Illicit Attraction by Zena Wynn

When the conversation finally lagged, Darius laid an arm on the back of her chair and leaned close. “So, does your husband know you’re here alone, dressed like that?”

She drew back in surprise and looked down. “That” was a low-cut, halter-styled dress in electric blue that came to mid-thigh and left her back completely bare. The color complimented her golden brown skin tone. “Is there something wrong with the way I’m dressed?”

He examined her from head-to-toe. “I like it. You look hot. It’s just a little too sexy for a woman claiming not to be on the prowl for her next lay.”

Cat frowned at him. “I didn’t dress this way for any man. I did it for me. I spend so much time being a mom that it’s nice to get out occasionally and dress as a woman.”

Her tone came out sharper than intended, and he drew back at her vehemence. “You don’t look like anyone’s mother, that’s for sure.” He took a sip of his drink, still studying her like a bug under a microscope.

Despite the way he was looking at her, Cat felt a flush of genuine pleasure go through her body. “Six months ago you wouldn’t have said that. I was severely out of shape and ragged looking, a total wreck.” Now she looked good and knew it. She’d worked hard to achieve the shape she had today. While she’d never be a size six, the size fourteen she’d whittled her way down to from a size twenty was very pleasing, with curves in all the right places and muscle tone.

“I’m sure you’re exaggerating.” He examined her from her hair down to where her body disappeared beneath the table, and the expression on his face said there was no way she could have ever looked as bad as she claimed.

“Believe me, I’m not.” She shuddered when she remembered how much she’d let herself go.

“What does your husband think about your new look?”

Cat shrugged her shoulders. “He doesn’t know. He’s in the Navy, out to sea. I haven’t seen him for the last six months.”

Darius whistled between his teeth. “Six months? Man, that must be rough. If what you say is true then he’s in for quite a shock.”

She bit her bottom lip. “I just hope it’s a good one.”

He looked puzzled. “Why wouldn’t it be?”

“Navy men are a suspicious lot. They’re gone so much and the divorce rate among sailors is so high, he might think there’s another man in the picture.”

“Is there?” Though his voice was bland, the look in his eye was intent.

She shook her head. “I love my husband. I would never betray him.”

“Do I hear a but…?”

Cat turned to the stage, debating her next words. The dark somehow made the confession easier. “We’ve been married six years. Out of the six, he’s only been home three. Sometimes, it seems like he’s gone more than he’s home. There are times when I’m lonely, times when it would be so easy…” She cast a quick glance in his direction to see what he thought of her confession.