Drake shook his head, capitulating to defeat. “We’ve imposed on you enough, Savage. It’s only proper that I take her. I’ll take her.”
Tessa stopped Jack before he could slip out the door, pulling his coat together while she smiled at him. “Thank you, Jack. For being my friend.”
To her surprise, he kissed her on the lips. He grinned and grazed his finger over her chin. “Hope that didn’t hurt.”
She handed him the gloves he’d dropped on the hall table the night before. “You’d never hurt me.”
Tessa watched him clear the windshield of his car and returned his wave as he drove off down the snow-packed street.
Loneliness swept over her, his leaving reinforcing the growing need to be with him concealed deep in her heart.
Chapter Ten
What a perfect day for a funeral. Jack couldn’t believe he would be spending the better part of his Wednesday there considering that when the jerk was alive, he’d strutted around, hitting Tessa.
He looked out the bedroom window to see a world transformed into a blast of sunshine. The craziest weather he’d ever seen, but he’d begun to like it.
He dreaded going to the funeral, but he’d told her he’d be there. He felt a twinge of guilt, regretting being the hero, telling Drake he would drive Tessa to the service. The responsibility of seeing that Tessa got there was now his. He sure as hell didn’t want her driving anymore until the spring thaw.
What a woman. One minute she was petty and childish, the next warm and all woman. He had tried to convince himself that he didn’t give a rat’s behind what she did. Lies, all lies. He did care and she’d worked her way into his every thought.
It wouldn’t do though. Her world spun in a different orbit. He didn’t party with crowds of strangers, didn’t throw money around like rice at a wedding. He had plans, to make a success of his law firm, to marry one day and have kids. His plans did not include worrying about the vixen with blonde hair.
He grimaced, seeing that it was time to head for the service being held for Link.
He left the calm sanctuary of his home and drove toward Tessa’s townhouse apartment. At least the streets were not icy and the sky had cleared. He glanced at his watch, making a bet with himself that she wouldn’t be ready when he got there.
Jack knew he spent far too much time thinking about Tessa. It had been that way from the first time he’d seen her. She had seemed like a lost waif until he’d witnessed the first of several screaming matches between her and Drake.
He’d tried to steer clear of her, but it seemed Ms. Tessa always mysteriously showed up at her brother’s office every time he did. Whether it happened by design or just plain bad luck, he didn’t know.
Now he found his ass in a trap set by his own stupidity…or his lack of control.
He parked in front of Tessa’s townhouse apartment, surprised to see her come out and lock the door. She looked as if she should be going to a photo shoot instead of burying some goofball. Tessa being Tessa, she had dressed in a full-length black mink and a wide-brimmed hat with wispy plumes around the crown. Her large rimmed black sunglasses completed the look.
He opened the door and she climbed in. “Seat belt, Tessa.”
“Good morning to you, too.”
“Are you feeling up to this?” He didn’t comment on the bruises on her face. She’d done a good job of using foundation, but he could see the tint of blue under the makeup.
She checked her appearance in a gold compact and fussed with her hat before acknowledging him. “More than up to it.” She crossed her legs and leaned back with a sigh. “I need to talk seriously with you.”
Jack had doubts about the seriousness of the conversation. What did they ever talk about? “No time better than the present, Tessa.”
“You’re planning to never see me again, aren’t you?”
“Tessa.” He thought about pulling off the road to answer her. “Can’t this wait until later?”
“I take that as a yes.”
Maybe he should tell her she was right, that he didn’t want to be in the middle of her mach-speed life. Jack shook his head, frustration needling him into being short with her. “Drop it, Tessa. Let’s just get this freak show over with before we tackle your needs.”
Instead of looking hurt or angry, she pulled the collar of her coat closer to her face and stared ahead. Apparently, she had gone back into “Tessa the bitch” mode with no problem.
He sensed her riveting gaze and knew she had something nasty to say. “I have to tell you something before Drake talks you into proposing to me.”
He did a double take. “Say what?”
“Oh yes, I know he likes you. He’s hinted enough times that we would be good for each other.” She snorted in a most unladylike fashion. “He didn’t mean in bed.”
“Hell, Tessa.” Jack swallowed against his dry throat. “What’s that got to do with anything? Say what you’re going to say.”
“Don’t be scared.” She worked her leather gloves off. “I would never marry you. You’re low class and ignorant. Plus, you’re impoverished.”
“Gee, that’s a load off my mind.” If he hadn’t found her words amusing, he’d have been pissed off. “Thanks for letting me off the hook.”
What had she expected? Knowing the woman even as little as he did, she looked damn irritated by his thoughts on the subject.
“Savage, the minute the funeral service is over, you get out of my life.” Tessa clamped her lips tight, but he knew tears when he saw them.
A clump of snow falling from an overhead branch startled her. She leaned against him and shivered.
“You’ll be okay, Tessa. And I’ll miss you.”
* * * *
Why had she said all that to Jack? Tessa wanted to spend every second with him, and yes, she wanted to marry him.
She had to regain her cool way of treating men, especially Jack. That was a dumb thought. After today, he’d do everything possible to stay away from her. Oh God, that hurt.
She slanted a quick glance his way. What if he left for Arizona? The thought of never seeing him again sat like a cold stone on her heart.
No more time to worry about that. The funeral home loomed up like a warning of ugly things to come. Added to the gloomy atmosphere, Drake stood outside, obviously waiting to make sure she didn’t do something to embarrass him.
He opened the car door for her and wore his grim “I’m watching you” look.
“Tessa.” He nodded to Jack and guided her into the chapel. “Let’s get this over with.”
She didn’t feel like causing a scene. Not today. Her life would be like a never-ending funeral if she never saw Jack again.
Drake put his arm around her, showing support even though she knew he wanted to strangle her. She smiled at him, a rush of happiness warming her at being with her brother. Tessa wanted their relationship to be like this all the time. Maybe if she could stop being herself, it could happen.
Jack waited until she sat down and took the seat beside her. She took off her sunglasses and dropped them in her handbag. Drake glanced her way with a shrug.
Tears welled in her eyes. She’d forgotten her black eyes and swollen nose. Her own brother found her disgusting. “I’m sorry, Drake.”
He put his arm across her shoulders. “For what? I’m grateful you’re all right.”
She dabbed her eyes with a tissue and put the sunglasses back on. “Thank you.”
Jack took her hand, his attention on several large men stationed at a side door. She recognized the tallest man. Detective Dresslehouse.
As if sensing her worry, Jack reassured her. “He’s just checking the crowd out. It’s normal.”
“Oh, I didn’t know.”
“He may want to speak with me later. Don’t worry.”
“I owe you an apology too, Jack.” She loved his lifted brow and half smile. “I ruined your Christmas.”
“Listen, Tessa.” He leaned close to her, his cologne teasing he
r memory. “I want to make sure you are going to be okay. If you need me later on, just call me. Let’s just get this behind us.”
Her heart broke completely in two, the finality of his words cutting deep. He didn’t want her, didn’t say he wanted to hear from her. Worst thing of all, she knew he used that same line on all his clients.
“I won’t bother you, Jack.” She’d never been more determined about anything in her life. She would win him heart and soul, no matter what it took. “Help me with my coat, please.”
He didn’t say a word as her mink slid off her arms, but simply grinned and shook his head. Drake scowled and tapped his finger on her arm.
“Tessa, for God’s sake. Had you nothing else to wear?” Her brother had been the poster boy for propriety all his life. “A tomato-red dress?”
She shrugged, straightened the long sleeve of the red knit dress and looked straight ahead. “He would have liked it.”
Tessa knew keeping his voice low when he was furious cost Drake a lot emotionally. He tried to pull her coat around her shoulders, growling under his breath.
“Why do you have to be a freaked out rebel every day?” He flushed to his scalp with frustration. “You take great pride in dishonoring your family’s name. I’m through trying to tell you anything. Go your way.”
Her heart lurched with surprise. Drake had said that same thing to her more than once, but this time he meant it. His normally quiet expression had set in a cold frown.
So far, Jack hadn’t reacted to her choice of outfits. He carefully kept his gaze on the proceedings at the front of the chapel. She sighed, secretly wishing she’d dressed in something appropriately dark and drab.
She put on her coat and stared at the line of mourners threading past the coffin. She didn’t know any of them. That’s all she had in her life—strangers wanting to have a drink and then on their way to be with their real friends.
This wasn’t what she wanted. What she wanted sat next to her, and if she had to beg him, Jack would never shut her out of his life.
After the service concluded, Tessa took Jack’s arm as they left the building. Drake tucked her under his shoulder and kissed her cheek.
“I’m sorry, Tessa.”
She smiled at him, grateful that at least he was still speaking to her. “It’s all right, Drake. I’ll see you soon.”
Drake walked away then to go to his car, leaving her alone with the man she would have to fight for. Jack turned his collar up and tightened his grip on her arm.
She froze as Dresslehouse approached them, his large frame casting a shadow over her. He spoke to Jack and nodded in her direction.
“Just thought you’d both want to know that we have Griffin’s killers in custody.” He chewed his gum for a second and went on. “It turned out to be a carjacking gone sour. Random thing. Just thought you’d want to know you’re both cleared.” He grinned. “Want to make a bet this isn’t the last time we have a chat?”
Jack grimaced. “We weren’t worried. But thanks for making it official.” He groaned as a pack of reporters ran toward them. “Let’s get out of here.”
Being hounded by the press wasn’t new to Tessa. From fifteen on, she’d been in the headlines for everything from bungee jumping off the busiest bridge in Kansas City to snowballing the mayor’s car.
Tessa leaned against Jack, not for safety, but to make sure they were seen as a couple. “I’m scared, Jack.”
“That will be the day.” He practically carried her to his car and opened the door, waiting for her to fasten her seatbelt.
She watched him as he walked around to get in the driver’s seat and turn the key in the ignition. His gaze never turned to her, his way of telling her they were finished.
That’s what you think, my love.
Chapter Eleven
He had the office to himself that Saturday, and Jack rolled his sleeves up, prepared to catch up on the work he’d been putting aside.
The date on the desk calendar reminded him he’d been in a private hell for three months. February and the elm trees outside his windows had sprouted their buds.
He’d tried to go back to being all business and even put off going home until spring. Well, spring lurked just around the corner and he still had no desire to leave town.
The bottle of whiskey his best friend had sent as a Christmas gift caught his attention. Drinking alone brought him no pleasure, but right now he didn’t much care.
He poured three fingers in a glass and took a long sip, arching his brows with approval. His friend knew quality. His choice of wife proved that. Not to mention the two kids and custom built mansion he lived in.
He shook off the wandering thoughts and sat down at his desk. His girl Friday could type like a tornado, but her handwriting looked like pure hieroglyphics.
One more reason for him to pack it in and head for his apartment.
He rose and stretched, reaching for his coat, the sudden turning of the door handle startling him. He paused before deciding to see which client showed up on the wrong day. A little pissed, he unlocked the door and swung it open.
“Tessa.”
His heart thundered and his belly knotted as he looked into her beautiful dark eyes.
“Jack.” She smiled at him, motioning to the interior of his office. “Are you alone?”
Tessa being polite? His curiosity piqued.
“Yes,” he answered, feeling clumsy after almost stumbling over his feet to let her inside. “Of course. Come in.”
“Surprised?” She turned to watch him close the door.
“You could say that.” His soft laugh was due to the blast of shock her arrival had sent through him. “Kind of like waking up with your face sewn to the carpet.”
She nodded and went to the window. “I remembered your birthday.”
He thought about the cards from his family, the box of homemade cookies and new shirts his mother had sent. But here in his office stood the one gift he wanted most and felt such confusion about.
He didn’t touch her, stood with his hands in his pockets, waiting. “What have you been doing these past weeks?”
Her smile when she looked his way could only be described as wistful. “I’m back in school. Making something of myself as Drake said.”
Jack warmed to the idea. “That’s great, Tessa.” He poured two cups of coffee from the urn that he’d filled earlier and held one out to her. “Is it art still?”
“No.” She sipped her coffee and moved toward his desk. “I’m studying for a degree in social services.”
He choked on the hot coffee. “Social services?”
She put her cup on a bookcase and leaned on the desk, looking demure as hell.
“Come here, Jack.” She crooked her dainty finger at him in a beckoning waggle. Her shoulder relaxed and he caught a glimpse of creamy sweet flesh under the collar of her coat. “I want to wish you a proper happy birthday.”
Not go? Don’t be a fool. She’s all you want.
She sat on the edge of the desk, slowly swinging her leg in an enticing circle. His body reacted to the way she opened her legs in invitation. Hard. He’d become mahogany and his blood pounded hot with weeks of denial.
“Tessa, my sexy little fox.” Nothing could keep him from her now, not now. She played him like a drum, slow and deep, letting the coat open to fall in rich folds around her bare hips. The rosy warm tone of her neck and shoulders begged for his touch, drawing him in between her thighs.
The seductive glow in her eyes cooled as he pulled the coat up over her shoulders. “I’m not cold.” She shrugged the coat off.
“Tess, what are you really doing here?” He tried to step back from her, but she caught his hand, pulling it between her thighs. “I thought you hated me.”
“I do, but I love fucking you.” Her strong grip on his loosened tie brought his face down to hers. “I want you, Jack. No strings attached.”
He didn’t hear her last words, his blood whipping through his veins warp sp
eed, pounding in his temples and throbbing in his crotch. No going back now, not with his fingers opening her labial lips and dipping deep inside her hot pussy. No way back with her fingers freeing his belt and zipper. He sucked in a breath as her fingers curled around his erection.
Her full moist lips pouted in a tease, making a small opening to let her tongue slide out, the damn thing flicking at him. She worked his hard dick to and fro, gasping with a laugh when he opened her with three fingers, her hips grinding into his fist.
He braced his weight with one hand, pushing forward to crush her lips in a deep, hungry kiss, forcing her mouth open to accept his tongue. She moaned, biting him playfully, toppling back on the hard oak to open her legs. He gazed at the woman offering her all to him.
“Damn you, Tessa.” He pulled her legs apart and up to his waist, expecting to self-implode while she guided his cock to the glistening entrance of her pussy. From that point on, he lost all reason and desire to be noble. Hell with that. She took all of him, arching her hips and locking her arms around his neck, making those little noises she made just before reaching climax.
Distant sounds of things falling to the floor seemed natural while they worked hard to satisfy each other. She sucked his nipples and scratched his back, a fury to find release came through her nails and teeth. He thrust deep, hard and fast, deprivation and desire for her slapping away all niceties. The pressure of climax forced him to move against her forcefully, burying himself in her. Her back arched and she bucked against him, screaming against his neck, slowly dropping onto the desk. In a final powerful drive, he climaxed, fighting for breath and strength in his legs.
Several minutes passed before he spoke to her. “What now, baby?” He pulled her up to hug her close.
“I’ll tell you after I use the powder room.” She kissed him with a teasing smile. “Don’t look so worried, Jack.”
She got off the desk and headed for the washroom, glancing back over her shoulder when he found his voice. “I’m not worried, Tess. Just curious.”
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