by Alanna Lucas
Fifteen nerve-racking minutes later, he finally reached his grandmother’s house. The rain had eased, but he was still a jumble of nerves as he pulled into the small parking lot behind the carriage house. The truck had barely come to a stop when he turned off the engine, jumped out, slammed the door shut, and ran up the pathway toward the main house.
He’d just moved back to town, he couldn’t lose her now. And where was Tessa? She’d claimed she moved in to help Bernie. If his grandmother had so much as a scratch on her…
A loud banging caught his attention. Damn. He raced across the lawn to the basement door and pulled on the handle several times, but the door didn’t budge. Great, the stupid thing went from not closing at all to being airtight.
“We’re in here!” Two female voices shouted in unison.
“Stand back,” he yelled. “I’m going to break the door in.” He waited several minutes, giving them plenty of time to get out of the way.
Rex focused on the area just below the doorknob, and then with as much force as he could garner, he began to sidekick the door in, putting all his pent-up frustration into those kicks. The sound of wood cracking under his assault signaled he was succeeding.
One more kick… The door hurled off its hinges and flew down the short flight of stairs.
Rex hurried down the stairs, maneuvering around splintered pieces of the door. “Grams, are you—” All words caught in his throat at the sight of Tessa standing beside his grandmother wearing nothing but a nightshirt, and not a very long one at that.
“Oh, I’m fine, my dear boy, but I think my door has seen better days,” she chuckled.
How could she make a joke at a time like this? “I was worried sick about you.”
“Rex, I’m okay.” Grams came up and squeezed his arm.
“How did this happen?”
“Tessa was in a panic because she couldn’t find me and then when she did, well, the door slammed shut behind her.”
Rex wanted to question Tessa’s choice of wardrobe, but thought better of it. Clearly, they’d been through an ordeal and he didn’t want to make matters worse by getting into a shouting match. He needed to get Grams inside the warm house before she caught her death.
“Let me help you up the steps.” Rex took his grandmother’s hand and guided her around the debris. “I’ll be right back,” he said over his shoulder to Tessa.
“I can manage on my own,” Tessa retorted.
No sooner had he guided Grams back to the surface, than he heard a loud scream followed by some choice profanity.
“Are you all right, Tessa dear?” Grams called down to her.
“Stupid piece of… I think I have a splinter on the ball of my foot.”
“I’ll get Tessa, you go put on a pot of tea and get a blanket. She has to be half frozen.” Grams gave him a weary look. “I promise to behave myself.” With words and otherwise.
Rex hurried back down the stairs, but stopped short at the sight of Tessa leaning against the brick wall, her leg propped over her other knee. She eyed him with contempt.
“You can’t walk on it.”
“I’ll manage.” She started to put her foot down. “Ow!” Tessa grimaced through her teeth.
Rex put his hands on his hips. His voice turned firm. “Either you let me carry you back to the house willingly, or I toss you over my shoulder.”
“You wouldn’t,” she exhaled in exasperation.
Rex stepped forward as if to prove his point.
“Fine. I give up.” Her tone said she was not pleased about it though.
Rex lifted her into his arms. She was like a beautiful ice princess. Control yourself, you promised Grams. A ripple coursed through her body. “You’re cold.”
“I wasn’t planning on spending the morning in the larder.” She let out a long sigh. “Thank you for finding us. I was getting worried about Bernie.”
“What happened?” The same fear he’d experienced only a short time ago climbed its way back into his heart.
Tessa must have sensed his anxiety. She quickly responded, “Nothing. It’s just she’s not getting any younger and is more stubborn than a team of mules.”
Rex let out a hearty laugh. “That’s Grams all right.”
Her lovely pear green eyes softened, chipping away at the wall of distrust around his heart he’d begun to build the day his mother left. Tessa seemed to care about Grams, but he thought his mother had cared about his father, and look how that ended.
“Bernie’s probably wondering…” her words trailed off in a whisper.
“Yes, probably…” His response sounded stupid even to his own ears. What was wrong with him? He’d never had trouble talking with women before and yet, whenever Tessa was near, she was either driving him mad or melting his heart.
Ignoring the jolts of electricity coursing between them, Rex carried Tessa up the stairs. A cool wind followed by several drops of rain greeted them. Within two steps, the drops became a downpour. Rex picked up his pace as Tessa buried her head and giggled into his chest.
By the time they entered the house, they were both laughing.
“What took you two so long?” Grams’ suspicious gaze teased Rex from across the room.
“It started to rain,” Tessa responded between giggles.
“Yes, I can see that. I already pulled down the first aid kit and a blanket.” Grams turned her attention to Tessa. “You must be fully frozen by now. Tea should be ready soon and that’ll warm you right up.”
Rex strolled over to one of the kitchen chairs and set Tessa down. He opened the blanket and wrapped it about her shoulders.
“Thank you,” she whispered. An intoxicating mixture of rain and sweet lavender invaded his nostrils, sending a shot of desire through his body.
All words caught in his throat. He offered a smile, then began to rummage through the first aid kit on the table, pulling out a bottle of rubbing alcohol, cotton balls, and tweezers.
He sat across from Tessa. “Give me your foot.” She eyed him with concern. “I’m not going to cut it off, just remove the splinter.”
Tessa slowly lifted her foot, resting it on his lap. Her nightshirt slipped, revealing more of her silky thigh. Rex swallowed hard. Now was not the time or place to think about running his tongue up the length of her leg to…
He cleared his throat, attempting to focus on the task at hand. “I’m going to remove your sock.” Tessa nodded as she watched him intently.
Rex edged the sock down over her heel, careful not to disrupt the area where the splinter had gone in. He began to pull the sock away when a shadow fell over him. He stopped and looked over his right shoulder.
“Grams, you’re in my light.”
“Oh, I am sorry. I was just trying to get a better look.”
Rex raised a brow.
“I think I’ll wait over here,” Grams said just as the teakettle began to whistle, “and prepare the tea.”
Tessa smiled brightly, chasing away the morning gloom.
Rex returned to the task of taking Tessa’s sock off. He carefully edged it away from her foot and tossed it on the floor, before inspecting the splinter.
“Looks like it’s just one piece and will be easy to remove. Good thing you didn’t walk on it,” he teased with sarcasm.
“Yes, how foolish would that have been,” Tessa responded with a tease of her own.
He was enjoying the light banter far more than he should. Women were dangerous creatures, capable of bringing sensible men to their knees, and then deserting them the second things got tough. He needed to stay focused.
Rex circled his thumb around the wound. “That tickles!” Tessa squealed as she tried to pull her foot from his grasp. “What are you doing?”
In that moment, Rex honestly didn’t know. Whenever Tessa was near all rational thoughts escaped him, to be replaced with an intense need. His fingers ached to touch, to explore.
Without thought, he said the first thing that came to mind, “Making sure it’s n
ot infected.”
Rex mentally shook his head, of all the things he could say. He reached for a cotton ball and rubbing alcohol. After disinfecting the area, he performed the same ritual to the tweezers.
“Try not to laugh.”
Sucking in her breath, Tessa clamped her lips together as Rex held her foot in place. He grasped the splinter near the surface and gently pulled it out.
“All done.”
Tessa let out a long sigh. She stared at him for countless seconds before she whispered, “Thank you.”
Rex was speechless. Her smooth, dainty foot practically burned his hand. With great speed and efficiency, he cleaned the area, applied ointment, and covered it with a Band-Aid.
After being up all night at the hospital, he should go home and get some rest, but the last thing he needed was to dream about Tessa. He had to get out of here. He had to clear his head. He had to... go for a hike. He stood abruptly, pushing the chair back with more force than intended. Grams eyed him with displeasure as the chair scraped across the floor.
“Make sure to keep the area clean. Grams, I’ll see you later.”
Chapter 3
After spending yet another restless night tossing and turning, the only thing Tessa looked forward to was her morning coffee, but the coffee gods were not so kind.
“What do you mean we’re out of coffee?” Tessa could hear the panic rise in her voice as a lack-of-coffee headache threatened to ruin what was already the start of a miserable day.
“I forgot to pick some up yesterday. Why don’t you have a nice cup of tea?” That was the only problem with Bernie. She could do without coffee, just as long as an abundance of tea in a variety of blends was available.
“It’s not the same.” Tessa rubbed her tired aching eyes as she glanced over at the microwave clock. “I’m going to run down to Coffee on the Docks before going to the bookstore.”
“Take your time, dear, I know how you are about your coffee, especially first thing in the morning,” Bernie teased.
Tessa mumbled a reply. “Thank you, Bernie.”
She didn’t waste a moment. After grabbing her keys and purse, Tessa ran out of the house into the bright morning sunshine that seemed to mock her with each step she took. Five long minutes later, she pulled up in front of her favorite coffee shop. There were four others in town, but this one had its own quirky charm she found irresistible.
Her stomach let out a loud growl as she opened her car door. “Add breakfast to the list,” she told herself.
A cold salty sea mist glided across the water and brushed against her cheeks. Tessa dashed inside the warm shop, the aromatic spicy scent of coffee invading her body, relieving some of the tension pounding in her head.
“Hey, Tessa,” Phoebe greeted her from behind the counter. “You’re here early today.”
“We’re out of coffee.” A look of utter shock flashed across Phoebe’s face. “I know! It’s practically a crime.”
Phoebe laughed. “Same as usual?”
Tessa’s ‘usual’ was meant to get her through the late afternoon slump and not keep her up all night. Her morning requirements were much stronger. “Double shot of espresso and a chocolate chip muffin.”
“It must be serious,” Phoebe teased.
The front door swung open wide. Loud gossiping chatter spilled into the space. “No, I heard it from Christine. Rex is single.”
The mention of Rex’s name caught Tessa’s attention. She shouldn’t care what he did in his spare time. If he was occupied elsewhere, perhaps he would stay away from the bookstore. In fact, she should be pleased, but the burning in her chest was far from pleasing.
Tessa turned to see what kind of women were interested in Rex. Her heart sank as age old insecurities made her fidget beneath her clothes. Even if she were interested in Rex—which she wasn’t—she would never be able to compete with the two tall, exceptionally fit women dressed in spandex workout clothes who had just strolled in.
“Our usual, Phoebe,” one of the women ordered with a snicker of superiority in her voice.
Phoebe rolled her eyes. “Two soy lattes coming right up, Stephaney,” she replied, the underlying tone held a hint of sarcasm. Phoebe then whispered to Tessa, “Why don’t you go claim a comfy chair by the fire before the morning rush. The muffins will be done in about ten minutes.” She lowered her voice even further. “I’ll tend to the workout queen and bring your coffee over when it’s ready.”
Tessa didn’t need to be told twice. “Thanks.”
She strolled over to the old rock fireplace and settled into one of the brown leather armchairs. Tessa sank into its cozy warmth, attempting to block out the loud chattering gossips at the other end of the shop.
“I wanted to date Rex in high school, but that bitch Natalia snagged him.”
“You should definitely ask him out, Steph.”
“We would make a gorgeous couple. You know he goes to our gym now. He looks amazing, especially without his shirt on.” High-pitched girlish giggles bounced off the polished copper espresso machine.
It was like high school all over again. It didn’t matter where you lived, the players were all the same. If Tessa weren’t desperate for her coffee, she would’ve left.
Thankfully, Phoebe was efficient at her job. “Here you go, two soy lattes.” Within a couple of minutes, the transaction was completed, and the coffee shop was a quiet sanctuary again.
“Double espresso on the house,” Phoebe said as she handed the cup to Tessa and sat down.
“I can pay for my coffee.” Tessa’s insides rejoiced as she inhaled the aroma of the dark rich brew.
“I know you can, but it’s nice to be treated every once in a while.” Phoebe’s warm smile comforted Tessa. She didn’t have very many friends her age in Devlin. In fact, Phoebe was the only one. “And besides, I’m over the moon that you will be serving Coffee on the Docks at the grand opening.”
“Your coffee is the best in town.” Tessa strongly believed in supporting local businesses. It was a win-win in her mind.
“Thanks, Tessa, for everything.” Phoebe glanced down at her wrist. “Oh, the morning rush is going to start soon. Enjoy the coffee,” she said as she practically skipped backed to the counter.
If Tessa worked in a coffee shop, she’d probably be wired and skipping around all day, too. She closed her eyes, enjoying the momentary quiet. The sound of coffee grinding swirled through her mind, followed by the front door opening and closing. Not even the morning coffee rush could disturb her current peace.
“Mind if I join you?”
But that deep voice certainly could.
Tessa opened her eyes to see Rex hovering above her, his clear blue eyes promising a bright sunny day.
“Not at all.” She hoped the truth didn’t show. The truth was, she did mind. The truth was, she needed to get him out of her thoughts. The truth was… she didn’t want to admit the actual truth.
Rex settled into the chair across from Tessa. He stretched his long legs before him, an invitation for her gaze to travel from his clean hiking boots, up his muscular Levi clad thighs to his perfectly sculpted chest. Oh dear.
Tessa’s cheeks were on fire. What was she thinking? She was only looking because of what the two workout snobs had said. She didn’t need this complication in her life.
“Went by the house and there was no coffee.” Rex shook his head. “Grams tried to offer me tea.” His half smile was far too enticing.
“Same here. I can’t do without my morning coffee.” Tessa reached for her cup and took several sips. The option to linger expired the moment Rex sat down.
“Grams told me you worked for Dr. Lee?”
Tessa swallowed hard. “I answered phones, checked in patients, that sort of stuff.” She was not comfortable talking about her past. Inevitably it would lead to other, more personal questions.
“Why did you quit?”
Like that one.
The reason she left her job was because she was going
to have a baby, but that topic was not up for discussion. Some things were far too personal.
She took a gulp of coffee, ignoring Rex’s inquisitive stare, and stood abruptly. “I need to get to the bookstore.” Tessa scooted around the chairs and hollered, “Thanks Phoebe.” She didn’t say anything else to Rex. She couldn’t. Images of her little son strangled her words. Her vision blurred as hot tears threatened to spill. Tessa practically ran out of the coffee shop.
Breathe, just breathe.
The cool sea breeze permeated her body, easing some of the heaviness in her chest. Tessa climbed into her car and headed to the bookstore, where she could drown her memories in work.
What was it with that woman? One moment they were having a casual conversation and then all of a sudden, she frowned and shifted uncomfortably in her seat. A gulp of coffee followed by a rushed excuse, and then she ran out of the coffee shop. Why did she constantly avoid his questions?
“Way to go, Rex,” Phoebe scolded as she handed Rex his coffee.
“What? I was just trying to have a casual conversation and—”
“No. You were practically interrogating Tessa. Just leave her alone. She’s had a rough time.”
Grams had something similar. “What do you mean?”
“None of your business.” Phoebe’s tone lightened. “Why don’t you focus on Stephaney? She was in here earlier and is planning on asking you out.”
Rex didn’t even bother to hide a groan. “When will she get it through her thick head, I’m not interested in shallow women obsessed with parading around in spandex showing off fake body parts?”
Phoebe started laughing so hard, tears rolled down her face. “I think you should tell Stephaney, and please preserve the moment with a video.” She continued to laugh as she strolled behind the counter.
Just the thought of Stephaney made him clench his jaw. She wasn’t his type, never had been, never would be.
Rex ran a hand through his hair. He knew he wouldn’t get any answers from Phoebe, and his grandmother was uncharacteristically tight-lipped when it came to Tessa as well, which only caused more concern.
