Playing With Fire

By Marilyn Lee

Shannon Harrison and Adam Hayden are on a collision course. She's a counselor assuring his young, pregnant daughter she can be a successful single mom. He's a father determined that his only child must marry before she gives birth.
Shannon, a confident, full-figured black woman, is dismayed by her attraction to the handsome, blue-eyed Adam Hayden. But when he refuses to see reason, Shannon undertakes a course of seduction, which she hopes will end with Adam agreeing to let Dana make her own life choices.
Adam, sharing her attraction, decides to try his hand at seduction. He's certain that after a little romance and a couple of one-night stands, Shannon will join him in insisting Dana must marry her baby's father. Each will learn that playing with fire can have life-changing consequences. 
 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Marilyn Lee Unleashed
• Release date: Jan 9, 2020
• ISBN: 9781393625582

Marilyn Lee

Marilyn Lee lives, works, and writes on the East Coast. In addition to thoroughly enjoying writing erotic romances, she enjoys roller-skating, spending time with her large, extended family, and rooting for all her hometown sports teams. Her other interests include collecting Doc Savage pulp novels from the thirties and forties and collecting Marvel comics from the seventies and eighties (particularly Thor and The Avengers). Her favorite TV shows are forensic shows, westerns (Gunsmoke and Have Gun, Will Travel are particular favorites), mysteries (loves the old Charlie Chan mysteries. Her all-time favorite mystery movie is probably Dead, Again), and nearly every vampire movie or television show ever made (Forever Knight and Count Yorga, Vampire are favorites). Marilyn has won numerous writing accolades, including a CAPA award for Bloodlust: Conquering Mikhel Dumont and the following Lub-Dubs Awards for 2009: Lifetime Achievement Award, In Blood And Worth Loving (Best erotic novel and best sci-fi/fantasy/paranormal Award. She loves to hear from readers who can email her at [e-mail] or who can visit her website, http://www.marilynlee.org. Visit her Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/marilyn.lee.393950?ref=tn_tnmn) She has a Yahoo! Group called Love Bytes that readers can join by sending an email to [e-mail]

Book preview

Chapter One

Adam Hayden shifted in his mahogany leather chair. The sunlight streaming in through the Venetian blinds cast a pleasing glow over the room. The glow extended to the face of the woman staring at him from the other side of his desk. Not that she needed any help.

Thick dark hair pulled back from a pretty face, emphasized her classic bone structure. She had clear, flawless, honey-kissed golden-brown skin. Her eyes were a dark, liquid brown, her lips, like the rest of her body, were full. She projected an enveloping warmth in which a man could lose himself. Why had he never noticed the allure of an attractive, full-figured woman? This one exuded confidence and sheer sexuality.

With her beautify, she should be posing for the cover of an upscale women’s magazine. Not storming into his well-ordered life in the middle of a hectic, May afternoon. Storming in and sending his libido into active overdrive. Looking at her, he felt his cock stirring. But what the hell. He couldn’t afford to lose his perspective with her.

Under different circumstances, she would have been welcome in his office and into his bed. But not today. Today, he glowered back at her.

Lady, just who do you think you are to tell my daughter that she doesn’t have to marry the father of her baby?

He watched as she took several deep breaths, as if schooling herself not to lose her temper when she spoke. "You’re mistaken, Mr. Hayden, if you think I had anything to do with Dana’s decision. She made it by herself, after a lot of soul-searching. You should be very proud of her. It wasn’t an easy decision to make. You should be happy she’s determined to be a good, single mother and get a college education. My colleagues and I at the Women’s Alliance will do all we can to help her, but she needs your support too."

Help her? You call telling her it’s okay to be an unwed mother at her age helping her?

I think you meant to say single mother. Unwed mother has an ugly connation.

He glanced at the picture of Dana on the upper right-hand corner of his desk. A pretty girl with dark hair and a beautiful mocha complexion smiled at him from the frame. She looked far too young and innocent to be pregnant. What makes you think my daughter needs help from you or your organization?

He watched her brown gaze narrow. Hmm. Let me think. It might be the fact that she came into the center two months ago seeking guidance. And that’s all I gave her, she said in a voice cool enough to freeze the waters of the Delaware River in mid-August.

I’ve seen her several times since then and her resolve has impressed me each time. In addition to offering her all the resources at the center, I’d like to be her friend.

Her friend? Adam made no effort to hide his annoyance. In case you haven’t noticed Dana is only seventeen. And you want to be her friend? How old are you?

I never thought age had anything to do with friendship, but I’m twenty-nine. How old are you, Mr. Hayden? She spoke with a cool confidence he would have admired under different circumstances. Now, he checked the impulse to order the woman out of his office. Perhaps he could use her obvious influence on Dana to his advantage. In any case, telling her to stay out of his life, his office, and his business wouldn’t change Dana’s mind. As much as he hated the idea, he couldn’t afford to antagonize this woman.

Unfortunately, annoyance wasn’t the only emotion she generated in him. He had to fight to keep his gaze from lingering on her breasts. The effort took a toll on him and when he spoke, his voice came out low and husky. I’m thirty-eight, he said slowly, shifting mental gears. And I love slow dancing with friends. If you’d like to go dancing, I know a place where we could slow dance the night away to R B, Miss Harrison. Or do you prefer Ms.?

She treated him to a frigid stare. For the record, I have no interest in your personal life, Mr. Hayden.

Shannon congratulated herself for keeping a straight face even as her stomach did flip-flops. She pursed her lips and glanced at him from under her lowered lids. He was the most physically beautiful man she had ever seen in person. The hint of laughter lines bracketing his sensual mouth suggested character. His eyes had undeniable depths to them. Depth of experience or was it pain?

His dark, well cut suit emphasized his magnificent physique. But then he would look good in cut-off jeans and an old, sleeveless pullover. Why hadn’t she paid more attention when Dana talked about him? She found herself wanting to know more about him. He was tall and sexy with intense blue eyes and pale skin. Did he have a special woman in his life? Or was he up for grabs? The thought of ‘grabbing’ him sent a rush of heat to her cheeks.

Not that his relationship status mattered. Personal involvement was out of the question. "And no, I would not like to go dancing with you, Mr. Hayden," she added for emphasis, though it was more for her own benefit than his.

She forced herself to meet his gaze head as he made a slow, insolent inspection of her. Men usually stared at her breasts and tended to find her legs deserving of long, appreciative stares. Did he find her half as attractive as she found him?

Are you sure about that? he asked softly.

I am positive, Mr. Hayden.

He shrugged. Ah, well, you can’t blame a man for trying.

Shannon decided it was time she reminded them both why she was there. Otherwise, it would be too tempting to surrender to the urge to flirt with him. It’s Mrs. Harrison, Mr. Hayden.

Mrs.? He blinked in surprise.

How had he missed the simple gold band on the third finger of her left hand? Yes, Mrs., she said smoothly, enjoying the subdued look on his face. Letting him think she was still married might help keep their discussion on a professional basis. Now, if we could get back to the reason you agreed to see me this afternoon? She glanced at her watch without seeing the time. I do have other appointments.

Do you? Then I suggest you keep them because you’ve wasted your time and mine coming here, Mrs. Harrison. Dana is going to get married before her baby is born. I’m not sur what you thought you and I had to discuss.

She stared at him, frowning. You think there’s nothing to discuss? Aren’t you the least bit disturbed by the fact that she does not love this guy you insist she marry?

She loved him enough to let him get her pregnant!

His thoughtless comment overshadowed the pain she heard in his voice. She frowned. Sex is not love. And just where had he been while Dana was having sex? Probably dancing with some slender beauty at his R B joint. Anger and indignation tightened her belly. How could he feel that way when Dana was bending over backwards not to disappoint him? You mean you’d rather Dana was involved in a miserable marriage than be a single, happy mother? She made no effort to conceal the censure in her voice. Surely, I’m not understanding you correctly, Mr. Hayden.

He inhaled sharply before he exploded to his feet. Frankly, Mrs. Harrison, I don’t give one little damn what you do or do not understand. About anything. He moved swiftly across the room to open his office door. Now if you’ll excuse me, I too have other appointments that I intend to keep.

She remained seated. He was sadly mistaken if he thought he could easily dismiss her. Dana was counting on her to at least get him to discuss her refusal to marry. And that’s what she intended to do—using any means necessary.

The thinly veiled look of interest in his eyes earlier, when he’d thought her single, let her know she had just such a means at her disposal. Assuming he liked full-figured women. And assuming she dared to try it. And why shouldn’t she? Full-figured was not synonymous with unattractive. A woman could be both. She could be both. She lifted her chin slightly. She was both.

The plan taking shape was risky and about as unprofessional as she could get; but if it kept Dana from the agony of a bad marriage, so be it.

She settled herself firmly in her seat and crossed one leg over the other. As she did, the skirt of her calf-length dress fell away, revealing her thighs. They were large and what her mother liked to call healthy. She was pleased at the way his blue gaze rested appreciatively on her legs.

Surely your appointments can’t be nearly as important as discussing your only child’s happiness, Mr. Hayden, she said, allowing her voice to soften into a warm purr.

But he didn’t seem impressed—at least not by her attempt to sound seductive. This was not to say he was entirely unmoved. The clinging muscles in his jaw assured her of that.

Still, his reaction fell short of her hopes. He swore angrily, closed his office door with a decided bang, and turned to face her. What did you just say to me? His voice was dangerously low, his eyes cool.

She uncrossed her legs, pushed her skirt down, and scrambled to her feet. Her heartbeat uncomfortably fast as he stormed across the room to scowl directly down into her face.

Her eyes widened as she looked up at his six foot plus frame. It had been a long time since she’d seen such a stunning pair of shoulders or such a wide chest. He was big and totally masculine. And his cologne enchanted her. His sheer masculinity inflamed her senses.

She took several deep breaths. She needed to think clearly, which meant keeping her thoughts off his physically exciting attributes. But he was so sexy that was impossible. Still, she had to at least try. Mr. Hayden, I think—

I really don’t care what you think about anything, you insolent witch! He cut her off ruthlessly. How dare you imply that I’m not concerned about Dana’s happiness? You have no idea how I feel about my only child. For two cents, I’d shake you until your legs buckle.

Stunned by the heat and force of his unexpected verbal attack, she backed away from him until she felt his big oak desk against the back of her legs. She’d clearly chosen her words unwisely. Her best move now would be to cut her losses and try again when they’d both had time to cool down.

I didn’t mean to imply any such thing, she began in her best let’s-be-reasonable voice. You’ve clearly misunderstood my intensions... She gazed into his stormy blue eyes and ground to a brief halt. She pressed her lips together and regrouped. Maybe we can talk again when you’re feeling more reasonable.

Are you saying that I’m being unreasonable now?

A quick glance at his face convinced her that she’d goofed in a big way. His voice was testy, his eyes cold. Clearly, he was not in the mood for seduction. A woman with half the sense she was born with would apologize and leave quickly and resume the battle another day. But she’d never been a quitter. And she was almost sure that if she kept her head, she might still be able to prevail.

She smiled slowly, ignoring the inner voice that warned playing at seduction with him might be tantamount to playing with fire. What I’m saying...asking, is that you give me a little more time to explain. That’s all. Surely, that’s not too much to ask.

He gave her a long, measured look, his eyes narrowing with a glint she didn’t like. For a moment she panicked, wondering if he’d guessed at her intentions. Once he spoke, she decided she was being paranoid, because he gave no indication that he sensed her plan.

I’m listening.

She glanced at his chiseled features, spreading her hands in a placating manner.

He remained silent, staring at her.

She sighed and slowly closed the distance between them. She put a hand on the shoulder of his dark suit before lifting her face to his. There’s really no need for any unpleasantness between us. We both have Dana’s best interests at heart. And I’m sure we can be friends, she said slowly, feeling her way.

Before she could decide how much further she should go, he snatched the choice from her. His big hands came out whipcord fast, latching onto her arms. Catching and holding her gaze, he slowly reeled her in until she nestled within the circle of his arms against his body.

She caught her breath as a flood of desire swept through her.

His body stirred in response to her proximity.

Shannon could feel all the hard muscles of his thighs pressing intimately against her. She bit her lip, closing her eyes briefly. She felt the unmistakable bulge of his cock hardening against her. Oh, Lord! It had been too long since she’d been with a man, she realized, as she began to burn with an ache that incinerated common sense.

She had never felt such an overwhelming need for a man. Not even for Jack for in the early days of their marriage had she felt this painful longing to feel him inside her. She wanted Adam Hayden. Now. All other considerations gone, she pressed against the beguiling bulge in his pants. Breathing deeply, she lifted her head to stare up at him, letting him see the desire in her eyes.

He gazed down at her, slowly, sensuously grinding his cock against her.

She trembled. What was he thinking? Did he like her thick, dark hair up or would he prefer it down so he could run his fingers and lips through it as he slowly sank into her? Was it the thought of kissing her trembling, parted lips that had started the tell-tale stirring in his groin, a stirring she could not resist pressing ever closer to?

Whatever attracted him, he wrapped his arms around her pliant body and held her so close that she couldn’t help but feel the affect she had on him. It made her feel giddy, sexy, and needy. The grinding of her lower body into his elicited a soft groan from him.

You want to be my friend too? he asked, his voice soft and husky with unmistakable masculine need. His teeth tugged gently at one of her earlobes, sending a tingle of desire right down to her toes. He pressed her back against his desk, his tongue making an exploration of the delicate channels of her ear and the sensitive skin under her jaw line.

I want to be more than your friend, she admitted.

"You smell almost as

Reviews for Playing With Fire

[Mahtyze Thorpe · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Great buildup to a disappointingly abrupt ending. Still a lot of unresolved issues too.