Page 68 of All I Feel

“I hope you enjoyed yourself this morning and afternoon,” I said as I drove her back to her place.

“Oh, Ace, I’ve honestly had the best time today. Between last night and now, I’m not sure what I’ve enjoyed the most, but I can say that it’s the happiest I’ve been in a long time.”

I reached for her hand and curled my fingers around it. Perhaps Tessa wasn’t the only one who liked having constant contact. Maybe the only difference between us was that every time she touched me, I wanted more, and when I touched her, she was content with whatever I gave. “I’m glad, Tessa. You seem much happier.”

When I glanced over at her, she was looking at me with a bright smile on her face. “It’s all thanks to you.”

“Well, let’s pray I can keep that going for you tonight. I’m looking forward to dinner with you.”

“Me, too. I’ve loved the roller skating, casual lunches together, and everything we did today, but I’m excited to have the opportunity to get dolled up for a night out with you.”

There’d been countless occasions where Tessa and I had been out together with our family and friends. Occasions that led to her getting herself all dressed up. So, I had an idea of what to expect, and I knew she’d be beautiful, regardless. But there was something about knowing she’dbe doing it tonight for me. “Something tells me I won’t be the least bit disappointed.”

“Gosh, I hope not.”

We made it back to her place, where I walked her to her front door and said, “I’m going to head home now, but I’ll be back to pick you up for dinner.”

“You don’t want to come in for a few minutes?”

Tessa’s chin was tucked toward her chest, and she stared up at me through hooded eyes. It was at that moment I realized just how easy it would be for this woman to talk me into doing anything she wanted if she pushed it.

“Princess, I’d love to do that. But if I come inside, I’m going to kiss you, so it’s not going to be for just a few minutes. And it already takes you entirely too long to get ready for anything. I don’t want you to feel like you need to rush yourself for this. This is our first official dinner date. Take your time, get ready, and we’ll do it up right. And tonight, if you want me to come inside for more than just a few minutes, I’ll be happy to oblige.”

As she placed one palm against my chest, Tessa smiled. “I don’t recall you always being this wonderful.”

I covered her hand with mine, returning the smile. “Maybe you just weren’t paying attention.”

She arched a brow. “Oh, I would’ve noticed. Trust me.”

Laughter spilled out of me as I slipped my arm around her waist and tugged her toward me. “Come here and kiss me.”

“I thought you couldn’t kiss me, or it would ruin our plans for tonight.”

“I never said that.” I brushed my lips against hers. “I said I couldn’t come inside and kiss you. I can do it here before I leave.”

Tessa didn’t argue. She decided to kiss me instead. “I’ll be ready when you get back.”

“I’ll believe that when I see it.” I didn’t give her the chance to protest because I kissed her again. And after giving her one last kiss, I released my hold on her and stepped back. “I’ll be back soon.”

“Goodbye, Ace.”

“Later, Princess.”

I waited while Tessa let herself inside. Then I walked away, hopped in my truck, and drove home. For some foolish reason, I thought it would feel like I barely had enough time to do what I needed to do before I had to leave to return to Tessa. The entire day had flown by, so I suspected that wouldn’t have changed. Unfortunately, it seemed it was only when I was with Tessa that time passed in a flash.

After finding ways to kill time at home, I finally left to return to Tessa’s place. I’d been so ready to see her that I hadn’t prepared myself the way I should have. I knew what to expect, and yet, I was still left stunned.

Tessa opened the door, and I stopped breathing. The dusty pink dress against her flawless sun-kissed skin was perfection. My eyes scanned her from top to toe and back again, lingering for a while on her legs. The silk dress stopped around mid-thigh and molded to her hips and breasts like a second skin.

Heart pounding, I swallowed roughly. “Tessa…”

“Do you like it?” Her sweet smile and delicate features could’ve brought me to my knees.

“Cars have always been my favorite thing,” I revealed. “Until now. Over the last couple of weeks, I have a new favorite thing.”

“What is it?”

“This front door.” I watched the surprise leak onto her features. “More specifically,youopening this front door to me. I never know what I’m going to see when you do, but never once have I not been pleased.”