“But tonight definitely counts as a date. Just the two of us at the symphony, no professional obligations, nothing to do but enjoy each other’s company and the music.”
“That sounds nice,” she agreed, relaxing again. She really was looking forward to the concert. As much as she loved music, she was sure she would enjoy it even more with Scott by her side.
By the time they’d finished returning calls, answering emails, signing paperwork and placing orders, Tess and Scott barely got away from work in time. They acknowledged wryly that they should have known better than to stop by the office. “A couple of hopeless workaholics,” Scott said with a laugh as he locked up behind them. “That’s why we get along so well. You understand me because you’re just like me.”
Straightening the short sequined jacket she’d donned over her day-to-evening black jersey dress, Tess smiled in return. “Was that supposed to be a compliment?” she teased.
“Just an observation.” He placed a hand on her back as they walked side by side toward their cars. “I can count on you to understand that sometimes I get distracted or held up by obligations to the company. You won’t expect me to apologize when unexpected problems crop up or when I have to cancel social plans rather than risk losing a valuable contract.”
“Well, of course not.” She suspected he was thinking of his ex-fiancée. Sharon had made her displeasure clear to everyone when she didn’t think Scott was paying her enough attention. She’d even snapped at Tess a few times when Tess had answered the office phone and had to explain that Scott was in an emergency meeting and couldn’t be disturbed. Even though she knew he was comparing her positively to his high-maintenance ex, she would just as soon not be compared at all. She deliberately changed the subject. “So you’re following me home to drop off my car and then we’ll have dinner before the concert, right? We’ll have to choose someplace with fast service in order to make the start of the concert.”
They did make it to the concert hall in time, but just barely. The lights were already dimming when they slid into their seats. Tess wasn’t displeased by that. This way they didn’t have to wait very long for the music to start, nor had they risked running into mutual acquaintances on the way in. The concert was wonderful, a charming mixture of classical pieces and Christmas favorites. She relaxed into her seat, letting the music wash over her, not worrying about work or family or the future, just enjoying the evening. After one particularly rousing number, she glanced at Scott to find him gazing back at her. Though the lights were very low, she could see well enough to tell that he was smiling at her, apparently enjoying her pleasure.
He reached over to take her hand, squeezing her fingers. “Glad we came?”
“Very much.”
They’d both needed a couple hours away from work and expectations, she decided. True, they were on a date, and there was still the novelty of that—but it was Scott. With their demanding work schedule, they’d spent more time together over the past six years than most married couples. They communicated so well silently that she could even tell which musical numbers he enjoyed most without looking at him—which was probably also true in reverse. They were comfortable together...and yet underlying that familiarity was a new awareness that gave her a delicious buzz when he touched her. Knowing there would be more kisses later caused little ripples of anticipation to run through her. Thinking of where those kisses would eventually lead made her breath catch in her throat.
But no. She wasn’t thinking ahead now, she reminded herself. She wanted to enjoy every moment of this evening, just sitting beside him and listening to the music.
They each saw a few familiar faces on their way out, but the crowded rush to the exits prevented more than nods and waves. If there were any mutual acquaintances in the audience, she didn’t see them, but then she wasn’t really looking. She and Scott didn’t linger in the hall, but made their way to his car as quickly as possible. They’d accomplished their mission. They’d enjoyed a concert while growing more accustomed to being out in public as a couple. Maybe by the time next weekend rolled around, she would be a little less anxious about attending the party with his family and friends. Had that been part of his reason for bringing her to this concert tonight?
They talked about the concert during the drive home, comparing notes on their favorite numbers, expressing their admiration for both the musicians and the vocal performers. Arriving at her place, he parked next to her little blue sedan. Each unit came with two designated covered parking spaces, leaving her with an extra for her guests. He walked her inside, and her heart beat more quickly with each step they took toward her door. Should she ask him in? Of course she should. Were they ready for that next step they’d alluded to when he’d left her here last time? Part of her was most definitely ready.
He started to automatically follow her inside, then seemed to realize he hadn’t technically been invited yet. He hesitated. It briefly crossed her mind to send him on his way with weariness as her excuse, but she decided she didn’t really want to say good-night just yet. “Would you like some tea?”
“Sounds good.” His flash of a smile made her hands tremble. He closed the door behind them with a firm snap.
She set her bag on a table and draped her coat over the back of a chair. “Would you prefer tea or decaf coffee?”
“Actually, I’m not very thirsty.”
She turned toward him. “Neither am I.”
Scott stepped up to her and cupped her face gently in his hands. His palms were still cool from being outside, but her cheeks felt very warm against them. His eyes locked with hers, and she could almost imagine he could see her thoughts, her doubts as he gazed somberly down at her. “You can kick me out at any time,” he reminded her gently.
“I know. The problem is...I don’t want to kick you out,” she replied, resting her hands on his chest.
His eyes heated, but still he kept his tone even. “Is that really such a problem?”
“I’m still trying to decide.”
He moved his thumb against her lower lip, tracing the shape of it. His gaze following the movement, he murmured, “I’ve been trying to take it slow. Give you time to adjust.”
Take it slow? It had been only a week since he’d sprung this proposition on her. She felt a slight frown crease her brows. “How are you adjusting so easily?”
His smile was warm, understanding. “You know me. Once I make up my mind about something, I rarely second-guess myself. Now that we’ve acknowledged how great we are together, it just seems as if it was inevitable all along.”
Inevitable. Was that enough? She doubted Stevie would think so.
“And now that we’ve spent this time together,” he added, his mouth so close to hers that his breath was a warm caress on her lips, “I can’t believe it took me so long to see what was right in front of me.”
Okay, that sounded a little more intimate. A little less deliberate. Not exactly a declaration of devotion, but that wasn’t what she was looking for from Scott. She’d heard flowery speeches and passionate promises before, and those relationships had ended in disappointment if not actual heartbreak. Maybe this time she should put her faith in actions, not words. And speaking of action...
She wrapped her arms around Scott’s neck when he gathered her closer, capturing her lips with his. Despite the five inch or so difference in their heights, their bodies fit very nicely together. Each time they kissed, the sensations grew more familiar—and yet more urgent. He’d said he’d been taking things slowly, so perhaps he’d held back in those previous embraces. He wasn’t holding back now. He drew her closer, letting her feel his body’s response, making her intensely aware of his growing arousal. His mouth was avid, his tongue insistent. Faced with a choice between pushing him away and doing what she really wanted, she gave in to temptation. She crowded closer to him, returning the kiss with an answering demand.
Take it slow? Hardly. This had been building in her for six years.