by Judy Angelo
“Yum.” She slid into her chair and picked up a napkin. “ Dibs on the tuna wrap.”
Wolf chuckled. “We have enough where you can have seconds and thirds if you want. Just help yourself.”
And she did.
It didn’t take long, though, before Tessa realized that she was the only one eating. She looked across at Wolf. “Why are you watching me?”
He raised an eyebrow. “Am I?”
“Yes, and you’re not eating,” she said then took a bite of warm bread. “Don’t think I’m going to sit here and eat all of this by myself. Come on, eat.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
After they’d eaten they returned to the conference room where they tackled their task with renewed vigor. It wasn’t until Tessa noticed the time on the DVD player that she realized she’d already been at Wolf’s office for hours.
“Can you believe it’s already five o’clock?” she asked as she slipped another sheet of notes into her folder. “Time flies when you’re having fun.”
“You’ve got another engagement?” Wolf gave her an enigmatic look. “A date, perhaps?”
She almost laughed out loud. Contrary to what the rest of the population seemed to think she’d been dateless for quite a while. And although her co-workers, and even Indie, seemed to expect that her pretty face would draw a flood of male suitors that was not the case. Maybe it was her personality? Most men probably had no time for a woman who was like a pendulum, swinging from happy-go-lucky to downright boring, preferring to lounge at home and watch a movie rather than going out.
Now the question was, was Wolf like most men? She hoped not.
“Well, if a date with Reba McEntire counts then yes, I’ve got a date.” She chuckled. “Reba’s my favorite TV show even though it’s all re-runs. I’ve seen each episode like six times and they still make me laugh.”
“Oh, a Reba fan, too?”
She stared at him, surprised. “You watch Reba?”
“I have my moments, although,” he leaned back in his chair and gave her a slow smile that could almost be described as sexy, “there are a whole lot better ways I could think of, to spend my time.”
Tessa felt herself begin to color. It wasn’t what he’d said but the way he’d said it that made the blood rise to her face. The pictures it conjured.
She cleared her throat and sat up straight in her chair. She bit her bottom lip then released it and saw that he was watching her every move. He wanted to kiss her. She could see it in the way his gaze settled on her lips and stayed there. She could sense it when she saw his nostrils flare. She could hear it in the sound of his indrawn breath.
Then why wasn’t he making a move? Tessa would not have pegged Wolf as a ‘shy guy’ but, just in case, she decided to take matters into her own hands. She slid forward in her seat. “Uhm, Wolf. Now that we’ve pretty much finished our work here, would you mind giving me a tour of your office?”
He seemed surprised at her request but not at all unwilling. “Of course,” he said, rising. "Tour guide Spencer at your service.”
With a smile, she took the hand he stretched out to her. Little did he know that the layout of his office was the least of her concerns. No, what she wanted was to get him out of the big, open space they were in. Who ever heard of romantic encounters in a conference room? But in the intimacy of a private office…you never knew what could happen there.
They headed down the hallway, Wolf walking slightly ahead of her as he explained how his business had expanded rapidly, enabling him to quadruple his office space and expand his team of three into a staff of eighteen. She murmured words of approval, genuinely impressed by his achievements. But if he’d glanced back at her he would have seen approval in her eyes as well, approval for the wonderful view she was enjoying from behind – his broad shoulders, his strong back and his taut butt in his jeans.
Finally – it seemed longer than the four minutes it took to traverse the office – they got to Wolf’s office. “And this,” he said, turning to her, “is where each project begins. My retreat.” He turned the knob and stepped aside for her to enter.
As she stepped by him the woodsy fragrance of his cologne, his nearness, his maleness were almost her undoing. At that moment she wanted nothing more than to turn and lean into him and feel him wrap his arms around her. But patience was a virtue she would do best to exercise. So she kept her thoughts to herself and walked in.
It was an attractive office, not excessively big, but large enough to make it worthy of a CEO. It was a modern office, but simple, with nothing of the ostentatious furniture and trappings that Tessa had expected. It was a true working space, with a large desk in the center of the room, a mahogany work table pushed to one side and adorned with a collection of DVD’s, film reels and books, and a comfy-looking sofa facing the window and its view of the city below. Perfect...for snuggling.
“What is?” Wolf asked as he stepped into the room behind her.
Good heavens. Had she said that out loud? “Your office,” she said quickly. “It’s perfectly situated, with a wonderful view of the water.”
“Thanks,” he said as he closed the door behind them. And then, with no encouragement from her – honestly, no encouragement at all – he closed the space between them, coming to stand mere inches from her.
“Tessa,” he said with a sound that was almost a groan, “I’ve wanted to kiss you all day. Ever since you came to the door I’ve been fighting to keep my hands off you. I can’t fight it any longer.”
Just like she’d known it would, his office provided the perfect place for their inhibitions to fall away. She tilted her face up to his. "I don’t want you to,” she whispered.
And, just like she’d been hoping all afternoon, he reached for her, pulling her into his arms.
She went on tiptoe, ready to be kissed, when she felt a buzzing against her belly. What in the world?
Wolf put her away from him and dug into his pocket, a smile of apology on his lips. His eyes were still on her as he pressed the button and put the phone to his ear.
“Wolf Spencer,” he said, his voice husky as he spoke. Then his smile froze. And he frowned. “Vanessa?” A shutter came down over his face and his eyes that had just warmed her face were now expressionless.
Tessa stepped back, putting distance between her and Wolf. Vanessa? Where had she heard that name before?
And then she remembered. Lydia was the one who had mentioned that name and she’d said Vanessa was Wolf’s ex. It sounded as if they’d almost married and now she was calling him? Not good.
Right now it was best to back off. She would not be so stupid as to lay herself vulnerable when she had no idea where she stood. But, based on Wolf’s reaction, she knew she was not in a good position. By the look on his face Vanessa was still very important to him.
“This is not a good time. I will discuss that with you later.” And with that, Wolf hung up.
But by that time Tessa had backed away and was almost at the door. “Tessa, please…” He reached out a hand but she stopped him.
“I think we’re all done for today, Wolf. Will you walk me to the door?” The spell had been broken. There was no way they could pick up where they’d left off.
His lips tightened but he nodded. “Sure. Let’s go, then.”
The two minutes it took them to cross the office then travel downstairs in the elevator were so filled with tension they felt like an hour. But finally she was squeezing the button to release the lock on her Audi.
She said her goodbye then backed out of the parking space and went on her way. The Sunday afternoon that had started off chilly but so bright, sunny and promising had turned into an evening that was gray, biting cold and depressing. Just like her mood.
And as she drove the big question on her mind was, what hope did she have with Wolf?
CHAPTER NINE
“I don’t want to be a nun,” Tessa whined.
“Just be still, will you?” Indiana pulled the habit over Tes
sa’s head and dragged it down until it fell to her ankles. She followed with the headgear, the wimple and the veil, which she unceremoniously plopped onto Tessa’s head and pulled into place.
“Why can’t I be one of those girls in a harem? You know, the ones who wear those really hot pant suits and veils.”
“Because this is a kids' party and I don’t want you exposing all that midriff to them." Indie stood back and looked at her, a satisfied expression on her face.
“But a nun? Come on, Indie. Who ever heard of a nun at a kiddie party?” Tessa was not at all happy but her glare didn’t seem to faze Indie one bit.
“This is not just any party, Tessa, and you know it.” Indie returned her glare. “And you, of all people, should know how important this celebration is for the kids. I’m going as a rabbi and you don’t see me complaining. It’s a celebration of spirituality, remember. All faiths and all creeds, even agnosticism. So let’s try to act spiritual, shall we?”
“All right,” Tessa said grudgingly. She’d forgotten about the spirituality part of the event.
Indie was a regular volunteer at various organizations that helped children and often roped Tessa into her activities. This afternoon was no exception.
“I’ll do it,” she said, straightening the veil on her head, “but you owe me.”
Indie chuckled. “Just put it on my tab.”
Tessa had thought the party would have been embarrassing to say the least, what with her unorthodox garb, but she ended up having so much fun with the children that after the appointed time she had a hard time leaving. Although not all of them were disabled many were in wheelchairs and others were mentally challenged. But all of them, down to the very last one, loved Tessa. She knew it by the peals of laughter when she did her first comedy act for them. She knew it by the way they flocked to her when she left the stage, and she knew it by their wails when it was time for her to leave.
“Looks like you’re going to have to take them all home,” Indie teased.
“I know.” Tessa reached down to scoop up a toddler who was clinging to her skirt. As she lifted her up, the little girl popped her thumb out of her mouth and gave her a brilliant smile. “Aww, isn’t she sweet?” Tessa gave her a hug before setting her back on her feet. She was still smiling as she watched the child toddle off to join her friends ranging from her own age all the way to the early teens.
“Hey, Tess, we’ve been done almost forty minutes now.” Indie glanced at her watch. “Didn’t you say you had to be somewhere at four-thirty?”
“Oh, my gosh. I have to go.” A quick glance at the screen of her cell phone told her she had less than ten minutes to make it to Lydia’s house – which wasn’t even in the same city as hers. The drive from Burlington to Mississauga was at least fifteen to twenty minutes long on a good day. Her only consolation was that it was Saturday so hopefully she wouldn’t run into excessive traffic on the way.
“Wait,” Indie yelled as Tessa flew out the door. “You’re still wearing your habit.”
“No time to change,” Tessa yelled back. “I’ll do it later.”
Tessa had often been accused – mostly by Indie – of having a lead foot. She’d always denied it but today she had to admit that she really did. She attacked the highway with a vengeance and although she drove carefully, along some stretches she was going at a good little clip over the speed limit. Thank goodness the highway patrol cops seemed to be off duty just then.
And even at that speed Tessa still arrived at four-forty, a whole ten minutes late. The Saturday afternoon traffic had not been as smooth sailing as she’d hoped. Oh, well.
“Tessa, you naughty girl. What took you so long?” Lydia opened her good arm wide to receive her with a hug.
“So sorry, Lydia. It was the traffic-”
“Oh, I’m not talking about that. I’m talking about how long it took you to pay me a second visit.” Then she shook her finger at Tessa. “Don’t let it happen again.”
Tessa laughed. “I won’t.”
As she pulled the armchair closer to Lydia’s bed the lady spoke. “Now you’ll have to tell me what this is all about.” She waved a hand up and down, indicating her visitor’s strange attire. “Are you coming from a costume party or have you changed careers? Last time I heard, you were a high school teacher.”
“Oh, I forgot.” Tessa smoothed the robe with her hand. “I just left a party for the kids at Fitzgerald’s House. I had a ball with them.”
Lydia raised her eyebrows. “A volunteer, are you? Another mark in your favor.”
Tessa crinkled her nose. “As much as I would like to take the credit it was a friend of mine who got me involved. She’s the star volunteer. She lives for programs like these.”
“Well, you accepted the invitation and went willingly, I’m sure.” The older woman patted her hand. “Kudos to you for supporting the efforts of a friend.”
Tessa could only smile. It looked like her newfound friend was determined to praise her, no matter what. If Lydia only knew what a pain in the neck she could be sometimes. Tessa was the first to admit that to herself.
“So how have you been, Lydia?” Tessa ask, turning the spotlight away from herself and onto the recovering patient. “Did you do physiotherapy this week?”
“Five days. I’m exhausted.” But her eyes shone bright and Tessa knew she had some good news.
“And?”
“And I moved my hand.” Lydia smiled, obviously pleased. “Well, not my whole hand, but the fingers. I was able to move all five of my fingers this week, not just my thumb.”
“That’s great.” Tessa took her hand and gave it a squeeze. She was genuinely happy for Lydia, a woman who remained so vibrant and cheerful even in the face of such trying circumstances. “That’s excellent progress.”
Lydia shrugged. “I’m certainly not complaining. I tell you, that Nikolai works wonders. It must be those big muscles of his that inspire me.”
“Oh, you teaser, you.”
They both had a good laugh at that.
After that Tessa brought Lydia up to speed on how her week had gone, and all the mischief her students had gotten into, making the woman laugh so hard she began to wonder if it would make her sick. Then, to Tessa’s delight, Lydia shared some funny classroom stories of her own. Like when, on the encouragement of a friend, she’d tried wearing a sari to a class at the university in India and ended up falling face first in front of a class of thirty-eight students. Thankfully, after the initial shock and laughter, three of them rushed to her aid. She never tried that again.
Then their conversation turned to family. Tessa could not even remember how, but she began to tell Lydia about growing up as an only child in a house with two parents who were at times rivals and at times, friends. There was just something about Lydia that made her open up. It felt like she was talking to someone she’d known all her life.
And then, out of the blue, Lydia told her about Vanessa. “They’d been together a year before they got engaged,” Lydia said. “Family is important to Wolf and as he got older he wanted to start one of his own.” She shook her head. “He wasn’t old, by any means. Only twenty-seven when they met but he’s not the type to run around, having fun and partying. He’s more of a homebody and he was ready to settle down.”
“But it sounds like he was the perfect kind of guy for a woman looking to get married.” Tessa frowned, confused.
“That was the problem,” Lydia said. “It’s the weirdest thing, but some women behave more like men than like their own sex. Even though she’d said yes, she later decided she wasn’t ready to tie herself to just one man. She wanted room to explore.” Lydia opened her eyes wide to illustrate her shock and horror. “Those were her words. Room to explore. Can you believe it?”
Tessa sucked in her breath but remained silent. She had no idea what to say. So what about that phone call last Sunday in Wolf’s office? Was she done exploring and now wanted him back?
“That did it for Wolf. He broke off
the engagement, which was what she wanted anyway, and swore never to look in her direction again.” Lydia pursed her lips. “And I know my son. Once he’s made up his mind on something, consider it done.”
Wow. That was a speech and a half from a very upset mother. But what mother wouldn’t be, to know that her son had been dumped because he was not enough for his chosen woman? It was a speech that reflected hurt on behalf of her son, but it was one that gave Tessa hope. Lydia had said that once Wolf’s mind was made up he would not go back on his decision. So that meant that, despite the phone call, Vanessa was history, wasn’t she? Tessa certainly hoped so.
For now she would not write Wolf off. She’d take things step by step and see where the path led.
She gave a little sniff as she felt a tickling sensation in her nose. Not her allergies again. She wrinkled her nose and leaned down to dig around in her bag for a tissue.
“Mom, is Tessa with you?”
Tessa jumped as she heard Wolf’s deep voice behind her. It sounded like he was standing in the doorway. So the man who’d been the topic of their conversation had arrived. She knew her face would betray her – she’d felt a guilty flush rise at the sound of his voice – so she kept her eyes averted and her head down. She needed time for her face to get back to normal. And she had a good excuse, anyway. She had to dab her nose.
“Oh, sorry. I…thought I saw Tessa’s car outside.” Wolf sounded confused. “Excuse me, sister. I didn’t mean to disturb you.”
Sister? He had a sister here? And then she remembered. The habit. The headdress. Obviously, he thought she was a nun visiting his mother in her time of need.
She peeked up at Lydia who, to her surprise, gave her a wink. What the heck? Lydia was up to something. If only Tessa could figure out what.
“Thank you for coming, sister. You don’t know how much this means to me.” She put a hand up, as if to wipe a tear from her eye.
“Mom, are you okay?” Wolf’s voice was closer now. He’d come into the room and was obviously thrown off by his mother’s emotional state.
Lydia gave a dramatic swallow then nodded and waved Wolf forward with her good hand. “Come and bow with us. Take the good sister’s hand.”
