Page 21

Chapter 20

A s Tessa sleeps, I watch her. Her breathing is barely audible. I could spend hours just watching her. Gently, I brush a stray blonde lock from her face and tuck it behind her ear. She's mine, though she doesn't know it yet. Now that I’ve tasted her, I’ll never let her go. This feeling is unlike anything I've ever known.

I've had casual relationships, but none were significant enough for me even to consider bringing them home to meet my family. We respected each other, and I never let anyone think we were more serious than we were, no promises of forever. We'd go our separate ways but still be friends.

The only real entanglement was with my high school girlfriend, Molly. Losing my sister sent me spiraling. The pain was unbearable, and I started using drugs and drinking to numb myself. I blamed everyone, even myself. Molly tried to be there for me, but she couldn’t understand why I couldn’t just process it and move on. I isolated myself, refusing to answer her calls or texts. For months, she tried to reach out, including showing up at my house. I’d either ignore the doorbell or get my parents to tell her to leave. Eventually, she gave up and went to college at Clemson, where she started dating a baseball player.

As for me, I let go of my football scholarship. I no longer believed I deserved the dreams I’d once held dear. My parents were wrapped in their own grief and couldn't support me. Dad buried himself in work, while Mom filled her time with charity events and book clubs. Sometimes, I’d wake to the sound of her cries, echoing through the empty house. Every time she cried, I wished I had died instead. If Jace hadn’t pushed me to get my act together and the recruiter hadn’t convinced me to join the Navy, I might not be here today.

Tessa shifts in her sleep, and for a brief moment, I worry she’ll wake and catch me staring at her like a creep. Her eyes are still closed, and a contented sigh escapes her lips. One thing I know for sure, I’ll never let Tessa down. She’s mine now, she just doesn’t know it yet. With my arm around her waist, her soft breaths lull me into a peaceful slumber.

I wake a few hours later, the first light of dawn casting long shadows across the still waters of the lake. Tessa is sprawled across me, her head resting on my chest, her blonde hair catching the early morning light. Our legs are tangled together, and the blanket has slipped down, revealing the soft swell of her full breasts. Within moments, my morning wood turns into a raging hard-on. She’s sleeping so peacefully that I don’t want to disturb her. While it might be tempting, I’m not into somnophilia. As I ease myself out from beneath her, she sighs softly and rolls over. I pull the blanket up over her, slip on my boxers, and head to the bathroom to take a piss.

The downstairs hasn’t changed much, except for the kitchen and living room merging into one open space. It shines with a modern touch and is impeccably organized. The bathroom is painted in a calm blue hue, adding a sense of tranquility to the space. After I finish, I lower the toilet seat, like the gentleman I am. Turning around, I glance at the painting on the wall. It's a picture of a blonde toddler playing in the sand, building a sandcastle. Her smile beams up at the artist, her eyes sparkling a deep, nearly metallic gray.

As I leave the bathroom, something catches my attention. A tiny glimmer in the painting. It’s a small camera, no bigger than a pinhole, hidden in the child’s eye. Why would Tessa have a camera in her bathroom? I exit quietly and survey the kitchen, spotting three more cameras in various places: the smoke detector, an electrical outlet, and within a decorative plant. I’m completely confused by this—like trying to solve a puzzle with no pieces. Why would Tessa need all of these cameras? Is she trying to escape something or someone? She’s hiding something from me, but I know without a shadow of a doubt that I'd kill anyone who even thought about hurting her. I need to uncover her secrets, and I’m determined to find the truth, no matter what.

Returning to the living room, I lay down on the couch beside her. Her delicate features and peaceful slumber make her seem like an angel. As she stirs, she unconsciously rubs her ass against my groin. Alright, maybe a wicked angel. My dick hardens, and she jolts awake, her eyes snapping open. She stares at me, a mix of shock and uncertainty in her gaze, though there’s an unmistakable hint of longing underneath.

“Well, shit,” she mutters.

With a raised eyebrow, I remark, “That’s not the usual reaction I get after bringing a woman to orgasm multiple times.”

She rolls her eyes and makes a dramatic face palm but then softens and leans her head against my chest. Her hard nipples brush against my skin, and my dick perks up, nudging against her clit. A soft, pleasurable moan escapes her as she rolls her hips in response. Her stare feels heavy as she lifts her head to look into my eyes.

“This is the last time,” she whispers to herself.

That's what she thinks.

She grabs my throat, pushing me onto my back with surprising strength. Climbing on top of me, she presses her lips to mine, her tongue exploring my mouth as she straddles me. Her arousal is evident, dripping onto my stomach. Our tongues twist and tangle, deepening the connection between us. Reaching for my cock, she begins stroking. She lifts herself above me, arching her hips before slowly sinking down onto me, enveloping me completely.

“Oh, fuck, baby,” I groan, mesmerized by the way her breasts bounce as she moves. “That’s right, Tess, ride me like the dirty little slut you are.”

She moans, and I spank her perfectly rounded ass. “Fuck, Eli. You feel so good.”

“Touch yourself,” I order, and she obeys, rubbing her clit in slow circles. I grab her nipple and pinch hard, and she screams as she comes, her walls clenching around me. I follow her as we ride the wave together before she collapses on top of me. I don’t know how long we lie there, my dick slowly softening as I lazily caress her back.

I can tell she’s deep in thought. She’s probably trying to talk herself out of this—out of us. But I’m not going anywhere.

Her phone shrieks, making her jump off me and scramble to her feet. “Shit. What time is it? I’m going to be late for work.”

With my arms folded behind my head, I watch her move around in her naked glory.

She grabs her phone, sighs in relief. “I still have an hour.”

In that moment, she realizes she’s standing naked in front of the window. She squeaks and retreats from the glass panes.

I grin, appreciatively. “No need to hide that gorgeous body.”

“How am I supposed to walk into work knowing I might have flashed everyone?” She gasps, feigning shock and clutching her imaginary pearls. “The horror!”

“Did you just make a joke, Tessa?”

Her face lights up with a grin as she looks at me, her eyes sparkling with amusement. “I can be funny when I want to be.”

My gaze falls to her pouty lips. Lips that would look quite nice wrapped around my cock.

“I need to get a shower,” she says, shooing me away.

“I could join you.” My voice is low and husky, as I move toward her.

“Um, no. Otherwise, this’ll turn into round five.” She spins around, fleeing towards the stairs. With a smirk, she tosses over her shoulder, “You can see yourself out.”

Wait, what?

I know she didn’t just say what I think she said .

“Don’t forget, your clothes are in the dryer,” she adds, motioning toward the laundry room as she heads up the stairs. “It was fun!”

My jaw drops, then stretches into a grin. She really thinks she can get rid of me that easily. I must have fucked her stupid. Grabbing my clothes from the dryer, I head to the kitchen. The rumbling in my stomach reminds me it’s been a while since I had real food. Rummaging through her cupboards and refrigerator, I find the ingredients needed to make a couple of omelets and start cooking. I turn on the coffee maker. I’m not sure how she takes her coffee yet, but I’ll figure it out soon enough.

About half an hour later, she appears at the bottom of the stairs, jaw dropped in surprise when she sees the food laid out.

“I believe I instructed you to leave.”

“Actually, you said, ‘You can see yourself out,’” I correct. “And I will. After I’ve fed you.”

Tessa eyes me suspiciously as she reaches for one of the coffee cups. I watch her grab caramel macchiato creamer , noted .

“How do you take your coffee?” she asks.

“Black, two sugars. Thanks.”

Her movements are simple but graceful. The dark blue scrubs she's wearing catch my eye. I never thought scrubs could be sexy, but those pants hug her curves just right.

“Come sit,” I gesture toward the barstool. “I hope you like omelets.”

“I love them,” she replies. After begrudgingly taking a seat, she takes a bite, and moans in appreciation. “This is amazing.” She takes another bite, glancing sideways at me. “Maybe I should have you cook for me more often. ”

I chuckle quietly to myself as I lower myself into the barstool beside her. Forking a piece of my omelet, I savor the flavors that hit my tongue. It's pretty damn good, if I do say so myself.

We proceed with our meal in a comfortable silence.

When we’re finished, she takes the plates to the dishwasher, a faint blush coloring her cheeks. She turns back to face me. “So…”

“Yeah, I should get going. Jace is probably wondering where I am,” I say, pulling out my phone as it dings with a text. I grab my duffle bag and toss it over my shoulder. “Let me walk you to your car.”

With a sigh, she grabs her purse and car keys, heading for the door. I stay behind her as she sets the alarm, memorizing the security code.

As I hold the door open, she glances at me, dubious.

“This is your new key,” I say, handing it to her. She doesn’t need to know I had Jim make another copy.

She locks the door, and we walk to our respective cars.

“Tessa!” a voice calls out as a yippy Pomeranian runs toward us.

Tessa stops, eyes wide.

“Jane, hi,” she stammers.

“Oh, hello, Eli,” Jane says, eyeing us both with a knowing smile. “Tess, dear, I just wanted to check on you this morning. But it looks like you’re in good hands.” Her gaze settles on mine. “It’s been a while since I’ve seen you, boy. How are your parents?”

“They’re good, Mrs. Jane. How’s Mr. Fred?”

Jane beams at Tessa, “Eli’s always so polite.”

Tessa looks like she’d rather be anywhere but here.

“We’re doing alright. Fred had his hip replaced last fall, but he's recovering nicely. ”

“I’m glad to hear that.”

“Oh, Eli, I’ve been meaning to call you. Our grandson owns the lot down the street, planning to build a house. Do you think you could stop by one day and give him a quote?” Jane asks.

I reach into my wallet and hand her my business card. “How about next week sometime? I'd love to chat further, but we need to get Tessa to work.” I wink at them. “She has lives to save.”

Tessa shoots me a glare. If looks could kill, I’d be dead.

“I do need to get to work, Jane. Thanks for checking in,” Tessa says, rushing to her car. I’m on her heels.

She opens the door and eyes me warily. “Look, I appreciate all your help, but I don’t need a babysitter or to be ‘handled.’ I can take care of myself.”

“I know you can,” I reply softly. “But you should think about letting people in. Letting me in.”

I kiss her forehead and gently lift her chin, forcing her gaze to meet mine. “I’ll see you later, Tessa.”

She mutters something unintelligible as I walk away, grinning from ear to ear.

“Oh, and you should think about getting a dog,” I call back over my shoulder as I climb into my truck.

“It looks like I already have one, Stalker,” she yells, slamming her car door shut.