Tessa's Temptation (3 page)

“I was surprised myself.” He smiled when he thought about that conversation in the hospital. Pat had caught him off guard, but when he saw the desperation on Tessa’s face there was no way he could say no. “When I went to visit him, I had no idea I’d be leaving with a roommate.”

“Do you regret it? It must be hard to have someone invade your space.” She glanced down at their joined hands.

“Sorry.” He let go of her hand. Holding it seemed so natural that he had forgotten he was even doing it. “Now I’ve invaded your space.”

“I don’t mind.”

“I’m glad I came home for dinner,” he said. “It’s been nice getting to know you.”

“Do you think we could do it again next week?” She looked up at him with those persuasive blue eyes of hers. They were full of hope and anticipation. “If you’re not too busy.”

“I’d like that.”

“Cool.” She stood and collected the dirty plates. “You want to go watch a movie? You have that massive home theater that I never see you use.”

“Sure, that sounds like a plan.” Just as he was about to help her with the dishes there was a knock at the back door. There were only a small group of people who came to the back door and he hadn’t invited any of them tonight.

“Expecting someone?” she asked.

“I don’t think so.” He moved toward the door, looking through the glass to see who it was.
Crap!

His attorney and ex-girlfriend was standing there holding a six pack of beer. Chase pulled open the door to greet the woman who often showed up when she had nothing better to do. She’d been dating someone for over a month and hadn’t come knocking in weeks. Not once since Tessa moved in.

“Audra,” he said, “what brings you here?”

“I have those papers for you to sign and I thought maybe we could order a pizza. I brought beer.” She held up her offering. “Did you eat?”

“Yeah, I did.”

“This early?” She stepped into the kitchen. “Since when are you even home at this hour?”

“Hi.” Tessa moved to stand next to Chase. “We have some pizza left over if you’re hungry.”

Tessa had taken Audra by surprise. Chase could see it in her expression. He’d mentioned he’d taken in his friend’s daughter but he hadn’t given her any details. He hoped his unstable ex didn’t misbehave.

“You must be Tessa,” Audra said as she glared at Chase. “I’m Audra Sinclair, Chase’s attorney.”

“Cool,” Tess said. “I’ll bet he keeps you busy. He’s such a workaholic.”

“He’s a real slave-driver.” Audra set the six pack on the counter. “Do you want to go over those contracts tonight or are you busy?”

“Tessa and I were going to watch a movie...” He ran his fingers through his hair. There was no way he was sitting in the movie room with the both of them on either side of him.

“I’ll take a rain check,” Tessa said. “I can head over to campus to meet some friends.”

“Now?” Chase didn’t want her to go.

“Yeah, it’s Friday night.” She loaded the last plate into the dishwasher. “There’s always people on campus.”

“Sounds like fun,” Audra said. “We’ll just be going over boring business.”

“Lucky you.” Tessa dried her hands on a paper towel. “Can I take the car?”

“Sure.” Chase’s gaze followed her to the hall. “You’re going now? Dressed like that?”

“Chase,” Audra said, “that’s how teenagers dress.”

“She’s twenty,” Chase mumbled. “I just meant the temperature is going to drop. You might get cold.”

“I’ll be fine.” Tessa giggled as she walked toward him. “I won’t be late.” She leaned up and kissed his cheek. “Have fun working.”

“It was nice meeting you, Tessa,” Audra said in a cold, clipped tone.

“You too,” Tessa called over her shoulder. “I’m sure I’ll see you around.”

Chase watched, still feeling the warmth of her lips on his skin, as she bounced out of the kitchen and down the hall. He hadn’t expected her to kiss him. She’d never done that before.

“Seriously?” Audra asked as she popped open a beer and grabbed a slice of pizza.

“What?” He sat down at the island, reaching for a beer. He wasn’t in the mood for a game of twenty questions.

“Why didn’t you tell me about her?” She sat across from him.

“I did.”

“You omitted a lot,” she said. “I didn’t expect her to be so vivacious.”

“I hadn’t noticed.”

“You’re such a liar.” She sipped her beer. “That’s why you’ve been spending so much time at the office. You can’t be around her.”

“That’s ridiculous.”
But so true.

“You’re not fooling me.” She shook her head. “I know what you like.”

“Here we go.”

“You like sex and you like it often.”

“Why don’t you be blunt about it?”

“I could be. I know you, you know.” She smirked. “Remember?”

How could he forget? She reminded him of their brief tryst every chance she got. Ten months ago she’d accompanied him on a business trip. One thing led to another and they came back as a couple. Chase liked her, but she was needy. The affair only lasted two months. She was still hung up on her ex and trying to forget. He had been single and up for some fun. They had a good time but when he figured out she wanted to pick up with him where she and her ex left off, Chase decided she wanted way more than he was willing to give. They both agreed to end the physical relationship. She even left the firm for a few months. It was a mutual decision. She said she needed to get away but Chase knew she was in the middle of a breakdown and paid for her to stay in the Caribbean at one of those spas that catered to mental well-being. She’d been seeing a therapist ever since.

When he’d landed a huge new account, he asked her to come back as his attorney. He was a smart businessman and she was one hell of a lawyer. While she remained professional at work, she did have a habit of showing up when she was lonely. Given their history, he told her there would be no friends with benefits. He didn’t think she could handle that.

“So, what’s the deal with the two of you?” she asked.

“I told you, I’m helping her father. Tessa is welcome to stay with me as long as she needs to. This place is big enough for the two of us.”

“You’re not interested in her?”

“No.” He finished his beer, trying to swallow his lie.

“Does she always kiss you goodbye?”

“I’m usually not here when she leaves. We’re friends. She was just saying good night.”

“Oh, so that’s how she tells you good night? Or was the kiss for my benefit? Smart girl, marking her territory.”

“That’s not what she was doing.”
Was she?

“Who could blame her?” Audra said. “She’s hit the jackpot here. A beautiful house, a fancy car, you.”

“It’s not like that.”

“I hope not but she’s only been here a month. You know you have to be the adult, right? Of course she’s going to fall for you. She’s living a fairytale but you can’t act on your impulses.”

“Given our past, I don’t think we should be discussing this. We agreed that when you came back, you came back as my
attorney
. It’s best for both of us.” He’d debated bringing her back into his firm, but he had trusted they would be able to move past their failed relationship. He wanted to help her on her road to recovery and give her a job so she felt a sense of purpose. He hoped she didn’t make him regret it.

“It’s because of our past that I can say these things. I know what you like and that kid can’t handle you. You’re dark and rough… and wild.”

“Stop it.” She was going to make him regret rehiring her.

“Fine, but you know I’m right. We might have agreed not to pursue anything, but I’m here if you want to take the edge off. It’s better you get into trouble with me.”

“Aren’t you seeing someone?”

“Not anymore.” She pushed her plate aside. “He was an idiot.”

“Sorry it didn’t work out.” Now he knew why she’d come knocking on his back door. 

“Men.” She shrugged. “You all suck.”

“Thanks.” He picked up the file she’d brought with her. “You want me to sign these?”

“That’s why I came.”

Right
.
“You didn’t have to deliver them.” He flipped through the contract. “It could have waited until Monday.”

“I didn’t have anything else to do and besides, I got to meet your young Tessa.” She reached for another beer. The smugness in her voice didn’t go unnoticed. “How lucky was that?”

“You’re not going to let this go, are you?”

“I’m just looking out for you,” she said. “Pretty girls can cloud your judgment.”

“Don’t worry about my judgment.” He didn’t need her monitoring his thoughts. He had everything under control. Just the way he liked it.

Chapter Four

An October breeze blew in from the patio doors as Tess lounged on the family room floor trying to write a paper. No matter how hard she tried, she couldn’t focus. Not since she’d seen May bring Chase’s tux up to his room. She wondered where he was headed so early on a Saturday evening. He hadn’t mentioned any plans but she’d heard him in the shower so he must have been getting ready to go out.

He’d been spending more time at home. They usually managed to have dinner about three times a week. Friday officially became pizza and movie night. They were falling into a comfortable routine. One that she liked. On the nights he had to work late, Tess sat with her father. Chase had gotten him moved to a better facility where he got a more progressive physical therapy schedule. She had seen major improvements, both physically and mentally. This beautiful man had changed their lives in less than two months’ time.

The scent of his cool aftershave flooded the foyer and trickled into the family room. Tess loved the way he smelled. It didn’t matter when. Early morning after a run, late evening when he got home from work, or after a hot shower. He always smelled manly and delectable.

She sat up from her lazy pose on the floor when he came into the room. She’d often lay on the floor when they were watching a movie, usually under his feet. On more than one occasion she caught him staring at her out of the corner of her eye. He’d been stealing glances of her more often these days. She liked the way he’d quickly look away, clear his throat and ask a silly question when he realized he’d been busted.

He stopped a few feet in front of her, adjusting one of his cufflinks.

Holy
shit
!
She looked up at him. He’d made her drop her jaw before; but tonight, seeing him all dressed up made her want to drop her panties for him. His tall, muscular frame filled out the jacket, accentuating his broad shoulders and toned biceps. His strong jawline was clean and smooth. She wanted to brush her cheek along his freshly shaven skin. Better yet, she wanted him to rub his jaw along her inner thighs on his way to her...

“Busy night in front of you?” he asked as he gestured toward her books.

“Huh?” She couldn’t stop thinking about crawling into his bed. What it would be like to cuddle against his warm chest after they made love. Would he hold her all night? How many times could he take her before the sun came up?

“Tessa?”

“What?” She pushed the hair from her face before taking a huge gulp of her water. “Umm, what was the question?”

“Are you okay?” He laughed. “You seem distracted.”

“You look so hot.” She stood to face him. “Like a movie star or something.”

“Thanks.” He didn’t say anything else.

His modesty amazed her. Any man who looked like he just stepped off the red carpet should totally benefit from it. Hell, he probably did. How many women drooled over him?

“I hate going to these things.”

“Rich people problems, again?” She moved closer to him. “Do you know how many people would kill to wear a suit like that? Your shoes probably cost more than my dad’s car.”

“I don’t mean to sound ungrateful,” he clarified. “It’s just that these functions can be a bit overdone. I like the charity aspect but my face will be all over social media tonight. I don’t like being out in the public.”

“See? Rich people problems.” She nodded as she reached for his bow tie. “It’s crooked.”

“Oh?” His gazed followed her hands as she straightened his tie.

“Now you’re perfect.” She grazed the bottom of his chin with the back of her hand before releasing his tie. Any excuse to touch him.

“Thanks.” He motioned toward her books again. “No plans tonight?”

“Just homework. I’m a boring college student.”

“I like it when you stay home.” He checked his watch. “I wish I could stay here with you.”

“I wish I could
go
with you.”

“Hmm.” He smiled as he crossed the room to close the patio doors. “It’s getting chilly and you’re underdressed.” He glanced at her shorts and strapless black top. “Maybe you should consider buying some warmer clothes? I don’t want you to be cold.”

“I think that’s just your way of staying I don’t wear enough clothes.”

He turned and stared at her for a few moments. “I just want you to be warm.”

“I’m fine.”

“I better get going. I don’t want to be late.” He headed toward the foyer. “I’m meeting some people from the office.”

“Audra?” She followed him to the entryway. “Is she going too?”

“She is,” he said.

“Is she your date?”

“I wouldn’t say that.”

“What would you say?”

“I’d say she is attending the same charity function I am. I purchased a table for my company and she is sitting at it. With me.” He added as he picked up his keys form the table by the door. “I shouldn’t be too late.”

“Do you like her?”

“She’s my attorney.” He ran his fingers through his dark, thick hair. “I guess I like her.”

“Am I being intrusive?” She wanted to know what the deal was between those two. Audra was beautiful, sophisticated and smart. She appeared to be a few years older than him. And she could tell by the way Audra looked at her that night in the kitchen that the woman wasn’t pleased she was living at his house. She wondered if the attorney had a thing for her client.

“No.” He reached for the handle on the door, effectively ending their conversation. “I’ll see you in the morning.”

“Have fun at the ball.”

“Thank you.” He stroked her cheek, shooting her a sexy little grin before turning and heading out the door with the enticing aroma of his aftershave lingering behind to keep her company.

She hurried to the window as he got into his car, wanting to catch one last look at him before he left. Running her fingers over where he had just touched her face, she indulged in the sensation he had created. She ached for so much more.

***

Chase quietly came into the house, not wanting to disturb Tessa. The downstairs was dark so he figured she had gone to bed. He checked the patio doors, making sure they were locked before turning in for the night. He noticed her books and laptop still on the family room floor along with her Chinese take-out containers on the coffee table. That was odd. She usually did a good job of picking up after herself. Maybe she was coming back downstairs? He left the lamp on by the sofa so she wouldn’t have to do the steps in the dark to take her leftovers into the kitchen. He wished again that he could have stayed home with her. He would’ve had a much better time.

He climbed the back staircase up to his bedroom, passing by her room, suppressing the urge to peek inside. He had indeed developed a thing for her. Something he wasn’t ready to label, but he wasn’t going to turn whatever it was into stalker tendencies. She deserved her privacy and he wasn’t going to violate it by sneaking into her room while she slept. No matter how much he wanted to.

He took his time trudging down the hall to his bedroom. The sex dry spell was getting old, especially when he had one of the hottest women he’d ever seen sleeping not fifteen feet and a single hallway from him. Before Tessa came to live with him, he hadn’t been seeing anyone on a regular basis. He’d had a few one-night stands. Normally after attending a function like the one that evening, he would have hung out at the bar and found someone who interested him. There were plenty of women to choose from tonight but no one compared to the luscious redheaded beauty who occupied most of the space in his head. It was getting harder to resist her.

“Hell,” he whispered when he opened his bedroom door and saw his little vixen sprawled out on his bed, wearing a little pair of lacy white panties and a snug fitting t-shirt. She rested on her side, her long toned legs almost dangling off the edge. His gaze traveled up her smooth limbs and rested on her ass cheeks peeking out of the bottom of her panties. Even in her sleep she called to him.
Temptress...

He moved closer, kneeling down by her face. He wasn’t breaking any stalker rules. She was in his space now. Her slow breathing created a calming effect on him as he watched her chest rise and fall. Her shirt lifted each time at the hem, revealing a thin sliver of creamy white skin. He’d imagined her taste to be sweeter than anything he’d ever experienced. His cock hardened when he centered in on her thighs. What he wouldn’t give to get between them. What noises would she whimper when he pleasured her with his tongue?

When she stirred and let out a soft sigh he came crashing back to reality. He was doomed to have her as his wet dream, and now the memory of her in his bed would only serve to torment him even worse.

“Hey, Prince Charming.”

As she stretched, the glimpse of her cleavage forced him to follow the movement.

“How was the ball?”

“What are you doing in my bed?”

“Huh?” She sat up and looked around. “Oh, right.”

“Right.” He laughed because she didn’t act like she had done anything wrong. “Did you crawl into the wrong bed tonight?”

“Busted.” She giggled.

“Well?” He waited for an answer.

“I wanted to check out your room. I’ve never been in here before. Your bed looked big and comfy so I tested it out. I must have fallen asleep. Sorry.”

“Your honesty is refreshing.” He would have expected her to come up with a cover story or at least appear embarrassed, but she looked him right in the eyes and told him the truth.

“Why would I waste my time with some bullshit lie you’re not going to buy anyway?”

“Oh, Tessa.” He laughed. “What am I going to do with you?”

“I could think of a few things.”

So could I, my daring girl
.
“You’re one of the most amusing people I’ve ever met. It’s a pleasant change of pace.”

“Glad I could humor you.” She tried to smooth out her tussled hair. “I must be a wreck, huh?”

“You’re perfect.” He removed her hand from her hair. “Leave it. The wild rumpled look suits you.”
What the hell?

“Um, how was the party?” she asked.

“Dinner, dancing, business talk.” He shrugged. “It gets rather tedious.”

“It sounds exciting.” Her eyes widened. “I’d love to see the dresses and what the inside of the place looked like. You didn’t happen to snap any pictures did you?”

“No.” He couldn’t help but be entertained by her eagerness. “I’ll take you to the next one.”

“Come on, don’t tease me like that.”

“That’s your game, not mine.”

“Seriously?”

“If you want to go, there’s one the weekend before Thanksgiving.” He couldn’t stop himself if he tried. There was no denying it. He wanted her with him. No matter the consequences.

“Oh, I want to go!” She threw her arms around him, pushing her firm breasts against his chest. “I’ve never been anywhere like that before!”

“No proms?” he asked as he placed his hand on the small of her back, giving in to the urge to touch her.

“No.” She rested her head on his shoulder. “It wasn’t my thing.”

“Hmm...” He lowered his lips to her jaw, resisting the desire to place soft kisses all the way to her chin. “I’ll arrange for you to get a gown and whatever else you need.”

“Okay.” She held him tighter. “This is nice.”

He agreed but being there in his bed, cuddling with this half-naked seductress would only lead to other things. Things he couldn’t allow to happen. He kissed the top of her head and gently sat up, removing himself from her embrace. If he’d stood at that moment, his dick would have told more than he was willing to admit.

She looked up at him and smiled. “Do I make you nervous?”

“Not nervous.” He grinned because he certainly wouldn’t call it
nervous
. “I think you better go to your room now.”

“Are you sure? I could stay and watch TV with you. I mean if you like to cuddle, I’m your girl.”

“I’ll take a rain check.”
On a night when I’m not so aroused.
“I’m going to get ready for bed.” Like he’d be finding sleep anytime soon.

“Are you running tomorrow morning?”

“Yes.”

“Can I come with you?”

“Sure.” He was tired of running away from her. Maybe it was time to embrace what was happening between them.

“Sweet.” She kissed his cheek before hopping off the bed and scurrying toward the door. “See you in the morning.”

He rose from beside the bed and watched her perfect ass jiggle at him as she left. He looked forward to viewing more of that wiggle tomorrow on their jog.
I’ll be seeing you in my dreams before that, little minx.