by Alanna Lucas
Spending time with Phoebe was like hanging out with a girlfriend from high school. Tessa felt as if she’d known Phoebe her whole life, rather than just six months. She always knew all the juicy gossip, but also gave some of the best advice. Jillian would always be Tessa’s best friend, but Phoebe came in a close second.
“Wish me luck,” Tessa said as she grabbed the sack and headed for the door.
“Good luck.” Phoebe waved goodbye. “Have fun,” she called out with enthusiasm.
Tessa headed back to the store. She had just enough time to prepare everything, and then head to the house before Rex was due to arrive.
A half hour later, the picnic was all set up and perfect.
“Are you ready for your big date?” Bernie asked as Tessa entered the kitchen. The sweet scent of rose petals filled the large space.
Tessa took off her wet coat and hung it on the decorative flower hook. “And where did you hear that it was supposed to be a big date?”
“Oh, please, Tessa dear. Ever since you and Rex went on that hike the two of you have been inseparable. When Rex told me he was to going to be hanging out at the bookstore fixing an outlet I know is not broken, I figured you had planned something.”
“Your powers of deduction are quite advanced.”
Bernie smiled as she looked sheepishly away. “Plus, Phoebe called here about an hour and a half ago saying the food you ordered for the picnic was ready.” Bernie glanced out the window. “Although, it doesn’t look like a good day for a picnic.”
“I take it back,” Tessa said with a tease. “You’re just a snoop.”
“Only when it comes to those I care about.” Bernie strolled up to Tessa. “I’m glad you took my advice and seized happiness.”
“Thank you, Bernie, I couldn’t have taken the next step without you.” Tessa reached out and hugged her friend.
“Am I interrupting something?” Rex said as he stood in the doorway looking more handsome than he had the day before.
It was the strangest thing. Ever since Tessa came to terms with the past and let Rex into her heart, things had settled into place and her eyes had opened wide to all sorts of possibilities. She still couldn’t quite think about children, but at least the thought of being intimate, of sharing a very personal side of herself no longer frightened her.
“No. Everything needed to fix the outlet is already over at the bookstore.” Tessa worried her bottom lip. She hoped he wouldn’t be displeased at her little fib.
“It shouldn’t take long to fix, although I’m surprised you didn’t tackle the project yourself.”
“Have fun, you two. I have a full day planned with Nina.” Bernie scurried out of the kitchen and straight out the back door.
“Drive safe, Bernie,” Tessa called out as the back door closed.
“What was that all about?”
“Nothing.” Tessa slipped on her coat, then grabbed Rex’s hand. “Come on.” They left the house through the back door and dashed through the rain across the yard to the bookstore.
“The outlet that needs replacing is upstairs,” Tessa said as she slipped out of her wet coat and shoes. Rex did the same then followed her upstairs.
What had been the second bedroom of the old carriage house had been converted into a private office for Tessa. A white antique desk and wingback chair occupied the back half of the room. A thick white and grey floral area rug lay before it. The room had three large windows, covered in sheer white and grey fleur-de-lis drapes, which overlooked the path that led up to the main house. It was a simple room, but elegantly furnished. The soft glow from the crystal chandelier created a dreamy intimacy.
“Which outlet…” Rex’s words died off as he entered the room. Tessa had laid out the picnic ahead of time, complete with wine, extra pillows, and a soft blanket.
His surprised expression sent a thrill racing through her. “You did this for me?”
“I had planned a picnic at the falls, but the weather didn’t want to cooperate, so I changed the location.” Tessa wrung her hands together. “I hope you don’t mind?”
Rex turned to her, his brows drawn together in confusion. “Why would I mind?”
“Because it’s just my office.”
Rex raised her chin with his fingers. “It’s where you first opened up to me, confided in me.” He stepped in and brushed a soft kiss across her lips. “It’s perfect,” he whispered as his lips recaptured hers, this time more demanding.
There was an urgent hunger to his kiss. He drew her tightly into his embrace, leaving no doubt about his desire. His tongue teased and enticed, sending waves of pleasure down her body.
Tessa knew if she brought Rex here this was what would probably happen, but still… she couldn’t believe it was happening. She gave herself freely to the passion simmering between them, but somehow hesitation crept its way into her mind.
Rex must have sensed her thoughts. He pulled back, his breathing uneven. “Do you want me to stop?”
“No.” She really didn’t. She didn’t want the moment to end. She didn’t want to lose him, too.
He cupped her cheek, his thumb stroking her skin in soft waves. He looked into her eyes, searching, wondering. “What’s wrong?”
The words rushed from her mouth. “I’m scared and nervous, and...”
His brows drew together with concern. “What’s scaring you?” Tessa tried to pull away, but Rex wrapped his arm about her waist, bringing her in closer. “Talk to me,” his voice was gentle, soothing.
Tessa wanted to trust him with her deepest fears and hopes, wanted to believe in happily ever afters, wanted to believe she could have a happily ever after.
“This is a big step for me and…” She sucked in a deep breath. “I’m scared of losing you.”
His eyes brimmed with tenderness and passion, his words heartfelt and sincere. “I don’t know what the future holds, but I promise you this, as long as there is breath in my body, I will love you and protect you.” He kissed the top of her head and then continued the soft trail to her ear. His warm breath sent flutters down her spine. “Now, why are you nervous?”
Tessa closed her eyes, enjoying the feel of his lips nibbling at her ear. Did she have to tell him? It was far too embarrassing. She really didn’t want to hide it from him and knew he would not give up until she told him what was on her mind. It was a trait she adored and detested all at the same time.
She nuzzled into his neck. “I’m nervous because… I’ve only been with one man.” She waited for the gasp, for laughter, for the teasing. Even Jillian hadn’t understood her desire not to experiment with… how did she put it? Oh yes, different flavors. Tessa was currently regretting that decision.
“I’m honored.”
Tessa pulled back, too shocked to say anything at first. She looked into his eyes, expecting to find any emotion but adoration. “But I’m not experienced. I was never adventurous in bed or—”
Rex let out a slight chuckle. “I really don’t want to be discussing your past experiences any more than you would want to hear about mine.”
Fierce jealousy gurgled inside, threatening to ruin the moment. “No.”
“Tessa,” he began in a deep seductive tone that made her pulse race. He lowered his mouth, brushing his lips across her cheek. A faint hint of spice drifted from him. “This will be a new adventure for both of us to share together.”
How did he always know the right thing to say?
Rex reclaimed her lips in slow thoughtful sweeps, pulling her deeper into his world. His hand skimmed down her backside, sending a surge of tingles throughout her body.
Tessa stepped out of his embrace and unbuttoned her blouse with shaky fingers. Rex’s gaze burned into her skin, devouring her with his eyes. She tossed the top aside and slid her pants down her legs, kicking them off to join the blouse.
She was going to ask Rex to undress, but changed her mind. It was important that she feel in control. She wanted to undress him. She wanted to feel him. She wante
d to know his body with her hands the way her mind had been dreaming.
Button by button, she opened his shirt, caressing his chest as she worked her way down to the last closure. Peeling the shirt from his muscular form, she kissed his neck, nipping and biting as she moved lower. The pounding of his heart and the rise and fall of his chest told her he was enjoying what she was doing.
She weaved her hand down his taut stomach, but as she reached the edge of his jeans, the butterflies in her stomach began to shatter her confidence. Tessa inhaled deeply to steady her nerves. Heat and spice from Rex’s body infiltrated her senses, sending a rush of need. Her fingers brushed against his arousal as she fumbled with button-fly jeans. Rex didn’t rush her but watched her every movement.
He stepped out of his jeans and underwear. His hard abs and smooth chest made her mouth water. His long hard shaft jutted from a nest of curls, begging for attention. He was magnificent, and he was hers.
He didn’t say a word, but took her hands, encouraging her to explore the full length of him. Tessa ran her fingers up and down his smooth shaft before seizing it in her hand, stroking it firmly. Rex inhaled sharply.
“If you keep that up, this is going to be a short adventure.” The words were smothered on her lips as he gently eased her down onto the cushioned rug.
All nervousness vanished under his worshipping gaze. Rex ran his hand up her leg, to her inner thigh. Her took her mouth in a searing kiss, plunging his tongue deep as his finger eased into her womanhood, his thumb rubbing the sensitive bud.
Tessa wrapped her arms about his neck, pulling Rex closer to her. It felt as if her body had been waiting an eternity for a moment like this. She felt alive when he kissed her, when his mouth was on her body. Shivers of delight coursed through her as he feasted on her neck.
“Rex, I want you inside of me,” she somehow murmured between breaths of air. There would be plenty of time for exploration and adventure. Right now, she just needed to feel him.
When he raised his head and looked into her eyes, her heart turned over with the love she saw in them. “I have a condom in the pocket of my jeans.”
“So, you were expecting to get lucky?” she teased.
His response was quick. “No, but ever since our first kiss, I wanted to be prepared.” He brushed several soft kisses across her lips before breaking contact. Her body missed his warmth as he reached for the condom in his pants.
A few moments later, he covered his body with hers, and reclaimed her lips with ardent passion, kissing her deeply, exploring her mouth. His thick hard erection pressed at her opening. Her body melted against his as he pushed deep inside, filling her completely.
“You feel amazing,” he moaned against her ear. “I could do this all night with you.”
“Sounds like a perfect adventure.”
He pulled back, teasing the entrance before thrusting deep inside. Tessa wrapped her legs around his waist, bringing him closer to her. She wanted to feel every inch of him. His chest pressed hard against hers, his heartbeat becoming one with hers.
Rex brought her to new heights. The pleasure was explosive and unlike anything she’d ever experienced before. It was like something out of a romance novel, too good to be real, but here she was, her world turned upside down as waves of ecstasy rippled through her over and over.
“Oh, my yes!” she cried out, exploding in a downpour of sensations.
Rex let out his own cry of pleasure before he collapsed on top of her. His breathing was ragged and intense, and matched her own. He kissed her ear. “Thank you, Tessa.”
“For what?”
“For trusting me, for letting me into your world, for forgiving me after our rough start.”
Tessa couldn’t contain her giggle. She framed his face with her hands. “Thank you for being patient with me.” She reached up and kissed him softly on the lips. “For loving me.”
He looked down into her eyes with renewed passion. “Are you ready for another adventure?”
The lovemaking that followed was filled with tenderness and passion, but there was also an eagerness to explore, to connect on a deeper level, to share every aspect of themselves, to understand each other mind, body, and soul.
When it was over, contentment and peace flowed through them. There was no place she would rather be than wrapped within the warmth of his arms.
Tessa snuggled against Rex, their limbs intertwined. He wrapped the blanket around them, enclosing them in a warm cocoon.
“Can I ask you something?” her question whispered through the office.
He kissed the top of head, inhaling her womanly scent mingled with lavender. “Anything.”
“Why do you never talk about work or the hospital?”
As recently as a couple of hours ago, that question would have bothered Rex, but after what they had just shared, he didn’t want to ever keep anything from her. Still, it wasn’t the easiest question to answer.
Staring off into the distance, he said, “When Natalia and I hooked up again while I was in med school, the focus had been on my career. It only worsened with each passing year. Work and saving lives was all I talked about. It was a major reason why our marriage failed.”
Tessa pushed off his chest and cradled his face, forcing him to meet her gaze. “It wasn’t entirely your fault. Marriage is a partnership with lots of ups and downs, and sometimes it’s not what you think it should be.”
There was an edge to her words, bordering on an anger that Rex had not expected to hear. Blinking quickly, she glanced away, almost as if she realized she’d said too much.
“Did something happen in your marriage?”
Tessa eased down, resting her head on his chest. Hot tears pebbled his skin. Rex tightened his embrace.
Her voice was meek, unsure. “I always thought we had a good marriage, but…” Her words trailed off as she sucked in a deep breath.
“What?”
“It’s silly.”
Rex raised her chin. “It’s not silly when I can see it bothers you.”
“How do you always know what to say?”
“After years of listening—or rather being lectured to by Grams, I was bound to catch on at some point.” He chuckled at the memories of sitting at the kitchen table waiting for one of Grams’ lectures.
“She is wise and quite persistent.” Tessa’s bright smile warmed his heart.
“So, are you going to tell me what’s so silly?”
She closed her eyes, nodding several times before she took in a long deep breath. “Do you remember my Halloween costume?” she said on an exhale.
“Remember it?” Rex ran his finger in soft circles across her flushed cheek. “I often dream about you in it.”
Her head snapped up, eyes open wide. “That’s what I’m talking about.”
“Huh?”
“Jim never wanted to dress up for Halloween and certainly didn’t want me to dress up either. And it wasn’t just Halloween, it was all the time. He was always telling me what to wear, what not to wear. It wasn’t until I wore that genie costume that I realized just how stifled certain aspects of my life had become. I loved him, but…”
“But?”
“I never felt with him the way I do with you. You make me feel alive.”
Tessa’s words went straight to his heart. He never thought he could find a love like this. “You brought me to life.”
It felt like weeks since Rex had seen Tessa rather than only a day. Strolling into the bookshop through the kitchen, he had one thing on his mind, but the second he walked in, the utter chaos that had taken over the bookstore erased all pleasant thoughts of sneaking a moment alone with Tessa.
Without waiting for direction from Tessa, who was busy with customers at the front of the store, Rex stepped in and started helping at the register. He turned to Dorothy, the new employee, and asked, “Where’s my grandmother?”
She gave him a panicked look. “She took Nina to her doctor’s appointment. I got back from lunch and wal
ked into this. The book club had the wrong time and showed up two hours early.”
“Go help Tessa, I can take care of these customers.” Rex chuckled inwardly. Never in his strangest dreams would he have guessed he would become proficient at helping at an all-romance bookstore.
Dorothy rushed across to where Tessa was standing and whispered something in her ear. Probably that he had invaded a space meant for women.
Tessa glanced over to him. The warmth in her eyes echoed the smile on her face. Even from across the room she could rattle his senses. She turned her attention back to the ladies seated around the fireplace, engaged in a heated—and rather loud—discussion over whether the hero’s intentions were sincere.
An hour later, the book club had left, and the store had finally settled down. Tessa strolled over to where Rex was sitting on a stool behind the counter.
“Thank you for helping. You always seem to come to my rescue.”
He pulled her between his legs. “My pleasure,” he whispered before taking her mouth in a soft kiss.
Ding, ding, ding. The bell on the front door chimed followed by ahem, ahem.
Rex reluctantly ended the kiss and looked past Tessa to see who was disrupting their moment.
“Mary? What are you doing here? You’re more than a week early.” Rex edged off the stool, turning Tessa around, and maneuvered them out from behind the counter. “Tessa, this is my sister Mary.”
“Pleased to meet you. Rex has told me so much about you.” Tessa extended her hand in greeting as Mary approached.
Always the affectionate one, Mary ignored Tessa’s hand and hugged her. “Rex has told me nothing about you, but you must be pretty special for him to kiss you in public.”
A beautiful pink blush colored Tessa’s cheek. If his sister weren’t near, he would’ve kissed Tessa again.
Mary released Tessa and reached up to hug Rex. “I hope this is the last of your secrets.”
“I only kept the one secret.” He released his sister. “Why didn’t you tell me you were coming early? Where is Ethan and the kids?”