Fated to be Mine

by Larson, Jodie

  After telling Charlene to take the last half hour off, I turn the corner into my office and am surprised to see Andrew standing off to the side of my desk. My heart flutters in my chest as I admire him dressed in his suit, looking as yummy as ever.

  “Andrew? This is a surprise,” I say, closing my door and walking the few steps toward him. He smiles and adjusts to rest his body against the edge of my desk.

  “I was just finishing up a meeting with Chris and thought I’d stop by to see how you were doing. Also, I really wanted to see that beautiful smile of yours.”

  His hand reaches up to tuck a strand of hair behind my ear, allowing the pads of his fingers to trail lovingly down my cheek. I bite the inside of my cheek to fight the growing feelings inside of me from leaking out.

  My eyes glance downward quickly, wanting to break away from his intense gaze. “Thank you again for the flowers. They’re perfect. I still don’t know how you managed to figure them out, especially the color for the roses.”

  Andrew closes the distance even more, leaning closer to me with our noses mere inches from each other. “I told you, love. I know you. Our souls are matched together therefore I know you better than myself.”

  My breathing spikes at his words and his closeness. The scent that drives me wild has my blood pumping, forcing the flush across my cheeks and warmth to spread across my body. The ever-present thrum of desire swirls in the air and it’s becoming harder and harder to fight against it.

  Unable to withstand it any longer I sag against his chest, my legs giving out slightly underneath me. Andrew’s hands instinctively grab my hips, pulling me into the safety of his body. He lightly kisses my ear before nuzzling into the crook of my neck. I sigh, allowing myself to relax into his hold. My hands find their favorite place in the silky strands of his thick dark hair. Why am I fighting this? Why is there even a question in my mind regarding us when the universe keeps placing us together?

  Andrew’s nose runs down the length of my neck. The act brings a round of goose bumps to the surface of my skin, making me shutter slightly in his arms. The warmth I feel flowing through my body is now gathering low in my abdomen as I tighten my grip on his hair.

  My mind is telling me we need to stop, but my heart is telling me to not let go. It doesn’t help my internal war any when his arms tighten around my middle and his lips trail hot kisses along the slope of my shoulder.

  I release my grip on his hair and place my hands upon his shoulders. “Andrew,” I say in a breathless rush, feebly attempting to push him away. Andrew’s lips leave my skin as his head pulls back to look at me. Stormy eyes meet mine and I know he’s fighting a war inside himself as well, although I’m sure it’s different than my own.

  “Tessa, I’m trying to be noble and respect your wishes but I just …”

  He dips his head lower to claim my mouth in a soft kiss. A kiss that feels feather-light but also has the weight of his heart in it. My eyes roll to the back of my head as the first swipe of his tongue brushes across my lower lip, asking for entrance. And I’m fooling myself if I say that I don’t want him, don’t want to taste him, get my fix of him. The kiss changes from gentle to possessive as his tongue sweeps inside my mouth, moving with deep fevered strokes. A new wave of passion flows between us and I can’t help the moan of sheer pleasure that escapes from me. Andrew is staking his claim, reminding me of what he has and what we are together.

  “You undo me every time. I just can’t get enough of you,” Andrew whispers against my lips. His fingers flex against my hips and I want to submit to the temptation to just give in. His tongue sweeps the inside of my mouth again and all rational thought leaves my head. Any questions, any doubts, any ideas of not wanting him are gone. The one thing that I know is that I need him. I want him. I love him.

  Then why am I putting us through this senseless drama?

  Andrew’s hands move from my hips and begin roaming about my body. He cups my breasts, squeezing them gently. My hands fist at the lapels of his coat, pulling him closer to me. His thumbs flick over my hardened nipples, making my head tilt up at the jolt of pleasure it brings. Andrew takes advantage of my exposed neck, licking his way down to the swell of my breasts, now peaking through the buttons he somehow managed to open.

  Somehow I become aware of our surroundings, remembering that I didn’t secure the door after I had shut it. Releasing his coat I attempt to push away from him but he increases his hold on me, not willing to let me go.

  “Andrew, the door,” I say, pointing feebly at it. Andrew spins me around, letting me slump against my desk as he takes care of the problematic door. But he doesn’t move toward me right away once the lock is turned. Andrew’s intense stare has me gripping the edge of my desk, my chest rising and falling with each gasping breath. Fire lights his eyes, igniting them with lust burning solely for me. He stalks me like a predator seeking its prey. My eyes roam over his body, noticing the effect that I have on him. Reaching out, he finishes unbuttoning my blouse, letting it fall open to reveal the lace bra underneath.

  “Like I said Tessa, I know you. Know exactly what you want, what you need, and how to give it to you.” His fingertips brush down the center of my body, between my breasts, past my stomach, then moves around to the small of my back, pulling my body to his. His leg moves between my thighs, the feel of his erection at my hip sends desire and heat rushing between my legs.

  Andrew picks me up, setting me on the edge of my desk. Papers flutter off the side, along with a few other things, creating a loud thumping noise. I cup his face, pulling his mouth back to mine. This moment is the only thing occupying my thoughts. I should care about what’s going on outside this office, but I don’t. I should be mindful that I’m doing inappropriate things in my office. And yet I can’t stop this reaction I have to Andrew. I ease my body down, offering myself to him giving it what it craves the most.

  Andrew moves over me, about to unbutton my slacks when the jostling of my doorknob has both our heads swinging in that direction.

  “Tess? Are you in there?”

  My eyes dart from the door to Andrew and back again as Kara continues to wiggle the handle. I can feel the flush crawl up my body as I realize what I almost let happen on my desk, again. For fuck’s sake, I’m still at work. What is it about this man that makes me completely forget everything? Andrew laughs, placing a kiss upon my shoulder before pulling me up and helps put me back together.

  “She has impeccable timing,” Andrew mutters beneath his breath. Once the last button is done on my shirt, he cups my cheeks and presses his lips against mine. Kara’s incessant knocking is growing louder and I pray that no one is around to wonder why she’s beating on my door.

  “Be right there,” I cry out, waiting until we both look presentable. With a final smoothing of my hair, I unlock the door and greet my troublesome friend.

  The knowing grin she’s throwing at the both of us says she knows we’ve been caught doing inappropriate things in my office. She walks in, lifting a suspicious brow to the piles of papers and various other items on the floor.

  “Did I interrupt something?”

  My face reddens further, feeling the heat all the way up to my ears. “No, not at all,” I reply a little too quickly. Kara knows me well enough to know when I’m lying through my teeth. The smirk on her face lets me know that she’s on to me.

  Kara rolls her eyes at me before turning to Andrew. “Nice to see you, Andrew.”

  “A pleasure as always Kara,” he says, giving her that megawatt smile of his.

  She occupies one of the chairs in front of my desk, patiently waiting for something, although I’m not quite sure what. Probably for me to just admit the truth. Fat chance of that happening.

  Needing to put some distance between us, I move around my desk to sit in my own chair while Andrew takes the remaining empty seat next to Kara.

  “Such dirty creatures you are. Honestly, can you not keep it together for more than five minutes? I mean really. This is a p
lace of business you know.”

  Her statement causes me to laugh out loud. “Okay, pot calling the kettle black. Do I need to remind someone of the events from last week, or perhaps the last five years in the boardroom? Maybe your late night business meetings?” I say, using quotation fingers for added emphasis. Andrew and Kara both join in my laughter.

  “I won’t deny it. It just pleases me that I’m not the only nymphomaniac in the office. You two could definitely give Chris and me a run for our money.” Kara turns her attention to Andrew and lightly smacks his arm. “And you are such a bad influence on my poor sweet and innocent Tessa.”

  “Bad influence, yes. Innocent Tessa? I don’t think so. She has a fire in her I don’t think anyone has seen and I do enjoy bringing it out, regardless of where it may be.”

  The heated stare he throws my way has me squirming in my chair. Damn him. He enjoys bringing out the fire in me? Well, two can play that game. Feeling brazen, and waiting until Kara’s not looking, I run my tongue along the front of my teeth, using the tip to lightly graze my top lip in the process. Andrew follows the movement with his eyes and it’s his turn to squirm.

  There. Now we’re even.

  “Okay, enough about me. Was there something you needed Kara?”

  She grins and moves to stand. “Nope. Just saw your door closed, along with the blinds and figured I’d come see what you were up to. And now I know. Have fun you two.” She gives us a wave over her shoulder as she walks out the door. She is trouble with a capital T, but God knows I love her for it.

  Andrew stands and rounds my desk, placing his hands on the armrests of my chair, leaning in close to me. “Like I said, I just wanted to come here to see your smile.”

  I duck my head, fighting off the feeling of embarrassment and lust. Andrew pulls my chin up, placing a kiss upon my lips before pulling back and gifting me with that beautiful smile of his.

  “Well, I’m glad you did.”

  Andrew grabs my coat and purse from the closet, holding them out like a perfect gentleman. He slides it over my arms and smooths his hands over my shoulders. When I turn to face him, he’s smiling at me. Instinctively my hand cups his cheek, wanting to feel his smile.

  “What are your plans for the weekend?”

  He shrugs his shoulders. “I’m not sure yet. Perhaps taking a beautiful lady out on a date?”

  My smile widens and I nod. “I think that could be arranged. But I do have work that I need to get done around my house, so maybe tomorrow or Sunday?”

  “I think that can be arranged. Anything I can help you with?”

  “No, it’s just the regular stuff. I tend to deep clean my apartment once a month and trust me, you don’t want to be around for that.”

  “I wouldn’t mind. As long as I’m with you, I don’t care what we do.”

  I trail my fingers across his cheek. “You’re too good to be true.”

  Andrew turns his head, kissing the center of my palm. “I can say the same about you, love.”

  He leans down and presses his lips to mine. We take it slow this time, careful not to ignite any embers that may still be smoldering inside us. Although, if I know us, they’re always burning with a white hot passion we can’t ignore.

  “Let me walk you to your car,” Andrew says when he pulls back. I nod and lace my fingers into his as we venture out of my office toward the elevator.

  We get a surprise when we walk into the elevator and find Michael already inside. He smiles brightly at us and gives a small wave.

  “Hey stranger,” he says to me.

  “Hey,” I reply. I turn to Andrew and smile. “Andrew, this is my friend, Michael. Michael, this is Andrew.”

  The two men shake hands and I can’t help but smile. I know what Andrew initially thought of him so I was always kind of nervous about them meeting. Even though we’re just friends, it’s still a little strange to see the two of them together.

  “Nice to meet you,” Andrew says. He shoves his hands into his pockets and rocks back onto his heels.

  “Likewise. So you’re the guy from London I take it?” Michael asks.

  Andrew quirks an eyebrow to me and smiles. “Yes, that would be me.”

  Michael laughs. “I’ve heard a lot about you. All good, of course. Tessa and I meet for coffee every morning and your name has come up in conversation a few times.”

  “Has it now?” Andrew’s laughing at me because my face is turning an ungodly shade of pink.

  “Your name may have been mentioned once or twice,” I say.

  There’s a brief pause and we all shuffle back and forth.

  “What do you do, Michael?” Andrew finally asks.

  The doors to the elevator open and I step out first, letting the guys follow behind me.

  “I’m a lawyer. I work in the law firm a few floors above Tessa’s office.”

  “My dad is friends with one of the partners at his firm. He and Michael really hit it off at the party a couple weeks ago.”

  “Yes, your dad has been a tremendous help to me. He’s given me the names of quite a few different contacts, some of them even want me to join their firm with the promise of making partner sooner than I would here.”

  We stop outside of the building and I give Michael a hug. “That’s amazing. I’m so glad you were able to further your career. Good thing you suggested accompanying me to that party.”

  He laughs and runs a hand through his hair. “Yeah, it was a good thing all right. But I was happy to help you. This is just a side benefit of the night.”

  Andrew tightens his grip on my hand and I smile up at him. “It sounds like things are working out for you.”

  Michael nods. “In the business world, yes. Things are going well. Everywhere else in my life, not so much.”

  “Haven’t you found someone to date yet? What happened to that girl down the block from you? The one from your gym?”

  We cross the street to head to our cars. “Tammy was okay. We went out for drinks after our workouts, but it just wasn’t happening.”

  “After one date you could tell? I mean, that’s hardly enough time to judge something like that,” I say.

  Michael stops by his car and shakes his head. “I disagree. I don’t pay much attention to the amount of time I’m with someone. There should be an instant attraction when you see someone, followed by a need to keep seeing the person. That’s how you know things will work out in the long run. The more you want to spend time with them, the more you will, regardless of everything else. Time is irrelevant. Knowing when it’s the right person is all that counts and Tammy wasn’t it.”

  “Are you sure?” I chew on my bottom lip because he could have been speaking about my own life instead of his.

  “I’m positive. Sure, I was attracted to Tammy, but I didn’t have the desire to see her again. Not on a permanent basis. I’m getting to the point in my life where I want to settle down and come home to one person and know they’ll always be there. You know what I mean?”

  Andrew nods. “In fact, I do. More than you know.”

  He smiles down at me and I flush again. Michael unlocks his car and opens the door.

  “Well, I hope you both have a great weekend. Maybe Andrew could join us for coffee some morning?”

  “I’d love to join you two for coffee. I’ll have Tessa give me the details and see when I can come.”

  Michael nods and smiles to me. “See you Monday, Tess.”

  “See you then,” I reply.

  Andrew and I continue walking to my car as Michael pulls out of his spot

  “He’s a very nice gentleman,” Andrew finally says.

  I nod. “He is. It was sheer luck that I ran into him. He’s super funny and very sweet. He’s like a big brother to me almost. And I can forgive him for being a lawyer. Not everyone is perfect,” I laugh.

  Andrew holds my gaze for a second before bringing my hand to his lips. “You’re perfect.”

  I turn my head away slightly, trying to hide my nons
top flush. “You’re biased.”

  He laughs and turns my chin to face him again. “Yes, I am. Only because I’ve found the perfect girl for me. Go out with me tomorrow?”

  My smile broadens and I kiss his lips softly. “Yes.”

  He opens my car door and I slide into the seat. “I’ll call you to let you know the time.”

  “Okay.”

  He shuts my door and waves goodbye to me as I pull out of my spot and head home, wanting to get a jump start on my chores so I can dedicate all my free time to Andrew.

  I’M ON MY HANDS AND knees, scrubbing a stubborn stain from my kitchen floor when a knock sounds at my door. I brush a loose tendril of hair off my face and wipe my dirty hands on my cleaning shirt. Luckily it’s an older one that I don’t care if it gets dirty.

  I open the door and am surprised to see Andrew standing before me, dressed in jeans, hiking boots, and a sweatshirt.

  “What are you doing here?” I ask, holding the door open for him to come in.

  “I came to take you on our date.”

  I look down at myself and cringe. “I thought it would be later tonight. I’m sort of a mess right now and haven’t showered yet.”

  He kisses me quickly and chuckles to himself. “You look beautiful.”

  “You need glasses then because I look horrible. Do you mind waiting until I’m done showering?”

  “Not at all,” he says, walking around to the barstool to sit. “I can join you if you’d like. Help scrub your back, perhaps?” He wiggles his brows and I smile.

  “Tempting, but no. It won’t take me long. How should I dress?”

  His eyes roam over my body and I pull on the hem of my ratty old shirt. “However you’d like, but just so you know, we’ll be doing quite a bit of walking so you may want to be prepared for that.”

  “Where are you taking me?” My mind is curious as to what he has planned because I don’t think he knows the city all that well and I’m interested to see where we’d be doing a lot of walking.