"You heard her," Tessa said. "The blood is rushing to my head."
He slid her down his body, feeling her soft curves meld against his hard frame. Visions of her laid back on his desk, bare-chested and in the throes of a climax clamored for purchase in his thoughts. She gripped his shoulders as she regained her balance, and when he reached to tuck an unruly curl behind her ear it turned into a caress.
"May," he said without taking his gaze from Tessa's. "You don't have to cook tonight. I'm bringing home takeout. Tessa and I are having a movie night."
Tessa's wide eyes connected with his as she flashed him an incredulous smile. He decided his new favorite thing was making her smile.
"Sweet!" She stepped around him, technically winning the race.
Sweet indeed...
Chapter Eight
After dinner, Tess made a large bowl of popcorn and brought it in while Chase was setting up the movie. She moved to sit on the floor against the opposite side of the couch from him. The room was impressive like everything else in the house. The walls were adorned with authentic movie posters and the shelves were filled with all sorts of movie memorabilia. His home theater was a fun room. Tess liked when they spent time in here. As a kid she didn't get to go to the movies very often because an evening enjoying a flick cost more than her dad allowed in the monthly budget. Thanks to Chase's collection, she could watch every movie she'd ever missed growing up.
His phone beeped with a text. He glanced at the screen and then turned the phone off.
"You can answer that if you need to," she said. "I don't mind."
"It can wait until later." He tossed the phone on the table. "It's Friday night and I could use a break from everything – clients, attorneys, the office. The place won't burn down while we watch a movie."
"If you're sure," she said. "I don't want to distract you from work."
"You're a welcomed distraction. This week has been insane." He shook his head and held up his hand. "I don't want to talk about work."
"No more work talk it is."
"You don't have to sit way over there," he said. "How can we share the popcorn if you're on the other side of the room?"
She was trying to hold up her end of the deal and not do anything to entice him. But she realized she didn't have to do much to get him going. He wanted her. She could see it in his eyes even though he fought so hard to suppress it. Whatever he was battling was his to overcome. He was good to her and she wasn't going to do anything else to make his life difficult. Even if she wanted to jump on him every time he walked through the door.
"Sit up here with me." He patted the couch next to him.
Okay, you asked. She grabbed the bowl and curled up next to him. "What are we watching tonight?"
"Back to the Future."
"You went with classic. I love it."
"Well, I would think something with Cary Grant or Audrey Hepburn would be classic – not Marty McFly."
"Hey, if it was made before I was born, it's classic to me."
"Good point." He laughed as he wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her into his side.
Not that she was complaining but she wondered why he was being so touchy feely.
"I used to love this movie when I was a kid. Who wouldn't want to travel back in time and see how things used to be?"
"I don't know." She rested her head on his shoulder. "I kind of like how things are right now."
"Me too."
He kissed the top of her head, piquing her curiosity even further. She didn't care. She'd take him anyway she could get him.
"Let me have some of that." He reached into the bowl for a handful of popcorn. "I like it when it's hot."
"I'll bet." She giggled.
"Tessa, behave." He shot her a stern look before the corner of his mouth curled into a ‘kiss me now' smile.
"I'll try but I can't make any promises."
"I've grown rather fond of your impulsive side." He squeezed her against him. "Don't ever change."
"I won't." She was rather fond of his flirtatious side. She grabbed a pillow, plunked it in his lap and settled in with her head against his chest.
About halfway through the sequel, Tess's eyes began to droop. It had been a long week and she'd had a major test earlier that day. She'd stayed up late the night before studying, and their early morning run had drained her. Chase had started playing with her hair about ten minutes into part two. The more he stroked and wrapped her locks around his fingers, the more relaxed she became. She shut her eyes, just for a minute. She could hear the movie in the background as her breathing slowed and she was out.
***
Chase looked down at Tessa with her head in his lap. Her breathing had become shallow and her eyes were closed. She looked so peaceful and comfortable sleeping against him. He didn't want to disturb her. He wasn't ready for the night to end, so he let the movie run as he scrolled through his phone.
He turned it back on and found seven messages from Audra. None of them were work related. Just her ranting about her evening. As he read each message they got harder to understand. She was drunk texting. She started by inviting him to soak in her hot tub with her, then to come over and have a drink, and then she reminded him he didn't need a bathing suit. The last two messages were just her agitation. She was furious that he hadn't responded. But there was no pending business between them so he saw no reason to call her back. The last message read...
Going to bed... fuck you.
"Nice," he muttered as Tessa snuggled against him with her hand on his thigh. He glanced down at her, stroking her hair and admiring her creamy skin. When Audra had a man in her life she left him alone. Those were his stress-free weeks. But ever since she'd met Tessa, she constantly insinuated things about she and Chase. He had been just ignoring her cattiness. Her texts tonight were unprofessional and he'd have to address her about it, much as he dreaded that conversation.
Tessa sighed and rolled onto her side toward him. Her long hair flowed over his lap like a silken mantle. Her beauty intrigued him. When they were together all he wanted to do was touch her and when they were apart all he thought about was the next time he would see her. She consumed his every thought and invaded his dreams. And now she lay with her face so close to his …
He had never been more relieved when she asked him not to make her move out last week. He had such a devastating desire when it came to her. One he knew he wouldn't be able to resist much longer.
"Tessa, sweetheart." He gently nudged her. "Why don't you go up to bed?"
"Okay," she mumbled but didn't move.
He chuckled to himself as he slid out from under her so he could scoop her into his arms and carry her upstairs. She didn't stir the entire time. He pulled her comforter back and placed her gently in the center of her bed.
She scooted up so her head was on the pillow and rolled onto her side. "Thanks." She reached for his hand. "Sorry I fell asleep on you."
"You were tired." He sat on the edge of the bed. "Go back to sleep."
"You want to do something tomorrow?" She sat up, so that she was level with his face. "Hang out?"
He pushed the hair from her face. The whole room smelled like her. "The house could use some … pumpkins on the porch. Maybe some … straw. You want to go to the local farm to pick up some of that stuff?"
"That sounds like fun. We could never do that at the apartment. The neighborhood kids would smash them and tear stuff up."
"No chance of that happening here. We're too secluded."
"It's kind of cozy and warm."
"I think so too." He leaned toward her face because he couldn't seem to stop himself. "So it's a date?"
"Definitely." She ran her palm along his jaw. "I'll see you in the morning?"
"Good night, Tessa." What harm could there be in one little good night kiss? He pressed his lips to hers, savoring the few seconds before pulling away. "I hope you sleep well." He brushed his lips along her mouth again before closing his eyes and shaking his head. "I'm sorry."
"Don't apologize for doing what you want." She initiated the next delicate kiss. "I never do."
"I usually don't." He tangled his fingers in her hair, guiding her face to him and covering her lips with his. The kiss was slow and tender. No sense of urgency, just soft and fulfilling. It would have to be enough for now. He kissed the corner of her mouth and smiled at her. "Good night, beautiful."
"Good night, Chase." She ran her thumb along his lips. "Sleep well."