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

Chapter 22

22

F ord followed Tessa back to her apartment. The hum of the engine and soft jazz on the radio filled the space, creating a muted, almost soothing backdrop. Although he hadn’t attended many nonprofit events—well, none, to tell the truth—he was sure this one was a success.

The evening was long but went smoothly. He mingled with a few patrons, talked to the guys from the Brotherhood and their women, and stole some moments with Tessa.

Tessa was in her element and had done an outstanding job pulling everything together, from the silent and live auction items to the program book with sponsors and setting ticket prices at $250 a person.

Once the event ended and they added up the money raised, she estimated the shelter would get well over fifty thousand dollars.

The Brotherhood was in shock.

They originally hoped to make at least ten thousand dollars. What a difference a professional event planner made. Tessa was ecstatic. The patrons loved her. She was easy to work with, creative, and had an eye for perfection besides making the event fun.

After arriving at her apartment, Ford parked his truck in the lot behind the bakery and turned off the engine. He walked over to Tessa’s car and opened her door. She stepped out, and he gave her a quick kiss on the cheek. “What an extraordinary evening. You did a fabulous job, Tessa.”

She smiled. “It was great,” Tessa replied, cocking her head. “But I had lots of great help. Between your friends and the girls, I could never have done it alone.”

“Pffft. I don’t believe that,” he said. “You have a natural talent. I bet you’ll be the number one pick for anyone wanting to have an event.”

Tessa nodded and sighed. “I hope so. I really need to make some money. That woman Simone Benedetto approached me and asked if I would meet her to discuss some nonprofit projects she was working on.”

Ford thought back to Simone, who cornered Tessa. There was something about her that set him on edge, although he couldn’t pinpoint what it was.

“You’re quiet,” Tessa said, suddenly pulling him back from his thoughts.

“Humph. Just thinking about Simone,” Ford replied. “She seemed rather focused and was definitely interested in you. Did she give you any bad vibes?”

Tessa shook her head. “She seemed nice. I like the idea of working with nonprofits. I’ll talk to her, and if anything feels off, I don’t have to take the job.”

“True. It would be an excellent opportunity for you.” He blew out his breath. “I just worry about you. I want you to be safe.”

She leaned over and kissed his cheek. “How can I not be safe when I have the best of the best from the Brotherhood Alliance watching my back?”

“Sweet-talking will get you nowhere,” he teased. “Please be careful. Come on, I’ll walk you to your door.”

He helped Tessa down from the truck, then placed his suit jacket on the seat. It was a pleasant evening, and they strolled through the alley past Titus’s gym, PushYourLimits. The shops were darkened, but the alley was bright, with small trees and bushes lit with twinkling lights.

“Oh my, it looks like a fairyland,” exclaimed Tessa. Ford glanced around and agreed.

In the distance, he could hear laughter and muted conversations from one of the bars that was open. The scent of garlic and fried food wafted in the breeze, and his stomach rumbled.

“I’m starving. Do you want to hit the Thirsty Cock, grab a beer and something to eat?”

“Hmmm. That’s a great idea,” Tessa said. “I haven’t eaten all night. Let me drop off my purse and freshen up.”

She opened the bakery door and then the door that led to her apartment. Ford followed Tessa upstairs. The bakery was closed, but the scent of freshly baked bread lingered. He inhaled and thought that it would be difficult to live above the bakery and not gain a lot of weight.

“It smells like home,” he commented.

“I love the scents that waft up. Cinnamon, vanilla, bread … it’s hard not to go down and order one of everything they bake.”

They reached her apartment, and Ford looked around. It was cozy, the space warm and inviting. Emelia had renovated it in muted tones, but Tessa had put her own stamp on the room by adding colorful pillows. She tossed her purse on the table. “I’ll be just a minute.”

Ford nodded, sat down in a chair, and stared out at the dark night. His thoughts turned to how lucky he was that a different turn of events brought Tessa to Haywood Lake and to him.

“Ready?” Tessa walked back into the living room, having changed into dark jeans and a soft sweater. He rose from the chair, clearing his throat.

“I’m always ready,” he said. “I was just thinking about how lucky Haywood Lake and I are that you found us.”

Tessa chuckled as she grabbed her keys and purse. “I’m lucky I almost ran out of gas, otherwise I might have driven farther south and we never would have met.” She stopped for a moment. “Although having your cabin trashed probably didn’t endear me to you.”

“What happened at the cabin isn’t your fault. It’s on whoever did it,” Ford replied. He leaned in and kissed her cheek. “I’m just glad I met you.”

“Me, too.”

They walked downstairs, and Tessa locked up as they went along.

Out on the sidewalk, the scent of the bakery and fried food mingled with the crisp air.

Couples were strolling along the street, gazing into shop windows. Raucous laughter from a bar farther down the street competed with murmurs of conversation and the occasional clink of glasses. Despite its size, Haywood Lake had an energy that could rival any big city.

“Blueberry muffin,” Tessa said suddenly.

“What?”

Tessa laughed and pointed at the bakery. “Tomorrow morning, I’m getting one of the bakery’s famous blueberry muffins.”

“Okaaay.” Ford chuckled. “Sounds like a plan. Want me to stand guard so no one else gets one first?”

“Maybe,” she teased. “They sell out fast.”

It was a couple of blocks to the Thirsty Cock Ale House.

The huge rooster placard glowed garishly above the door. Its bright red and gold paint reflected off the huge glass windows. The sign was impossible to miss, and it was a landmark in the area.

More than one joke had been made about the bar’s name and countless selfies were taken in front of the rooster. Just like the town, it was a little quirky, and the locals barely gave it a glance.

“Subtle name,” Tessa said as they approached.

Ford smirked as he held the door open for her. “Hey, don’t judge. They have great food and a vast selection of craft beers.”

Inside, the alehouse buzzed with energy. The music was loud, the voices even louder.

Ford had been here several times before and always admired the gold tin patterned ceiling and the long wooden bar top with leather stools as well as their large assortment of craft beers.

The bar was full, and the bartenders adroitly juggled waiting on customers and making drinks.

On one wall, an array of liquor was prominently displayed, while booths lined the opposite wall. It gave off an old-time speakeasy feeling that he liked. They claimed a quiet corner booth.

A server came over with menus and asked for their drink order.

“A lager for me,” he said, then looked at Tessa. “Tessa?”

“Hmmm. I think I’ll try the pumpkin ale,” she said.

The server nodded and left.

“So, what’re you in the mood for? They have great burgers and wings.” He looked at the menu. “And anything else you might like.”

Tessa relaxed in the seat and glanced at the menu, then started giggling. “Oh my God! The Big Clucker? Seriously?” She looked farther down the menu. “Hot Chick? For those who like their chicken with attitude. No way.”

“What’s wrong with that?” Ford asked cheekily.

Tessa couldn’t stop giggling.

When the server came back with their beer, she asked if they had decided on anything.

“I’ll have the Hot—” Tessa said. “Chick.” She covered her mouth with her hands and laughed.

“Well then, I’m going for the Big Clucker,” said Ford.

A huge laugh burst from Tessa’s mouth, and Ford rolled his eyes.

“I’m sorry,” she said to the server. “It’s just so…”

“Funny,” the server replied in a bored voice before she gave them a big smile. “I’ve heard it all. The owners think it’s cute.”

“Actually, it is,” Tessa said. “This is my first time here.”

“Welcome.”

“Oh, would you take a picture of us?” asked Tessa. The server nodded, and Tessa looked at Ford. “Okay?”

“Sure.”

Tessa handed her the phone.

“Smile.”

At the last minute, Ford leaned over and kissed Tessa just as their picture was snapped, and the server took several more for good measure.

“Here you go.” The server handed Tessa her phone and left to place their orders.

Ford sat back, watching as Tessa scrolled through the photos, smiling. “This one’s perfect,” she said, tilting the phone toward him. They looked like a couple. In the image, her smile was frozen mid-giggle while Ford’s lips brushed her cheek.

“It’s not too bad,” he said with a shrug, a faint smile tugging at the corner of his mouth, giving him away.

She swirled her beer, taking another sip. Ford’s eyes followed her little pink tongue as she licked the foam from her lips. His cock hardened, and he shifted slightly in his seat, glad he was sitting down.

“You okay over there?” she asked teasingly.

“Yeah,” he said, clearing his throat. “Just hungry and wondering when we’re going to get our food.”

“Sure, Ford.” Tessa smirked, setting her glass down. “Just thinking about food. Uh-uh, I get it.”

Before he could answer, the server returned, setting their plates down. “Enjoy,” she said, disappearing back into the crowd.

Tessa’s eyes widened as she picked up her spicy fried chicken sandwich with jalapeno slaw, pickles, and hot-honey glaze. “This is massive,” she said. “I’m not sure I can open my mouth that wide.”

He picked up his Big Clucker and took a bite. “Wow, they weren’t kidding when they said this was a half-pound burger.” It was topped with cheddar, bacon, lettuce, and tomato.

“What’s in the Cock Sauce?” she asked.

Ford took another bite. “It tastes like mayonnaise with garlic.”

“Oh. An aioli,” Tessa stated.

“I guess,” Ford replied. What did he know about aioli? It just tasted like garlic and mayonnaise.

They ate in easy silence, with the occasional murmur of approval. When they finally finished, Tessa dabbed her mouth with her napkin and leaned back with a satisfied sigh. “That was delicious. I couldn’t eat it every day, but it’s a nice treat.”

“Glad you liked it.” Ford was pleased she hadn’t ordered a small salad like some women did. He was surprised that for a slender woman, Tessa ate the whole sandwich.

They ordered a couple more beers, and as the evening wore on, Ford thought how easy it was to be with Tessa.

It seemed like another lifetime that he was keeping people at arm’s length. And now? Now he was getting involved in events, laughing with the guys and sharing a meal out with a woman. Not just any woman, though … a woman he could see himself sharing a life with.