Who are you trying to kid, Savage? You hate the fact she leaves you and probably goes to someone else. What would be wrong with having her on those terms?
Everything.
He’d had his share of forgettable women, lied to more than one, but not this time. Something about Tessa filled his senses to the full and without her, he ran on empty.
He should tell her what he felt, not talk to her like a greasy barfly would. Hell no, she’d laugh in his face. Tessa didn’t want him for anything other than a quick toss on his desk. Best to keep his mouth shut. Doing that got harder every day.
* * * *
Tessa sat on the chair that Jack’s secretary had probably placed in the bathroom. She hated herself for practically raping him. She didn’t want him that way.
Liar. You want him any way it takes.
Then why was she so miserable? She knew the answer and it hurt. She wanted him to come to her with all that force and heat. She loved him, wanted him to feel the same about her. She rose, suddenly feeling cheap and dirty. No wonder he screwed her when she tricked him with her naked body.
A light rap on the door interrupted her dark thoughts.
“I’ll be right out.” She hesitated, then added brightly, “Hand me my coat, Jack. My lipstick’s in the pocket.”
He stood in the doorway and held the coat out, waiting for her to slide her arms in the sleeves. “You’ve been in here quite awhile. Everything okay?”
“Of course.” Her voice wavered. “You know how women are.”
“Do you want me to drive you somewhere, babe? Home maybe to get some clothes?”
“I have clothes in my car.” This escapade hadn’t ended as she’d dreamed. “Where I’m going, no clothes are required.”
“Are you trying to worry me?”
“You asked, Mister.”
Why did he have to look at her so intently, his dark eyes delving into her soul as no one else ever had? Could he see she had humiliated herself, and he did nothing to make her feel whole again?
He walked away, leaning over to pick up the pens, files, and his briefcase they had scattered in the heat of passion. “I asked because I care about what happens to you.”
“Don’t worry, Jack.” Desire to slump on the floor gripped her, but she crossed the floor on steady legs. “I’m going home. Sorry to have made a nuisance of myself.” She blew him a kiss. “Happy birthday.”
He did the thing she’d hoped for, came to her and caught her hand, his smile warm. “Thank you for thinking of me, Tess.”
Damn fool. He was all she thought of.
Chapter Twelve
After making the mistake of a lifetime, Tessa vowed never to run after Jack again. She accepted the painfully clear fact that he wasn’t ready for her now. Perhaps he never would be. His easy acceptance of her leaving his office the last time had nearly broke her heart.
Four in the morning and she still hadn’t closed her eyes, trying to remember every word he’d said. Why do that? He’d made no comment other than suggest she put some clothes on. She groaned, remembering the great sex. It had never been anything but a desire to be close to someone, even for just a little while. But with Jack, she knew she was in his strong arms and sharing the sensuality that only comes with love.
Get over it. You’ll find someone else. Forget that. They won’t be Jack. It had been weeks and he hadn’t made any effort to heat things back up. She was taking her degree and moving on. To where? She’d know when she got there.
Getting her brain into the books had taken some effort, but Tessa had wanted to finish one thing in her life. If not, her newfound self-esteem would flatten like a popped balloon.
She glanced around the gleaming clean kitchen and remembered the chocolate éclairs in the refrigerator. When she opened the door, it occurred to her that she had eaten nothing but junk food for days. She was hungry for real food.
Standing in the open refrigerator door, licking the éclair’s creamy filling, Tessa frowned. The pastry could never fill the hunger clawing at her every nerve.
Call him, fool. You are dying to hear his voice.
She grabbed the phone off the counter and tabbed in his home number. It rang three times before he picked up. His hello kissed her ear and the tears started.
No, you can’t do this anymore. Hang up, fool.
Cutting off the connection hurt as if she’d burned her hand. The ache in her heart screamed to get out. How could she survive without a reason to live?
She sat in the dark, for the first time unafraid of the shadows and night noises.
The phone rang, but she ignored it. Drake was probably checking to see if she’d turned in all her homework. He’d told her how proud he was of her and they had to have a celebratory dinner soon. She sighed with resignation. Her brother had been right all the time, and she’d fought him every step of the way.
She rose and went to the bedroom, stripping off her clothes to flop nude on the bed.
After tossing and turning for several hours, she gave up and went into the bathroom to shower. Today, she wouldn’t be late.
While she dried her body, the memory of the Blue Bird Café drifted into her thoughts. What would it harm if she drove there for an early breakfast?
She felt deep scorn for herself. If he was there, what would she say and do? God, why couldn’t she deal with life like an adult?
* * * *
Jack sat on the edge of his bed, his emotions going in crazy directions. Why hadn’t she said anything when he answered the phone? Why hadn’t he called her back?
The answer was too complicated for a mere mortal like him. Damn, the woman kept him torn up, her idea of a joke tearing his balls out. How long had it been since he’d relaxed, had a date? He couldn’t remember.
He lay back down on the bed and stared at the ceiling. Okay, figure this out or commit yourself to a mental hospital.
He rationalized every aspect of the fireball relationship he’d had with Tessa. Constant upheaval, cops, car accidents, funerals for assholes, and sex. What else could a guy ask for?
He groaned and pulled a pillow over his head to cover the mournful sound.
What do you have without her? Order, routine, dull evenings alone, and the never-ending yearning to hear her voice. He missed Tessa and all the uproar she brought with her.
Lights from a passing car lit up his bedroom. Five in the morning and he hadn’t gotten back to sleep after her call.
This is fucking madness.
He hugged his pillow and closed his eyes before allowing the truth to burst in his mind. He loved Tessa and it mattered little what she brought to the table, as long as she loved him. He had to find out.
With hard resolution, he got up and turned on the bathroom light, but not before he stepped on something. Under his foot was a gold cylinder, winking in the light.
This had to be a good sign. Tessa’s lipstick.
Good sign or not, he had to find her and damn quick. His life had become laughable and he needed her with him. He gave thought to the fact that she may not feel the same as he did. Come to think of it, she’d never said how she felt about him.
Yanking some jeans and a shirt from the closet, he grimaced. Didn’t make a damn bit of difference. He would say it to her pretty face and wait for the explosion. Didn’t all men go through this?
He pulled his clothes on and looked at the clock. Hell, way too early to spring this kind of load on the princess.
Like hell it is.
He locked the door and sprinted to the garage. So this was what love did to a man. He hadn’t felt so good in his whole life.
Get ready baby, your life is about to change.
Chapter Thirteen
Still in her bathrobe, Tessa stood at the top of the stairs, trying to see who stood at her front door through the slot windows. Identifying the person was impossible. Maybe they would go away.
Insistent knocking on the door followed several more rounds of the bell.
“Tessa.�
��
Relief flooded through her when she recognized the voice. Hurrying down the stairs, she opened the door to see Jack on her doorstep.
What should she do, or say? Calm down.
“Jack.” She pulled her robe together and stepped back to let him in. “Is something wrong?”
He stayed where he was for several seconds before answering. “We need to talk, Tessa.”
This was different, not bossy or ringing with warning. Her nerves wound tight with apprehension. “Have you decided to go back to Arizona?”
He laughed and tugged on the belt of her robe. “Are you running me out of town?”
“Never.” She inched closer to him, covering his hand with hers. “Even if you never want to be with me.”
His arms eased around her. “I want one thing, Tessa. You.” He tipped her chin up, his smile warm and sweet. “I love you. I want to be with you for the rest of my life. I’ll do everything in my power to make this work. The question is, what exactly are your intentions toward me?”
She stammered, having always thought the words would flow smooth and sexy. “I feel so passionately about you I can’t describe what’s in my heart.” This was real, he truly had said the words she’d longed to hear, and now she trembled with emotion. “I love you. I just want to make you happy.” She held his face in her hands, gazing into his eyes. “Don’t ever change your mind, Jack. I won’t let you go.”
He squeezed her tight, groaning with obvious pleasure to see his prospective bride’s robe fall to the floor. “Don’t change a thing for me, Tessa.”
THE END
www.bettywomack.net
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
I have always loved books. Reading was a passion early in my life. I read everything the famous and not so famous authors wrote. I was a die hard historical romance-only fan until I found contemporary to be just as satisfying to read. I began the rocky journey to publication, blind to all the rules and terribly afraid of rejection. With the help of patient critique partners and surviving more than a few disappointments, my first full-length novel was accepted for publication.
I live in the Midwest, and enjoy being near my two adult children and my wonderful wildflower garden. I will never stop being delighted by the notes sent by a reader commenting on my work. Hearing from readers is important to me. I want to write stories that stay with you for a long while. I do it all for you.
Also by Betty Womack
Palace of the Jaguar
The Stetson
Her Private John
Hot for Nick
Fast and Easy
Available at
BOOKSTRAND.COM
Siren Publishing, Inc.
www.SirenPublishing.com
Taming Tessa Page 7