Desire Part Three (The Desire Series Book 3) (4 page)

There was no sense in not tell it all. Jaz was like an interrogator when she wanted to know something.

“Yes, he kissed me. And my God, Jax I wanted to throw him down and have my way with him right then and there. He turned me on like a sex fiend,” Tess revealed. “Had you not called I’m not sure that I wouldn’t have slept with him.”

“Wow! He must be some stud,” Jax said appreciatively.

“But it scares me, Jax,” Tess wailed. “You know I don’t sleep around. I have to be emotionally involved with a man before I have sex with him. And then it’s making love; not just sex.”

Jax leaned forward over the table.

“Matt is different, Tess. Maybe you’re emotionally involved with him but don’t realize it yet,” Jax said.

“That’s crazy, Jax. I’ve only been in his company twice. And each time was forgettable,” Tess responded.

“Was it really, Tess? I don’t believe it was. You’re drawn to him and him to you. There’s obviously more going on here than either of you understand,” Jax mused.

Tess had no answer to Jax’s logic. It made sense but she still didn’t know how to how handle the situation.

“What am I going to do, Jax?” Tess implored.

“Why not get to know him? It’s what he wants and he seems determined to see you. Date him. See where it leads. Where you end up may surprise you,” Jax advised.

“I’ll probably end up in bed with him,” Tess muttered.

“I can’t think of any better place. Can you?” Jax grinned.

Tess laughed. Jax’s grin was infectious. Besides, she knew her wild sexual impulses would not stop until she was humping the life out of him.

“Let’s order. I’m starved,” Tess said.

Jax smiled.

“For more things than food,” Jax murmured.

This time Tess threw her napkin at Jax.

Chapter 3

Matt was forced to wait six days before he could see Tess again. He called her two days after she went out with another man but she didn’t answer. He went by her apartment and her landlord guessed that she was probably on an assignment. He cursed his luck. He thought about finding out where she was and going there but decided against it. The last thing he wanted was to appear as a stalker. It had made him mad as hell that she had gone out with another man. But he had no claim on her. She was free to see whomever she chose. He just wished he was the man with whom she spent her time. He knew he had to be patient. Too bad it was an attribute he had precious little of. So he decided to throw himself into his work. He traveled to Hampstead, Virginia to check on his stables. He had recently purchased a new filly, Rosebud and wanted to see her progress. He had great hopes for running her in the upcoming Tremont Derby in Kansas. Spring would be here faster than rain and he wanted her ready to stand in the winner’s circle. Matt had an uncanny knack for picking winning thoroughbreds; which was how he had amassed his fortune. He knew horses; there was no one better. And he had a stable full of winning racehorses to prove it. He had gone to London, England to attend the horse auction at the world famous Tattersall. When he saw Rosebud in the lineup he she was the one. He’d been willing to pay big bucks to get her but no one had seemed interested in claiming her. He’d gotten her for a song. Won’t those other buyers be sorry when she wins? He walked through the stable and arrived at Rosebud’s stall. Rosebud stuck her head over the half door to be petted. Matt’s laughed and obliged.

“She’s a beauty and runs faster than the wind. She’s a winner, mister Edelston. That’s she is.”

Matt turned to see his trainer, Morrison Brown walking toward him with a slight limp. The limp was the result of being kicked by a stubborn mule on his family’s farm years ago. Matt grinned at the older man.

“I trust your instincts, Mo. If you say it, I’ll put money on it,” Matt chuckled.

“It’s a sure bet. There’s no horse on this side of the Atlantic that can match her speed,” Mo said confidently. “No horse on the other side of the ocean either for that matter.”

“I take it her training is coming along well,” Matt said as he continued to rub Rosebud’s nose.

“That she is. I’m about to take her through her paces. You can see for yourself,” Mo said as he entered Rosebud’s stall.

“I’m anxious to see how well she performs,” Matt said.

Matt leaned on the door and watched Mo saddle Rosebud. Mo talked to the horse softly and Rosebud whinnied contentedly. Man and horse were in accord. The connection that Mo had with horses was almost eerie. He could whisper in their ear and get them to do whatever he wanted. If there was such a thing as a ‘horse whisperer’ Mo was that person. Matt thanked the Great I AM the day Mo moseyed into Edelston Stables looking for work. One look at how Mo handled the horses and he was sold. Matt had hired Mo on the spot and he’d been with Matt for the last ten years. Mo never seemed to mind working with a man fifteen years his junior; he’d just wanted to work with the love of his life: horses. Mo finished saddling Rosebud and walked him out of the stables where the jockey, Manny Rojas waited patiently on the mounting block. Mo walked Rosebud over to Manny who hopped onto Rosebud’s back effortless.
 
Manny took Rosebud through his paces and Mat was greatly impressed with her progress. He knew in his gut that Rosebud would take first place at the Tremont Derby. As he watched Manny ride Rosebud it wasn’t long before thoughts of Tess invaded his mind. He had never known a woman that he craved so much. He longed to plunge into her and feel her vibrating muscles massage his penis. And he could tell that she desired him just as much. He’d felt her response to him when he kissed her in her kitchen. She was ready and more than willing. If only her blasted phone had not rung; she would have been his. Well it hadn’t happened then but it would; it had to. He didn’t think he would survive if it didn’t.

Tess arrived home a two weeks later in a great mood. She had received another job while she was in La Jolla, California to shoot a fabulous home in Kauai, Hawaii. She had been thrilled with the new assignment and had travel directly to Hawaii from California. Her career was taking off and she couldn’t be happier.
 
She had finally returned to New York and taking a cab home when her cell rang. She couldn’t believe her ears. The editor at Homes Extraordinaire magazine was asking if she were available to shoot Matthew Edelston’s estate. She had submitted four pictures of his estate to them weeks ago but hadn’t heard back. She had decided that they were not interested and forgotten about it. She had not, however forgotten about the owner of the estate. Matt was not so easily dismissed. But wasn’t going to allow her jumbled feelings about Matt to prevent her from taking this assignment. She would just have to figure out how to deal with him. Her instincts told her that Matt had something to do with her getting the assignment and she was grateful. She would be sure to tell him so. Tess entered her apartment and changed into comfy lounge wear and her fluffy Tweety Bird slippers. She made a fire in her fireplace then went into the kitchen to prepare clam chowder soup and a turkey sandwich. She decided to eat in the living room and watch television. A comedy would be perfect. She was eating and laughing hysterically at an old episode of Frasier when there was a knock on her door. She assumed it was Jax. She had told her she would be home today. She moved to the door and opened it without looking through the peephole. She was stunned when she saw who stood there.

“Hello Tess.”

“Matt!” she exclaimed. “How did you get in the building?”

“I slipped in when the garage door opened to allow a vehicle to enter,” he said.

He entered her apartment without waiting to be invited. That annoyed her and she slammed the door shut.

“What do you want?” she snapped.

“To see you,” he replied.

He unbuttoned his coat to remove it.

“I didn’t invite you to stay,” she said hotly.

He smiled and shrugged as he opened the closet and hung his coat there. Tess thought he was being extremely familiar in a place where he was not welcomed. She opened her mouth to tell him so.

“I missed you,” he said earnestly.

Her mouth clamped shut on that comment. She was totally unprepared for such a statement. How was she supposed to respond to it?

“You don’t even know me,” she said baldly.

“But I feel like I’ve known you for years. That’s silly I know but it’s how I feel,” he said.

Tess couldn’t very well contradict his feelings. He felt what he felt; no matter how odd it seemed. She was non-plus as to what to say or do next.

“May I sit?” he asked.

She looked at his clear grey eyes and knew she could not refuse him.

“Sure,” she answered. She gestured to the sofa. “I was having my dinner. Would you like soup and a sandwich?”

“No. Thank you. I’m good,” he said.

Tess quickly removed the remains of her meal.
 

“Please finish your meal,” he said.

“I’m done,” she replied.

She knew she wouldn’t be able to force another morsel down her throat. She took everything into the kitchen and this time he did not follow her. After putting her dishes in the sink Tess turned to observe him from the kitchen door. He sat with his head relaxed on the back of the sofa and laughed at a funny Frasier antic. He seemed comfortable and peaceful. Maybe they could have an easygoing time together without the sexual tension. She would like that. Tess entered the living room and sat at the end of the sofa.

“I watch these old episodes whenever I get a chance. Frasier was a great show,” he said in amusement.

“I like them too. Frasier was just what I needed after my trip,” she said casually.

He turned his head to look at her. Tess was arrested once again by his translucent, intelligent grey eyes.

“Where were you off to this time?” he asked.

She averted her gaze to focus on her answer.

“I was initially in San Diego to photograph a fabulous house. Then I was offered a job to shoot an estate in Kauai Hawaii. My name and reputation as a good photographer is getting around which will only lead to more jobs,” she said.

“From California to Hawaii. It must be nice,” he smiled.

“It is. But I wish I could spend more time in these exotic places to explore them,” she sighed. “I’m seldom able to stop and really take in the surroundings.”

“You’ve not stayed over to sightsee?” he asked.

She shook her head negatively.

“Only twice. My budget doesn’t allow me to extend my hotel lodgings very often,” she replied.

Matt was silent for several moments. He didn’t like to see her struggling financially. He wanted to assist her. He could secure more lucrative jobs for her but would she let him? He had encountered a lot of people in various fields during his travels. He primarily was a thoroughbred horse breeder but he also had business interests in areas of the arts as well. He knew people in the fashion industry who would hire her on his recommendation. Just two of those shoots would dispel all of her monetary worries.

“Have you ever done any fashion shoots?” he asked.

Tess face lit up like New York’s Rockefeller Christmas tree. He knew where her passion lay.
 

“Only a couple of catalog spreads. But fashion is what I would really like to do,” she said excitedly. “I love the artistry of it and I’m really very good at it. I just need someone to give me a chance.”

“Do you have any fashion photos in your portfolio?” he asked.

“Yes. I’ll get them,” she said eagerly.

Matt smiled as Tess left the room. No need for him to ask if he could see them. She was more than willing to show them. Maybe her ardent enthusiasm would allow her to accept his help. She returned with her portfolio. She handed it to him and he opened the large leather case. He was astounded by her work. It wasn’t just photographs, it was beautiful art. The pictures of stunning homes, rolling hills, sunsets, waterfalls and sculptures all told a story. She was brilliant with the camera. He turned page after page and marveled at her talent.

“These are fantastic. You are fantastic,” he praised her.

“I don’t know about that, but thank you,” she smiled.

He turned another page and Tess held her breath. These pictures were the ones that she really wanted him to see; her fashion photography. Matt looked at each photo carefully. The models were beautiful but it was the dresses that they wore that caught your attention. She had showcased the attire yet retained the model’s relevancy.

“Your work is exquisite,” he complimented.

“Thank you. I was hoping that you would like it,” she breathed.

“How could I not like it? It’s superb. You should be photographing couture fashion,” he exclaimed.

She chuckled.

“Easier said than done, my friend. That fraternity is extremely difficult for a woman to enter. It will take years for me to gain access,” she sighed.

“Maybe not,” he murmured.

“Oh, it will. I know this field, Matt,” she said. “It’s very hard for a woman to break through. But I’m willing to pay my dues. And it will happen for me; I’m sure of it.” She took the portfolio from him and zipped it up. “I’ll be right back.”

She left the room with the portfolio. Tess had dismissed the possibility of her success coming sooner. He decided not to mention his connections just yet. He would wait until their friendship had grown stronger. Tess returned and she told him about her job on his estate. He was happy for her and said that she could stay at his home while she was there shooting. Surprisingly she accepted with alacrity.

“Will you be there?” she asked. She wasn’t sure if she wanted him to be there or not.

“Possibly. I have business to attend to but I may get there before you leave. I will make sure Ana knows of your arrival. She’ll be thrilled to have someone there to spoil,” he smiled.

She smiled.

“I know I’ll be in good hands. Thank you for allowing your property to be photographed. I know it’s not something you would normally do. You’re helping me and I appreciate it,” she said sincerely.

“It’s my pleasure to help you, Tess,” he murmured. He looked at his diamond crested watch. “It’s getting late and you must be tired. I’ll take off.”