"Mrs. Miller has a well maintained garden at her house. You should look at it. She spends most of her time there when she's not at the store."
Tesha smiled. He took a deep breath wondering how a simple thing like a smile from this woman affected him so deeply. "I am going there for tea one of these days. She's introducing me to other widows. It's perfect for my plans for this house."
Widow?
"You're a widow?"
She took a deep breath and released it slowly. Adam rushed to speak again. "You don't have to tell me."
"It's fine. Yes, I lost my husband in Iraq."
The mention of that country made his jaw clench, but he managed to relax for her sake. "I'm sorry."
"No need to apologize. If anything I should thank you for what you did over there. The real estate agent told me you are a war vet." Before he could say anything, she changed the subject. "How was your mom's birthday? Did they enjoy the lasagna?"
"It went well." He didn't want to talk anymore. There were too many things better left unsaid. Adam got to his feet. "Let's walk. I ate too much."
It was clear she knew he was avoiding conversation because Tesha cocked her head to the side as if considering what to say. In the end she got to her feet. "Sure. Let me throw these paper plates in the trash."
He helped her carry the leftovers and glasses inside and they set off. It was a sunny day, only a few puffy clouds in the sky. His dark wraparound shades covered his eyes and gave him ample opportunity to glimpse at his companion without her knowing. She pointed to a Victorian across the street from their houses. "Who lives there?"
"Aaron Reginald Moore. The Moore's are the founding family of Lovely. The town is actually named after his great-grandmother, Lovely Moore."
"I'd love to see the inside. Do you think he'd be open to let me?" She stood in the middle of the street and looked up at the imposing three-story home. "Don't you just love the creativity?" Bright eyed and smiling she turned to him. "I'm going to walk over one day and introduce myself."
A corner of his mouth twitched, a smile threatening. He shrugged. "I'm sure he will be happy to show you the interior. He entertains a lot. Always has folks over."
They continued walking past the house. The next area was mostly wooded. Adam explained it was part of the Walker's property. Then there were smaller houses that lined both sides of the road for the next two miles before it stretched into town.
Tesha touched his hand to get his attention. Adam could not help the flash of heat traveling from the spot directly to the center of his body. "I thought we were taking a leisurely walk, not going on a race."
Although she was only a bit out of breath, he noted perspiration on her brow. He slowed. "Didn't realize I was walking so fast."
"Maybe not for you, but I'm a foot shorter." She laughed at his frown. "I don't mind exercise, but I ate too much to jog."
Spending time with the pretty woman made him yearn for more. He wanted to know what it would be like to hold her against him, the taste of her kisses. If she were not his neighbor, he'd definitely sleep with her. But getting to know her and the proximity of their homes made her strictly off limits. Then there was the obvious situation with her being widowed in the same war that sent him stateside with demons he fought constantly.
Plus there was the added complication of the man with the Camaro who'd been there the day she moved in. What role did he play?
Sirens screamed in the distance and got louder. The emergency vehicle was headed toward them. Adam searched frantically for a place to go. The louder the sounds, the more frantic he became. He had to get away from Tesha. If a flashback occurred, he'd never want to face her again. As the ambulance neared, Tesha grabbed his arm and leaned against him. "Oh my goodness. It's coming this way. There are only four houses on our little street."
When his breathing and heart rate accelerated, Adam wrapped his arms around Tesha and held her as the ambulance zoomed past them. Her slight body against his took over any thoughts other than wanting her and he relaxed into her.
"Let's see if there's something we can do to help." She gave him a quizzical look and shrugged from his hold. Without a word, she took his hand tugging him to return.
"I'm not sure what I'm going to do now." An hour later, Tesha sat on the front steps, her chin resting on her palms. "Poor Mr. Shanty."
Fred Shanty had passed out. Although he'd come to and insisted the paramedics leave him be, he'd been carted off to Lovely Medical Center.
Jerry Pike followed the ambulance in the dilapidated truck after assuring Tesha he'd be back to help as much as he could with the renovations until Mr. Shanty recovered.
Adam kicked at a small rock and shoved his hands into his jean's pockets. "I'll be here tomorrow to help you."
Her rounded eyes lifted to him. "Thank you so much, but you don't have to. If you do however, I'll pay you."
His chest expanded and he felt like a true hero. "No need, that's what neighbors are for."
"I insist," Tesha told him, her raised eyebrows challenging.
"I'll see you in the morning."
Tomorrow he'd have to tell her the conditions of his help. Somehow convince her she'd have to keep her distance from him at all times.
Early the next day Adam arrived at Tesha's house, just as she hurried out the door with a bagel in between her teeth. She waved him in and pointed to Jerry Pike, who sat on a paint stained barstool in the kitchen drinking coffee and eating a bagel. He went to the counter and poured a cup of coffee.
Jerry Pike washed down his food with the coffee. "Shanty's gonna be all right. Just needs to rest is all." The older man became sullen. "Sure am glad you stepped in to help. Not sure how long 'fore Shanty makes it back and 'Lil Bit needs these wall done 'fore summer hits."
"Can I ask that you keep your distance and warn me before you do something that will create a loud noise?" Adam waited for Jerry Pike to begin asking questions.
Instead the man shrugged and nodded. "You got it."
"Thanks."
The older man sized Adam up. "Yer that fella who came back from Afghanistan a couple years ago right?"
"Yes."
"You brought it back with ya, too. I know the feelin'." He didn't elaborate, but Adam figured the man must have served sometime in the past.
Once they started working, Adam realized Jerry was a great assistant. Did as he was told without complaint and adjusted to Adam's pace every step of the way. As long as the country music played, Jerry Pike seemed impervious to hard work.
At noon, Jerry Pike unhooked his tool belt and placed it on top of a crate. "Well, I'm goin' to town to check on Shanty. I'll be back in an hour or so." He walked away humming to the music.
How many people could see it? Adam threw a dirty rag into a bucket deciding to take a break as well. He peered into the room Tesha had been working on. The painting was done. His gaze went to the spot where she'd backed into the wall. The paint on her butt had gained not only his attention, but the awareness of how attracted he was to her.
Sometime later, the crunching of tires told of Tesha's return. Adam decided this was the time to tell her that if they were ever alone, it was best for her to keep a distance. He was not looking forward to disclosing his issues, but at the same time, hurting her was not an option. If there was any chance of getting to know her better, it would end with this conversation.
She entered and immediately stopped in her tracks upon seeing him. "Oh, hi, I thought everyone was gone."
His stomach pitched when their eyes met. "I need to talk to you." The room seemed to shrink considerably when she walked in.
Her gaze shifted past him. "Do I need to sit for this? You're not going to quit on me already are you?"
"No."
Tesha went to a chair and fell into it. She lowered the bag she carried to the floor. Her lips curved up. "Oh, good. It's been one of those days. I got a flat tire and then the hardware store was closed, so I drove an hour away to get these." She pulled sil
ver light switch cover from the bag. "Thank goodness it matches the ones I already have."
Before he could begin speaking, she dashed to the wall and held the item up to compare. "Perfect."
God how the woman attracted him, she pulled at his every sense. Adam gripped his hands behind his back and looked past her to the doorway. He should leave, walk out and not return. What was he thinking being there? Yes, this was crazy. He'd tell her it wasn't going to work. Walk away now before he did something stupid. Even if she didn't understand, it was better than telling her the truth, that one more minute around her would result in more than just talking.
Adam neared and swallowed, forming the words he'd say. Her perfume tickled his nose and he inhaled deeper. Without thought he reached to touch her hair. When she turned and found him so close, her eyes widened and lips parted. Her regard fell to his lips.
Aw hell. He cupped the back of her neck and leaned forward, his intent obvious. He closed in, his eyes locking with hers. Tesha reached up and pulled on his shoulder granting permission.
Not needing further encouragement, he covered her mouth with his. The softness of her lips was intoxicating, so sweet. With an exhalation, she relaxed, her body fitting perfectly against him.
He intensified the kiss, running his tongue across the center of her lips and nipping at the corners. Her arms circled around his neck, which brought her soft breasts flat against his chest. The sensation of her fingers raking through his hair stole every ounce of his self-control.
The sounds of their kissing and heavy breathing mixed with the soft country music in the background. His large palms cupped her butt and he lifted Tesha to let her feel his arousal. Tesha moaned and wrapped her legs around his waist.
The obvious attraction between them blossomed into instant chemistry like he'd never experience before. If the world ended at the moment, neither would be able to pull away from the other.
He wanted all of her, to taste every inch and take everything she'd give him. For the first time in his life, he understood pure raw need. The overwhelming demands to be with someone and never let go.
Tesha was against the wall, Adam held her up with ease as he feasted on her mouth and lips, enjoying the tangle of their tongues. A battle he would not have a problem losing. He was hard and throbbing from the heat of her center against his groin.
A rumble became louder and louder. Tesha pushed him away. "Oh goodness, Jerry's here."
Adam moved away, his chest heaving. He adjusted his jeans, in an attempt to hide his erection. Tesha hurried out of the room, rushed to the next one and closed the door.
"Yo? Anyone here?"
After blowing out a breath, Adam went to the front room. "I'm here."
Jerry Pike made a beeline for the radio and turned the music up and looked over at him. "You have been working hard, look all sweaty." He narrowed his eyes. "What happened to your hair?"
"I think I'm done for the day."
Chapter Five
Tesha remained in her bedroom for the rest of the day until the sounds of hammering stopped and Jerry Pike called out that he was leaving. The silence of the house combined with her grumbling stomach led her in search of something to eat.
It was inevitable. Her gaze darted to the room where she and Adam shared the most incredible kiss of her life. She'd sat on her bed waiting for guilt to assault, for tears to appear at betraying David, like when she'd been intimate with Cleve, but instead, she'd grinned like an idiot.
How incredible his large body had felt against hers. He'd picked her up and kissed her with so much hunger. Desperation was the only word she could use to describe it.
The same feelings had echoed within her. So much want. Incredible intoxicating need. A fire burning so hot she'd expected to burn to ashes before he was done.
It would be a long night. In the morning she'd see him again and hopefully they'd agree the kiss was great, but a mistake. It was not a good idea to date a next-door neighbor.
Then again. She leaned on the counter and drank her tea while looking toward Adam's house. "No. No. No. Stop it, Tesha."
The lights were on tonight. What was he doing?
The first sound of hammering woke Tesha. Jerry Pike always arrived early. Way too early. She opened one eye and looked at the clock. Seven in the morning. Good God, did that man not know most people slept in? Tesha rolled toward the wall and pulled the blankets over her head. She'd not slept a wink, when she'd finally fallen asleep the dream was of her and Adam and not much else. She'd become so frustrated, even her vibrator pissed her off when it couldn't take the edge off.
Now he'd be out there and she'd have to face him. Hopefully he'd not be able to see how badly she wanted him. That would be embarrassing. Thankfully he had no way of knowing the naughty things they'd done in her dreams. Her body instantly reacted to the reminder. "Augh!" Tesha growled and pulled the pillow over her face.
Unable to avoid it any longer, she left her bedroom after ensuring her makeup was perfect and every single strand of hair in place. Wearing a loose-fitting University of Georgia t-shirt and jeans along with a pair of running shoes, she was prepared to face him.
Adam stopped mid-sentence when she appeared. His eyes followed her as she made her way to the kitchen. "Good morning, gentlemen." Tesha took in both men who watched her with very different expressions. Jerry expecting breakfast and all she could see in Adam's gaze was the usual flatness.
It annoyed her to no end how the man could remain so neutral. Even when kissing he'd remained quiet, only his body communicating with her.
She cleared her throat and made a point to look at Jerry. "I'm making ham and cheese biscuits. My specialty."
Once she tied her favorite apron around her waist, Tesha became lost in cooking. One of the reasons she couldn't wait to open a Bed and Breakfast was the opportunity to cook for others. She enjoyed trying out new recipes especially breakfast creations.
Adam came to stand next to her as she rolled out the biscuit dough. "We need to talk."
"You said that yesterday and that's not what happened. Although your tongue was moving pretty good." She couldn't help but tease him. When she slid her gaze to his face, she noticed he'd colored a bit. "I like how you talk to me."
He fidgeted but as usual remained silent. Tesha took pity on him. "The biscuits will be done in about ten minutes. After we eat, then we can talk. All right?"
"Yes." His frown made her worry about their talk. But then he squeezed her upper arm before turning away.
A few hours later, Tesha sat outside on her deck. Adam came outside and looked down at her. "There is something I need to make clear." Adam’s words did not bode well. Tesha prepared for the "I have a girlfriend” speech.
"What is it, Adam?" She stretched her arms over her head to give the impression of nonchalance while her stomach did a fast tap dance.
He swallowed visibly. "If we're in the house alone while I work. It's best if you keep your distance. I can react violently to unexpected noises or people coming up to me when I don't expect it." His serious gaze met hers. "Promise you'll never sneak up on me. And if I leave in a hurry, don't come after me." He took a breath and she realized talking about this took a lot out of him. PTSD. He had Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and wanted to protect her. So this was the reason why he was a recluse and why he was not comfortable around people.
Tesha's heart broke for him. It didn't take much to recognize Adam had been a leader in the military. He stood out as a pure alpha male who must have commanded attention and respect. That he could barely function in public now, had to be debilitating, hard to accept. "I promise."
"Good. That's good." Adam took a step backward his eyes boring into hers. "Tesha, please understand that nothing can ever happen between us. I am not ready for..."
Now he made her angry, how dare he assume she was all ga-ga over him from just one kiss?
Even if she was a little bit more than interested in him. How dare he assume it? She'd kept it cool this
morning, barely looking at him and had actually managed to convince herself not to be tempted by him. But the gall of the man to think she found him so irresistible, he had to warn her away. "I expect nothing and I'm not going to fall at your feet in adoration just because of a kiss. You don't have to warn me off."
She jumped to her feet and absolutely hated how much shorter than him she was. With quick jabs, she pushed her finger into the center of his chest. "It was just a kiss, Adam Ford. Shit happens." Tesha stomped off to the house. The nerve of the man.
Why the hell did her feelings get hurt at his words?
By that afternoon her back ached from peeling wallpaper in what would be her bedroom. Admittedly Tesha had overdone it. Amazing how much she'd gotten done fueled by anger and whatever other emotions propelled her all day.
The wallpaper stripping was finished. The next day she'd start priming the walls for paint.
The second floor didn't need much work. Surprisingly, each room had been kept in great shape. All she planned to do was paint the bedrooms and decorate in different themes.
There was an adjoining bathroom between two of the bedrooms and the third had its own. The bathrooms would be fitted with new fixtures and cabinetry. In her mind’s eye, she pictured how beautiful the end result would be. Each one a special haven for her guests.
Outside the window a silver car got her attention. She yanked the bandana off her head and rushed downstairs to meet her friend.
"Cleve!" Tesha ran into his arms and hugged his waist tight. "I missed you so much."
She was aware that both Adam and Jerry had stopped working and stared at them. Not ready to face Adam, she took Cleve's hand and pulled him into the house and straight to her office. "Sit down, let's chat. I'll show you around later. You'll be amazed at all the progress that's been made."
Cleve smiled and looked the room over. "It already looks great. I forget how good you are at this sometimes."
He sat and crossed his long legs at the ankles. Dressed casually in jeans and a tight black t-shirt that showed off his well-toned physique, he looked incredible. Tesha wondered why she didn't feel more than just sisterly love for the handsome man. "What brings you to little ol' Lovely?"
Even Heroes Cry, Fords of Nashville, Book 1 Page 4