Walker whistled. “Look, I know she’s running from something.” He eyed Taylor. “I know a little something about that. Don’t let her use this as an excuse to bolt. Apologize—”
“Grovel,” Taylor interrupted.
Walker grinned. “Beg if you have to. But keep steady pressure on those walls. Don’t give her a chance to push you out.”
I swirled the liquid in my glass, staring at the patterns it made around the ice. “I think I’m in love with her. And I might’ve just ruined the best thing that’s happened to me by being a dumbass.”
Taylor reached over and squeezed my hand. “Tessa knows you have a good heart.” Taylor glanced at Walker, love filling her eyes. “We all make mistakes. If it’s meant to be, you’ll mend those cracks and come back stronger than you were before.”
I sighed and took another pull from my drink. “I hope you’re right.”
* * *
I bracedmyself as I lifted my hand to knock on the Kettle’s door. It was early. Way before opening, but I knew Tessa was back from taking care of the horses. Her car was here.
I rapped on the door. Silence. I knocked again. Still nothing. I pulled out my phone and sent a text.
Me:I’m at the back door. Please talk to me. If you don’t like what I have to say, I’ll leave you alone after that.
It was a total lie. I wouldn’t leave Tessa alone for anything, but I could be patient if I needed to be, slow our pace even more. I would do anything for a little bit of Tessa in my days.
The door flew open. “What are you doing here?” Tessa’s hair was wild, all loose waves flying around her face. Her violet eyes were blazing, and her cheeks were a rosy pink. She was breathtaking in her anger.
Tessa opened the door wider. “Get in here before someone sees you.”
I didn’t hesitate, quickly ducking inside and closing the door behind me. “Tessa, I’m so sorry—” I reached out a hand to draw her to me. It was instinct. I couldn’t seem to be around Tessa without wanting to touch her in some way.
She ducked out of my grasp. “No. You don’t get to do that. You kept this from me. Something that could put my life at risk. The lives of those I care about. God, Liam. What if Garrett found me? What if he hurt Jensen for giving me a job and a place to stay? Did you not believe me when I told you he was crazy?” By the end of her speech, Tessa was yelling.
My chest spasmed at the idea of anyone trying to hurt Tessa. “I’m so fucking sorry. I messed up. I thought if I stayed out of sight for a while, this thing wouldn’t hit the media. And I didn’t want to tell you about the risk because I didn’t want to give you a reason to push me away.”
Tessa crossed her arms. “So, you were just thinking about what you wanted.”
I ran a hand through my hair, pulling on the ends. “It was selfish and wrong. You should have all the information you need to make whatever decisions you want about your life. All I can say is that I was an idiot because I was falling in love with you. I was selfish because I want more nights to hold you, more afternoons in the pasture to make music you inspire.”
Tessa sucked in a sharp breath, but I pressed on. “I didn’t think about the fact that I was taking away some of the power you’ve fought so hard to regain. You’ll never know how fucking sorry I am. But please don’t let my one fuck-up ruin this.”
I took a step closer to Tessa, she didn’t move out of my path. “I know we’re just getting started, but this thing between us is the most real I’ve ever felt.” Another step. “Don’t squash it because it’s your instinct to run.”
I slowly reached up to cup Tessa’s face, staring into eyes now brimming with tears. “I’m going to mess up. But I promise from now on I will always be honest with you, even if it’s something I know you aren’t going to like. I promise I will do my best to be the man you deserve, someone who empowers you and stands by your side while you fight whatever battles you need to fight.”
The tears in Tessa’s eyes spilled over, and I wiped them away with my thumbs. “I know we have a long way to go, but I want to take that journey with you. Please, let me.”
Tessa’s eyes searched mine, looking for something. I wasn’t sure what. “I love you.” The sentence came out as a hoarse whisper, but it was the most beautiful thing I had ever heard.
I pulled her face closer to mine. “Say it again.”
Tessa licked her lips as she brought herself even closer. “I love you.”
My mouth crashed down on hers, my lips and tongue tangling with hers. It was a kiss of pent-up frustration, of passion, of love. My hands fisted in Tessa’s silky hair, needing purchase to bring her as close to me as possible. Her body pressed harder into mine. The feel of her curves against me had my dick jerking.
I pulled back with a gasp. Catching my breath, I brought my forehead down to hers. “I love you so fucking much.”
Tessa started to laugh. I moved back so I could take in her expression. “It’s hilarious that I love you?”
She only laughed harder. “It’s not that. I mean, it’s a little funny that you had to curse when telling me you loved me for the first time.”
I grinned. “Curse words show important emphasis.”
