by Shell, C.
She couldn't take her eyes off him, he looked amazing. He appeared sexier than she remembered. Her stolen glances of him over the years were nothing compared to being up and close to the real thing. His black hair was now short from the army, arms more defined and muscular, and his torso was lean, hiding behind his blue crew neck shirt she imagined hard abs that would feel amazing against her body. He had the most amazing smile, perfect white straight teeth, the kind you see in magazines.
"I came to say hi and catch up on old times," Alex said fighting back a smile. He loved how her eyes lit up when she got feisty. "It's a small town, I am sure you have heard by now that I am back in town for good and will be taking over my dad's business while he recoups. I was just passing by on my way to run some errands and wanted to stop in and see how you are doing." His voice was sexy, deep and definitive.
"Thanks for your concern, although it's not needed, I am fine. Sorry to hear about your dad by the way, hope he gets better soon". Smoothing the front of her skirt; she was nervous but tried to appear calm and collected. She loved his parents growing up; they were always kind to her and treated her like she was a part of their family.
Why is he staring at me like that? There was a fierceness in his eyes that made her feel uneasy, anxious and very distracted. She did not want to feel anything for him, but here she was staring at him and wishing she was in his arms devouring every inch of his body.
He had not bothered to care how she was doing years ago when he stomped on her heart and left without an explanation. Ok, maybe that was a bit of an exaggeration, but that is how it felt.
"You are definitely fine." His voice was warm and seductive. He looked her up and down taking in every inch of her starting with her smoky eyes to her pouty mouth, down to her full breasts and finally ending at her long sexy legs.
Breasts, neck, lips? He was mentally deciding what body part he would like to explore first when she snapped her fingers in his face bringing him back to the present.
Watching as he took her body in with his eyes was more than she could handle. Feeling the heat in her face she knew she must be flushed and red. He looked at her like a predator, he was the cat and she was the mouse. The moment his gaze landed on her breasts, her nipples tightened to hard beads as if they were answering his silent command. Oh my god! He had to leave, he was messing with her libido and she was not sure how much longer she could stand there and not touch him.
"Thanks for stopping by, I have an appointment coming in anytime so I don't have time to play with you right now."
Play with you? That was an idiotic way of wording it. Way to go Tessa.
"I get the message loud and clear, although playing with me could be lots of fun". She could hear the sexual innuendo dripping off his words she so elegantly handed to him on a platter. Wow!
"I won't take up anymore of your time." Before leaving he strode over and stood so close he could easily touch her with little effort; leaning down he whispered in her ear," I look forward to catching up with you Tessa," and then kissed her lightly on her temple before leaving.
Holy Hell! How can something so innocent seem so erotic? Staring at the door after he left she tried to come to grips with the fact that he is back for good and already had her body tied up in knots, panties wet and knees weak as if he never left.
********
Damn! That woman was going to drive him insane!
Alex shifted his jeans tying to find a comfortable spot for his raging cock. No woman had ever made him feel like such a cave man? He wanted to throw her over his shoulder and take her to his bed and fuck her until she could not even remember her name.
He climbed back into his truck and reached for his cell phone and dialed his mom. Hearing her pick up by the third ring he spoke to her and quickly acquired the information he was looking for. Smiling to himself he hung up the phone and started up his truck; time to see what it took to push Tessa over the edge.
Chapter 3
Tessa was exhausted and starving when she got home. Her appointments with the Taylor's took longer than she had expected and her awkward encounter with Alex had left her frazzled. All she wanted was a glass of wine and a warm bath. Hearing her stomach growl in protest reminded her that she had not eaten since breakfast and instead of making dinner for herself, she grabbed the phone and opted to order a pizza. Cooking for one was her least favorite thing to do; she did not need a constant reminder that she was alone. Walking into her bathroom she stripped off her clothes dropping them to the floor then went about her nightly routine of brushing her teeth and washing off her make-up.
Filling the claw footed bathtub as hot as she could stand it she climbed in soaking in the water; letting it untwine her muscles and dissolve the tension that had taken up permanent residence between her shoulders.
Knowing the pizza would be arriving soon she reluctantly stepped out onto the plush white bathmat, toweled off quickly and wrapped herself in her favorite red terry cloth robe ; slipping on matching slippers while she towel dried her hair as much as possible before heading to the kitchen. She had just finished pouring herself a big glass of wine when she heard the familiar knock at the door. Grabbing a twenty dollar bill out of her wallet she answered the door and paid Paul the pizza carrier, taking the pizza box from him she thanked him and told him to keep the change.
Paul was one of her client's teenage sons. He began working at the local pizza inn several months ago trying to save enough money to buy himself a car. Seeing him reminded Tessa of all the jobs she had worked during high school trying to save enough money to buy herself an education. She respected him and always made it a habit of tipping him well in hopes of helping him meet his goal.
Settling down with a plate full of greasy pizza and cheap wine, Tessa turned on the television hoping to find some action flick that would help to calm her mind and stop all the thoughts and questions she couldn't seem to escape anymore.
Her body had been humming every since her early encounter with Alex. She had several boyfriends since he left, some actually serious, but none of them made her feel the way he did. Those damn emerald eyes of his had a way of stripping down to her core and warming her all over.
She had almost fallen asleep when she was brought back to the present with the screeching sound of loud music. Looking around trying to comprehend where it was coming from she walked out into the hall. Looking around she realized it was flowing from the empty apartment across from hers. She hadn't noticed anyone moving in, but then again she had been at work all day and had never gone out of her way to meet her neighbors since moving in almost two years ago. Small towns were great for gossip and trying not to become part of that gossip included keeping to yourself. Glancing at the clock she registered that is was going on ten o'clock and she needed sleep, but with her new neighbors intense acoustic preferences she would never get back down. Quickly rinsing off and putting away the dishes she slipped off her robe and replaced it with a tank top and pajama shorts before walking across to greet her new annoying resident and hopefully talk them into turning down the music so she could get some needed sleep.
She knocked twice and after no answer and feeling her patience unraveling, she banged hard on the door; wincing at the pain that radiated through her hand from the hard contact. Several seconds later the door swung open leaving Tessa speechless and staring into the face of her new handsomely smug neighbor, Alex.
********
Holy hell!
"What are you doing here? I mean what are you doing in there, please tell me you are just visiting someone?" Tessa stuttered feeling all the color drain from her face as she tried to comprehend why Alex would be in the once vacant apartment across from hers. Glancing behind him she could see half empty boxes sprawled out across the wood floor, a radio system playing that god awful music, stacks of books, clothing, and random small kitchen appliances on the counters.
"Well, what a pleasant surprise. It's nice to you again Tess." Giving her his best wicked smile he op
ened up the door wider, indicating for her to come in.
I can't be alone with him in there!
Trying not to panic, she quickly counted to ten in an attempt to slow her breathing the way she had learned in yoga class. Wanting to walk away but refusing to back down and look like a coward, she reluctantly walked into the apartment while taking in her surroundings. The layout was exactly like hers, kitchen on the left, large living room to the right and his bedroom with adjoining bathroom would be back down the hallway on the left. Thoughts of what his bedroom might look like made a shiver trail down her spine. The apartment had a few furnishings in it, but it was apparent someone had just begun moving in; it lacked the warmth that came with pictures and personal items. The walls stark white with dark brown beams lining the ceiling made the room feel smaller than it was. Turning quickly she walked over and shut off the stereo, thankful for the loss of noise screaming into the room. She could feel his eyes on her before she even looked up at him.
Turning slowly she found him leaning against the kitchen table staring her down, his eyes narrowed with intent. Feeling the need to flee she maneuvered around the boxes and almost made it to the door when she felt Alex's hand gently shackle her upper arm and turn her around to face him. He backed her against the wall; brushing the back of his hand down her arm sending a shiver through her. She could feel his breath on her neck and the heat coming off his body made her legs feel weak and wobbly. She hated the way her body automatically responded to him, betraying her. He brought up one of his hands to rest on her neck, rubbing small circles on her collarbone. Leaning down he swiftly pressed his lips to hers, kissing her lightly, tracing her lips with his tongue. He deepened the kiss, exploring her mouth, taking more and causing desire to unfurl and blossom deep inside her. She found herself craving more of him as if she could no longer exist without the warmth of his touch. Each warm stroke he made on her on her neck sent electricity shooting throughout her body.
Closing her eyes, she ran her fingers through his hair loving the way it felt against her skin. He pushed against her letting her feel how hard his cock was. She loved knowing she caused that reaction in him, that he was hard for her. His mouth moved to her neck, nibbling hungrily while his hands caressed her breasts through her top.
"I want you so much," he whispered against her mouth.
Tessa did not trust herself around him; she looked for a way to derail what was happening between them before she did something she was sure to regret. Pushing against him she tried to dislodge him but his chest felt like solid steel. Defeated she looked up into his eyes questionably. Breathlessly she asked, "You never answered my question, why are you here?"
Did her voice really sound that weak?
"I live here. I thought neighbors were supposed to come and greet each other with baked goods and gifts, what gift do you have for me Tessa?" Alex said softly, drawing her shocked gaze. She felt his hand lazily gliding up and down her bare arm, the heat from it practically scorching her skin. The gleam in his eye challenged her to stop him. She did not want him to stop.
As if reading her mind, he pushed his large frame hard against her and ground his erection into her soft flesh. She involuntarily whimpered and pushed back against him, loving the contrast of his hardness to her softness.
"I can't do this. I can't be with you like this," she whispered as she pushed aside him and walked over to the window absently watching the cars pass by outside. His being back had brought back so many emotions and his body against her only made her head spin faster.
Her chest was tight and she her breathing was labored. Lord, Tess get a grip! What the hell am I so nervous about? He's not going to eat me for Christ's sake.
"You cannot live here. You cannot live across from me, this cannot happen." She pleaded her voice thickening with the threat of tears. She did not want to cry in front of him but could feel them as they sprang unwelcoming into her eyes. Why was he being such a jerk about everything? This was her home, her sanctuary and he was trespassing on it. She was not that sad love sick girl anymore, she had grown up and moved on and damn him for making her feel wounded and unloved again. She turned to leave, trying hard not to look into his eyes, giving him the satisfaction of knowing he still had an effect on her.
Knowing she was hurting and confused, Alex stopped and took a step back to give her some room, not wanting to make her hate him anymore than she already did. Cautiously he pressed a little harder not wanting her to continue running away from the inevitable.
"You want this as much as I do. I see it in the way you look at me. Tell me I am wrong."
She looked away; if he saw her eyes he would know that he was right. He always was able to read her body when no one else could.
"We used to be best friends; we used to be good together. This apartment was within my budget, not bad on size, and with some decorating it will soon be home, my home. Get over your hang-ups and grow up Tessa."
She felt like someone had slapped her. He actually looked like he was enjoying watching her squirm. Her stomach was in knots. The air between them was too thick and she was finding it harder and harder to take a full breath.
"Best friends do not grind against each other like two dogs in heat. This won't work! Just keep to yourself and stay out of my way. We are not friends Alex." She ran to the door needing some distance from him before she said something she would regret, something like," I love you Alex." Oh Lord I am in trouble.
Before she could make it across the hall to her door she heard him say, "No. We're not friends; we have never been just friends, we are so much more than that." She refused to look back at him, afraid that seeing the expression on his face would make her stay. She felt it in his words and the sexual meaning behind them and she knew he was right.
Watching her storm off and slam the door as she slipped back into her apartment, Alex grinned. He loved knowing he could still get under her skin. Now he just had to figure out a way to get her in his bed and keep her there.
Chapter 4
It had been two days and Tessa had timed her comings and goings so she would not run into Alex. He left early each morning for work and came home late so she made sure to leave late and come home early. She was beginning to think this would work and they could possibly coexist and not kill each other or have sex, whichever came first. Grabbing the two bags of groceries from her car she headed toward her apartment balancing the precarious load, ready to veg out and enjoy watching reruns of her favorite TV sitcom Friends. Rounding the corner she found her apartment door open. Fearing that someone had broken in and could possibly still be around she ran to Alex's door and began pounding on it praying that he was home. Hearing her name being called out, she stopped and listened before turning around confused by the fact that it was coming from behind her.
"Alex, where are you?" she whispered.
"I am in your apartment. Why are you beating up on my front door?"
In my apartment? What the hell?
Walking inside her living room she found Alex standing on a ladder doing something to on her ceiling fan. Why did he have to keep invading her turf? First her office, than her apartment building, and now her apartment; she could not take anymore.
He glanced down at her and silently chuckled at the expression on her face. Seeing her so bothered and feisty made him want to do delicious things to her.
"How did you get in here and what are you doing to my fan?"
"Do you realize you never greet me with anything other than questioning why I am in the same place as you?" he asked teasingly.
"That can be easily changed, stop always showing up wherever I am and stop screwing with my fan. Please explain why and how you got in my apartment!" He was the most infuriating man she had ever known and the fact that he was the sexiest was a cruel combination. Staring up at him on the ladder, she could not help but notice the way his denim jeans gripped his gorgeous ass. Focus Tess!
Slowly Alex put down his screwdriver than stepped off the ladder t
o face her, taking in her appearance and liking what he saw. Her hair was down today and flowed around her shoulders framing her face. The blue halter dress clung to her curvy figure, clinging to her breasts and hips while accenting her thin waist; her silver strappy sandals highlighted her toned calves making her long legs look longer.
Being the gentleman he was raised to be he absently reached out and took her bags of groceries out of her hands and took them to the kitchen and emptied them into their proper place before turning back and giving her his undivided attention.
"Calm down princess, don't get your panties in a wad. I am now the new apartment handyman, so all things that need fixed and upgraded will be handled by me. So to answer your question, I am fixing your ceiling fan. You complained about it over a month ago to management and they asked me to look at it for you. You can say thank you anytime by the way, or you could show me your appreciation," he said with a teasing smile.
Oh shit, he now has a key to my apartment! She could physically feel the color slowly drain from her face as reality sank in that Alex could enter her apartment anytime he damn well pleased. Needing a glass of wine and some space between them she turned on him planning to push him out of her apartment, but the heel of her shoe caught on her entry way rug propelling her down towards her hard tile flooring, but she never made it to the bottom. Alex caught her, latched onto her waist and hauled her up against his chest. She pressed her hands on his thin cotton shirt to steadying herself and feeling his hard, muscled abs beneath. His delicious sent, a mixture of cinnamon and leather, filled her senses making her head spin. His hands slowly moved up her arms before entwining in her hair and gently pulling causing her to look up at him and giving him unlimited access to her neck and mouth. She knew she should do something to stop him before the situation got any more complicated, but it was too late for that; it already was.