by Gina Wilkins
“Lousy time for an engagement party, if you ask me. This time of year, seems like I’m running from one party or fund-raiser or holiday reception to the next one. Bethany and what’s-his-name aren’t even getting married until spring, so I can’t imagine why they thought they needed an engagement party now.”
“Mom said Jeremy—that’s the groom’s name, by the way—has an aunt in poor health. They aren’t sure she’ll still be around for the wedding, but they wanted to have her at the engagement party.”
“Oh, well, now I feel like a jerk.” With a grimace, Scott set the soda aside and patted the sleeping baby again. “I’ll be there. With a smile.”
“Are you bringing someone?”
“Yeah. Tess is coming with me.”
He wasn’t sure how he’d expected his younger brother to react to that, but it hadn’t been with a laugh. “Tess? Man, she really is on call 24/7 for you, isn’t she? Do you pay her overtime for keeping you company at parties you don’t want to attend alone?”
Scott shook his head. “She isn’t coming as my employee. Tess has agreed to be my date for the party.”
“Your date?”
“Yes.”
“Like...a date date?”
Scott scowled, hardly pleased by the disbelief in his brother’s expression. “So we’re back to high school now? Really?”
Jake shrugged. “I’m just surprised, that’s all. I didn’t know you and Tess ever hung out outside the office.”
“It’s a recent development.”
“You and Tess, huh? Wow.”
Wow pretty much summed up the last few hours he’d spent with Tess, Scott mused, though of course he wouldn’t say that to his brother. Henry wiggled and made a mewing sound. Scott bounced him gently while saying, “Yeah.”
“Since when?”
“We’ve been out a few times.” He smiled as he remembered the teasing conversation he and Tess had about how many real dates there had actually been.
“So is it, you know, serious?”
An erotic memory of deep-throated cries of satisfaction whispered in the back of his mind. Scott cleared his throat. “Getting there.”
“Well, that’s great,” Jake said, still sounding surprised.
Henry squirmed again, then lifted his head from Scott’s now-damp shoulder to blink up at him. He looked a bit surprised to find himself in his uncle’s arms, but with his usual happy nature, he grinned broadly, displaying two shiny new teeth. Scott couldn’t resist smiling goofily in response.
“What’s great?” Christina entered the room looking considerably more refreshed than she had when Scott arrived. Short and somewhat square in stature, she had red hair, numerous freckles, warm green eyes and a smile that could melt glaciers. Henry had inherited her coloring. His wispy hair was already a bright ginger rather than Jake’s dark brown.
“Scott’s dating Tess,” Jake blurted.
Christina blinked a few times, then nodded. “Good choice.”
“You’re not surprised?” her husband challenged.
“Not very much.” She crossed the room to take her son, who’d reached out in response to her voice. She smiled at Scott as she relieved him of his charge. “I think you and Tess fit very well together.”
Oh, yeah. He and Tess fit very well together indeed, he thought, shifting restlessly on the couch.
“I guess it makes sense,” Jake said after a moment. “Tess is great, and everyone likes her. Not sure what she sees in you, bro, but you’d be lucky to keep her.”
“Thanks a lot.” Scott laughed as he carefully straightened his left arm. The pins-and-needles tingling of returning circulation told him he’d sat in one position too long holding the baby, but he wasn’t complaining. He’d enjoyed bonding with his nephew.
“So, Scott, when did you realize you had feelings for Tess?” Christina asked while trying to extricate her eyeglasses from her son’s grasp.
He wasn’t quite sure how to answer. He remembered clearly that moment of recognition when he’d found Tess under the office tree and had suddenly realized how perfect she was for him. It had just made sense to him. Was that what Christina meant by “having feelings”—or was she imagining some sort of epic Hollywood romantic epiphany that hardly applied to two generally levelheaded adults with common goals and wishes?
Okay, so maybe last night had gotten pretty hot. Maybe he’d tossed and turned as he’d tried to sleep alone afterward, regretting that he’d made himself leave her bed. Maybe he was counting the minutes until he had her in his arms again. Physical chemistry was a good thing between a couple, especially when they’d agreed they wanted children, he considered as his gaze lingered on his giggling nephew.
Maybe the attraction had simmered beneath the surface for quite a bit longer than he’d realized, judging by how swiftly it had come to a boil when he’d finally been free to express it. Her heated responses reassured him that the attraction went both ways, though knowing Tess, she’d probably suppressed any such awareness in the past for fear that it would be unprofessional.
“Scott?” Christina looked at him quizzically over Henry’s head, and he suspected the trained psychologist was trying to analyze his facial expressions. “You and Tess?”
“We’ve just started seeing each other,” he said, choosing his words carefully. “It’s occurred to us both how well we get along and how much we have in common, so we figured it was worth exploring on a more personal basis.”
The couple looked at each other and then back at him. Jake broke the momentary silence. “Wow. What a romantic story. Almost brought a tear to my eye.”
Frowning at his kid brother, Scott grumbled, “Bite me, Jake. We all know I’m no good at the romantic stuff. I don’t have to put on an act for Tess. She already knows me better than anyone outside of the family. Anything that develops between us will be based on honesty and mutual goals.”
Jake raised both hands in surrender. “Whatever works for you both. I just want you to be happy, bro. You know that.”
“Yeah, I do. Thanks.”
Henry was beginning to fuss. Christina bounced him in her arms to momentarily soothe him as she carried him toward the couch. “I need to feed him and give him his bath, then put him to bed. Say good-night, guys.”
Both Scott and Jake rose to bestow hugs and kisses on the youngest Prince. He gave slobbery smacks in return, then waved bye-bye over his mother’s shoulder as she carried him from the room. She paused in the doorway to look back at Scott. “I like Tess a lot,” she said. “I always have.”
“I’m glad to hear that.”
She looked uncharacteristically fierce when she added, “Don’t hurt her.”
“I won’t.”
Nodding decisively, Christina swept out of the room with Henry.
While he appreciated the sentiment, Christina should know that hurting Tess was the furthest thing from his mind. Wasn’t that the whole point of approaching her the way he had with his proposition?
“So when did you—”
“Halftime’s over, Jake,” he cut in flatly. “Let’s watch the game, okay?”
“In other words, you don’t want to talk about you and Tess any more this evening.”
“Exactly.”
Jake directed his attention to the television screen, obligingly bringing the conversation to an end. But even though they weren’t talking about it, Scott figured his brother was still mulling over this new development. He knew thoughts of Tess would hover in his own mind until he saw her again.
* * *
Although rather hectic and borderline chaotic, that second week in December was nevertheless enjoyable, as far as Tess was concerned. The business problems that cropped up were no more than expected and fairly easily resolved. Sofia started training with Heather and was obviously going
to fit in well with the staff. People seemed to be in a generally good mood during the week, because of the approaching holidays or perhaps because the weather had taken a nice turn.
As for her personal life—that was going nicely, too. Though both busy with previously arranged after-work obligations, she and Scott managed to find time together during the week. Scott had business plans Monday evening and she had a civic club meeting. He called her just as she was getting ready for bed and they talked about their respective meetings, sharing a couple of amusing anecdotes. Something else that was new for them, she thought with a smile as she climbed beneath her covers afterward. A chatty personal phone call made for no other reason than to hear each other’s voices, to stay in contact despite their individual pursuits. It was nice that his was the last voice she heard before ending the day.
They dined at a restaurant following a long day at work Tuesday, slipping out after the rest of the staff left. Tess had rather hoped the evening would end back at her place, but the muted beep of Scott’s phone just as they finished dessert dashed that fantasy. Scott looked at her in apology after disconnecting the call. “I’m sorry.”
“Something has come up,” she said, easily reading his expression.
He nodded. “Apparently a bunch of punks climbed the fence around the rental units we’re building in Sheridan and had a little vandalism party before the cops rounded them up. Andy and I are going to look around and see if they’ve done any permanent damage. I guess Andy could go without me, but...”
“But you need to go check it out yourself,” she said matter-of-factly, knowing him too well to imagine otherwise.
He grimaced and nodded. “We were so close to finished with that project. I’m hoping there’s nothing that’ll hold us up too long. I need to put the crew on the fabric store job after the holidays, and I’m sure we’ll have weather delays in January and February. We always do.”
“You don’t have to explain. Just go. Let me know if there’s anything I need to do.”
“You’re the best, Tess,” he told her warmly.
He might as well have given her a cheery knuckle-chuck to the chin. Even though he gave her a fairly heated good-night kiss when he dropped her off at her condo, his attention was obviously focused already on what he would find at the job site. Tess let herself in her door with a wry smile. She honestly didn’t resent him at all for rushing off to work. How many times had she walked out on plans with her friends because something had come up at work and Scott had requested her assistance? Her ex-boyfriend James had accused her of being at Scott’s “beck and call” 24/7...and worse, liking it that way.
Still, she thought as she prepared for bed in her quiet home, it would have been nice if the evening had gone the way she’d hoped.
Fortunately the damages to the Sheridan job hadn’t been too extensive, so Scott was able to make arrangements for fairly swift repairs. They got a great deal accomplished in the office on Wednesday, to everyone’s satisfaction. She didn’t see a lot of Scott that day, only when he dashed in with barked instructions and scribbled his signature on whatever she slapped in front of him.
Though she had to silently chide herself a couple of times when she found herself watching his sexy mouth instead of listening closely to his words, Scott seemed to have no trouble at all seeing her as the same efficient assistant she’d always been to him. She was fairly confident the staff saw nothing different in their professional behavior, which was a relief to her even though she was aware it wouldn’t be much longer before the news got out. She wasn’t looking forward to that part, mostly because she suspected everyone would watch them surreptitiously when they were together, at least until they got used to the idea that the boss and the office manager were more than business associates. Considering that it had taken her more than a week to wrap her head around the idea, she expected the transition to be a bit awkward.
It would have been nice to think Scott was having just a little trouble keeping his personal feelings for her, whatever they might be, so well hidden. She’d hate to think she was the only one having to work at that.
Scott was scheduled for an overnight trip Thursday to a job site in Joplin, Missouri, planning to be back just in time to make it to the engagement party dinner on Friday night, and there was a long list of things to do to prepare for his meetings there. The sun had long set by the time Tess and Scott wrapped up their work. Predicting it would be a wearing day, she’d left a beef-and-vegetable stew in the slow cooker that morning, and Scott eagerly accepted her invitation to share it with her.
At his suggestion, they didn’t discuss work during the meal. Instead, they talked about their families and friends outside the office. He shared stories about babysitting little Henry last Saturday, making her laugh at his description of changing a soaked-through diaper and onesie. “Jake just stood there and laughed at me,” he added with mock indignation. “Didn’t even offer to help.”
She laughed again. “Did he take video?”
“No.”
“Then, consider yourself lucky. The whole episode could have ended up on YouTube, you know.”
He chuckled. “There is that.”
“You enjoy being an uncle.”
It hadn’t been a question, but he smiled and nodded. “Very much.”
He’d be a wonderful father, she thought with a little ripple of wistfulness. He was already comfortable with kids and experienced enough through his brothers that he was prepared for the reality of parenthood.
“I told Jake and Christina that you’d be coming with me to Bethany’s party,” he said, somewhat abruptly changing the subject.
They’d been clearing away the dishes when he spoke, and she paused in the act of loading the dishwasher. “Did you?”
“Yeah.” He closed the refrigerator door after stashing away leftovers. “Christina said she likes you very much.”
It was nice to hear. “I like her, too. All your family seems nice. Have you told them that we’re...um...”
“Seeing each other?” he supplied with a smile. “By Sunday morning the whole family knew. They’re cool with it.”
She wondered what, exactly, his family had said, but she assumed he would tell her when or if he was ready. For now, he seemed to consider the question of his family’s reaction settled. “What did your sister say when you told her I’m coming to your cousin’s party with you?” he asked.
“I haven’t actually told her,” she admitted. “She knows I’m bringing someone but there hasn’t been a chance to tell her it’s you.”
That wasn’t entirely true, of course. She could have made time to talk to Nina. She couldn’t even explain why she’d hadn’t.
Scott studied her face a bit too closely. “Will you mention it before we show up?”
“If I speak with her. Hand me that ladle, will you?”
He let the topic go, but she knew he didn’t fully understand her relationship with her sister. How could he, when she didn’t herself? He would simply have to see for himself when they spent time with her family. As close as his clan was, he would surely be aware of the difference in hers.
He wiped his hands on a kitchen towel. “So what had you planned for the remainder of the evening, if I hadn’t come to eat your food?”
“Promise not to laugh?”
He grinned. “No.”
She wrinkled her nose at him. “Okay, fine. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and Frosty the Snowman are on tonight. I’ve watched them every year since I was a little girl. Usually I make hot chocolate and curl up on the sofa for an hour of Christmas nostalgia before I take care of anything else that needs to be done, like laundry or paperwork or laying out clothes for tomorrow.”
He didn’t laugh. Instead, she thought he looked almost charmed by her admission—which, of course, endeared him even more to her. He reached out to smoot
h her hair in a casually affectionate gesture. “Do you have any marshmallows for that hot chocolate?”
“Of course.”
“Then, may I hang around and watch the elf become a dentist with you?”
“I’d like that.”
He brushed a kiss over her lips. “So would I.”
They made it halfway through the first show before teasing chocolate-flavored kisses turned to aching, impatient need. Tess tugged at his shirt, needing to touch him, all of him, and his hands were busy beneath her soft sweater, stroking and circling and tugging lightly until her breathing was fast and ragged.
“What about your Christmas specials?” he asked when she jumped to her feet and held out a hand to him, making sure he couldn’t mistake the invitation.
“I know how they end.” She smiled. “I can always watch the DVDs if I want.”
Taking her hand, he turned with her toward the bedroom. “I’ll buy them for you,” he promised with a low laugh.
“I’ll buy them for myself. There are other things I want from you, Scott Prince.”
Grinning, he swept her against him. “Happy to oblige, Tess Miller.”
They proved without doubt that the first time hadn’t been a fluke. Their lovemaking this time was just as spectacular, just as breathtaking. As much as Tess hated clichés, she had to admit if only to herself that she’d honestly never felt anything like that before.
Because he’d be making an early start the next morning, Scott didn’t stay long. He left her with smiles and kisses at the door.
“Be careful during your drive,” she urged him.
“I will. You know how to reach me for whatever.”
“Yes. See you Friday.”
“Friday,” he repeated, stepping out her door. He glanced over his shoulder with a rather odd expression. “I’ll miss you.”
Why did he sound almost surprised? “I’ll see you Friday,” she repeated and gently closed the door.
Was it really such a surprise to him to think he might miss her? True, they hadn’t really talked about their feelings for each other—they’d talked about common dreams and goals and values, about families and children and other interests, but they hadn’t said anything about love. They’d shared fiery kisses and mind-blowing lovemaking, but even in the throes of passion they’d whispered only encouragement and pleasure. She didn’t expect flowery declarations from him; she knew him too well. But “I’ll miss you” sounded innocuous enough. Why had it seemed so hard for him to admit?