“I wanted to talk about last night.”
“What about it?” Tess turned to look at him, her auburn
locks blowing in the light breeze that danced through the porch.
“Tessa, about that kiss…” Chase stared out at the property.
“I’m sending all these mixed vibes. I’m never this indecisive.” He was used to
taking what he wanted and worrying about consequences later. With her,
everything was different. She threw him off balance and made him think about
his every move.
“Don’t worry about it. We both know we’re attracted to one
another. It happened and it’s not a big deal.”
“It isn’t?” When had she become so mature? Why wasn’t she
trying to convince him that they should be together?
“Is that what you wanted to tell me?”
“Not really but if you’re okay with it...” He shook his
head; the heat of her breath had lingered on his lips for hours after that
kiss. Every time he closed his eyes he felt her sigh against his mouth. “I
can’t forget about it. I know I told you we couldn’t be together but none of my
reasons make sense anymore. The more time I spend with you the more I want
you.”
“Are you saying you want to be with me?”The look of
vulnerability in her eyes scared him. She put on a good act when it came to
being tough but he knew the truth. There was a sweetness; an innocence about
her. One that told him she was still a girl; still on the verge of becoming a
woman – who needed to be loved, respected and desired. God help him, but he
wanted to be the man to show her all of that, and give her the world.
“I want to back away from you; I don’t want to let you in.”
How much longer could he fight her? Fight these baser instincts?
“Then go.” The certainty in her eyes gave him clarity. This
was her last attempt where he was concerned.
“I can’t, Tessa. Your pull is too strong.” He lowered his
mouth to hers, focusing on those forbidden lips. The devil did exist. She stood
in front of him as the flirtatious redhead who now consumed his mind, body and
soul. “I can’t resist your temptation anymore.”
“Then don’t.”
“I’m not sure I’m the right man for you.”
“Why can’t you let me decide for myself?” She let out a
frustrated breath. “I’ve been making choices about my life for a long time. I
don’t need you to do what you think is best for me. That’s not helping either
one of us. All you’re doing is making both of us miss out on something
wonderful.”
He admired her spirit. That vibrant spirit and uninhibited
determination. “I know you’re capable of making your own choices.” He kissed a
path to her ear. “You’re capable of so many things. I want to be the man who
helps you realize all of your dreams.” He moved his mouth along her jaw and
back to her lips. “I can’t fight this anymore. I won’t.”
“It’s about time.” She kissed him, sweeping her tongue
inside his mouth. “We’ve been doing nothing but wasting time,” she said when
she finally stopped for a breath.
“No, we haven’t.” He took her face between his hands. “We
have all the time in the world. We can take everything slow. I want you Tessa,
but after our explosive chemistry in the study, I think moderation is in
order.”
“Would you be this controlled with anyone other than me?”
“No.” That was the truth. Patience was not a virtue in his
world.
“Then why?”
“Because I care about you. I don’t want to screw this up.”
“Oh.”
“Don’t be so surprised. I’ve grown quite fond of you.” He
kissed her softly. “I want to do this right for a change.”
“You don’t need to be so careful with me.”
“I do. Trust me.” He stroked her soft cheek. “Why don’t you
get some breakfast while I shower?”
“I could shower with you…” She grinned provocatively. “That
might be fun.”
“Don’t tempt me.” He pressed his lips to her forehead.
“When you’re ready we’ll go get those pumpkins, maybe visit your dad and then
stop somewhere for a late lunch. How does that sound?”
“Like a date?” She trailed her finger down his chest to his
waistband. “I’d love to.”
“Perfect.” He kissed her one more before pulling away. At
this rate they’d never leave the porch. “I’ll see you in a bit.”
“Are you sure?” She gripped his biceps, pulling him back to
her. “We could stay here and just… get to know one another.”
Good God, but she was a cheeky addiction!
“I love your fearlessness but we’ll stick with my plan.” He
tapped the tip of her nose with his finger. “We’ll leave in an hour.”
“Fine,” she huffed as she walked over to the porch swing.
“I’ll be ready.”
He laughed as he made his way into the house, dropping his
mug off in the sink before hurrying up the back staircase, taking two steps at
a time. The faster he showered, the sooner they could be together. Tessa was
right, he had been wasting time, but no more. Today was a new day, full of so
many possibilities.
He stripped out of his pajama bottoms and t-shirt while he
waited for the water to heat up in the large, master shower. Thoughts of her
wet, soapy and naked with him in the stall did nothing for his persistent
erection. He stepped into the shower and let the hot water flow over his tense
muscles. The multiple shower heads drenched his skin as the heavy steam filled
the room. He closed his eyes and let his mind disengage, but then the stall
door opened.
Rosalie Lario is the author of the contemporary
romance series, THE EVERLY BROTHERS, as well as the paranormal romance series,
DEMONS OF INFERNUM and THE FALLEN WARRIORS. Rosalie double majored in
Anthropology and Classics as an undergraduate student, and briefly considered
becoming an archaeologist before realizing they don't actually live the life of
Indiana Jones. So what was a classical geek armed with a lot of useless
knowledge to do? Become a lawyer, of course! After attending law school in
Florida, she practiced real estate law for several years before finally
admitting to herself that negotiating contracts wasn't nearly as fun as
dreaming up stories. When not writing, you can find her on a boat somewhere
along South Florida's waterways, chasing down a rainbow or pretending to be a
pirate.
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