Protecting Tessa (Special Forces: Operation Alpha) (Brotherhood Alliance #6)

Chapter 20

20

T essa stood in the middle of Emelia’s cozy apartment and glanced around. The space wasn’t large but larger than her one-bedroom in Atlanta. And it was charming, with the sunlight streaming through the two large windows in the living room and the scent of cinnamon drifting up from the bakery.

Emelia had renovated it before buying a house with Titus, so everything was new, from the furniture to the appliances and dishes.

The walls were a soft gray with white woodwork except in the bedroom, which was painted pale pink with a glass chandelier over the bed. A chandelier! How romantic was that?

Ford had carried up a couple of small boxes that were stacked in the corner, containing all of her worldly possessions, which she would unpack later. The girls had brought food, the guys contributed wine and beer, and the atmosphere buzzed with conversation and laughter.

It was a housewarming party for Tessa, but to her, it felt like a fresh start.

If Ford was disappointed that she moved out of his cabin, he hadn’t said anything, but Tessa knew deep down she had to do it.

She needed space to figure everything out, to rediscover herself. If they were going to have a relationship, having her own space, making her own money, put them on equal footing. She wasn’t beholden to him, and he wasn’t responsible for her.

Tessa had a feeling Ford would be here a lot. Besides, Titus was just a few stores away at his gym. If anything happened, he could be here in a heartbeat, something that Tessa found comforting.

Warm breath brushed her neck, sending a shiver down her spine. She turned to find herself enveloped in Ford’s strong arms. He gave her a happy-to-see-you kiss that spoke volumes and gave her goosebumps. The girls let out a collective “Ohhh!” as the guys shouted, “Get a room!”

Ford chuckled. Ever since he confessed to wanting more with her, he’d been way more attentive and freer with his touches and kisses. They left her breathless and hoping that soon they would take their relationship to the next level.

Tessa was thrilled that he was bonding more with everyone, gradually letting them in.

Emelia had confided that Ford kept to himself, so the guys were clueless about his story but had been giving him room to feel comfortable.

She and Ford had a heart-to-heart the other night, and he opened up about the guilt he felt losing his best friend.

Pete had plans to go to college and become a vet. But Ford had convinced Pete it was a good idea to join the military. They would look out for each other. When Pete was injured, Ford was powerless to save him. The pain didn’t end there. He talked about the loss of his parents. They had been his rock. He felt abandoned and alone.

Tessa’s heart ached for him. She could see how GearUp was his way of forging forward and building a new life for himself. Like her, he was piecing together a new life one step at a time, learning to trust again.

“Tessa, the food is all arranged,” said Isabelle, interrupting her thoughts. “The guys are whining that they haven’t eaten in days.” She rolled her eyes and giggled. “Big babies. Should we let them eat, or do you want to wait?”

“Let’s eat.” Tessa laughed. “I don’t want to be accused of starving the crew.”

She looked over at the counter, which was filled with pasta salad, green salad, sandwiches of all kinds, chips, and Emelia’s special brownies and apple and blueberry hand pies. Her stomach growled. “Guess I’m hungry too. Let’s call them.”

Tessa expected a stampede of hungry men, but to her surprise, they all stepped aside, letting the women go ahead of them before helping themselves. It was the one thing she observed about the group. The women came first in everything—except when it came to protection and safety. In that area, the men were in charge, their instincts and skills always at the ready to defend.

She and Ford lingered at the back of the line, content to watch.

Since it was a Saturday, most everyone showed up.

Finn and Ryker were away on a job, and Dani Ward-Barlow was home with her and Ryker’s newborn baby girl.

Liam, a deputy sheriff in town, came with Joy, as he had the day off. Mallory Chapman owned a yoga studio in town, and Dawn Nailor, who was getting her master’s degree, also made it. Tessa had met Joy’s friends and gone out a couple of times with them. It was a fun and welcoming group.

Ford pulled out a chair for Tessa by Emelia and Titus, the latter working his way through a couple of sandwiches. “Sit,” he said.

“Yes, sir!” she replied cheekily.

“Hmmm,” was all he said. There was a world of meaning in that reply. She felt the blush down to her neck.

Isabelle joined Ford and Tessa, balancing her plate in one hand and her drink in the other. “Any updates on the shelter fundraiser?” she asked. “I hear it’s going to be the event of the year.”

Tessa grinned. “It’s really coming together, and auction items are rolling in. So many people, including businesses in town, have been incredibly generous.”

“Anything fun on the list so far?” asked Emelia.

Tessa thought about it for a second. “Someone donated a weekend cabin retreat at the Pine Hollow Retreat. Ford’s donating handmade fishing lures he’s been working on plus a guided trip.” She nudged him playfully.

Ford shrugged. “It’s a win-win. Promoting the shop and supporting a good cause at the same time.”

“I totally agree,” said Tessa. “Mallory donated a month of yoga. One of the chefs in town donated a private dinner for eight. Oh, several restaurants offered dinner, and we have handmade jewelry.”

Emelia piped up, “Don’t forget I’m baking desserts for the dessert bar and Titus is giving away a gym membership.”

“How could I?” said Tessa. “I’m looking forward to your homemade treats. We’ll pair them with champagne. It’s going to be amazing.”

“Wow,” exclaimed Joy, who was listening. “It sounds awesome. Do you need more volunteers? Liam and I can help.” She looked at Liam. “That is, if he’s not working. Otherwise, you’ll get just me.”

“Don’t forget all the guys are helping,” said Ford.

“And some of the deputies and firemen,” said Liam.

Tessa felt overwhelmed by the support. She glanced at Ford, who squeezed her hand. “See?” he said. “You’ve got the entire group to help.”

Her heart warmed with all the acceptance the guys and women were giving her. For the first time in a long while, she felt like she belonged.

But Tessa couldn’t shake the feeling that something might go wrong.

What if someone caught hold of her name? What if Damien found out and came calling? Her chest tightened with fear.

She glanced at Ford. His presence was a source of comfort and grounded her. If danger came knocking, she hoped he would be ready—because she wasn’t sure she would be.