Chapter 40 Unfinished Business
Unfinished Business
Ryder
Moonlight spilled across Tessa's face, catching the spark of something magnetic in her eyes that made it hard to resist pulling her back into my arms.
But then, with no warning, she blurted out, "Just so we're clear, I didn't come out here to kiss you."
It broke the spell – and not a moment too soon. With a laugh, I said, "Good to know."
Her lips did a little wobble of protest. "It's not funny."
"It is to me."
She sighed. "You know what? That's just great."
And there they were – those walls that had tumbled down for barely five minutes. The way it looked, they were back up and then some. But could I really blame her?
I'd kissed her – not just once, but twice. And then I'd refused to kiss her again.
It wasn't for lack of wanting. I wanted her more than I should. But there was something else I wanted more.
I wanted to figure all of it out – why I was here, why she was here, and why no matter where I went, there she was, haunting my thoughts like music I couldn't shut off.
She was beautiful, sure. But it wasn't just that. I knew this, because I'd seen more than my share of beautiful women. I'd had plenty, too.
What I hadn't had was someone who stayed with me long after the moment passed – and in all of those spaces I usually kept locked down.
I was done pretending. "You and I aren't done. You know that, right?"
She folded her arms tight across her chest. "I don't know what I know. But I do need to ask you something."
"So ask." I held her gaze. "But I'm still gonna walk you home."
She glanced around. "Do you even know where home is?"
"I will when we get there." I gave her a quick once-over, not liking the fact she had only jeans and a sweatshirt to keep herself warm. "You need a coat?"
She hesitated. "Do you?"
I had to say it. "Nope."
Her lips twitched like she wanted to smile. "Now you're just doing that on purpose."
True. But she was making it impossible not to. And of course, that hint of a smile guaranteed I'd be saying it again. But not yet. I moved closer. "Would you be happier if I got a coat?"
"Maybe a little. I mean…it's not exactly warm out here."
I flicked my head toward the hotel. "Come on. I'll grab you one."
"But not just for me, right? I mean…you are gonna grab one for you, too."
Her concern was adorable, and I just had to smile. "Sure, if it makes you happy."
"But it's not about me," she protested. "It's about you."
"Fine," I laughed. "If it makes me happy, I'll grab one."
She dropped her arms. "Are you making fun of me?"
"Yep."
She let out a scoff. "Well, I guess that's better than a nope."
"Lambchop, anything beats a nope."
Finally, she laughed. "Oh, shut up." But then she paused and looked up toward ZZ's balcony. She squinted, seeing what I'd seen five minutes ago. The balcony was empty, leaving just the two of us alone in the night.
Together, we slipped in through the hotel's side door – the same one I'd used to duck outside without ZZ realizing we were in the same hotel.
Inside, an elevator was conveniently waiting. After I pressed the button for the fourth floor, Tessa turned to me and said, "See? You did invite me up."
"Yeah. For a minute." I winked. "Which isn't nearly long enough." When her cheeks flushed, I couldn't resist teasing, "Oh, so you can dish it out, but you can't take it."
"I can take it just fine," she said, giving me a wink right back. "But I guess you'll never know."
Fantastic. Like resisting her wasn't hard enough already.
Man, I knew I liked this girl.