Nerves were making Aaron sweat while he answered Justin’s questions. Interesting, and at the same time heartening, to realize no one informed the brothers of his status. He doubted Justin would be quite so amiable if he knew the fate of his older sister now rested in the hands of the stranger about to dine with the family.
Everyone gathered around the table. Being from a small family of four, Aaron could hardly see straight with all the movement and noise. The volume rose while every member of the family talked over each other. They were a jovial bunch though, each and every face smiling and laughing at something or other. The mysterious Tessa wasn’t yet in the room, but she was close. And growing closer. Slowly. A breeze seemed to blow through the room and on it the sweet scent of his mate. Aaron leaned back and closed his eyes for one brief moment. Heaven. If she was half as pretty as she smelled, he’d be a happy man.
Finally, a short hush. Aaron turned around when several gazes focused behind him. With his neck craned, he got his first look at the woman he would spend his life with.
Beautiful didn’t begin to describe her.
She was not at all the young girl he’d expected. She was a grown woman. Long, thick brown curls hung around her round face. He wanted nothing more than to get his fingers caught in them.
Aaron held his breath while he took in the rest of her. Tall, lithe, her jeans hugged her to perfection and her blouse was open enough at the neck to tease him with a glimpse of her smooth neckline. He stood, scooting his chair back with his thighs. Most of the family was still standing, and it seemed appropriate, under the circumstances.
Huge wide brown eyes scanned the room, landing on him for only a second before continuing on as though he weren’t the man she’d been looking for, and there was someone else in the kitchen she didn’t know.
Tessa stepped about two inches farther into the room, her hand still gripping the doorframe that led down a hall. Her knuckles were white.
“Tess? You okay? You look like you’ve seen a ghost. And what are you so dressed up for?” One of the younger brothers spoke.
Tessa nailed him with a glare that could kill and stepped into the room, head held high. Very purposefully, she ignored his questions and chose a seat at the far end of the table.
Aaron swallowed his tongue.
Here he’d spent the afternoon worrying about her being too young for him. Now, he felt completely out of her league. The woman was a goddess. Her body was perfection. Her curves in all the right places. Her breasts high and full—her waist slim and flaring to hips that made him swallow again.
He should have taken Richard up on that beer.
“Let’s eat.” Nancy made the announcement, and everyone took a chair.
Aaron was the last to sit. His body wouldn’t obey simple commands. He moved in slow motion, not even sure the chair was still behind him to keep him from slipping to the floor in embarrassment. Luckily, it was.
Tessa didn’t look at him, and yet he couldn’t seem to take his eyes off her. Was she being coy? Or was she truly as disinterested in him as she seemed? Could she turn him away?
Aaron rubbed his hands on his jeans beneath the tabletop. His palms would not stop sweating, and his knees would not stop bouncing. He felt like an overgrown teenager. Which made him fit in fine with the rest of the clan.
Aaron found himself seated next to Richard, which was convenient, since the man knew him better than anyone—and the plight he currently found himself in. Fortunately the man kept a steady stream of conversation going. Aaron wasn’t oblivious to the fact that Richard’s questions were purposefully presented for his daughter’s benefit.
As far as Aaron was concerned, the more Tessa knew about him indirectly, the easier it would be to court the woman. And he intended to do just that. Starting with a nice, long walk after dinner. And ending as swiftly as possible. “Courting” was suddenly something Aaron felt like doing for about five minutes.
His cock grew harder by the minute, and he had to adjust the poor sucker way too frequently to remain inconspicuous. If this relationship didn’t get off the ground and running soon, he was going to be spending a lot of time in cold showers. As it was, he needed to hold the woman at the other end of the table so badly he thought he might go up in flames waiting for the meal to end.
Aaron had no idea what he ate, or even if he ate. He only knew it was a long time before people scattered. The boys jumped up and left the table with quick thanks to their mother, and each dropped their plates in the sink before they fled in a flurry of commotion.
“Why don’t you take Tessa for a walk? It’s nice outside.” Richard nudged Aaron, but his gaze remained pinned on the back of his daughter, who stood at the sink.
She froze and turned around slowly, finally allowing herself to look Aaron in the eye.
“Go on. I’ll clean up,” Nancy urged.
Tessa didn’t take her gaze off Aaron. Was she appraising him? Did he meet her standards?
She nodded almost imperceptibly. “I’ll just grab a jacket.” Her voice tinkled through the air, soft and melodious. It caressed his senses. He wanted to hear it again, closer to his ear.
He hadn’t heard much from her during the meal. She’d been too far away and hadn’t spoken more than a few words.
Aaron stood and headed for the front door. He waited for her there, unsure what else he could possibly do but wait. But for how long?
Chapter 3
Tessa nearly ran down the hall to get away from the piercing gaze of Aaron Garrett.
God almighty, her body’s response to him had been thoroughly unexpected. Sure, she’d scented him earlier, but not like this. His full-blown presence nearly buckled her knees.
And to make matters worse, he was sex on a stick. She couldn’t have chosen a better mate for herself. Tall and lean, he was also tanned to perfection. His blond hair was the tiniest bit too long and begged her to run her fingers through it. His blue eyes penetrated her, even from across the table.
She entered her bedroom and leaned against the inside wall, trying to catch her breath. How could she possibly go for a walk with that god of a man and keep her head straight? She was at once turned on like she’d never before imagined and pissed off at her inability to hold her ground.
An ache she’d never felt in her life tugged inside her belly. Moisture built between her legs she couldn’t prevent, even by squeezing her thighs together. In fact, that only seemed to make matters worse.
And now she was going to go outside, in the waning light of dusk, and spend time alone with Aaron? She’d never be able to keep her hands to herself. And she hated that fact more than she enjoyed the sensation.
With resolve, Tessa grabbed her jacket from behind her bedroom door. She glanced around the room as if she were looking at her childhood. You’re an adult, Tessa. Grow up. She was hard on herself, but hell, this room had been where she’d spent the last twenty-three years, where she’d hidden from her brothers whenever necessary, where she’d experienced many of life’s firsts. It would undoubtedly not look the same ever again.
It was time to face the man she’d spend her life with.
Clutching the jacket she didn’t really need, Tessa held her head high and padded back down the hall to find Aaron standing at the front door.
He had to be several years older than her, but at that moment, he looked younger. He stood smiling at her as though they were off for a first date. In a sense they were, but the dating rituals of wolves were far different from those of humans. It wasn’t as though they were headed to the senior prom. There would be no lecture from her dad about Aaron keeping his hands to himself. If she was lucky, she’d make it back to the house unscathed. And worse, her parents knew it. The thought gave her a chill.
“Shall we?” Aaron graciously held the door open, his arm raised for her to pass under it so he could shut it behind them.
If nothing else, Tessa was incredibly relieved the man was so tall. She was five-ten and had always worried about meetin
g a mate shorter than her. That was not to be the case.
“Thank you,” she muttered as she passed Aaron. She sucked in a breath, aware only of the taste of him on her tongue as she passed.
The door shut with a quiet snick behind them, and Tessa didn’t turn around. She feared she’d faint if she looked him in the eye.
Aaron exhaled long and slow behind her. “Thank God. I thought we’d never be alone.”
Tessa stiffened. Is that all he cared about? Should she be afraid?
“That didn’t come out right. I just mean … you have so many brothers. I kept thinking someone was going to pull out a shotgun or something.” Aaron chuckled behind her and grasped her hand. He tugged gently until she turned toward him.
Face to face, mere inches separating them, Tessa gazed into Aaron’s clear blue eyes. His expression grew serious. He gently separated her from the jacket she was clutching with one hand and set it on the arm of the nearest rocker without moving away from her. “It’s not chilly out here.”
Her face flushed with embarrassment. He’d known she only used the coat as an excuse to gather her wits. The evening was unseasonably warm. She lowered her head and glanced down at his chest. A wide chest, fit and tight beneath the western shirt he wore.
Aaron lifted her chin with one hand until her gaze was back on his face. “I don’t bite.” He smiled. “You might even find me rather pleasant, if you give me a chance.”
What can I say to that? The man is dead on.
“Come on.” He took her hand again and pulled her toward the stairs. “Let’s walk. I promise not to abduct you. I just want to get to know you a bit, okay?” He turned back and lifted his eyebrows in question.
Tessa nodded. She bit her lower lip and tried to make her feet work in sync with each other. Forget talking. She just needed to relearn to walk. The rest would have to wait.
Tessa was not a tiny woman. She’d never been petite, but she felt dwarfed by Aaron. His warm hand embraced hers, swallowing her fingers.
When they reached the fence line, Aaron slowed to a stroll. They walked several yards, and then he stopped and leaned against the fence, turning to face Tessa head on.
“So, here’s what I know about you. You’re twenty-three next week, the oldest of a half dozen kids, you didn’t get to ride your horse this afternoon as planned, and the last thing you envisioned for today was meeting your mate.” Aaron grinned. “Tell me more.”
Tessa swallowed. Tell him more? She didn’t think she could speak. Especially in this close proximity. She was overwhelmed by his charm, his smile, the sparkle in his eyes, and his scent. A renewed flush burned her cheeks while she stared at him.
Aaron clasped her other hand and pulled her into the space between his legs. So intimate for someone she’d not even met before. And yet, she craved more. She wanted him to set those soft lips of his on hers and kiss her. Never had she been in a position like this before. She’d never been kissed, and that embarrassed her. What twenty-three-year-old woman hasn’t been kissed? Would he think her childish? “Okay. I’ll go first.”
Tessa stared at Aaron’s mouth as he spoke. “I’m the new local vet. Moved here from Idaho two weeks ago to take over Doctor Simon’s practice. I love animals of all kinds and advocate in their favor. I went to Idaho State University for undergrad and vet school. I read a lot, but mostly nonfiction related to animals. And you are the most gorgeous woman I’ve ever laid eyes on, making me the luckiest man in the universe right now.”
Tessa broke her stance with those last words. She lifted her eyes to Aaron’s.
“Do you suppose anyone is watching?” Aaron glanced playfully from side to side. “Think your dad sent a brother or two to chaperone us and make sure I don’t take advantage?”
Aaron released Tessa’s hands to run his palms up her arms. When he reached her shoulders, he tugged her forward and set his forehead against hers. Their breath mingled. “Your turn.” Aaron tipped his head back and took a deep breath. She knew what he was doing because she needed the same relief—air not tainted by the other person.
He’s going to think you’re mute if you don’t say something soon. Tessa straightened so she wasn’t leaning into Aaron. “How old are you?” She tucked her upper lip in and bit down. The question had leaked out unexpectedly. It was hardly what he’d asked of her.
“Thirty.” Aaron squeezed her shoulders. “Does that bother you?”
Tessa shook her head. It was only seven years. Not as bad as she’d expected. “My life has not been nearly as interesting as yours. I was born and raised here. Haven’t left the farm. I did graduate from Oregon State University, but that’s right in town. I lived at home while I went there. My degree is in animal science. I actually work fulltime here on the farm and draw a salary from my parents.
“And, you’re right—I had no interest in mating this young. I’ve only been out of school one year. I’ve always been on the shy side and hoped to … have more time. I like my … freedom. Some of my friends have mated and they seemed to just … disappear. I never see them anymore. I don’t want to be like that. I haven’t even dated.”
Aaron pulled her in against him and hugged her tight. His hand cradled the back of her head, and he urged her to lean on his shoulder. Her heart beat rapidly against his chest, as did his against hers. Tessa became overly aware of her breasts as they tightened and pebbled through the thin material of her blouse.
“Tessa, I think your idea of mating is skewed. I would never hold you back from anything you wanted to do. You will be my equal in this relationship—not someone I keep on a leash at home, barefoot and pregnant. I’m only a few years out of school myself. We can experience life together.” Aaron’s breath wafted across her neck on each exhale as he whispered the words.
Tessa leaned back and looked at Aaron askance. “I know several friends who have mated recently. It didn’t appear to happen quite that way for any of them.” She lowered her voice, and Aaron had to strain to hear her next words. “One minute they were here, the next they were swept away into a different world. I’m quite fond of the world I live in. This farm,” she glanced all around, “it’s who I am. I love it here. I’m very close to my family. I don’t want to … disappear.”
She spoke those thoughts, but they didn’t sound quite as reasonable now. Nothing about Aaron made her feel stifled or pressured. Had she misinterpreted things when her friends had met mates? Perhaps the women had gone into their claimings with more willingness than she’d believed.
She relaxed against him and let him caress her back and neck with both hands. Maybe this wouldn’t be so bad after all. If she could just convince him to take things slow… Let her mind catch up with reality.
As if he’d read her mind, he continued. “I don’t think we can deny the inevitable, but we’ll move at whatever pace you need. I will not push you or rush you in any way. Okay? I’m not going to rob you of the relationship you have with your family. I promise.”
That was unexpected. And he sounded so sincere. The last thing she wanted was to be swept away from everything she’d ever known, right here, right now. Perhaps he wouldn’t turn out to be some jackass who couldn’t keep his dick in his pants. Every time one of her friends or cousins met a mate, they practically ran to bed together and didn’t resurface for days on end. The idea suffocated her when she pondered the same happening to herself.
Tessa leveled her gaze on Aaron’s. His deep blue eyes melted her resolve. If he hadn’t been holding her up, she’d have collapsed on the ground, her jelly legs unable to support her weight.
Instead, with no warning at all, either to herself or Aaron, Tessa leaned the short distance between them and kissed him. She couldn’t stop herself. She wanted to taste him more than she wanted her next breath.
Aaron let her take the lead. Bless him. Tessa kept the kiss safe and short, and then drew back a few inches to catch her breath. She gasped at her boldness and breathed as deeply as if she’d just been on a run.
“I should go … inside,” she muttered. Tessa kept her gaze low, staring at the wide expanse of rock-hard chest between them.
“I’ll walk you to the door.” Taking her hand once more, Aaron led her back to the house without argument.
Damn. The man was growing on her. What had she been thinking kissing him like that? Maybe her girlfriends and cousins hadn’t actually been swept away by their mates, but perhaps it had been the other way around? God. The idea was reinforced by the fact she couldn’t get that brief kiss out of her mind. She wanted more. She wanted him to press against her again, harder this time, and claim her mouth more thoroughly with his own. Hell, moisture pooled between her legs, making her want to rub against his thigh.
If she could just get away from him as fast as possible, she could go to her room, lock the door, and rub the aching spot herself.
Tessa had demanded Aaron take things slow. Now she wanted to slap herself. Could he see she was sweating from need? Again, her face heated, and she hoped he didn’t notice. Thank goodness the evening air was cool against her skin.
When they reached the front steps, Aaron deliberately turned her around and settled her against one of the posts. He surrounded her by placing his hands on the railing on either side of her arms. “Can I see you tomorrow?”
Tessa nodded.
“I need to visit some clients in the morning, but I’ll pick you up afterward, say about two? And we can go into town. Dinner? Spend some time together.”
Tessa nodded again, tucking her top lip into her mouth to nestle between her teeth. She had to stop breathing his air unless she wanted to make a complete spectacle of herself. She prayed none of her brothers were paying any attention. They’d razz her mercilessly if they caught wind of this situation.
“Maybe tomorrow you can use a few more complete sentences?” he teased. And then he added another question without pausing. “May I kiss you again?”
Beneath a Spring Moon (Those Sexy Shifters, Book 1) Page 2
