Why couldn't she turn the tables?

Kate considered this as she left the office, took the stairs to the first floor and entered the courtyard. Her heart hammered in her chest and she wasn't the least bit certain what she was going to say to him, but damn it. She was attractive and had a trim body from Pilates. She may be older than the twenty-something Adonis, but age didn't matter when a person was this sexually charged. Kate doubted very seriously a woman his age could match her current prowess. Her raging libido kept her in a constant state of arousal-and he was just the guy to take the edge off.

One long, hot, sticky night of no-strings-attached, down-and-dirty fucking was exactly what the doctor ordered.

Stat!

Making a quick stop at the snack shack set up alongside the courtyard, she purchased a soda and a bottle of water. Then she marched down the cobblestone pathway, the clicking of her high heels echoing her determination. Not allowing herself to think about the possible rejection she could receive, she stepped onto the grass and walked right up to the Adonis, who was now using his shirt to mop the sweat from his chest. Kate's eyes feasted on his bronze skin, his perfectly sculpted body.

And the saliva in her mouth turned to dust.

Shit, he really was gorgeous.

Working down a lump of desire that had lodged itself in her dry throat, she thrust both hands out and managed to say, "Thirsty?"

A slow smile split his very kissable lips. His ocean-blue eyes slid over her body like a fiery caress, nearly searing her. Kate's pulse raced as the heat from his gaze prickled her skin. The throbbing deep in her pussy started all over again.

"As a matter of fact," he said when his eyes met hers. "Yes." He considered her offering, then selected the water. "Thanks."

Kate popped open the soda with shaky fingers and took a long drink. She was parched. Then she boldly said, "I was getting dehydrated just watching you work. It's hot out here."

And getting hotter every second...

He ignored the bottle of water in his large hand and stared at Kate, as though trying to cut right to the chase and discern what she was up to.

Good. The quicker they got the show on the road, the better!

"You were watching me?" he asked.

"Uh-huh," Kate brazenly answered, though where the verve came from, she didn't know. Must be her desperate need for sex. Or it could be the heat that besieged her from the blazing sun and the sexy man before her. Tiny beads of perspiration popped out on her forehead and the back of her neck. Her long hair suddenly felt heavy and oppressive. Pushing her free hand beneath the curtain of straight hair, she lifted it up so what little breeze there was could cool her skin.

His curiosity turned to amusement. "I didn't realize we had an audience."

We, who? As far as she was concerned, this was a one-man show. But she didn't say that. "Hard to not notice when you're working right outside my window. And since I've lost my ocean view, I had to have something to look at for creative inspiration. So...thanks."

His grin widened. "Aha. So I'm eye candy for the pretty executive."

She shrugged, striving for nonchalance.

He twisted the cap off the water bottle and took a long swig. Kate's gaze was glued to his throat as it worked down the water. The desire to taste his skin, knowing it would be salty and warm, made the anticipation well within her. A sigh of longing bubbled up inside her, but she managed to keep it from escaping her parted lips.

When he replaced the cap, he asked, "What's your name?"

Did it really matter?

But she'd been raised to have good manners, so she said, "Kate."

"Well, Kate." He swiped his hand against his jean-clad thigh and then extended it to her. "It's nice to meet you. I'm Jake."

Of course he was. A man that sinfully gorgeous wouldn't be named Bob or Ted. No, he was sexy as hell and deserving of a manly name.

Jake.

She liked it.

Kate dropped her hair and slipped her hand in his. Erotic sensations instantly flooded her body. With just that one, simple touch. His skin was warm and rough. All she could think of was how those hands would feel on her bare breasts, the thumbs rubbing her nipples tight before his palms moved downward, over her stomach to her parted legs. His fingers would stroke her swollen lips, then tease her clit until she was breathless and crazed with desire. And when he pushed those long, strong fingers inside her aching cunt...

Oh God.

She stifled a groan.

It was time to take this bull by the horns!

"I'm grilling steaks tonight," she said in a breathy voice. "You interested?"

The surprise on Jake's face notwithstanding, she innately knew he'd consent. That flicker of awareness in his eyes and the way he gazed at her with such...hunger...spoke volumes. He found her desirable.

It was exactly what she needed. Even if just for one night.

"Say, seven o'clock?" she pressed, her voice sounding low and throaty. "Two-five-five-five-two Historic Decatur Drive."

"That's right down the street."

She nodded. "See you tonight."

Reluctantly pulling her hand from his, she turned to go.

Be coy and intriguing. Don't muck this up with more conversation.

This was all about sex. That's all she was interested in.

Her high heels hit the cobblestone pathway as he called after her. "I'll bring the wine, Kate."

And I'll supply the condoms...