Tessa's Temptation (6 page)

Chapter Seven

Tess quietly walked into the foyer, pulling her boots off so she wouldn’t make noise on the hardwood floor. She’d left the house hours ago. It was late and she was sure Chase was already asleep.

“You don’t have to be so quiet,” he said from behind her.

“Oh!” She turned to face him. “You scared me.”

“Sorry.” He switched on the light. “I’ve been waiting for you.”

When her eyes adjusted to the light she noted he was still wearing those sexy, low-rise jeans from earlier. He leaned against the huge archway that separated the foyer from the family room. His hair was disheveled but it looked good on him. Why did she have to have it so bad for a man who didn’t want or need her? “I didn’t think you’d still be awake,” she said. “I would have texted you to let you know I’d be late if I had known you were waiting up.”

“Really? Because the way you stormed out of here I thought you couldn’t give a shit one way or the other.”

“Look.” She sighed. “I’m sorry about the way I acted.” She’d been really offended when he turned her away. “I didn’t mean—”

“It doesn’t matter.” His jaw tensed when he cut her off. “I’ve arranged for you to get an apartment close to campus.”

“What? Why?” He was kicking her out?

“I think it would be best for you.”

“Best for me?” she whispered.

“Tessa, don’t be disappointed. What happened in the study— I never should have acted on my feelings. I moved you in here because I wanted to help your dad.”

“You are helping us.” She didn’t want to come off as needy, but she didn’t want to leave. “What happened in your study was my fault.”

“It was both of us. Whatever it was has been building between us for weeks. I shouldn’t have behaved so inappropriately. Your dad asked me to take care of you. I wanted to honor his request. I couldn’t help myself because… I’m attracted to you.”

“You are?”

He nodded, holding her eyes with his gaze. The connection coursed through her making her feel warm... wanted.

“I can’t blur the lines.”

“I don’t understand. If you’re attracted to me...” He proved that much in his study. “Why can’t we be together?”

“I’m twelve years older than you. I’ve done the college thing and the partying. I’m content with my life. You’re just discovering who you are and what you want. We’re not a good match.”

“Sounds like you’ve put some thought into this.”
Into us.

“It’s been on my mind for weeks. Last night I acted on my feelings. Today I took it further and that’s why it’s best if you move out. I’ll still fulfill my promise to your dad. I’ll take care of you and look after you. I’ll provide you with whatever you need. I just can’t have you staying here.”

“It’s not best for
me
, Chase. Please.”

“I would think you’d want your own place. It’s close to campus, right on the water. It’s brand new and hasn’t even been decorated. You can make it however you want. It’s perfect.”

Except you won’t be there
.
“I want to stay here. I’ll behave.”

“Tessa, it’s not that.”

“I won’t taunt you anymore. I like being here. I don’t want to be alone.” The heat stung her cheeks before the uncontrollable shakes took over. “I want to stay here...”

“Hey,” he took her hands in his, “calm down.”

“Don’t make me leave.”

“Help me understand, sweetheart.” He led her to the family room. “What’s going on?”

“I’ve been alone most of my life.” She didn’t want to rehash her past, but being in his house made all of her demons disappear.

He sat with her on the sofa, holding her hands in his.

“My dad worked a lot. Sometimes two jobs to keep things going. I was a latchkey kid. I ate dinner most nights by myself. I got up every morning alone and got myself off to school. I had to make my own lunch from the time I was in fourth grade. Sometimes we didn’t have bread because he worked so much he would forget to go to the store. I hated it.”

“That’s why you wanted me to have dinner with you.” He squeezed her hand. “You didn’t want to be alone.”

“I like being here.” It was more than the spacious house with all the luxuries. It was so much more. “For the first time I feel like I have a home. I like spending time with you, hearing about your day and what’s going on at the office. I like you asking me about my classes. My dad did what he could, but once my mom left he just didn’t know what to do with me. I fended for myself. Then I ended up taking care of him.”

“I’m sorry.” He tucked her loose hair behind her ear. “I didn’t realize how much being here meant to you.”

“You don’t need to apologize.” She looked down at her lap. “You’ve done so much for me and my dad. You don’t owe me anything. I’ll go if that’s what you want. I don’t want to disrupt your life.”

“I don’t want you to go. Under the circumstances I felt it was the right thing to do, but I could be overreacting.”

“I don’t think what happened between us was wrong, but I understand your position.” She didn’t agree with it, but she couldn’t throw herself at a man who had no interest in her. “I won’t do anything inappropriate from now on. I’ll even wear less revealing clothes if that helps.”

When he laughed the knot that had been building in her stomach seemed to dissolve. “You can wear whatever you want. That’s my problem, not yours.”

“Can I stay?”

“Yes, of course.” He
glanced at their joined hands. “I shouldn’t say this but I like having you here. I look forward to coming home every night.”

“When you come through the door in the evening, that’s the best part of my day.”

“Why don’t we give this another shot?”

He’d done a full one-eighty. “Thank you.”

“How is your dad doing?” he asked.

“He loves the new place, but how did you know that’s where I went?”

“When it started to get late I got worried so I called over there and asked if you had stopped in to see him.”

She wondered if what really worried him was that she’d hooked up with another guy after threatening to earlier in the day. Did he even care about that? “I should have let you know where I was.”

“As long as you’re okay, it’s all good.”

“I’m better than okay.” She smiled, feeling tremendously relieved. This may not have been the outcome she had hoped for when things heated up between them but now she knew how she felt. Even if he didn’t feel that way.

***

Tess was dressed and waiting by the bench as he made his way down to the stream early the next morning. The sun was up despite the frigid autumn air and thick cloud coverage.

One week had passed since that clusterfuck of an afternoon in Chase’s study. She kept her promise and left him alone. She didn’t want to do anything to provoke him or worse, get herself kicked out of his house. She didn’t want to leave. She liked being there. Having May in her life gave her a sense of peace she hadn’t experienced in a very long time. She finally had a woman she felt close enough to share things with.  Before May, she never realized how much she’d missed by not having a mother around.

Of course the real reason she wanted to stay had nothing to do with the kind older woman. Even if Chase didn’t want her, she was still drawn to him. There was this connection they had both felt over the past few weeks and she wasn’t willing to give up on it. She just had to figure out another way to get through to him.

“Tessa.” He squinted as he made his way to her. “I didn’t expect to see you down here this morning.”

“Can I run with you today?”

“Of course.”

“Cool.” She headed down the path keeping pace with him. “I haven’t seen you much lately.”

“I’ve been busy at the office.”

“I thought maybe you were keeping your distance from me again.” She focused on the trail in front of her as the peaceful sounds of nature embraced them. She’d been trying all week to work up the nerve to run with him but after their talk she’d mostly stayed out of his way. Things seemed to go back to how they’d been when she first came to live with him. He worked late into the evening and she ate dinner alone. She’d hear him come in after she had already crawled into bed.

“Sorry, Tessa,” he finally spoke. “I’ve been avoiding you and I feel like a major prick.”

“Why?”

“Why am I avoiding you?”

“I know why you’re avoiding me, but why do you feel like a prick?”

“You wanted to stay here because you said you were lonely.” He picked up his pace, so she did her best to keep up with him. “I haven’t done much this week to keep you company.”

“I understand.” She got where he was coming from. How could they be around one another after what had happened in the study? “Shit got awkward.”

“Yeah.” He laughed. “I’d say so.”

She stole a quick glance at him as he ran. His strong jaw tensed as he spoke.

“This isn’t how I wanted things between us,” he continued. “I don’t want it to be awkward.”

“Me either.” She gave him a playful shove, throwing them both off balance. “We’re cool.”

“Are you sure?”

“Totally.” Her ponytail bounced ahead of him and she yelled over her shoulder. “Now let me kick your ass in this race.”

“Race?” he called after her. “Who said this was a race?”

“I did,” she giggled as she increased her lead, “and I’m winning!”

***

Chase followed Tessa through the trails, keeping close but letting her think she was winning. He didn’t mind since the view of her tight, little behind kept his mind off the run. Everything she did, unknowingly or not, enticed him. How could he resist what was right in front of him?

“I’m going to win,” she shouted as they cleared the tree line and saw the house in the distance.

“Do you really think so?” He chuckled as he sprinted by her, passing her with little effort.

“Hey!” she said. “That’s not fair.”

When he reached the porch steps he turned and grinned at her. She tried her hardest to sprint toward him but he saw how exhausted she was.

He met her on the lawn. She stopped and rested her hands on his chest, trying to catch her breath. “That was… invigorating.”

“You look a little tired.” He picked her up around the waist and hoisted her over his shoulder. “Let me help you out.”

“Caveman!” She smacked the back of his thighs as she bounced against his back.

“Put that sweet girl down,” May hollered from the back porch. “What’s wrong with you?”

Sweet girl? Oh, May, if you only knew the thoughts she provokes within me.

From the way she glared at him, it looked as if May knew what Chase had been thinking about Tessa.

“You heard her,” Tessa said. “The blood is rushing to my head.”

He slid her down his body, feeling her soft curves meld against his hard frame. Visions of her laid back on his desk, bare-chested and in the throes of a climax clamored for purchase in his thoughts. She gripped his shoulders as she regained her balance, and when he reached to tuck an unruly curl behind her ear it turned into a caress.

“May,” he said without taking his gaze from Tessa’s. “You don’t have to cook tonight. I’m bringing home takeout. Tessa and I are having a movie night.”

Tessa’s wide eyes connected with his as she flashed him an incredulous smile. He decided his new favorite thing was making her smile.

“Sweet!” She stepped around him, technically winning the race.

Sweet indeed...

Chapter Eight

After dinner, Tess made a large bowl of popcorn and brought it in while Chase was setting up the movie. She moved to sit on the floor against the opposite side of the couch from him. The room was impressive like everything else in the house. The walls were adorned with authentic movie posters and the shelves were filled with all sorts of movie memorabilia. His home theater was a fun room. Tess liked when they spent time in here. As a kid she didn’t get to go to the movies very often because an evening enjoying a flick cost more than her dad allowed in the monthly budget. Thanks to Chase’s collection, she could watch every movie she’d ever missed growing up.

His phone beeped with a text. He glanced at the screen and then turned the phone off.

“You can answer that if you need to,” she said. “I don’t mind.”

“It can wait until later.” He tossed the phone on the table. “It’s Friday night and I could use a break from everything – clients, attorneys, the office. The place won’t burn down while we watch a movie.”

“If you’re sure,” she said. “I don’t want to distract you from work.”

“You’re a welcomed distraction. This week has been insane.” He shook his head and held up his hand. “I don’t want to talk about work.”

“No more work talk it is.”

“You don’t have to sit way over there,” he said. “How can we share the popcorn if you’re on the other side of the room?”

She was trying to hold up her end of the deal and not do anything to entice him. But she realized she didn’t have to do much to get him going. He wanted her. She could see it in his eyes even though he fought so hard to suppress it. Whatever he was battling was his to overcome. He was good to her and she wasn’t going to do anything else to make his life difficult. Even if she wanted to jump on him every time he walked through the door.

“Sit up here with me.” He patted the couch next to him.

Okay, you asked
.
She grabbed the bowl and curled up next to him. “What are we watching tonight?”

“Back to the Future.”

“You went with classic. I love it.”

“Well, I would think something with Cary Grant or Audrey Hepburn would be classic – not Marty McFly.”

“Hey, if it was made before I was born, it’s classic to me.”

“Good point.” He laughed as he wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her into his side.

Not that she was complaining but she wondered why he was being so touchy feely.

“I used to love this movie when I was a kid. Who wouldn’t want to travel back in time and see how things used to be?”

“I don’t know.” She rested her head on his shoulder. “I kind of like how things are right now.”

“Me too.”

He kissed the top of her head, piquing her curiosity even further. She didn’t care. She’d take him anyway she could get him.

“Let me have some of that.” He reached into the bowl for a handful of popcorn. “I like it when it’s hot.”

“I’ll bet.” She giggled.

“Tessa, behave.” He shot her a stern look before the corner of his mouth curled into a ‘kiss me now’ smile.

“I’ll try but I can’t make any promises.”

“I’ve grown rather fond of your impulsive side.” He squeezed her against him. “Don’t ever change.”

“I won’t.” She was rather fond of his flirtatious side. She grabbed a pillow, plunked it in his lap and settled in with her head against his chest.

About halfway through the sequel, Tess’s eyes began to droop. It had been a long week and she’d had a major test earlier that day. She’d stayed up late the night before studying, and their early morning run had drained her.  Chase had started playing with her hair about ten minutes into part two. The more he stroked and wrapped her locks around his fingers, the more relaxed she became. She shut her eyes, just for a minute. She could hear the movie in the background as her breathing slowed and she was out.

***

Chase looked down at Tessa with her head in his lap. Her breathing had
become shallow and her eyes were closed. She looked so peaceful and comfortable sleeping against him. He didn’t want to disturb her. He wasn’t ready for the night to end, so he let the movie run as he scrolled through his phone.

He turned it back on and found seven messages from Audra. None of them were work related. Just her ranting about her evening. As he read each message they got harder to understand. She was drunk texting. She started by inviting him to soak in her hot tub with her, then to come over and have a drink, and then she reminded him he didn’t need a bathing suit. The last two messages were just her agitation. She was furious that he hadn’t responded. But there was no pending business between them so he saw no reason to call her back. The last message read...

Going to bed... fuck you.

“Nice,” he muttered as Tessa snuggled against him with her hand on his thigh. He glanced down at her, stroking her hair and admiring her creamy skin. When Audra had a man in her life she left him alone. Those were his stress-free weeks. But ever since she’d met Tessa, she constantly insinuated things about she and Chase. He had been just ignoring her cattiness. Her texts tonight were unprofessional and he’d have to address her about it, much as he dreaded that conversation.

Tessa sighed and rolled onto her side toward him. Her long hair flowed over his lap like a silken mantle. Her beauty intrigued him. When they were together all he wanted to do was touch her and when they were apart all he thought about was the next time he would see her. She consumed his every thought and invaded his dreams. And now she lay with her face so close to his…

He had never been more relieved when she asked him not to make her move out last week. He had such a devastating desire when it came to her. One he knew he wouldn't be able to resist much longer.

“Tessa, sweetheart.” He gently nudged her. “Why don’t you go up to bed?”

“Okay,” she mumbled but didn’t move.

He chuckled to himself as he slid out from under her so he could scoop her into his arms and carry her upstairs. She didn’t stir the entire time. He pulled her comforter back and placed her gently in the center of her bed.

She scooted up so her head was on the pillow and rolled onto her side. “Thanks.” She reached for his hand. “Sorry I fell asleep on you.”

“You were tired.” He sat on the edge of the bed. “Go back to sleep.”

“You want to do something tomorrow?” She sat up, so that she was level with his face. “Hang out?”

He pushed the hair from her face. The whole room smelled like her. “The house could use some… pumpkins on the porch. Maybe some… straw. You want to go to the local farm to pick up some of that stuff?”

“That sounds like fun. We could never do that at the apartment. The neighborhood kids would smash them and tear stuff up.”

“No chance of that happening here. We’re too secluded.”

“It’s kind of cozy and warm.”

“I think so too.” He leaned toward her face because he couldn’t seem to stop himself. “So it’s a date?”

“Definitely.” She ran her palm along his jaw. “I’ll see you in the morning?”

“Good night, Tessa.” What harm could there be in one little good night kiss? He pressed his lips to hers, savoring the few seconds before pulling away. “I hope you sleep well.” He brushed his lips along her mouth again before closing his eyes and shaking his head. “I’m sorry.”

“Don’t apologize for doing what you want.” She initiated the next delicate kiss. “I never do.”

“I usually don’t.” He tangled his fingers in her hair, guiding her face to him and covering her lips with his. The kiss was slow and tender. No sense of urgency, just soft and fulfilling. It would have to be enough for now. He kissed the corner of her mouth and smiled at her. “Good night, beautiful.”

“Good night, Chase.” She ran her thumb along his lips. “Sleep well.”

Oh, I will..
.
He left her room and slowly made his way to his. The frustration in his pants reminded him of the long night ahead. Why couldn’t he leave this girl alone? It was time to take control of the situation. He was tired of dancing around the subject. He could no longer pretend he didn't want her, just for the sake of doing the right thing. Who was to say what the right thing was anyway? They were both adults and it was time they started acting like it. Tomorrow he would tell her exactly what he wanted. What he needed.

***

Chase brought his cup of coffee out to the enclosed patio to read the morning paper. Tessa had yet to emerge from her room. That wasn’t unusual because she often slept late on Saturdays. But on this particular Saturday he was restless. He’d made a decision concerning the two of them and he wanted her to hear it. He was eager to know what she thought.

“Hi.” She appeared on the patio with her mug of hot lemon tea. She wasn’t a coffee drinker. May made sure to have fresh lemon and local honey for her every morning. She’d taken to spoiling Tessa.

His lifelong housekeeper wasn’t the only one who wanted to spoil her. “Morning.”

“I kind of crashed on you last night, didn’t I?” She leaned against the wrought iron railing, sipping her drink. Her hot pink sweat pants were rolled at the waist, revealing a thin line of her stomach and her form-fitting, white tee left little to his imagination especially since she wasn’t wearing a bra.

“I remember when I was in college,” he said. “I always collapsed on Friday night. I think it was the stress of the week, and knowing I didn’t have to get up for anything on Saturday always made me sleep better.”

She
looked out over the backyard. “It’s so quiet here.”

He came up beside her at the railing. “I wanted to talk about last night.”

“What about it?” She turned to face at him, her auburn locks blowing in the light breeze that danced through the porch.

“Tessa, about that kiss…” He stared out at the property. “I’m sending all these mixed vibes. I’m never this indecisive.” He was used to taking what he wanted and worrying about consequences later. With her, everything was different. She threw him off balance and made him think about his every move.

“Don’t worry about it. We both know we’re attracted to one another. It happened and it’s not a big deal.”

“It isn’t?” When had she become so mature? Why wasn’t she trying to convince him that they should be together?

“Is that what you wanted to tell me?”

“Not really but if you’re okay with it...” The heat of her breath had lingered on his lips for hours after that kiss. Every time he closed his eyes he felt her sigh against his mouth. “I can’t forget about it. I know I told you we couldn’t be together but none of my reasons make sense anymore. The more time I spend with you the more I want you.”

“Are you saying you want to be with me?”

The look of vulnerability in her eyes scared him. She put on a good act when it came to being tough but he knew the truth. There was a sweetness; an innocence about her. One that told him she was still a girl; still on the verge of becoming a woman – who needed to be loved, respected and desired. God help him, but he wanted to be the man to show her all of that, and give her the world. “I want to back away from you. I don’t want to let you in.” How much longer could he fight her? Fight these baser instincts?

“Then go.” The certainty in her eyes gave him clarity. This was her last attempt where he was concerned.

“I can’t, Tessa. Your pull is too strong.” He lowered his mouth to hers, focusing on those forbidden lips. The devil did exist. She stood in front of him as the flirtatious redhead who now consumed his mind, body and soul. “I can’t resist your temptation anymore.”

“Then don’t.”

“I’m not sure I’m the right man for you.”

“Why can’t you let me decide for myself?” She let out a frustrated breath. “I’ve been making choices about my life for a long time. I don’t need you to do what you think it best for me. That’s not helping either one of us. All you’re doing is making both of us miss out on something wonderful.”

He admired her spirit. That vibrant spirit and uninhibited determination. “I know you’re capable of making your own choices.” He kissed a path from her mouth to her ear. “You’re capable of so many things. I want to be the man who helps you realize all of your dreams.” He swept his mouth along her jaw and back to her lips. “I can’t fight this anymore. I won’t.”

“It’s about time.” She kissed him, sweeping her tongue inside his mouth. “We’ve been doing nothing but wasting time,” she said when she finally stopped for a breath.

“No, we haven’t.” He took her face between his hands. “We have all the time in the world. We can take everything as slow as we need. I want you
, Tessa, but after our explosive chemistry in the study, I think moderation is in order.”

“Would you be this controlled with anyone other than me?”

“No.” That was the truth. Patience was not a virtue in his world.

“Then why?”

“Because I care about you. I don’t want to screw this up.”

“Oh.”