Splendor(136)

Tessa bit down on her lip and tried very hard not to squirm as his text called forth the very pleasurable memory of the third and final time he’d taken her last night, or – in actuality, about three a.m. this morning. He’d flipped her onto her belly, keeping her torso pressed into the mattress with a hand against her lower back, before urging her onto her knees with her ass in the air. Kneeling behind her, he’d slid so deep inside her body that she’d cried out in half pleasure, half pain. He’d been relentless, commanding, the dominant lover she’d enticed him into being, and she had shattered into a thousand pieces from the orgasm he’d wrung from her body.

A smile played about her features as she slowly tapped out her reply. U can do that again anytime. Carte blanche whenever u like.

But it was his response a moment or two later than brought forth a burst of laughter, one that caused her co-workers to look over at her in surprise. Red-faced, Tessa tried valiantly to shrug it off. “Uh, just a friend of mine trying to cheer me up by sending me a dirty joke. But don’t even ask – I’d be way too embarrassed to share.”

When she was certain they weren’t paying attention to her, she snuck another peek at Ian’s most recent reply and grinned.

Calling the doctor’s office now to schedule that transfusion. Maybe a Viagra prescription 2. U r going to kill me u know.

She couldn’t resist tapping out one final retort. At least we’ll have fun trying.





Chapter Nineteen

Late April

“Nathan and I are really looking forward to seeing the two of you tonight. And we’re so flattered to be celebrating Ian’s fortieth birthday with you. I have to say, honey, that he is the hottest forty year old I’ve ever seen. Whatever he’s doing to stay in shape, tell him to just keep it up.”

At Julia’s comment, Tessa could hear Nathan in the background, sounding very indignant at the way his fiancée was complimenting another man. Julia called out to him, “But you know I love you best, baby. Besides, the birthday boy is only interested in one girl and it’s not me.”

“Sorry.” Julia offered an apology as she resumed their phone conversation. “Some men just get so bent out of shape at the littlest thing, you know? Just because I can admire another man’s goods doesn’t mean I want to sample them.”

“Good,” retorted Tessa teasingly, “because my man isn’t giving out samples to anyone but me.”

Julia laughed. “That’s the attitude, girl. You guard that man like a tigress. Not that you’ll ever have to worry about Ian noticing other women. He’s head over heels about you, it’s very obvious.”

“I’d better let you go,” offered Tessa. “I know how busy things are for you these days with the wedding only two months away. I’m just glad you can make it to dinner tonight.”

“Wouldn’t miss it. You and Ian are two of our very favorite people. Before I go, tell me – what dress did you finally decide on?”

Julia had stopped by the house last weekend and helped Tessa set aside two different dresses. She’d assured her that either one would be equally suitable – and equally stunning – for the very elegant restaurant where they would be celebrating Ian’s birthday.

“The black one,” replied Tessa. “He, um, likes me in black.”

“Yeah, I’ll just bet he does,” teased Julia. “Especially that very sexy set of undies you bought to go with it. That’s the nice thing about buying lingerie – it’s really a present for both of you. Nathan calls it the gift that keeps on giving.”

Tessa couldn’t help giggling in delight before bidding her friend good-by. As she ended the call, she was still laughing, even as Ian strolled leisurely into the kitchen.

He smiled at her inquiringly. “Someone is in a very good mood this afternoon. Any particular reason?”

She set her phone down before flinging herself into his arms. “I’m always in a good mood these days. And especially today, when I have a very special birthday surprise planned for you.”

Ian grinned, his strong arms banding about her waist. “It’s not one of those singing telegrams, is it? Because I do tend to embarrass easily.”

Tessa ran a finger over his lips and shook her head. “That’s definitely not it. This surprise is more – um, private. And I doubt anything can really embarrass you, especially what I have planned.”

He raised a brow. “Well, if it’s anything like the surprise you gave me earlier today, I’m very, very sure that I’m going to like it. A lot.”