Hello Temptation (Hello, #3)

by Kelsie Hoss

I spotted her immediately, the sunlight glancing off her dark hair. The blue dress she wore clung to her curves, and I found myself wishing I could be just as close. She was clearly in her element, talking freely with her colleagues, a stunning smile on her face.

Thanking my lucky stars that Henrietta would be working more closely with me instead of Janessa,

and in my hurry, bumped into Henrietta. She swayed in her heels, and I reached to catch her, my hands landing on her curvy hips.

She was soft, but solid. And my mind went places it shouldn’t have gone in public. “I’m so sorry,” I said, quickly righting her and pulling my hands away.

Two days in and I’d already made things awkward by practically fondling her on the job site. I’d apologize to her later, maybe with lunch, and hope it would patch things up.

In the background, I heard Henrietta talking with another reporter, and even though I wished I could listen to her, I spoke into the microphone. Time to focus on work.

I hate standing next to skinny girls.

What little chance I may have had with him was long gone. Not that him feeling the girth of my body during his rescue hadn’t sealed my hopeless fate.

Me right next to all of the thin, attractive executives at Blue Bird corporate. All the men were slimmer than me. Even Tyler’s aging boss.

But I’d been fat my whole life, even though half our food came from Mom’s massive backyard garden. I was just a big girl. Always had been, always would be.

“That contractor’s something to look at. I'm a little jealous you get to see him every day.”

“He's all yours,”

“It's against company policy to have romantic relations with contractors while they’re employed

Tyler’s clear disinterest had only reminded me of my failure in the romance department.

“Some people just don’t get happily ever after, at least not in the traditional sense.”

Not that I had to worry. I remembered the way he looked at me earlier. A romantic relationship was never in a million years going to happen between us. This was work and friendship only.

Damn… you inside my head Kelsie?

I couldn't quite find something to say because, honestly, I was breathless. Most men didn't really give two cares about what happened to their grandparents, or their parents for that matter, but here Tyler was reading research books on his time off to make a better home for his grandpa and everyone else. It was incredible.

But to be fair, I was more excited for her company than anything.

do drink wine from time to time. Just don't tell my dad.”

“Are you waiting on someone?”

Confused, I glanced toward Henrietta, confirming she was standing beside me. Her eyes were focused on the floor, so I answered, “It’s us two.”

“She didn't believe that someone like you would be here with someone like me.”

“Guys like you don't exactly go out with girls like me. Especially not to a fancy place like this.”

I studied her for a moment in utter disbelief, wondering what Henrietta had seen. What would make her think that a guy like me wouldn't be interested in her? I knew plenty of guys who liked their girls with curves—myself included.

Any guy, or woman for that matter, should be able to see that Henrietta was a catch. She smelled amazing, had a sexy swell of breasts under her blouse that gave just a peek at her cleavage. And the curve of her hips underneath her pencil skirt was practically kryptonite. Most of all, ...

This woman in front of me was so intriguing. The thought of her restoring a car when I’d only ever seen her in dresses made me want to know even more.

An image of Hen with her nose nestled in tulip petals warmed me in a way I didn’t quite understand.

“Looks like your grandma found someone else to set you up with after all.”

“Actually, I saw her walking by my work and couldn’t let her go without taking her on a date. We’ve been together about a month now. Although, I don’t know how you let a chance with her go.” I winked, extending my hand. “Tyler.”

He was jealous, but only because another guy was interested. It pissed me right off. He had no right to be jealous, especially since he’d turned her down once and then made a joke at her expense. Not to mention he was here with a different girl.

Part of me wanted to look away and deny the sadness in her deep brown eyes. I’d only known her two days, and it fucking sucked seeing this strong, beautiful woman brought down by a man who would hardly give her a second look and a woman who clearly thought appearance was the only thing that mattered.

“I can see the look in their eyes when they realize who I am.”

It took all I had not to get up and walk to Deshawn’s table, just across the room, and shake him. What was wrong with these guys that they couldn’t see what was right in front of them?

“Do me a favor?”

“Don't let those guys make you feel bad about yourself.”

She nodded, and it took all I had to pull my hand away.

“They have to suffer a little before their happily ever after. But stop deflecting. He's had to have taken you up to his apartment by now. Right? Maybe flirted a little?”

“Why on earth would he want to be with a mean girl when he was sitting across from you?”

“How did Tyler handle it?”

“He rescued me.”

“This is the part I was hoping for.”

“I think he took pity on me—he pretended to be my boyfriend and made the guy totally jealous in front of his date. He was really sweet abo...

“He put his hand on mine and looked me in the eyes and said not to let them make me feel any less beautiful than I am. And it seemed like he really meant it.”

“Let him choose his intentions.” “What do you mean?” I asked. “You’re already assuming you know the ‘why’ behind what he did, but the truth is, Tyler’s the only one who knows.”

I had already pegged him as just another hot guy who would never be interested in a plus-sized girl like me. What if he had other reasons for doing what he’d done?

But the sight of Tyler's pickup and his concerned face through the windshield had me freezing. Now I was really embarrassed. I straightened, wiping gravel off my knees and pulling my dress down.

“Can I help you change it? I'd hate to see you ruin that pretty dress.”

“If we work on it together, I bet we can get there on time.”

“My dad would whoop me upside the head if I didn't stop to help.”

“I'm surprised someone hasn't already.”