Shit. I know I’ve stuck my foot in my mouth, but I’m not exactly sure why she’s so upset.
“It’s not an insult,” I say, trying to backpedal. “I just meant, that you and I come from different worlds—”
“Please stop,” she says, shaking her head and looking back out the window.
“Tessa, I didn’t mean—”
“You know what? I just can’t with this.”
“With what?”
She rolls her eyes as I pull up to Kenna’s house. “Another guy who thinks he knows everything. When the truth is, you know nothing. Especially nothing about me.”
“I know a lot about you, Tessa.” I give her a smile, the one that she’s been loving all damn day. I start to tease, “I know your vaj—”
“I mean it, Nash. You might know what my pussy looks like, but you don’t know who I am as a person. You think I’m a rich girl who fell for the guy from the other side of the tracks? But you have it all wrong. You may not be a liar or a cheater like Brent, but all guys are the same. They think they know everything.”
“That’s not true. I know there’s a lot I don’t know about you, but I want to. Stay and talk—”
But she’s opened the truck door and is climbing out, done with the conversation, and certainly done with me for the night.
Chapter Eight
Tessa
“So you’re not going to talk to him again?” Kenna asks, frowning at me from across the kitchen table.
“I don’t know. Not sure he’ll want to talk to me after how I left things.” I tossed and turned all night, knowing I was too hard on Nash. But I’d gotten caught up in my thoughts, the wedding day that wasn’t to be, still so painful to think about. And I’d snapped at him because he was there, and the real person I’m angry with wasn’t.
I’d allowed Brent to ruin my perfect day.
But when I woke up this morning, it wasn’t Brent who was on my mind ... it was Nash.
And not just the sex. Yes, it was amazing. Better than amazing. But it was also the way he looked at me, the way I felt safe and fearless in his arms.
And then the doubts had surfaced.
Not just doubts about Nash. But about myself. Because for a moment, I realized that I could really fall for the guy.
Hell, it had taken years to get over him not calling me the first time.
Can I really go through another heartbreak again?
“I think you should call him,” Kenna says, taking my hand and giving it a small squeeze.
“Why?” I say, shrugging. “I’m leaving soon. It’s not like anything real can happen between us. And in case you forgot, today is my wedding day.”
“All the more reason that you should go have some fun.”
Maybe she’s right. But today I’m not feeling as fearless as I had been yesterday.
After I shower and get dressed, I decide to go for a walk to clear my head. But as I’m leaving the house, I see Nash’s truck pull up to the curb.
My heart starts to pound when he steps out and gives me a tentative smile. God, that smile. And those eyes. One look from him and a million butterflies take flight in my stomach.
“I was going to call,” he says, walking toward me. “But I didn’t know if you’d hang up on me.”
I wince, knowing I gave him that impression last night when I’d stormed out of his truck. “Nash—”
“I’m sorry that I jumped to conclusions—”
“No,” I tell him, placing a hand on his arm, and feeling the heat between us. And once again, there it is...strength, courage, hope. I don’t know why he fills me with those things. But he does. “I shouldn’t have snapped at you. I guess I’m a little more messed up about this whole wedding thing than I thought.”
“You have every right to be.” He leans closer, one hand brushing my cheek with his knuckles. “I’d kick the crap out of the guy if I could for hurting you.”
I laugh, knowing he would. “Do you have plans today?”
A grin spreads across his face. “I was going to ask you the same thing.”
“As long as it’s not more rock climbing. My muscles are still sore from yesterday.”
“Figured they would be. Which is why I’m taking you to my second favorite place.”
“Should I change?” I ask, glancing down at my shorts and tank top.
He just smirks. “You won’t need clothes where I’m taking you.”
I chuckle. “Okay, now I’m intrigued.”
But an hour later, after we’ve stopped at his place and he’s loaded a bunch of camping gear into the back of his truck, I’m a little worried about where we’re going.
“Um, so if it’s some type of nudist camping ground we’re going to, I think I’ll pass. I’m all into seeing you naked, but I’m not really into showing off my vajazzle to a bunch of strangers.”
Nash chuckles. “Don’t worry, it’ll just be the two of us.”
After he parks the truck, and we start hiking up the mountain, I’m still not convinced that what we’re doing is going to help my aching muscles. That is until we stop at an overpass, and I see the hot springs below. There’s also a small waterfall. Surrounded by evergreens and the clear blue sky above us, it takes my breath away.
“Wow,” I say, which causes him to turn and grin at me.
“Gorgeous, right?”
“Yeah.” But taking him in, all his masculinity and confidence, is an even better view. He didn’t shave today, and I reach out and run my fingers across the dark scruff that coats his jaw. “Gorgeous.”
He takes my hand and kisses my knuckles, then grins and says, “Go strip down and enjoy the springs. I’ll set up the tent.”
“We’re sleeping here tonight?” I ask, brows raised.
He smiles. “That’s what the gear is for. Have you never been camping?”
“Not like this,” I tell him.
“Then I get to give you another first.” His smile makes every nerve in my body tingle, and when he leans down and kisses me, I melt.
It’s just sex, my brain warns. But my heart and body aren’t listening. I know I’m falling for the man. Or maybe I fell a long time ago, I’m just remembering why.
He pulls away and smacks my butt. “Go enjoy the springs. I’ll join you in a bit.”
I don’t argue, because my muscles are aching. And not just from the rock climbing, but from amazing sex we’d had yesterday. And as I slip into the warm water, I let out a long, satisfied sigh and close my eyes, letting my thoughts drift to things I probably shouldn’t be thinking about.
Like a future here - with Nash.
It’s not like I have anything other than my plants pulling me back to Boston.
Could I really live here? Take a risk. The thought fills me with excitement rather than fear.
When I hear the water ripple, I open my eyes and see Nash treading water toward me. Those intense blue eyes study me, and I know when he pulls me into his arms that this is a man to take risks with. A man who would give me wings, not try and pin me down. A man who would never betray me.
A good man.
No. The greatest man.
But there’s still that nagging voice in my head warning me that all good things can turn rotten.
“You said last night that I don’t know you,” Nash says, wrapping my legs around his waist and pressing his forehead against mine.
“Sorry, I was in a mood—”
“Don’t apologize. You’re right, we don’t really know much about each other. But I want to get to know you, Tessa. I want to know everything about you. All your quirks. What makes you happy. What you like and don’t like.”
“You already know what my body likes,” I tell him, brushing my lips against his.
He chuckles, and I can feel his hard length pressing against my belly. “True.” His expression turns serious. “You got upset when I called you rich. I assumed because you were headed to Harvard that your parents had money.”
“I got a scholarship,�
� I tell him. “Worked my ass off in school to make sure my parents never had to pay a dime. They would have of course. My dad would have found some way to pay for it. But it would have wrecked them financially.”
We spend the next hour just talking, my body wrapped around his, the warm water surrounding us. I tell him about my family. About meeting Brent and trying to fit into his world. And he tells me about his own past, his time in the military, and starting the business with his friends.
“And you’ve never had a serious girlfriend?”
He shrugs. “It was hard to have much of a relationship when I was gone for months at a time. Then when I came back, I was focused on getting the business up and running. But it wasn’t because I didn’t want it. I’ve always dreamed of having a family of my own.”
I let out a shaky breath, my legs still wrapped around him. “Yeah, I thought I wanted that too.”
He frowns at me. “You don’t anymore?”
“I...” The thought of ever being engaged again, makes me nervous. “I’m not sure what I want.”
Except him. I know that without any doubt. He’s only been back in my life for a few days and yet I can’t imagine not being with him. It’s crazy, and I’m not really sure how to process everything that’s happened.
“Tell me what your perfect future would be,” he asks, brushing his mouth against mine, giving me the courage to think about a future - one that I want.
“I guess when I was with Brent, I didn’t really think about it much, because he had everything all planned. But...” I chew on my bottom lip. “I always wanted to own a farm.”
“A farm?” One brow quirks. “Really?”
“Not a big one. But a place where I can have some animals. A place I can run my clinic from.”
He nuzzles my ear. “What kind of animals would you want?”
“I’d love to have some geese, and chickens, maybe a pony and... of course I’d have to have a goat.”
He chuckles. “I thought I was your G.O.A.T.?”
I smile, kissing him. “You are. And I think you just got yourself another badge.”
“Oh, yeah? What’s that?”
“Greatest Date of All Time.”
“Sweetheart, this date has barely started,” he says. And then his mouth is on mine, his kiss hard and demanding. God, I love the way he feels, so big and strong and protective. And I know in my heart that this man will never hurt me.
His hands are on my body, squeezing my ass, massaging my breasts, his hard cock pressed between us, pulsing with the need to be inside me.
He lifts my hips and I sink down on his long, thick length, the aching pleasure of him filling me almost making me come. But then he starts moving, and I know the pleasure has only just begun.
We move in a rhythm that makes the water gently lap around us, and I’m overwhelmed as the emotions rise inside of me. Especially when I meet his gaze. Those eyes, as blue as the sky above us, are filled with promises of not just ecstasy, but of a million tomorrows. Of a future I’d thought impossible to hope for.
He doesn’t just fuck me, he makes love to me. And I cry out over and over again as he brings my body to the peak of pleasure. And then he’s carrying me out of the water.
The cool air hits my flesh, and I gasp, but within seconds, he has me wrapped up in the warmth of a blanket, his body pressed against mine.
It isn’t long until the gentle touches and sweet kisses build to an inferno of desire that makes the world around us seem to disappear. It’s just him and me and the wildness of nature making everything seem possible.
His cock fills me so perfectly, that I know I’m ruined for any other man. Maybe I always had been.
“God, I love you,” he rasps against my mouth as we both shudder with our release.
Those words, they steal my breath away, and I freeze, staring up at him. It’s too soon. This is all so crazy. But I know I love him too. But the words stick in my throat.
“Nash—”
“It’s okay.” He kisses me softly, rolling over on his back and pulling me into his arms. “I know it’s quick. And I don’t expect you to say it back.” He tilts my chin up, forcing me to look at him. “Yet.”
Yet.
Another promise. Another mention of a tomorrow we might not have. A future that in all reality we probably won’t have. Because I’m only here for a few more days. And any person in their right mind would call this for what it is - a rebound.
Then why doesn’t it feel like that?
Why does it feel like so much more?
I snuggle closer to him, my body exhausted, my eyes already heavy with the need for sleep. And I’m glad he doesn’t push me for words, or promises. Because I’m not ready.
But lying in Nash’s arms, everything feels right. And still, that stupid, nagging voice continues to pester me. This is just a fling. Just sex. It’s not real. You barely know him. He’s going to break your heart. Or you’ll break his. One way or another this will end.
I push the thoughts away. I’m not sure what will happen after today, but I’m not going to let worry about tomorrow ruin what I have in this moment.
Nash isn’t just my greatest sex of all time, I’m pretty sure he just might be the greatest man of all time too.
Chapter Nine
Nash
“Look who decided to show up for work today,” Jac says when I walk into AR headquarters.
I grunt. “Don’t even start. I’ve worked more hours than all of you jackasses combined.”
Terrance chuckles and smacks my back. “Okay, so we have a bet. It’s about a chick, right?”
I glare at him, but he just laughs and puts out his palm to Jac. “Fifty bucks. Pay up.”
“You’re actually seeing someone?” Jac asks, looking surprised. And I get it, they haven’t seen me with anyone since I moved back here.
“She’s not just someone,” I tell him. “She’s the one.”
Jac whistles and Terrance’s eyes widen when he says, “Shit, man. Seriously?”
“Who is she?” Jac asks, leaning back in his chair.
“Her name’s Tessa. And she’s...” I drag my hand through my hair and sigh. “She’s fucking perfect.”
We’ve spent every day this week together, and if I have my way, we’ll spend every day for the rest of our lives together too. I just have to convince her of it. But she’s supposed to be leaving today. Back to Boston. Which is why I’m only here at HQ to drop off some gear, then I’m headed to Kenna’s place to try and convince Tessa that she belongs here, in Colorado with me.
The guys hound me for more details, and when I tell them about her recently getting shafted by her fiancé and best friend, Jac gives me a look that I can read clearly, one that tells me I need to tread carefully.
“I’m not saying she’s not the one,” he says. “But she’s got to be pretty messed up. Shit, that would fuck with anyone’s head. You’re sure she’s not using you as a rebound?”
“It’s not like that between us. What we have is real. And I knew her long before that asshole ever came into the picture. If anything, he’s the rebound.”
Both Terrance and Jac don’t look convinced, and some of their doubts creep into my mind.
After leaving Adrenaline Rush, I’m so distracted by the shit they put into my head, that I don’t notice that my truck is out of gas until I’m chugging to a stop along the back road.
“Fuck,” I mutter, slamming my fist on the steering wheel.
I glance at the clock. I’m supposed to be picking Tessa up in twenty minutes. I reach for my cell to call one of the guys to bring me a canister of gas, but I must have left the damn thing either at home or back at AR.
Frustrated with myself, and not knowing what else to do, I get out of the truck and sprint to the nearest gas station. But by the time I get there, fill a canister with gas, get back to my truck, and speed to Tessa’s cousin’s place, I’m an hour late.
I bang on the front door until it opens.
&nbs
p; Kenna frowns at me. “Hi, Nash.”
“Please tell me she’s still here.”
“She waited for you, but she finally called for a ride when you didn’t show up. I’m sorry you didn’t get to say goodbye.”
“I wasn't going to say goodbye,” I tell her. “I was going to ask her to stay.”
Chapter Ten
Tessa
“This place is great,” Kenna says, glancing around the empty building that I just signed a lease for, and where I’ll be opening my very own veterinary clinic. It’s always been a dream of mine - to be my own boss.
And being with Nash gave me the courage to take a chance. And it’s a huge one, financially. But the even bigger chance I’m taking is on Nash.
“Have you called him yet?” Kenna sits on the ledge of the window.
“No. I wanted to make sure I had everything sorted out before I told him.” And I’m also nervous. What is he going to think? That old fear festers inside of me. Fear of being rejected.
Because the truth is I’ve never cared about anyone the way I care about Nash.
And it’s scary. No, it’s terrifying.
But I was able to scale the side of the mountain, so I can do this too.
“Um...” Kenna is frowning out the window. “Someone in a truck just pulled up, and looks like they’re delivering a goat.”
I laugh. “Yeah, that’s a little surprise for Nash.”
She shakes her head and chuckles. “You’re crazy, you know that?”
“Crazy in love,” I admit. “I just hope he still feels the same way.”
“Looks like you’re going to find out soon enough. Isn’t that his car?”
“What?” I follow her gaze out the window and across the street. Nash is getting out of his Jeep and headed toward the guy delivering the goat. “Shit. How did he know I was here?”
Kenna puts her hands up. “Don’t look at me. I didn’t tell him.”
G.O.A.T.: Get Some Series Page 4