The Boss's Marriage Plan (Proposals & Promises 2)

They made it halfway through the first show before teasing chocolate-flavored kisses turned to aching, impatient need. Tess tugged at his shirt, needing to touch him, all of him, and his hands were busy beneath her soft sweater, stroking and circling and tugging lightly until her breathing was fast and ragged.

“What about your Christmas specials?” he asked when she jumped to her feet and held out a hand to him, making sure he couldn’t mistake the invitation.

“I know how they end.” She smiled. “I can always watch the DVDs if I want.”

Taking her hand, he turned with her toward the bedroom. “I’ll buy them for you,” he promised with a low laugh.

“I’ll buy them for myself. There are other things I want from you, Scott Prince.”

Grinning, he swept her against him. “Happy to oblige, Tess Miller.”

They proved without doubt that the first time hadn’t been a fluke. Their lovemaking this time was just as spectacular, just as breathtaking. As much as Tess hated clichés, she had to admit if only to herself that she’d honestly never felt anything like that before.

Because he’d be making an early start the next morning, Scott didn’t stay long. He left her with smiles and kisses at the door.

“Be careful during your drive,” she urged him.

“I will. You know how to reach me for whatever.”

“Yes. See you Friday.”

“Friday,” he repeated, stepping out her door. He glanced over his shoulder with a rather odd expression. “I’ll miss you.”

Why did he sound almost surprised? “I’ll see you Friday,” she repeated and gently closed the door.

Was it really such a surprise to him to think he might miss her? True, they hadn’t really talked about their feelings for each other—they’d talked about common dreams and goals and values, about families and children and other interests, but they hadn’t said anything about love. They’d shared fiery kisses and mind-blowing lovemaking, but even in the throes of passion they’d whispered only encouragement and pleasure. She didn’t expect flowery declarations from him; she knew him too well. But “I’ll miss you” sounded innocuous enough. Why had it seemed so hard for him to admit?

And why hadn’t she told him she would miss him in return? Because she realized now, as she climbed into the sheets still warm from his body, that she would miss him very much, even though she would see him again in only two days. And that was a bit daunting, indicating that she was investing a great deal in this budding relationship.

Apparently he wasn’t the only one getting a little nervous with the speed and intensity with which this momentous development was taking place between them.

Chapter Seven

With Scott out of town and it being Heather’s last day, Friday was particularly busy at work. By the time Tess arrived home, she was already tired, though she still had a party to get through that evening. A fairly momentous party, actually. She would be spending the evening with all of Scott’s family for the first time since they’d become lovers. She doubted he’d shared such details with his relatives, but would they be able to sense the differences between her and Scott?

Scott arranged to pick her up at seven thirty, giving her just enough time to freshen up and change into the green dress she’d bought at Complements. He’d texted that he would be on time, but she knew he was rushing to make it after driving all afternoon from Joplin. She turned in front of her mirror. She’d followed Jenny’s advice of thin black tights and heeled booties, and was glad she had. The dress was a bit shorter than usual for her, though perfectly appropriate for a party this time of year.

“Let me guess,” Scott said when she opened the door to him a few minutes later. “Another purchase from your friend Jenny?”

Her coat draped over one arm, a small gold clutch in her hand, she smiled. “Yes. I bought it the same day as the red one. My holiday splurge for the year.”

“And worth every penny,” he assured her. “You look great. I suppose it would ruin your lipstick if I were to kiss you right now?”

She tilted her face up to him with a smile. “I can reapply it.”

Grinning, he swooped in. “Always resourceful,” he murmured just before his lips covered hers.

It was so good to kiss him again. Just to be with him again. Though they’d spoken by phone several times for business and once just for themselves, it still seemed as though the past two days had passed much too slowly. She’d had dinner with Jenny and Stevie last night and both had commented that she’d been unnaturally distracted.

“You’re thinking about Scott, aren’t you?” Jenny had accused her.

Feeling her cheeks warm, Tess had shrugged sheepishly. “A little.”

“This courtship is moving fast, wouldn’t you say?” Jenny had asked with raised eyebrows. Both she and Stevie had studied Tess’s face closely when they’d gotten together, and Tess wouldn’t be at all surprised to know that her friends could tell she and Scott had taken the next natural step in their relationship.

“It’s not as though he’s someone I just met,” Tess had replied logically.

“True. It’s just a big change, and it’s happened almost overnight.”