Taking Tessa Read Online Free Page A

Sure, I'd caught a few TV shows, I knew about dates and one-night stands and men who used women for one thing only, but deep down I knew Cage wasn't like that. Just in the short day I'd known him, he proved to be so attentive, so thoughtful and aware. The sharp cut of his jaw and that unmistakable way he had with words didn't hurt either.
    I was completely taken with him.
    "One more store?" Cage's words pulled me from my thoughts.
    “I think I have more than enough. I could have made do with one change of clothes and some pajamas. You've been so generous." I gestured to the almost dozen store bags he had looped in his hands.
    "You need one nice dress. My mama always said a woman needs one nice dress."
    "No, really, I mean, where would I even wear it?"
    "To a nice dinner, with me." His eyes crinkled adorably with his words.
    "I'm learning once you've made your mind up, you're all but impossible to argue with," I teased.
    "You're a quick learner then." He winked as we walked into a shop outfitted with only dresses. Evening gowns, strappy gold numbers, office-appropriate styles. It was completely overwhelming.
    "I don't even know where to start in here."
    "I've got a few things in mind." His eyes did that sparkling thing that brought excitement rushing into my stomach.
    "Can I help you?" The saleswoman cooed.
    "Just need a couple things for my girl. Something to complement those pretty green eyes, don't you think?"
    "Oh yes, we've got a few options back here that would look lovely."
    Cage wagged his eyebrows at me and nearly had me choking on a burst of laughter. He was silly, sweet, and sexy—was there anything better?
    "How about this one?" The sales clerk held up a slinky black number with a deep vee.
    "No way." Cage shook his head firmly. "Something a little less revealing."
    "Wait, I kind of like that." I fingered the short hemline.
    "Over my dead body, Tessa. Saved you once, not going to do it again just because you want to wear that scrap-of-nothing excuse for a dress."
    "Well, this one then?" The clerk held up another black dress, this one with a high neckline and a completely open back.
    "Yes."
    "No way in hell."
    "Cage!" I nudged his shoulder before swiping the dress from the woman's hands and heading for the changing rooms in back.
    "Tessa." His throaty reply followed me.
    I turned and cast him one last glance, the fire in my eyes burning bright as a mischievous smile danced on my lips. I ducked into the changing room and slid the latch on the door. I didn't love the dress—I'd seen prettier ones just walking through—but I loved the way it made his eyes light up.
    I stepped out of the dressing room a minute later. Cage’s eyes crawled up my skin, a wolfish fire burning in his eyes. "So help me, God. If you think I'm going to let you leave the house in that, you're insane."
    "Really? I think it's perfect." The smile on my lips betrayed me when I stepped out of the dressing room and did a small twirl. "Don't you think?"
    Silence hung in the space between us. After a few too-long beats I spun, my gaze landing on his.
    "Jesus, Tessa. What are you trying to do to me?" His ocean eyes crawled my body, moving up my legs, dancing over the curves of my breasts, and I closed my eyes in shame. Maybe he didn't like it like I'd thought he would.
    I turned and reached for the door of the dressing room, prepared to rip the awful dress off and get out of here. I'd embarrassed myself, and I wanted nothing more than to tuck tail and run.
    "Tessa." Warm fingertips grazed the small of my back, hovering around the curve before slinking up my spine. Goosebumps burned through my body and heightened every aroused nerve I had. "You're so fucking beautiful, all I can think about is slipping this dress off you. But I don’t want to scare you, Tessa. I need you to feel safe and wanted. I want you to feel loved."
    My eyes widened as his words registered.
    "You leave me speechless." One full palm spread across my back, and as if an electric