“What do you mean?”
Uncertainty filled Tessa’s expression. “You’re tense all of a sudden.”
Of course, I was fucking tense. In the last five hours, I’d found out that Tessa was on the run from an abusive ex, had to talk to the police about a potential stalker, and seeing Tessa in a towel had me hard enough to split my zipper. So, yes, I was tense. I blew out a breath. “I just had to deal with some stuff back in LA.”
Little worry lines appeared in Tessa’s forehead. “Is everything okay?”
I rolled my shoulders back. “I’m not sure, honestly. It’s a situation with a fan. The cops will figure it out.”
The worry lines deepened. “Are you in danger?”
I waved a hand in front of my face. “No, nothing like that. They’re just concerned about her mental health. But a doctor’s involved now. I’m sure everything will be fine.” I hoped that was the truth.
Tessa reached across the table and grabbed my hand. “Not everything is your responsibility, you know.”
Damn, this girl could see right through me. Between the Speakman woman attempting suicide and not being able to stop Taylor’s kidnapping, I was carrying around a healthy dose of guilt these days. “Some things aren’t so easy to let go of.”
Tessa gave my hand a squeeze. “I know.”
She did know. Better than most. I flipped my palm over so that I could grasp her hand. “You’re pretty wise, you know that?”
Tessa grinned. “Just call me the wise baker.”
I chuckled, releasing her hand and picking up my burger. “The wise baker horse-whisperer.”
“I certainly have a unique cluster of jobs, don’t I?”
I took a pull from my Coke. “Life could get boring if you didn’t.” I studied Tessa’s face. “Have you ever thought about doing something with your art?”
Tessa’s gaze dropped to her plate. “I have no real training.” Her eyes lifted back to me, a new light in them that looked a lot like hope. “But maybe, one day, when I’ve improved my technique. It would be amazing to paint for a living.”
“You know, true talent doesn’t require formal skill. And you’ve got that. But, if you want, I’m sure you could find some classes around here that specialize in technique.”
Tessa twirled a French fry in her hand. “I’d like that. But right now, I have other things to focus on.”
My back teeth ground together. One day, I would make sure Tessa could have all the art classes she wanted. For now, I steered us away from art and back to safer topics like the horses and what recipes she was currently perfecting for the Kettle. Dinner passed way too quickly, and I found myself looking for excuses to stay.
A tiny meow came from under the table. I’d forgotten all about Trouble. His head poked up, and he attempted to snag a French fry. Tessa pulled him back. “No-no, baby. Those aren’t good for you.” She cuddled the kitten to her neck.
I’d never wanted to be a cat so badly in my fucking life. I cleared my throat. “I guess I should go.”
Tessa looked up from the kitten. She toyed with Trouble’s collar, suddenly looking unsure. “Maybe you could stay?” Her cheeks heated, but her voice strengthened. “I’d like it if you stayed. I’m not ready for…”
“I’d love to stay,” I jumped in. Expressions flashed across Tessa’s face that told me she was at war with herself. One part of her wanted me here, the other part was scared to death. “I could sleep on the couch.” I eyed the worn sofa that looked as if it would barely hold me.
Tessa’s shoulders relaxed. “That would be perfect.”
“Tessa, all you ever have to do is ask.” Our gazes locked, an unnamed emotion flitting across her eyes.
“Thank you.” It came out as a whisper. Trouble batted her cheek, breaking the moment. A small smile curved her mouth. “I’m honestly exhausted. I could probably go to sleep right now.”
My expression softened. “Then let’s go to bed.”
We made quick work of cleaning up the kitchen and, before long, Tessa was handing me a pillow and a blanket. “I’m just going to put on my pjs,” Tessa said, a faint blush tinging her cheeks.
I bit the inside of my cheek to keep from laughing. She was so damn adorable. “Take your time.”
Tessa pulled open a drawer and then dashed to the bathroom. I shucked my boots and clothes, leaving my boxers firmly in place, and then slipped beneath the blanket. A few minutes later, Tessa appeared from the bathroom with a kitten in her arms, wearing what looked like flannel unicorn pajamas.
