Desire Part Three (The Desire Series Book 3) (2 page)

*****

She looked a bit forlorn in the oversized robe. He probably could have found something a little smaller for her but he irrationally wanted her in his robe. She had rolled up the sleeves and tied the belt tightly around her waist. She’d pulled the robe up and over the belt so that she wouldn’t trip over it. She looked adorable.
 

“Hi,” he smiled. “Come in and sit. Ana should be here soon with the coffee.”

She padded to the sofa and curled up on it, tucking her bare feet under the robe. Tess felt extremely uncomfortable for she didn’t have a stitch on under the robe. The housekeeper, Ana had insisted on taking her underwear to wash as well. Tess had protested to no avail. Now she wanted to crawl into a hole and hide. She just knew that Matt was aware of her nakedness.
 

“I really shouldn’t have stayed. I’ve given Ana additional work,” she said softly.

“Don’t worry about it. It’s not a problem,” he said. Matt moved to sit with her on the sofa. He sat at its end to calm her nerves and to control his lust. He was fairly sure she wore nothing under that robe. “Tell me about your work. Why did you choose photography? I suspect your family assumed you would join the family business.”

“Your assumptions are correct,” she smiled wryly. “They were not happy about my decision, to say the least. My dad was downright mad. But as usual my mom was able to calm him. She knew that his anger would only make me more determined to have my way. You see, I’m considered to be the stubborn rebel.”

“There’s always one in every family,” he joked.

She laughed as she began to relax.

“I am the Zepler maverick. The nonconformist that wanted something different for my life. Is that so wrong?” she asked wistfully.

“Not at all. I admire you for striking out on your own. It would have been so much easier to go along with the program,” he said.

“But I would have been miserable. At least this way I may be poor but I’m a lot happier,” she said.

“Poor? Don’t tell me you’ve been disowned?” Matt said in shock.

“No. I’m not my dad’s number one child at the moment but he still loves me. He would never do that,” she assured him. “The money is there for me; I just don’t make use of it. I want to make it on my own.”

Matt could see how proud she was. She was determined not to accept anything from her family; and that most likely included him as well.

“And how’s that been going for you?” he asked.

“A bit rough at times but I’m okay. I’m building my portfolio and the jobs are coming more readily. I’m actually rather proud of my progress,” she said.

“I’m glad. Hard work always pays off,” Matt responded.

Ana rolled in the coffee cart with considerably more on it than just coffee.

“Thank you, Ana. It looks delicious,” Matt said.
 

“You’re welcome. Enjoy,” she said.

Ana smiled at Tess then left the room. Tess watched her small frame walk away.

“I understand why Ana’s garment would not have fit me,” Tess smiled.
 

He chuckled.

“No, they would not have,” he smiled.

Matt removed the tray from the cart and placed it on the coffee table in front of them. Tess scooted forward on the couch.

“Let me help,” she offered.

She made up a plate of chicken salad, cheese and fruit and placed it before Matt. He poured the coffee for the two of them. They then settled on the sofa to eat

“How long will you be on Aruba?” he asked.

“Only one more day. Then I’ll fly back to New York for a few days before going on my next assignment,” she said.

“So you live in New York?”

“Yes. I love it there. But I could definitely get used to living here. The island is breathtaking,” she sighed.

“I love it here as well. One day I plan to make it my primary residence,” he said. “But business keeps me in New York and abroad much of the time.”

“How exciting to travel to so many exotic places,” she said.

“I would imagine that you have traveled quite extensively,” he remarked.

“Not really. Photography is a new career for me. I haven’t yet established myself to be sought after by major newspapers and magazines,” she said. “It’s going to take more time.”

“You will get there. You are welcome to use the photos you took of the house to get the job that you want,” he offered.

“Really! Thank you. I probably should have just asked to begin with. Undoubtedly it would have prevented a swim in your fountain,” she chuckled.

“Undoubtedly,” he laughed.

“What’s the name of the magazine you’re going after,” he asked casually.

“Homes Extraordinaire,” she said. “Getting their attention this way is a long shot but worth a try.”

“You never know,” he returned.

Matt knew the publication well. He had considered buying it but they had not wanted to sell. He’d thought about a takeover for they were in financial straits but decided against it. He was sure that he could influence them to hire Tess. But how would she feel about that. She was so very proud. Matt bent forward to lift the coffee pot to refill their cups. Tess also sat forward to offer him more salad. It was then that he noticed that her robe had slipped open and he could see her bare thigh. The pot tilted and hot liquid spilled on her knee.

“Ow!” she exclaimed.

Matt hurriedly set the pot down and picked up a cloth to dry her leg.

“Ana! Bring a cold wet cloth and Neosporin,” he yelled. “I’m sorry, Tess. I’m so sorry.”
 

Matt felt horrible. Damn it! How could he have been so clumsy?
 
He closed his eyes in mortification; he knew the answer to that question. He gingerly touched her thigh. The skin was red and puckering. Ana ran in with cold water and the ointment. Matt took it from her and pressed the cold cloth against Tess’s thigh. She winced but made no other sound. He then administered the medicated cream, spreading it liberally over the burn. Thank goodness it was only a minor burn. But he could imagine it still hurt like hell.

“Can I get you anything else,” Ana asked worriedly.

“No, Ana. This is fine. The pain is lessening,” Tess smiled at Ana to ease her worry.

“Thank you, Ana. That will be all,” Matt said.

Ana left the room.

“Are you really feeling better?” Matt asked anxiously.
 

“Yes. I’m really feeling better,” Tess smiled wanly.

“I’m so sorry, Tess. I should have been more careful,” he said apologetically.

“It was an accident, Matthew. I don’t blame you,” she answered.

He looked down at the burn. His hand was still resting on her thigh. He ached to slide his hand along her inner thigh. How would she react to the caress? Did he dare hope that she would welcome it?

“You should,” he murmured thinking her attitude would change if she knew his thoughts.

He looked at her gorgeous face and saw the expression of confusion on her face. Her lips were parted and her beautiful cherry eyes clouded. Her dark hair fell heavily on her shoulders, free and wild. He couldn’t resist. He clasped his other hand behind her head and lowered his head. He captured her mouth in a tantalizing kiss. She didn’t pull back which was all the encouragement he needed to deepen the kiss. He pushed his tongue past her lips and into her sweet cavern beyond. Matt couldn’t believe how good she tasted. He hadn’t expected the explosion of desire that kissing her had created. But he wanted more. His hand on her thigh moved of its own accord; inching slowly toward her cloistered haven. It was when his fingers had almost reached their objective that she pulled back. Tess broke the kiss and pushed against his chest. He moved slightly away from her but could not resist caressing her cheek. Her lovely eyes were clearly troubled.
 

“Once again I must say that I’m sorry,” he smiled ruefully. “You seem to make me act out of character. I don’t normally go around kissing women I barely know.”
 

Tess adjusted the robe more securely about her.

“I should probably go,” she whispered.

“I’ll check on your clothing,” he said.

Matt quickly left the room. Tess looked after him bemused yet unexpectedly regretful.

Chapter 2

Tess stood on her hotel balcony dressed in her nightgown and stared at the gorgeous rays of the setting sun. Today had been very productive and interesting to say the least. She had completed her assignment and sent the photos to the editor at World Travel. But the most captivating part of her day had been when she met Matthew Edelston. And captivating was the perfect word to describe her encounter with him. He had a charismatic air that captured her attention and wouldn’t let it go. She had been horrified and embarrassed when she fell into the fountain. And it hadn’t helped matters when he laughed hysterically at her. Punching him in the face would have given her tremendous gratification but he had nipped that in the bud before she could get into full swing. Tess placed her forearms on the balustrade and leaned forward. She had to admit that her foray in the fountain must have appeared funny. She most likely would have laughed too if she had not been the unfortunate victim. Tess had to give him props where they were due. Even when she admitted that she was there illegally he still offered to help her. She had sustained a burn in the process but his kiss had made it worth it. She remembered the feel of his fingers trailing up her thigh. The stirring of desire caused by his touch was electrifying. She’d been hard pressed not to give in to temptation. Tess knew she was extremely sexual and enjoyed engaging in sex. She often wondered if that had not been the reason for her break up with her first love. She had given her virginity to the love of her life, Todd Decker. It was during her time with him that she discovered her nearly insatiable sex drive. She’d been in love with Todd and wanted to express that love through sex but he had not responded in kind. Todd began to complain of being too tired to make love or simply was not interested. He began breaking dates or being a no show. When she asked where he had been he became defensive and argumentative. Tess grew tired of trying and they eventually parted. Tess had begun to think there was something wrong with her for wanting so much sex. Todd had often called her a freak and she’d begun to wonder if he’d been correct. But her friend Jaclyn convinced her that it was Todd with the problem and she was better off without him in her life. Her relationship with Todd had been four years ago and since then Tess had avoided being sexually active. She just hadn’t wanted to deal with any possible fallout in the relationship. Now at twenty-four years of age she was feeling those familiar pangs of desire for a man that she barely knew. She’d always needed to have emotional feelings for the man that she bedded. Although she was attracted to Matt, he didn’t fit that criterion. So why did she want to jump his bones? It was too bad that she wouldn’t see him again. She would have liked to further their acquaintance. But a new assignment beckoned and that was where her focus should be. Tess sighed and went into her room and got into bed. She looked forward to the hot, sexy dreams she was sure to have of Matthew Edelston.
 

*****

Matt sat on a barstool in one of his favorite New York restaurant and drank a Highland Park 30 Scotch while he waited for his very good friend Whit Lampier. They had met eight years ago at the Manchester Derby and quickly became great friends. They had partied all night when Matt’s thoroughbred had won the race and the wild escapades that happened that night would shock the most debauched of men. When Whit told him that he had the perfect designer to decorate his Aruba home he had trusted his recommendation. Little did he know that the designer, Madison McClain would become Whit’s wife. Whit had found his happy ever after and he was thrilled for him. But he had major doubts when it came to finding love for him. That elusive emotion seemed to always dance out of his reach. He hadn’t been concerned about it until he’d met Tess.

“Hey Matt,” Whit greeted him. “Sorry I’m late. My meeting lasted longer than anticipated.”

They embraced briefly then Whit sat next to Matt.
 

“Not a problem. I’m just sitting here drowning my bad luck,” Matt sighed. He took another sip of his Scotch.

The bartender came over to them.

“I’ll have what he’s drinking,” Whit said. Whit knew what Matt was drinking. They always drank the same Scotch.

The bartender nodded and moved away.

“How’s Maddie?’ Matt asked sincerely.

“She’s great. She sends her love,” Whit replied. “So what’s the bad luck that you’re watering down with expensive Scotch?”

Matt looked at Whit pointedly. Whit knew the answer.

“Why haven’t you contacted her?” Whit asked.
 

The bartender brought Whit’s drink. Whit nods his thanks. Matt is silent. Whit prompted him. “Well?”

“It’s been a month. She’s probably forgotten the incident and me by now,” Matt sighed.

“Highly unlikely. Any woman would have a hard time forgetting such a horrid memory of falling into a water fountain,” Whit said. “But your description of the event was quite funny.”

“She didn’t think it humorous,” Matt recalled wryly.
 

“All the more reason why she still remembers it and you,” Whit said. “Why are you hesitating?
 
It’s not like you to not go after what you want.”

“I’m not trying to buy a racehorse, Whit. A little more finesse will be required,” Matt retorted.

“Go see her, Matt. I know you have tracked her whereabouts.” Whit urged. “And I suspect that if you’re here in New York then you know that she is at home.”

“I could have business here,” Matt stated.

“But you don’t. She’s here, isn’t she?” Whit pressed.

“She is not away on assignment at the moment,” Matt conceded.

“Then go to her before she is,” Whit replied.

Matt was silent again.

“You must really like her. I’ve never seen you vacillate like this. I can’t wait to meet her,” Whit said perceptively.

Matt drained his glass and stood up. He threw several bills on the counter to pay both tabs.