Temptation

By Chiquita Dennie

Enjoy this steamy, curvy girl, billionaire romance.....

 

Gabriel McCollough is the star basketball coach, Top draft pick that played in one season and retired from the game of basketball from a injury and the twenty-five-year-old alpha male every young woman in town can't help but like.

Desire Spence is a good teacher, a good person, a quiet, reserved soul, but a chance meeting with a handsome coach, ten years her junior, tests her limits and stirs up a controversy she could've ever anticipated.

He wants her. She wants him. Everyone in their lives is against their relationship.

Will they give into societal pressures or follow their hearts' desires?

• Language: English
• Publisher: 304publishing Company
• Release date: Feb 28, 2019
• ISBN: 9781386192831

Chiquita Dennie

Chiquita Dennie is an Author, Filmmaker, Podcast host, and Entrepreneur. Born in Memphis, TN, and a Los Angeles CA native. Her background in film/tv has taught and shaped her passion for screenwriting with her suspense script Antonio and Sabrina, that turned into romance novel Antonio and Sabrina Struck In Love Series. Since its debut, fans have embraced the unconventional love story and Chiquita has gone on to create more unforgettable couples with Heart of Stone series. Making both series Amazon BestSellers. She writes contemporary steamy romance, romantic suspense, women's fiction, fantasy and so much more.Bookbub:https://bit.ly/bookbubchiquitaTumblr:https://bit.ly/304TumblrRadishfiction:https://bit.ly/radishfictionchiquitaPinterest:https://bit.ly/304pinterestReaderGroup:https://bit.ly/fansofchiquitaNewsletter:https://bit.ly/304newsletterYoutube:https://bit.ly/304publishingyoutubePlaylists:https://bit.ly/304publishingplaylistBookandMain:https://bit.ly/chiquitabookbitesTwitter:https://twitter.com/authorchiquitadFacebook:https://bit.ly/CDennieInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/authorchiquitadennie/Amazon:https://amzn.to/2TKTsYDWebsite:www.chiquitadennie.com

Book preview

Prologue

Desiree

Do you, Desiree Spence, take Gabriel McCullough to be your lawfully-wedded husband? the pastor asked. He looked between Gabriel and me as we stared into each other’s eyes. Gabriel’s touch was reassuring; his eyes alone seemed to undress me, as though it were just the two of us standing there.

That was the moment we’d been waiting for. After multiple obstacles and breakups, I realized I needed to put myself first and not let other factors define my happiness. Gabriel showed no signs of hesitation in marrying me, and I appreciated his strength and motivation.

Over the past year, I’d taken a new job at East High School after leaving my old job as a substitute teacher. I’d dealt with David’s betrayal and getting fired. My family stood by me—even though my father wanted to kick his ass. Hearing the gossip around town helped my decision to start over in a new town and make new memories. What I didn’t expect was to encounter an overwhelming force that turned my life upside down—this smooth, charismatic charmer with rich, milk-chocolate skin and dimples, with a small scar next to his mouth. Some people might have been put off by it, but in a weird way, it made him even sexier to me. Standing tall, at around 6’3", he had broad shoulders and thick, muscular arms that brought me comfort every night in bed—not to mention Gabriel’s soft, oval, dark-brown eyes that had me melting in the palms of his hands. I loved climbing onto him every chance I got. Feeling his hands running up and down my back brought chills to my spine.

We waited before having sex again until the wedding night. It was Gabriel’s idea, and after the shock wore off, I remembered he always put my needs above his own.

David could never compare to Gabriel; many times, David came off as selfish, making plans that revolved around his own needs. He liked to show off to our mutual friends and make himself seem bigger and more important than anyone else. I could count on my one hand how many times he got involved in the community.

After several nights of tossing and turning and yearning to have Gabriel by my side, I couldn’t wait to get him alone and try something new. The church we picked out was beautiful, with its fine crystal-and-gold window trimming. Flowers adorned each row, and thanks to the high ceiling, the church choir sounded exquisite as they performed one of my favorite songs, Tamia’s Spend My Life with You.

Baby, you, all right? Gabriel asked and squeezed my hands tighter to pull me out of my trance.

A part of me felt nervous; my stomach was doing somersaults and my hands were sweaty; I was about to become someone’s wife. I looked around the room at my family, and my best friend, Sidney, as she rocked her newborn baby and my goddaughter, Coco, to sleep. If I hadn’t listened to Sidney that day and interviewed for the job, I wouldn’t have met my future love, my backbone, best friend, and my weakness.

Excuse me, Pastor, what did you say? I asked as our guests laughed at me for zoning out during my wedding.

I asked, do you take Gabriel to be your wedded husband, to have and to hold, through sickness and in health, till death do you part?

I do, I answered, giving Gabriel a coy smile.

I do, Gabriel answered huskily.

I now pronounce you husband and wife, and you may kiss the bride.

I heard everyone shout and cheer before we even kissed. I caught a glimpse of Gabriel’s mother and sister, whispering back and forth; apparently, his mother was not the least bit interested in what was going on at her son's wedding. I was amused by her long, sleeveless black dress and black sunglasses. Of course, she dressed like it was a funeral, instead of our wedding day. I was not surprised she showed up—just surprised she didn’t stop the wedding.

I had a great relationship with his father, grandparents, and friends. His mom thought I was the devil, and she had tried her best to keep us apart—even conspiring with his ex-girlfriend to break us up, and then trying to convince him to play basketball again and quit teaching.

Gabriel lifted my veil and stared into my eyes as the tears slowly slipped down my cheeks. Standing on my tiptoes, I met him halfway, and our mouths sealed our vows. It was a sensual, pulsating kiss that had my juices flowing. I was ready to take him into the bathroom for a quickie.

I love you, Mrs. McCullough, he said.

I love you too, Mr. McCullough.

He gently wiped the tears traveling down my face. How does it feel to marry a man 10 years younger than you, babe?

Like I have a lifetime to share new memories—

The church doors opened, and a familiar voice cut me off. Desiree!

Da—David? I stuttered, shocked at his interruption.

Chapter 1

Desiree

Two Years Earlier

This is good for you, Desi. A new school, a new home, and new men to date. This is what Dr. Phil meant about making the changes you want to see. Just don’t wait for it to happen, Sidney urged, her voice fading in and out.

What are you doing? I hear a lot of rustling and movement through the phone; did you call me while you’re fucking again? I told you about—

No, I'm carrying in my groceries. Hey, don’t get mad at me for having a healthy sex life. I recommend you take pointers; you wouldn’t be so irritable all the time, Sidney retorted in a huff.

I’m not grouchy, just picky.

Okay, Picky, when was your last date since the David situation? Please don’t bring up that Nathan guy, either, because he had a fetish for women who acted like his momma.

Now, why did you bring that memory back? I exclaimed with disgust, shuddering.

After showing my parking pass and school ID, I pulled into my assigned parking spot. Since it was a public-school district, we often had to share rides or Uber because of limited parking spaces. Sidney and I had planned to carpool to save on gas, but she was off today.

My parents understood I needed a change once I broke up with my ex. Having to be around mutual friends or co-workers in our little group wasn’t helping me move on, and this job was the beginning of my brand-new start.

As your best friend, it is my job to keep you in check, so stupid mistakes like that don’t happen again. Sidney rambled on and on about my lack of a love life, while I placed the phone between my neck and shoulder to pick up my box of supplies, my purse, and my jacket from the front seat.

I got out and shut the door with my hip; I felt relaxed and ready for this new step in my life. Sidney and I had put in a lot of hard work, organizing community meetings at my old school. Parents, teachers, and the Board of Education came together to fix the problems in our system and bring those ideas to this new school; hopefully, it would keep my mind on other things besides dating trashy men.

Sidney, I need to go, I said. I just reached the front entrance. Can we do an early dinner and catch up?

How about we go to the new bar over on Popular and Donald, down the street from the mall? It just opened, and all the fine men hang out there, Sidney suggested warmly.

After agreeing on our meeting place, I hung up and slipped my phone into my purse. Showing my badge as I walked through the door, I smiled at the security guard. He gave me a small smile and waved me through. I walked down the hallway as the bell rang; the kids were already lined against the wall to head into their classrooms. I quickly headed to the principal's office to introduce myself.

Hello, welcome to East High School. I’m Miss Mary; how can I help you? asked an older woman with a wide smile that showed a smudge of lipstick on her two front teeth. She had tightly-curled hair and was wearing a velvet pantsuit.

She extended her right hand, so I placed my box on the counter and shook it. I’m Desiree Spence, the new history teacher. I believe Principal Douglass is expecting me.

Yes, Mr. Douglass told me you’d be starting today. Did you have any problems finding your way to our little school?

No, I found it fine. I moved to the area a few weeks ago and drove here to check the school out early.

Perfect! Let me buzz Mr. Douglass to come and greet you.

I smiled and took the seat she offered while she contacted the principal.

Mr. Douglass came through a side door and stretched a hand out for me to take. It’s nice to see you again, Miss Spence. Welcome to our school. Did Miss Mary get you settled with your passes and ID?

I have my ID and passes, thank you. I walked beside him down the corridor, and he talked about the school's history. When we arrived at my classroom, he stuck the key in the door, and he motioned for me to walk in first. Looking around the room, I smiled and felt excited.

We have a staff meeting today at 5:30. I’ll let you quickly get settled before your first class comes in. Mr. Douglass looked at the clock on the wall. Which should be in fifteen minutes.

I nodded in agreement and watched him walk out of the room, closing the door behind him. I danced in excitement. Later that day, I grabbed my purse and jacket, ready to head out after the faculty meeting. As I got close to the exit, I saw it was pouring rain. Of course, I forgot my umbrella in my car. I braced myself and decided to make a run for it.

I skidded on the pavement, and my arms automatically wind-milled as I tried to get my balance, dropping my purse in a mud puddle. Shit!

As I was trying to open the door and shake the excess water out of my purse, the rain came down even harder. Opening the door, I tossed my soggy purse onto the passenger’s seat and dropped down into the driver's seat.

I was exhausted from the long day, and the staff meeting with some very snobbish women. The reaction I received from the other teachers surprised me. I guessed Mr.