Playing With Destiny

By Diane Escalera

Destiny Quinn lives for her job. She loves being an IT Recruiter, traveling nationwide. But all work and no play has left her feeling restless. It's been a year since she's gone out on a date — or slept with a man. Suddenly, Destiny can't think about anything else. She's not looking for a relationship, just a good time and a sexy diversion. One steamy night of mind-blowing pleasure, then maybe she can get back to business.
Christian LaCosta wants to prove to his family — and himself — that he is relationship material. Lately, it seems like everyone around him is in love. Maybe it's time to give up the fast life and fast women, quit being the odd man out. Christian decides to take the plunge and join an online dating service. When he's unwittingly hooked up with a luscious neighbor named Destiny, the coincidence is too much. Christian doesn't believe in fate, but one look at Destiny, and he's seeing a whole new future. Now he must convince this career-driven beauty that work isn't everything. Take a chance on them, and she can have it all.

WARNING: Food Play, Hot Sex, Latin Hunk

• Language: English
• Publisher: Diane Escalera
• Release date: May 29, 2014
• ISBN: 9781310765124

Diane Escalera

Born and raised in the Bronx, NY, Diane Escalera makes her home in coastal North Carolina. The sultry surroundings are a steady source of inspiration for her hot love stories. Diane is married, has two children and a super cute dachshund she can’t get enough of. She writes contemporary romance and is published with Kensington Publishing and Lyrical Press.

Book preview

Playing With Destiny

by Diane Escalera

Latin Heat Trilogy, Story Three

Fate brought them together. Will Destiny keep them apart?

Matchmaker, matchmaker, bring me a babe. That’s all Christian LaCosta expected from an online dating service. He gets a lot more when he's unwittingly hooked up with a luscious neighbor named Destiny. Christian doesn’t believe in fate, but one look at Destiny, and he’s seeing a whole new future.

Playing With Destiny

Copyright © 2014, Diane Escalera

Editing by Piper Denna

Cover Design by Gilded Heart Design

Formatted by IRONHORSE Formatting

Smashwords Edition

All rights reserved. Without limiting the rights under copyright reserved above, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the prior written permission of the copyright owner.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are either the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, actual events, locales or organizations is entirely coincidental.

This e-book is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This e-book may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to your favorite e-book retailer and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Dedication

To my sister, Debbie: Thank you for being one of my biggest fans. I'm thrilled that you found your own real-life hero. You deserve happiness.

Acknowledgements

For my editor, Piper Denna: You're witty, down-to-earth, and an amazing collaborator. Thank you for having my back.

To all the wonderful readers: I truly hope you enjoy this story. Thank you so much for spending a few hours in my world. You make it all worthwhile.

Please join the Mailing List at DianeEscalera.com and be the first to know about upcoming releases, news and special events.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Epilogue

Excerpt: Still Hot for You

Excerpt: The Right Temptation

Other Books by Diane Escalera

About the Author

Chapter 1

She should’ve stuck with the sex toy. Destiny could’ve been playing with it right now. A simple purchase. No stress over what to wear. She could’ve gotten her jollies, then gone about her business.

Why didn’t she just take the easy way out? Destiny checked her face in the rearview mirror, and rubbed pink lip gloss off her front tooth. No point dwelling on woulda, coulda, shoulda. A cooking class awaited her. She had a thing for punctuality, time management being one of her greatest strengths. It served her chaotic business life well. Of course, today had nothing to do with work.

Her thoughts drifted back to the multi-function vibrator she’d nearly bought through the online adult store. The fascinating device could’ve provided endless enjoyment. She’d been wound up like a top lately, and it would’ve definitely taken the edge off.

After a year of celibacy, she craved the real thing. Man hands all over her neglected body. A hot mouth on her breasts. Damn those thoughts, for leading her astray. It wasn’t too late. She could turn her car around and put a stop to this insanity. Enlisting an online dating service to find a man went beyond extreme. On top of that, she wasn’t looking for love, just sex.

She’d thought about going to a nightclub, picking up a random guy and having her way with him. Bet he wouldn’t have argued. But it wasn’t her style. Despite her desperation, she still had some standards. Enter the dating service... What did she have to lose? They couldn’t have made it more convenient. Daylight hours. Neutral territory. Limited class size. The idea was to have fun, learn something different, meet new people—all single like her. Even if she didn’t click with anyone, it wouldn’t be a total loss. She’d learn how to make sushi. God knew, she couldn’t cook to save her life. A win-win situation. Take a class and meet a man! A person could rationalize anything.

Time to put on her big-girl panties, and get her butt in gear. She checked her hair one last time, grabbed her purse off the passenger seat and opened the car door. Two o’clock had to be the worst part of the day. Typical of South Florida, especially with the high humidity. No biggie. She’d lived in the state her whole life. The sweltering heat gave her an excuse to keep her hair short and low-maintenance.

She strolled across the parking lot with a forced bounce in her step. Wedge-heeled sandals provided more stability than her usual stilettos. Plus, she dressed casual to look more approachable, approachable being the operative word. She wouldn’t lose sight of the purpose of this expedition. Talk about being out of her element. Ah, well. She’d have to suck it up if she wanted to get laid.

Destiny recalled the notes in her head. Go to the west side of the restaurant and look for the green metal door. She quickly scanned the lovely Japanese establishment, which didn’t officially open for business for another few hours. As expected, the main entrance looked deserted. The restaurant had an arrangement with the dating service. They hosted events, taught classes during off hours. Food and drinks were included in the reasonable fee.

You here for the cooking class?

Destiny’s head whipped around. A young woman, with a cigarette pinched between her fingers, came out from the shadows. Destiny locked eyes with her. I am, she said with a smile.

The girl gave her the once-over. They haven’t started yet.

Good, said Destiny. I hate being late. She hoped the girl had breath mints and perfume, because she reeked of smoke.

No hot guys in there. The petite brunette took a long drag from her cigarette. She exhaled a string of perfect white rings. Another waste of my time, she said, flicking ashes to the ground.

Destiny kept her distance. She didn’t want to smell like tobacco. Guess I should go inside and get settled. Hopefully, the other participants were a little more cheerful.

Look for the outdoor patio.

Destiny nodded. Thanks.

By the way, I’m Pandora.

Nice to meet you, Pandora. I’m Destiny.

Cool name.

Destiny hadn’t always thought so. She’d grown into her name. So is yours.

Pandora dropped the cigarette butt and mashed it with her shoe. It’s odd, but then, so am I.

Destiny had no doubt. She glanced at the woman's funky outfit and asymmetrical hairstyle. See you inside, she said with a wave.

The patio took Destiny’s breath away. Lush foliage, shaped bonsai trees and pretty stone paths created a relaxing atmosphere. Dark wooden counter-height tables and matching stools adorned the space. Whirling ceiling fans kept the air surprisingly refreshing. Her gaze skittered over a strategically placed fountain with a lovely Japanese motif. Rippling water enhanced the meditating effect.

Welcome, said an Asian man wearing a big happy grin. Come, come. He urged her closer. What is your name?

Destiny, she said, extending a handshake.

He took her hand into both of his. My name is Toshi, and today I am going to teach you how to make sushi. He dropped her hand and continued to smile.

Wonderful. I’m looking forward to it. Destiny glanced at the other participants. Everyone looked normal enough, just regular people like her.

We have wine, saki, soda, iced tea, water. Everything is right over there. Toshi pointed out the table. Enjoy a refreshment.

Okay. Destiny headed for the drink station. Chilled white wine called out to her. Deciding it wasn’t too early for alcohol, she poured herself a glass. Sipping chardonnay, she checked out her classmates. There were four women and five men. She’d been told the class would be limited to a dozen people—six males and six females. If she counted herself and Pandora, then one guy hadn’t arrived yet. She studied the group, men artfully chatting up the women. Sadly, none of them caught her eye. But she would remain open-minded. She hadn’t expected to find her ideal man—tall, dark and delicious. For what she needed, sweet and cute would suffice.

Drink in hand, she joined the others and introduced herself. Working as an IT recruiter for a Fortune 500 communications company gave her