Page 18 of Cherished Lands

Suddenly, the scent of roses wrapped around me like a silken noose. I turned, finding Tessa's emerald eyes locked on mine.

"Nice sweater," she drawled, reaching up to pluck an imaginary lint ball from my shoulder.

I glanced down then back up again. "What, this old thing? Just something I threw on. It brings out my eyes."

Tessa's laugh was low and throaty. Hairs rose on the back of my neck as she leaned in close. Her breath was hot and ticklish on my cheek "Liar. Your mom made it, didn't she?"

I pulled back, scowling. "What do you want, Tessa?"

Her eyes flicked to the bartender, then back to me. "A drink. But since I'm here..." She trailed a finger down my arm, leaving goosebumps in her wake. "How about we discuss some business?"

"Now?" I growled, acutely aware of Andy and Chase's eyes boring into us.

Tessa shrugged, all innocence. "No time like the present, right? Unless you're afraid to be alone with me."

The challenge in her voice touched something primal at my core. My skin felt hot and prickly, and my stomach clenched into a tight knot. Something inside me was ready to snap, and even I wasn't sure what would come out when it did.

Enough with this bullshit

I knocked back the rest of my whiskey and slammed the glass down. "Fine. Let's go."

I led her to a quiet corner booth, my skin tingling with awareness as she slid in next to me—instead of across from me, like a normal person. The leather creaked as she shifted closer, and her thigh pressed against mine.

"So," she purred, "about the cidery..."

But I was barely listening. All I could focus on was the warmth of her body, the scent of her perfume, the movement of her lips as she spoke.

Her hand landed on my thigh, jolting me back to reality. "Earth to Elliot," she said, squeezing gently. "Are you even listening to me?"

I cleared my throat. "Sorry. I, uh, got distracted."

"By my mouth?"

"What? No." The denial came out too quick, too forceful.Fuck.

Amusement danced in her eyes. "Really? Because you were staring at it. And I think you drooled a little." She reached out and brushed her thumb across the corner of my lips.

My brain short-circuited. Her thumb lingered at the corner of my mouth, and I fought the urge to turn my head and capture it between my teeth. That sweet rose scent wrapped around me, intoxicating. Dangerous.

"Can you—" I flicked my wrist, motioning for her to scoot out of the booth, and she laughed.

She fuckinglaughed.

"Sure thing, big guy." She slid out and stood. The movement brought her jean-clad ass directly in front of my face. I bit back a groan. Smiling smugly, she turned around and brought her face to mine. "We'll talk tomorrow."

This woman was a goddamn brat, and fuck if I didn't want to punish her for it. Maybe give that mouth she loved to run something else to do for a change. Or fuck her until she could no longer form a coherent, snarky ass sentence.

I strongly suspected she'd love every damn minute of it.

God, I am so fucked.

Chapter Six

TESSA

TeasingElliot Everton had always been one of my favorite pastimes. But teasing him when he was so blatantly attracted to me?

So. Much. Fun.