arrived, Maya pushed her beer away and sighed. “I’m stuffed. What now?”

  He gave her a sly smile designed to unnerve her. When she sat up straighter in her chair and frowned, he knew he’d been successful. “Now we go home. And we go to bed.”

  Chapter Two

  “Bed? Are you high? Didn’t we talk about this?” Maya tried to ignore the butterflies wrestling in her stomach.

  He laughed. “You’re so easy. I meant, we go home, where I drop you off. You go to your bed. Then I go home to mine.”

  Bummer. “Good. For a second there I thought you’d forgotten the rules.”

  His smile aggravated her, because he seemed to be laughing at some joke she wasn’t in on.

  They left the restaurant after he took care of the bill. She didn’t even try to offer to pay, since this whole thing had been his idea.

  As they drove back to her house in his truck, she had to admit she’d enjoyed herself. One thing she could say for Dex, he never lost her interest. Even as a kid he’d been witty. A smart guy who didn’t try to trade on his looks or money. Many of the kids she’d gone to school with had come from wealth and had no problem sharing that fact. Dex had never traded on his family’s connections, using his own work ethic and intellect to get ahead.

  She respected him for that, but she still couldn’t get past the fact he’d gotten the better of her again. Especially since she was supposed to be winning their little contest of wills.

  Only a few weeks ago she’d gathered with her girlfriends over wine, each determined to set things right with those who had done them wrong. Her grudge w
as with Dex. Ann had dealt with Jack, and Riley was still handling Anson—kind of. Maya needed to talk to the levelheaded member of their group. At least Ann had made Jack work to earn her devotion. Maya planned to kick Dex’s ass…somehow. Just as soon as this stupid bet ended. But Riley seemed to be floundering with Anson. Probably because she was too nice.

  Not like Maya.

  She turned and noted Dex watching her out of the corner of his eye.

  “Answer me this,” she ordered.

  He saluted. “Yes, ma’am.”

  “You graduate high school, spent—how many years in the Marine Corps?”

  “Eight.”

  “Right. Eight. Then you left to become some big-name photographer.”

  “Photojournalist.”

  “Whatever. You’re successful and getting paid big money. So you leave all that and come back to Bend. Why?”

  “Why not?” He drove with easy competence. The jerk did everything well. Which made her wonder what he’d be like between the sheets… “My family is here. I’ve been all around the world. Well, to most of the places I wanted to visit anyway. I’m ready to set down roots, and I love my hometown.” He paused. “You’re still here. You must love Bend.”

  “I do.” She loved the mountains, the dry weather, the glorious snow and her lovely fireplace that kept her warm during the cold. “Dad is here. My friends are here. I get loving this town. But you left and then came back, and practically the first thing you do is blackmail me again? What, is this how you get all your dates?”

  He grinned and pulled into her driveway. He didn’t turn off the truck but put it into park and turned to face her. “You’re still hung up on what happened twelve years ago, aren’t you?”

  She fumed. “Yes, damn it. Because the only way you could have gotten that picture of me pranking the principal was if you’d been stalking me.”

  “I prefer the term reconnaissance. I was watching you, trying to get up the nerve to ask you to pose for me. I’ve always liked photography, remember?”

  “Yeah. But—”

  “So imagine my surprise when my muse darted into her high school’s main office, set off two cans of silly string, then painted a mustache over a picture of Principal Weber. Funny? Yes. Worth my time and effort to capture you on film? Hell, yeah. And it paid off. I had the hottest date at the prom.”

  She narrowed her eyes. “That smile does not say ‘I’m sorry.’ The fact you’re blackmailing me now proves it. You should be ashamed of yourself.”

  “Whatever.” He scooted closer, and she tensed. “Come here.”

  “No.”

  He sighed and turned off the truck. “I can sit here all night.”

  Figuring he might, she relented. Better for her to be rid of him and tamp down the desire plaguing her. “Fine.” She moved an inch closer, wishing the stupid truck had bucket seats.

  “Not close enough.” He yanked her until their thighs welded, then turned her face and kissed her.

  She would have pulled back, but his hand fisted in her hair, and the small tug he gave eroded any resistance. She became clay under his artful hands as he held her while his mouth did wicked things to her.

  The taste of him—dark beer and heady man—made her drunk with desire. She’d never responded so readily for anyone as Dex kissed his way under her skin. His tongue tangled with hers, pulling a sigh out of her.

  Unable to help herself, she moaned and clutched his shirt, more than aware of the firm muscles beneath it. Her breasts tingled and her entire body ached for more of his touch. Any minute now and she expected to feel those large hands on her breasts, moving slowly down her belly to her jeans and below…

  He pulled back, breathing hard. His eyes had gone beyond smoky to thunderous slits of slate gray. “That’s how you end a date.”

  He moved like lightning, one minute so close to her they shared breaths, the next out of the truck and pulling her with him. He left her at her front door. “Lock up this time, okay?” He stood there, waiting.

  With a shaky hand, she found her key and let herself inside, locking up behind her. Moments later she heard the rumble of his truck leaving. Then she stumbled to her couch and melted into it, wondering what the hell had just happened.

  She wiped her mouth but couldn’t take the taste of Dex from her lips. She didn’t understand how she’d gone from enjoying dinner with him, arguing, talking, laughing, to discussing his extortion of her in the truck. Instead of becoming angry, she’d been confused and aroused and let him tug her into the best kiss she’d had in… Hell, ever.

  Even worse, after kissing her senseless he’d dumped her at her front door with a smile, leaving her frustrated and needy. He’d been totally in control while she trembled and moved in a fog.

  “Jesus, the man can kiss.” And she had nine more dates with him, nine more times to be tempted to jump him, lose face, and become another notch on his belt. How the hell would that end her fixation—need for closure—with the man?

  Maya had trouble sleeping. She knew she needed to come up with a better plan for dealing with Dex, yet she couldn’t think of one. She couldn’t, but she had a feeling Riley or Ann might be able to help.

  Saturday morning, she called for reinforcements. They met for lunch at Riley’s place. Maya would have preferred breakfast, but Ann would need time to break away from Jack. The lucky girl was still hot and heavy with the guy she loved. Maya wasn’t totally heartless. She’d let Jack have Ann for the morning.

  Sitting with Riley in the kitchen and helping her best friend fix sandwiches, she asked what she’d been dying to know. “So how are things with Anson?”

  Riley frowned. Frowning, laughing, or crying, Riley Hewitt was still the most beautiful woman Maya had ever seen. Far from being a bitch about it, Riley acted as if she had no clue how people reacted to her. With cocoa brown skin, hazel eyes, and thick brown hair she normally wore in a ponytail, the woman always looked as if she’d just stepped off a magazine cover.

  Yet Riley acted baffled when complimented on her looks. Maya often wondered how she could be so clueless.

  When Riley continued to frown and started to pound the cookie dough she’d been playing with, Maya sighed. “Hello? Earth to Riley. Stop daydreaming about Anson and tell me what’s going on.”

  “Daydreaming? Yeah, right.” Riley glared at the cookie dough and started rolling small balls onto a baking sheet. “That bastard is on my last friggin’ nerve. Do you know he had the audacity to send his guys over to my place to eat?”

  “Um, you own a bakery. That’s why people come by, right?”

  “Don’t be deliberately dense. Anson is renovating right next door, creating a restaurant that will take away from my business. And he has the nerve to send those men helping to run me out of business by for cupcakes!”

  Maya shrugged. “So don’t serve them.”

  “I can’t do that.” Riley looked aghast. “They’re paying customers. Some of them are pretty nice guys. It’s not their fault they work for a jerk.”

  “I don’t understand you.”

  “I thought I was pretty clear.”

  Maya rolled her eyes. “For someone so smart and successful, you’re kind of stupid.”

  “Said the pot to the kettle,” Riley grumbled and finished with the cookies. She put the tray in the oven and stared at the sandwiches Maya had been making. “What exactly are you doing to my ham and cheese?”

  “What you told me to do.”

  Riley took the food away from Maya and redid the sandwiches, adding mustard, some cranberry chutney and avocado.

  Maya’s mouth watered. “I’m so hungry.”

  “We’re waiting for Ann.”

  “Oh, come on. She’s busy getting busy with Jack. Ha. Busy getting busy. Get it?”

  Riley gave a half grin. “I’ll tell her you said that.”

&nb
sp; “Good. And while you’re at it, explain to her how you and Anson are competing with each other, because I don’t get it. I mean, I know you guys have been rivals since that science fair—when was that?”

  “Third grade,” Riley muttered.

  “Jesus. That far back?” Maya sighed. “And I thought I held a grudge. Look, when I thought he was starting a bakery right next door to yours, I was livid. Now, knowing it’s an actual restaurant? You guys could co-exist.” Seeing Riley’s grimace, she amended, “Co-exist in mutual dislike, I mean. Oh hell, forget I said that. What was I thinking to advocate communal happiness?”

  “Yeah. What were you thinking?”

  “Go doctor up a cupcake. Put something in it to give him the runs. Then manage a way to get his guys to give it to him so it doesn’t seem like you’re in on it.”

  “Now you’re just being silly.”

  And ridiculous, but Maya grinned. “Admit you’re thinking about it.”

  “No comment.” The doorbell rang, and Riley blew out a breath. “Thank God. Someone with common sense has arrived.”

  Ann entered with the glow of someone in love. A natural redhead with big blue eyes and a petite frame someone as tall as Maya envied, Ann had a generous heart and a loving nature. Ms. Too Nice, Maya liked to call her. Hell, the woman even taught elementary school kids. It was like she was trying to win a gold medal in Olympic sweetness.

  “And we’re finally complete. The Terrible Trio rides again.” Maya held up a ham and cheese, stuck her tongue out at Riley and bit into the sandwich.

  They all gathered at the kitchen island, where Maya and Ann sat as Riley continued to fuss around the kitchen. “I made her wait for you,” Riley explained to Ann. “She was whining like crazy.”

  “I’m hungry and my head hurt from trying to understand how you’re having so much trouble with Anson,” Maya said around her food.

  “Would you please chew, swallow then talk?” Riley grimaced. “Gross.”

  Maya opened her mouth, which was full of food, wider, and Riley groaned.

  Ann laughed. “I missed you guys. It’s been all of what, four days? Yet nothing seems to have changed since I’ve been with Jack.”