The Incident

Temptation in Red Lace:

Joe eased the 1967 Impala into his usual spot outside Chaseur Pharmaceuticals, the powerful V8 rumbling down to a low growl before he cut the engine. Sunlight danced across the black-and-chrome body like it was something alive. This car was his pride; a reward after years of hard work, late nights, and those lean internship days surviving on determination and cheap meals. Now he was a full-time data analyst here, well-compensated and building something real at a company that actually tried to do good.

He stepped out into the pleasant morning air, no jacket needed. Just a crisp white button-up with sleeves rolled to the elbows, dark jeans, and his lab coat draped over one arm. The breeze felt good on his skin. He breathed it in… then-

Smack.

A sheet of paper hit him square in the face.

“Shit-” he muttered, peeling it off as her voice reached him.

“Hey! Sorry!” Scarlett called, jogging up with a bundle of papers clutched to her chest.

His pulse kicked up the second he saw her. Scarlett Heart; blonde hair tied back but still catching the wind, petite frame, tight body, and those striking baby-blue eyes full of spark and mischief. She was the only other intern who’d made it to full-time with him, sharp in field testing, and always distractingly attractive in her fitted blouse, charcoal skirt, and heels that gave her stride extra confidence.

She reached him slightly out of breath, cheeks flushed from the jog, a light sheen of sweat at her collarbone. “You always catching things for me?” she teased, plucking the paper from his fingers with a playful smile.

God, he looks good today, she thought, her gaze lingering a moment on his rolled-up sleeves and the way his shirt fit across his chest. I wish he’d finally make a move. I’d love to feel those arms around me.

Joe grinned back. “You always throwing them at me?”

They laughed, the familiar banter flowing easily, but his mind wandered. The way her chest rose and fell with each breath, the soft flush on her skin, that breathy edge to her voice; it all stirred something deep and warm in him. She’s always been gorgeous, he thought. But damn, how does she look so tempting every day?

That’s when he noticed.

A couple of buttons on her white blouse had popped open during her jog, the fabric gaping just enough to reveal a flash of ruby-red lace beneath. The delicate bra cupped the curve of her breast, hinting at soft skin and the faint outline of what lay beneath. Heat rushed through him. He looked away quickly, clearing his throat as a flush crept up his neck.

Scarlett caught the shift. Is he blushing, she thought, a thrill running through her.

“You okay?” she asked, tilting her head with a playful glint in her eyes.

He tapped his own chest subtly.

She glanced down, following his gesture. “Oh god!” she gasped, cheeks burning.

She shoved the stack of papers into his arms and turned slightly away, laughing under her breath as her fingers fumbled with the buttons. “Almost gave the whole building a peep show,” she muttered.

Joe spoke before he could stop himself. “No,” he said quietly. “Just me.”

Jesus! Did I really say that? he thought, heart pounding. But it’s true; I wouldn’t mind if it was only for me.

Scarlett’s pulse raced. A warm wave of heat washed over her as she turned back to face him, their eyes locking with all the unspoken tension that had built for months.

With a surge of courage, she tugged her blouse open enough to give him a proper look at the red lace bra. The sheer floral mesh clung to her perky breasts, the sunlight catching on her golden skin and the delicate silver barbells piercing her rosy pink and stiff nipples. It was daring, intimate, and she held it for a lingering moment before letting the fabric fall closed again, a sly smile playing on her lips.

“You earned a little thank-you,” she said sweetly, her voice carrying a hint of invitation as she finished buttoning up. I hope he takes the hint. I’ve been waiting for him to see me like this.

She winked, brushing his hand as she did, then turned toward the building. Joe fell in step beside her, still feeling the rush from what had just happened. The air between them felt thicker now, charged with possibility.

Scarlett glanced sideways at him as they walked. “You always turn that red?” she whispered, her tone light but full of meaning.

He didn’t answer with words, but the look he gave her; and the way his eyes followed her as she moved; said plenty. Her soft giggle filled the space between them.

The day had barely started, but the parking lot moment had already shifted everything.