Splendor(135)

Gina waved a hand in dismissal at this bit of news. “Probably just a quick fling. I doubt he’d be serious about a much younger woman.”

Alicia made a little sound of displeasure. “Not according to what my mother said. Apparently the Boss Man was completely enraptured by this woman, and totally ignored everyone else in the place. My father wanted to go over and say hello, but when he saw the pair of them were – how did my mother so charmingly phrase it – ah, yes, “canoodling” – he decided he’d better stay put.”

Shelby giggled in her high, chirpy manner. “What does that even mean – canoodling? Were they eating noodles or something?”

Kevin rolled his eyes and gave Shelby an indulgent pat on the head. “Can you really be that dumb?” he muttered, half under his breath. “No, sweetie pie, they weren’t eating noodles. More like eating face. You know – kissing, cuddling, that sort of thing.”

“Oh.” Shelby nodded in understanding. “I get it now. But – really? Somehow I can’t picture Mr. Gregson actually, uh, engaging in PDA.”

Tessa, too, had been in something resembling disbelief when Ian had seemed to be touching her constantly during their meal – caressing her cheek, holding her hand, giving her a series of sweet, soft kisses. He’d acted very much like a man in love, and one who didn’t give a damn if the entire world was watching. His affectionate, attentive behavior had made Tessa almost swoon with desire, and made her fall even deeper under his spell.

Kevin grinned wickedly. “She must be some real hot piece of booty to get him to loosen up a little. Lucky bitch.”

Alicia grimaced. “You said it, I didn’t. And to top it off, my mother said Blondie was dressed to kill. Louboutins – that lavender Moschino dress I was coveting at Barneys – a triple strand pearl choker. Whoever she is, the girl’s got great fashion sense.”

‘Or a rich boyfriend with great fashion sense’ added Tessa to herself. But it gave her a great feeling of satisfaction to realize that the beautiful dress she’d worn to dinner last night had been on Alicia’s own wish list. Almost maliciously, Tessa wished she had the nerve to wear the dress to the office one day and flaunt it in her co-worker’s face.

She heard her cell phone ping, signaling an incoming text, and gave it a discreet peek, knowing it had to be from Ian.

Hello, luv. Sorry I’ve been so busy today. Just wanted to say I love u and that last night was amazing. I’m still recovering.

Tessa bit down hard on the inside of her cheek to stifle a knowing smile. If Ian was still in recovery mode, she couldn’t even imagine what to call her own condition. Upon waking this morning after a night of true rapture in his arms, she’d been a little dismayed to discover not only the whisker burns all over her breasts and belly, but her reddened nipples, a dark purple hickey on her right hip, and a soreness between her thighs that went way beyond tenderness.

She tapped back Ur not the only one. Might B a day or 2 b4 I can walk straight.

His reply came quickly. Poor baby. I know I was too rough with u. That’s what u get when u unleash a wild beast.

Tessa was glad to see her co-workers were all distracted by Alicia’s news and were nosily trying to figure out who Ian’s mystery blonde was. Their preoccupation allowed her to focus on sexting back and forth with her very lusty lover.

It was worth it. Tho a hot bath might help. And we might have 2 stick to oral only for a day or 2.

She slapped a hand over her mouth to suppress a giggle at his response. Well that would be just terrible wouldn’t it. But u can always use more practice.

She stole a glance at the group, satisfied that they were still yakking away. FYI, the cats out of the bag. Alicia’s mom told her all about u and your mystery blonde.

Ah, no surprise there. Is Alicia in super bitch mode?

Tessa’s shoulders shook with barely suppressed mirth. More than ever especially since she wanted the dress I had on last night.

She couldn’t begin to do it justice. Lavender is one of your best colors. Especially that very fetching bra.

Glad u liked it. Oh, apparently we were spotted canoodling over dinner.

Good thing no one noticed how I was canoodling u under the table.

She stifled a groan as she recalled exactly how he’d done just that – his long fingers slipping up under the dress and then beneath the crotch of her panties. She’d had to dig her nails into her palm to keep from moaning right there in the restaurant.

Maybe I’m not 2 sore 4 a repeat performance 2night after all.

There was a longer than usual delay before his reply. But I might need a transfusion first. U wiped me out, luv. Especially that last time.