by Croix, J. H.
Nathan pondered for a moment whether he should tell her that Simon called and decided it was best. She’d find out one way or another, so it was easier to cut through it. “Simon called me a few days ago. Said he was worried about you. He seemed to think maybe a call from me would cheer you up. But when I pointed out we’d been talking pretty regular until the last week or so…”
Tess’s eyebrows arced up into two peaks, irritation flashing across her face. “Simon called you? Oh my god, he had no right to do that! What did he say?”
For a second, Nathan questioned whether he should tell her what Simon said, but he didn’t think it would help to avoid it. Taking a deep breath, he explained. “Simon told me what’s going on with your ex, Tess. He just got worried. Don’t get pissed at him. He didn’t put me up to coming out here, or even ask. That was all my idea. I miss you like hell. You’ve been avoiding my calls and then Simon tells me what this Chad guy is pulling. Decided to just come out here. I don’t want you thinking I’ll forget about everything with us just because you blow off a few calls. Plus, I can be another distraction for Chad while Simon puts his plan in motion.” Nathan paused, trying to gauge Tess’s reaction. Her face was guarded, but she didn’t look too angry. Another breath and he plowed forward. “I don’t know what happened between you and Chad. You don’t deserve whatever the hell he did before and what he’s doing now. You matter to me, so I wasn’t gonna sit tight in Alaska while I worried about you.”
Tess bit her lower lip and twirled a soft golden curl in one hand. “I don’t want you getting involved in this mess with Chad. Simon has it all sorted out.”
“That’s not why I’m here Tess. Sounds like Simon has it under control. I’m here because I was worried and I wanted to see you. I may not have known you that long, but it took damn near all I had to get you to go on a date with me, much less be open to more than that. You think I’m gonna stand by while this jerk messes with your life again? I don’t know the backstory with Chad. Simon was pretty quiet on that. But I could’ve guessed someone had done a number on you. I had no idea if it would be okay with you that I just showed up like this, but I decided it was worth the risk to make sure you knew that I was still here.”
Tess’s eyes welled with tears again. She knuckled them away. “I hate it when I cry. I don’t know why I am,” she said ruefully, taking a shaky breath.
Nathan was surprised to find he wasn’t the least bit bothered by her tears. He hated seeing them, but the sight of a woman crying usually made him squirm because he didn’t want to deal with the emotion. With Tess, he just wanted her to feel better. Not knowing what to say, he simply laid his hand on her knee.
As he pondered what to say, there was a knock at the door. Tess swung her head to look at the door. “What? I don’t usually get unannounced visitors and now I have two,” she said bemusedly. She gave his hand a quick squeeze and got up to answer the door.
Nathan heard another woman’s voice and in seconds, Tess returned to the living room, a medium-height woman with dark straight hair and bright red lipstick following behind. The woman was dressed in workout clothes; black fitted spandex leggings with a matching top and running shoes. She smiled widely at Nathan, walking straight to where he was seated.
“Deanna,” the woman said, reaching out to shake his hand. “I hear you’re Nathan. Sooo nice to meet you.”
“Nice to meet you too,” Nathan replied, shaking Deanna’s hand and looking to Tess.
“Deanna’s an old friend, one of the best,” Tess said. She gestured for Deanna to take a seat in a chair that was situated on the other side of the coffee table, facing the couch.
Deanna sat down and gave Nathan an appraising look.
“Ignore her,” Tess said firmly. “She thinks it’s her job to assess any man that I may be involved with.” She turned to Deanna. “Don’t be like that. Nathan just surprised me with a visit. Be nice,” she said emphatically.
Deanna rolled her eyes, which were a soft gray. “Really, Tess? I think it’s completely awesome that Nathan flew out here to see you. I’m just happy to meet him.”
Nathan decided immediately that he liked Deanna and had the sense she’d be on his side when it came to persuading Tess to give him a chance to be something other than a vacation fling. “And I’m happy to meet you,” he said with a smile.
“Tess,” Deanna said, turning toward Tess. “You forgot to tell me Nathan had dimples.”
“That’s where we’re starting?” Tess said with a roll of her eyes. She sat down beside Nathan and picked up her coffee, taking a sip.
Deanna shrugged. “I’m just saying that dimples make for an even better smile.” Deanna turned her gaze back to Nathan. “So, how long do you plan to stay? Please tell me you came to sweep Tess off her feet and take her back to Alaska with you.”
Tess choked on her coffee, a blush staining her cheeks. “Deanna!”
Nathan liked Deanna more every time she opened her mouth. Much as he wanted to wholeheartedly agree with her that he should take Tess back to Alaska with him, he was already well-versed with how Tess handled pressure. With Deanna, he could take a back seat and just might get what he wanted anyway.
He bit back a smile and shrugged. “Not sure how long I plan to stay. Just happy to be here.”
Deanna’s eyes took on a calculating gleam. “And we’re happy to have you here. I’ll let you play your cards close…for now,” she said with a wink.
Tess’s glare at Deanna was tempered with a half-smile. “You just can’t help yourself, can you?” she asked, her question directed to Deanna.
Deanna just shrugged. “Not when I have an opinion. In this case, I do. He’s great,” she said, gesturing to Nathan. “Alaska sounds amazing. What else is there to say?”
Tess rolled her eyes and turned to Nathan. “I’m sorry. Deanna likes to boss me around, and she’s not shy about making her opinion known.” She turned back to Deanna. “He just walked in the door! I know how long it takes to fly here from Alaska, so he has to be exhausted. How about you use your manners and give him a break?”
Deanna smiled politely. “Nathan, how was your trip?” she asked, her tone sugary sweet.
He couldn’t help but laugh. “Just fine.”
“See, I used my manners,” Deanna said, glancing at Tess.
Tess merely shook her head and took another sip of coffee.
Deanna’s gaze sobered. “Simon filled me in this morning. How come you didn’t mention what was going on with Chad?”
Tess took a deep breath. “Simon seems to be filling everyone in,” she said sardonically. “I haven’t mentioned it because I didn’t see the point.”
Deanna was silent, holding Tess’s gaze for a long moment. “I know you like to keep things to yourself, but maybe you should realize that you have people that want to help. I wouldn’t have brought it up just now, but Simon told me Nathan was here and that he’d told him about it too. Trying to pretend like nothing is happening won’t help. I’m sure you’re worried about rumors, but did you forget that between me, your parents, Simon, my parents and all of our friends, we can stir up plenty of trouble for Chad without it ever getting back to you?”
Tess shifted her position, took a sip of coffee, and looked away from Deanna. Nathan wasn’t sure what to say or do. While he cared a hell of a lot about Tess, he didn’t have the history with her that Deanna did. It was obvious the situation was uncomfortable for her and that she preferred not to discuss it. But, he was with Deanna on this one. Keeping it to herself only worked to Chad’s advantage. Much as he wanted to point that out, he kept quiet, sensing that if he spoke up, it would only increase Tess’s defensiveness.
Deanna caught his eye and gave the slightest shake of her head. Despite only knowing her for maybe five minutes, it was clear that Deanna read the direction of his thoughts. Nathan didn’t nod, but lifted his eyebrows. He was happy to let her bear the brunt of Tess’s frustration for now.
Tess si
ghed and turned back, her eyes capturing his for a moment and then focusing on Deanna. “ I know Dee. I know you want to help, along with my family and yours. The whole thing just sucks. I can’t believe Chad has put me in this position.”
“Damn right it sucks! As for Chad, given what Simon’s found, I can absolutely believe Chad has put you in this position. He’s trying to buy some time by playing nice in the circles that matter. You’re his ticket there and he knows it,” Deanna said. She looked toward Nathan. “I’m hoping with you around, you can throw a wrench in Chad’s plans.”
“Deanna! What are you talking about? Could we leave Nathan out of this?” Tess asked.
“Kind of hard to do that when he’s here. Tonight’s the golf tournament dinner. Did you forget that? Simon said Chad mentioned this was one of the events he expected you to attend. Bring Nathan with you,” Deanna said.
Tess slapped her hand against her knee. “Oh my god, I forgot about tonight.” Her shoulders slumped. She turned to Nathan, her ginger eyes weary and wary at once. “I have to go to this dinner. Even if Chad hadn’t asked me to be there, I have to anyway. I organize this tournament every year and attend the awards dinner.”
“So I’ll go with you. Deanna’s right. Having someone with you will make it harder for Chad,” Nathan said.
Deanna nodded emphatically.
Tess looked between them. “I don’t want you any more involved in this mess with Chad than you need to be.”
Before Nathan could reply, Deanna spoke. “You’re already freaked out that Chad is going to spread bullshit rumors about you. Having Nathan with you just complicates that for Chad. Plus, you keep forgetting that most people know Chad is a jerk.”
Tess sighed deeply, setting her mug on the coffee table and putting her face in her hands. Nathan glanced to Deanna. She tilted her head towards Tess. Nathan reached over and rubbed Tess’s back. His hand rose and fell with the several deep breaths that she took. Tess finally lifted her head, glancing between him and Deanna.
“I give up. Between Simon and you two, I either succumb to the process or end up ticked off at all three of you. I’m too tired for that,” Tess said. “You can come tonight, but we’re going to have to find you something to wear and you’d better follow my lead. She may be bossy…” Tess gestured toward Deanna “…but I can be too.”
Nathan experienced a moment of relief. He’d started to worry that Deanna might be pushing a little too hard. “Whatever you say. Trust me, I know how bossy you can be,” he said with a chuckle. “And what do I need to wear?”
Tess lifted her eyebrows. “It’s black tie. You have to wear a suit.” She eyed him appraisingly. “Wish you wore Simon’s size, but you’re too tall.”
“Damn glad you’re here,” Deanna said, gracing Nathan with a broad smile. “As for you,” she continued, addressing Tess, “if you need to be pissed at someone for interfering, pick me, not Nathan.”
Tess shot her a glare, immediately followed with a rueful smile. “I might be a little pissed, but it’s too late to avoid your interference now.”
Deanna stayed for a while longer after that, conversation turning to her long list of questions about Alaska. At some point, Nathan realized he was having trouble staying awake. Even with the coffee, the travel and emotion were catching up to him. He distantly heard Deanna commenting that she’d call later.
***
Nathan heard the sound of a shower and assumed Jared was up. He rolled over, his elbow hitting something hard. Jarred awake, he opened his eyes and realized he wasn’t in his bed and it definitely wasn’t Jared in the shower. He was on Tess’s soft green couch with a fleece blanket tangled around his legs. He had no memory of Deanna leaving. Shifting his position, he grabbed one of the loose throw pillows and tucked it behind his back, propping himself to a semi-seated position. His mug of coffee was still on the coffee table. Grabbing it, he took a sip, which was barely lukewarm. He figured he must have been asleep for at least an hour or so. A few more sips, and he kicked the blanket off and stood.
Tess had left the bathroom door open. As he walked toward it, he looked into what he assumed to be her bedroom, which held a queen-size bed with a lightweight quilt and more pillows than he could count. Between the couch and her bed, it was clear Tess loved her pillows. Her bedroom was decorated in the same shades as the rest of the apartment – soft earthy tones with flashes of bright colors. Before stepping into the bathroom, he stripped off his clothes and tossed them on her bed.
Peeking his head around the edge of the shower curtain, Nathan found Tess’s back to him as she soaped her hair. He quietly stepped in and slipped his arms around her, reveling in the feel of her wet skin against his. He leaned down and nuzzled her neck.
Tess jumped and squealed. “Nathan! You startled me!”
He spoke into her neck. “Mmmhmm. Couldn’t resist joining you.”
She leaned her head back against his shoulder and angled her face towards his. Lifting his lips from her neck, he met her gaze. Her ginger eyes were darkened, her lashes spiked with water. She bit her lip and smiled.
“You were sound asleep a few minutes ago,” Tess said.
“I’m awake now,” he replied, sliding his hands up to cup her generous breasts. “Missed you like crazy. Diamond Creek hasn’t been the same without you.” He toyed with her nipples, enjoying the feel of them pebbling in his hands.
Tess sucked in her breath. “I missed you too…” Her eyelids fell as she gasped when he slipped one hand down through her curls and into the warmth between her legs. He carefully parted her folds, which were slick and heated, sliding a finger inside her, delving slowly.
“Nathan…thought…maybe we should talk first…” Tess said, her words breaking.
“You just can’t wait to talk, can you? How about this? Let’s just enjoy being near each other for the first time in way too long. Talking is not going to change the fact that this…” he slid another finger inside her channel and lightly pinched a nipple with his other hand “…feels soooo damn good.”
Tess’s hips bucked against his hand. “Okay…you win. But promise we can talk later,” she said, her hips grinding in soft circles.
“Promise,” Nathan replied, his voice muffled against her neck. The feel of her bare bottom shifting against his cock had him so hard, so thoroughly aroused, his precarious hold on thought was weak. He let go into the feeling. Kissing and licking his way along her neck, Nathan slowly turned Tess in his arms. Facing her with the feel of her luscious breasts against his chest, he could barely focus. Hooking his hands under her knees, he lifted her slick body, still soapy, up against the tiled shower wall. He took her lips in a deep kiss, delving deep into her open mouth, their tongues tangling wildly. The sounds Tess made ratcheted up the madness he felt. He wanted to go slow, to take this time to show her how much he missed her, but he couldn’t. He pulled back and looked in her eyes. In a rare moment, her gaze was unguarded and wide open, her eyes dark with passion and intent. She reached down to stroke his cock, holding it for a moment before guiding him to her entrance. He thrust deep the moment she removed her hand and curled it around his neck. Still holding her gaze, Nathan slowly pulled out and plunged back inside, establishing a slow and deep rhythm.
In moments, Tess arched against the shower wall, her climax pulsing around him. Nathan drove once more into the cradle of her hips and threw his head back with the burst of his own climax. As he shuddered, he held her firmly. When the fog cleared, he tilted his forehead forward until it rested against hers. Eyes a mere inch from hers, he spoke against her lips. “We can talk now.”
Tess giggled, the puff of her breath soft against his lips. “How about we talk after I rinse this shampoo out of my hair?” She gestured to her soapy curls, laughter in her eyes.
A half hour later, Nathan sat at her kitchen table, feeling much better after his nap and the interlude in the shower. A fresh change of clothes, a little food, and he felt like himself again. Tess ha
d insisted on making sandwiches and was bustling around the kitchen cleaning up.
“So we have to go find a suit and tie for you. We need to be ready to leave here for the dinner by five thirty or so. That only gives us a few hours to go shopping,” Tess said, briskly wiping the counter.
Nathan thought he’d be happy to sit here all day, just enjoying the fact that he was in the same place as Tess.
“Nathan, are you with me?” Tess asked, waving a kitchen towel in his direction.
“What? I’m right here.”
“You’re just sitting there, kind of smiling. You didn’t say anything when I asked about shopping.”
“Oh, whatever. Just take me where you think I should go and I’ll get what you say.”
Tess started laughing, her shoulders shaking as she leaned against the kitchen counter.
“Was it that funny?” Nathan asked. “I was being serious. You said it’s black tie, so I’ll just get a suit. You pick it out. I could care less about that kind of thing.”
Tess kept laughing, tears rolling down her cheeks. She tried several times to stop, taking gulps of air, straightening her shoulders. Each time, she only laughed harder. Finally though, she brought it under control. As she did, Nathan saw that tears were still rolling down her cheeks. She kept her gaze averted.
“Tess? You okay?” he asked, standing to walk toward her.
As he reached her side, he saw a tremor in one of her hands that rested on the counter and heard the catch in her breath.
“Tess?” he asked again, his voice soft.
She shook her head sharply and looked up. Her eyes held uncertainty and vulnerability. Sensing that she needed some semblance of space, Nathan held still at her side. Much as he wanted to step closer and wrap her in his arms, he didn’t think that was what she wanted right now.
“I’m okay,” she finally replied, her voice soft. Her breathing slowed and while her eyes were damp, no more tears came. Taking a slow breath, she looked away and then back at him. “Sorry about that. There’s just been a lot going on for me. You showing up…it’s amazing, it really is…but I guess I got overwhelmed on top of everything else.”
