When he'd landed a huge new account, he asked her to come back as his attorney. He was a smart businessman and she was one hell of a lawyer. While she remained professional at work, she did have a habit of showing up when she was lonely. Given their history, he told her there would be no friends with benefits. He didn't think she could handle that.
"So, what's the deal with the two of you?" she asked.
"I told you, I'm helping her father. Tessa is welcome to stay with me as long as she needs to. This place is big enough for the two of us."
"You're not interested in her?"
"No." He finished his beer, trying to swallow his lie.
"Does she always kiss you goodbye?"
"I'm usually not here when she leaves. We're friends. She was just saying good night."
"Oh, so that's how she tells you good night? Or was the kiss for my benefit? Smart girl, marking her territory."
"That's not what she was doing." Was she?
"Who could blame her?" Audra said. "She's hit the jackpot here. A beautiful house, a fancy car, you."
"It's not like that."
"I hope not but she's only been here a month. You know you have to be the adult, right? Of course she's going to fall for you. She's living a fairytale but you can't act on your impulses."
"Given our past, I don't think we should be discussing this. We agreed that when you came back, you came back as my attorney. It's best for both of us." He'd debated bringing her back into his firm, but he had trusted they would be able to move past their failed relationship. He wanted to help her on her road to recovery and give her a job so she felt a sense of purpose. He hoped she didn't make him regret it.
"It's because of our past that I can say these things. I know what you like and that kid can't handle you. You're dark and rough … and wild."
"Stop it." She was going to make him regret rehiring her.
"Fine, but you know I'm right. We might have agreed not to pursue anything, but I'm here if you want to take the edge off. It's better you get into trouble with me."
"Aren't you seeing someone?"
"Not anymore." She pushed her plate aside. "He was an idiot."
"Sorry it didn't work out." Now he knew why she'd come knocking on his back door.
"Men." She shrugged. "You all suck."
"Thanks." He picked up the file she'd brought with her. "You want me to sign these?"
"That's why I came."
Right. "You didn't have to deliver them." He flipped through the contract. "It could have waited until Monday."
"I didn't have anything else to do and besides, I got to meet your young Tessa." She reached for another beer. The smugness in her voice didn't go unnoticed. "How lucky was that?"
"You're not going to let this go, are you?"
"I'm just looking out for you," she said. "Pretty girls can cloud your judgment."
"Don't worry about my judgment." He didn't need her monitoring his thoughts. He had everything under control. Just the way he liked it.
Chapter Four
An October breeze blew in from the patio doors as Tess lounged on the family room floor trying to write a paper. No matter how hard she tried, she couldn't focus. Not since she'd seen May bring Chase's tux up to his room. She wondered where he was headed so early on a Saturday evening. He hadn't mentioned any plans but she'd heard him in the shower so he must have been getting ready to go out.
He'd been spending more time at home. They usually managed to have dinner about three times a week. Friday officially became pizza and movie night. They were falling into a comfortable routine. One that she liked. On the nights he had to work late, Tess sat with her father. Chase had gotten him moved to a better facility where he got a more progressive physical therapy schedule. She had seen major improvements, both physically and mentally. This beautiful man had changed their lives in less than two months' time.
The scent of his cool aftershave flooded the foyer and trickled into the family room. Tess loved the way he smelled. It didn't matter when. Early morning after a run, late evening when he got home from work, or after a hot shower. He always smelled manly and delectable.
She sat up from her lazy pose on the floor when he came into the room. She'd often lay on the floor when they were watching a movie, usually under his feet. On more than one occasion she caught him staring at her out of the corner of her eye. He'd been stealing glances of her more often these days. She liked the way he'd quickly look away, clear his throat and ask a silly question when he realized he'd been busted.
He stopped a few feet in front of her, adjusting one of his cufflinks.
Holy shit! She looked up at him. He'd made her drop her jaw before; but tonight, seeing him all dressed up made her want to drop her panties for him. His tall, muscular frame filled out the jacket, accentuating his broad shoulders and toned biceps. His strong jawline was clean and smooth. She wanted to brush her cheek along his freshly shaven skin. Better yet, she wanted him to rub his jaw along her inner thighs on his way to her...
"Busy night in front of you?" he asked as he gestured toward her books.
"Huh?" She couldn't stop thinking about crawling into his bed. What it would be like to cuddle against his warm chest after they made love. Would he hold her all night? How many times could he take her before the sun came up?
"Tessa?"
"What?" She pushed the hair from her face before taking a huge gulp of her water. "Umm, what was the question?"
"Are you okay?" He laughed. "You seem distracted."
"You look so hot." She stood to face him. "Like a movie star or something."
"Thanks." He didn't say anything else.
His modesty amazed her. Any man who looked like he just stepped off the red carpet should totally benefit from it. Hell, he probably did. How many women drooled over him?
"I hate going to these things."
"Rich people problems, again?" She moved closer to him. "Do you know how many people would kill to wear a suit like that? Your shoes probably cost more than my dad's car."
"I don't mean to sound ungrateful," he clarified. "It's just that these functions can be a bit overdone. I like the charity aspect but my face will be all over social media tonight. I don't like being out in the public."
"See? Rich people problems." She nodded as she reached for his bow tie. "It's crooked."
"Oh?" His gazed followed her hands as she straightened his tie.
"Now you're perfect." She grazed the bottom of his chin with the back of her hand before releasing his tie. Any excuse to touch him.
"Thanks." He motioned toward her books again. "No plans tonight?"
"Just homework. I'm a boring college student."
"I like it when you stay home." He checked his watch. "I wish I could stay here with you."
"I wish I could go with you."
"Hmm." He smiled as he crossed the room to close the patio doors. "It's getting chilly and you're underdressed." He glanced at her shorts and strapless black top. "Maybe you should consider buying some warmer clothes? I don't want you to be cold."
"I think that's just your way of staying I don't wear enough clothes."
He turned and stared at her for a few moments. "I just want you to be warm."
"I'm fine."
"I better get going. I don't want to be late." He headed toward the foyer. "I'm meeting some people from the office."
"Audra?" She followed him to the entryway. "Is she going too?"
"She is," he said.
"Is she your date?"
"I wouldn't say that."
"What would you say?"
"I'd say she is attending the same charity function I am. I purchased a table for my company and she is sitting at it. With me." He added as he picked up his keys form the table by the door. "I shouldn't be too late."
"Do you like her?"
"She's my attorney." He ran his fingers through his dark, thick hair. "I guess I like her."
"Am I being intrusive?" She wanted to know what the deal was between those two. Audra was beautiful, sophisticated and smart. She appeared to be a few years older than him. And she could tell by the way Audra looked at her that night in the kitchen that the woman wasn't pleased she was living at his house. She wondered if the attorney had a thing for her client.