Desire Part Three (The Desire Series Book 3) Read Online Free Page B

him closely. Was he jealous? How could he be? There was nothing between them. “ But he wanted there to be ,” she said silently.
    “Cancel the date.”  
    “What?” she questioned in outrage.
    “Cancel the damn date. Tell ‘what’s his name’ the rendezvous is off,” he snapped.
    He had assumed she was meeting a man and the assumption delighted her.
    “I most certainly will not. I happened to like Jax’s company. I will not blow off the date because you blew into town,” she retorted. She used Jaclyn’s nickname deliberately.
    He gripped her shoulders.
    “Do it, Tess,” he ordered.
    “No,” she stated stubbornly.
    He lowered his head to kiss her intensely. She responded instantly; she couldn’t help it. Then reason penetrated the fogginess of passion and she snatched her mouth away. His kiss excited and angered her at the same time. Did he think he could control her with sex?
    “Let me go,” she rasped. He released her. Tess moved away. “I think you should leave.”
    “Tess, I over reacted. I’m sorry. Let me—
    “Just go,” she muttered.
    “My God! What have I done?” he thought.
    “I’ll be back,” he stated.
    “I don’t think that’s—
    “I’ll be back,” he repeated inflexibly.
    Tess watched him leave in frustration. He confused the hell out of her; yet she knew she still wanted him.  

    Tess walked briskly down the street with thoughts of Matt filling her mind. Her earlier encounter with him had been exciting and had she not received a phone call she probably would have ended up in bed with him. That would have been foolish and dangerous. She didn’t know anything about him. It would be insane to sleep with him under those circumstances.   She arrived at the corner and turned left into a row of restaurants, shops and entertainment. She loved where she lived. She was within walking distance to the pulse of the city. It was unreal how expensive it was to live in New York; even in her small apartment. But so far she was earning enough money to remain in this locale. She was glad that she had not allowed Matt to dictate her activities this evening. She needed to be with her friend tonight and hear a voice of reason. She knew she would tell Jax about Matt, she had to. She was her best friend who knew her inside out. Jax would need only two minutes to size up the situation. Tess entered the restaurant and told the hostess whom she was meeting. Before the hostess could escort her to the table, Tess saw Jax waving to get her attention.  
    “Never mind. I see her,” Tess said to the hostess.  
    Tess moved among the tables and finally reached Jax. Jax stood to hug her.
    “What a great table. Who did you bribe to score this booth by the window?” Tess laughed.
    “The head chef and I are good friends. He reserved the table for us when I told him I was coming,” Jax grinned.  
    “And just how good of friends are you?’ Tess asked slyly.
    “Never you mind,” Jax smiled suggestively.
    Tess giggled.
    “I don’t need to know,” Tess chuckled as she wiggled out of her coat.
    The waiter brought two glasses of Mimosa.
    “Thank you,” Jax said to the waiter. “I ordered for you,” Jax said.
    “Great. Thanks,” Tess smiled. She took a swallow. “Mmm, I needed this.”
    Jax looked at her speculatively; curiosity reflected in her deep blue eyes.
    “May I take your order?” the waiter asked.
    “Will you give us a minute, please,” Jax said.
    “Sure,” he said and walked away.
    “Why the need for a Mimosa? And don’t tell me you’re thirsty. I know better. What’s going on?” Jax asked.
    Tess sighed heavily and set her glass down.
    “Something happened when I was on Aruba that I never told you about. Frankly, I was too embarrassed,” Tess said.
    Jax’s eyes widened,
    “What?” she queried.
    Tess related the water fountain incident and the subsequent episode. Jax’s eyes were two full moons by the time she finished the tale.
    “How could you not tell me about