Liam placed a finger under my chin, gently lifting so that my gaze met his. “We are going to take this nice and slow. I’ll learn what you like, and I’m pretty damn sure whatever you do to me will drive me out of my skin because I’m basically a walking hard-on whenever you’re around.”
My hand flew to my mouth as my eyes widened. “I wouldn’t have known.”
Liam shook his head. “I guess that means you’re not looking at my crotch. I don’t know if I should be flattered or insulted.” I let out a snort of laughter. Liam squeezed me to him. “We’ll find our way, Tessa. Just give us some time.”
Time was one of the many things I wasn’t sure was on our side.
24
Liam
The light was fading as Tessa and I drove back through Sutter Lake after tending the horses. Tessa’s anxiety seemed to have lessened. Time with the horses always seemed to bring her peace. It was amazing to watch the way they eased each other.
But an afternoon with Tessa in all the beauty that was the Cole Ranch had done nothing to dull the rage pumping through my veins. Not a damn thing. I clenched the steering wheel harder.
I would never understand the need to tear someone down to make yourself feel better, whether that be physically or emotionally. And I had no doubt now that Tessa had endured both.
I took a deep breath, forcing my hands to relax. Tessa did not need my rage right now. I glanced over at her. She stared out the window at the passing stores with a small smile on her lips—those gorgeously kissable lips.Don’t think about that, jackass.
I cleared my throat. “Why don’t I drop you off, and then I’ll pick us up some dinner from the saloon? Burgers sound good?”
Tessa turned to meet my gaze. That smile directed at me was like a fist to the gut in the best way possible. “Burgers sound great.”
I pulled to a stop at the back of the Kettle. Shutting off the SUV, I jumped down to make it to Tessa’s door before she could open it. She grinned at me. “Such a gentleman.”
I returned the tip of lips. “My mama did her best to raise me right.”
A slight blush tinged Tessa’s cheeks. “I’d say she did a pretty fantastic job.”
I guided Tessa towards the door with a hand at the small of her back. “What about your parents? Do they know where you are?” I wanted to take the question back as soon as I asked it.
Pain filled Tessa’s eyes. “I don’t know where my dad is. My mom died in childbirth. I grew up in the foster care system.”
My chest seized. This girl had been through far too much. In this moment, I knew I would do anything in my power to make her life easier, to let her know she had people now. She wasn’t alone. I brushed my lips against her temple. “You’re amazing, you know that? So fucking strong.”
Tessa shuddered against me. “Some days, I don’t feel very strong. Some days, I feel like a coward for running.”
I squeezed her to me. “You did what you had to do, and it was so damn brave.”
Tessa ducked her head as she fumbled for the keys in her bag. “Thank you.”
I took them from her and unlocked the door. “I’ll walk you up.” It was going to be a battle for me to leave Tessa alone for even a second. I knew I’d have to at some point, but I could also take a few extra precautions.
Tessa tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. “You don’t have to. I’m fine.”
I edged closer, kissing her temple again. It was fast becoming an addiction. Just that brush of lips against innocent skin, that hint of lavender as I inhaled, it eased me somehow. “You’re gonna have to put up with me being overprotective after what you told me today.” Tessa stiffened in my arms. I gave her a squeeze. “Please, I’m trying to hold it together. Just give me this.”
Tessa relaxed the slightest bit in my arms, her head falling to rest against my chest. “I’m sorry I burdened you with all this.”
I tugged gently on Tessa’s braid, tipping her face up so she met my gaze. “Never apologize for sharing yourself with me. Hard things you’ve been through, amazing things you’ve experienced…I want to know everything. I want it all. Every last piece of you.”
Tessa stretched up on her toes, brushing her lips against mine. “I’ll work on it.”
A grin stretched across my face. “Let’s start with the important stuff. What kind of cheese on your cheeseburger?”
The most gorgeous smile split her lips. “Sharp cheddar.”
I let my head fall back. “Thank, God.” Tessa giggled. I tipped my head back down. “French fries or onion rings?”
