Chapter Twelve
Liam
I wasn’t the type to linger over moments, playing them over in my mind. It just wasn’t who I was. But I couldn’t forget my evening with Tess. If kissing her felt that way, how would exploring her in bed be? I wanted to keep her with me the whole night.
Spending time with her had been intoxicating. She actually listened to me when I spoke about Grandpa and that tough period of our lives. No one usually asked, and I wasn’t used to talking about it, but it felt so easy with Tess.
I sent her and Skye the revised contract that night after the show, but I hadn’t heard from them since. Granted, I sent it Thursday evening and today was Monday, but I was getting impatient. I didn’t want to be the one reaching out, though. I knew when to push, and I knew when to wait. I wanted the contract to be signed. Then I’d have free rein to pursue Tess.
“You getting old or something? You’re running slow today,” David said.
We met at seven o’clock three times a week, running before we started the day. We had showers at the brownstone and kept fresh clothes there so we could still be at work at a decent hour.
“No, just have a lot on my mind.”
“That hasn’t stopped you from beating my ass before.”
We always raced the last mile. I wasn’t going to let David beat me. He’d never stop bragging about it.
My lungs were struggling with the chilly air. Damn, it was cold for the end of September. If this weather trend continued, I’d only be able to keep up the running routine throughout October and November.
I pushed my thighs to move faster, then even faster on the pavement. I only looked back once I reached the front door of the brownstone. David was right behind me. My whole body was burning, but even that effort didn’t drown out thoughts of Tess.
“Only five seconds faster,” he said through loud panting. “I’ll catch up to you one day.”
I punched his shoulder. “No you won’t. Let’s get to work.”
David went to the shower first, and I headed to my office to retrieve the fresh clothes.
When I passed Dexter, he said, “You got a few calls while you were running.”
I always left the phone inside when I went on a run, and the intern’s first task was to check for any missed calls.
“I’ll look at them later.”
“But there is—”
I didn’t hear the rest of the sentence, because I closed the door to my office. Tess was inside it. That was probably what Dexter was trying to say.
“Tess, what a surprise.”
I was drenched in sweat, and my shirt was clinging to me. Tess didn’t seem to mind as she slowly looked me up and down. I cocked a brow. She blushed.
Since she was so openly checking me out, I saw no reason to hold back. She was wearing a black dress, the same coat from the fashion show, and stilettos. All I wanted was to strip her of everything...except those red shoes.
“Sorry to barge in here like this, but your intern said you didn’t have any appointments this morning.”
“What can I do for you?”
She put her bag on the desk, taking a stack of papers out of it and placing them next to my laptop. “Skye and I signed the contract.”
“This is great news. Fantastic. But you didn’t have to bring them in person.”
“I know. I wanted to. I’m just so excited.” She clasped her hands together, smiling from ear to ear. “So, what are the next steps? When do we get the ball rolling? When can we show you the space we’re thinking about leasing? And start working on the new online shop?”
I smiled, reaching for the gym bag in the corner. Taking out a towel, I put it on my shoulders. “You don’t do anything in half measures, do you? First, you roasted my ass, but now that you’ve signed, you’re all in?”
Her smile dimmed a bit. “Yes, well, I am kind of known for doing everything...enthusiastically.”