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Unacceptable.
Every fiber of my being knows that Tess belongs with me. It’s all I can do not to tear through the city until I find her, claim her, and take her home. But I know that’s not the right move. Not just because it isn’t politically correct, but because her stepfather just died. She doesn’t need me storming in, banging my chest, and throwing her over my shoulder like a caveman.
A knock sounds on my office door and Jesse walks in. “It’s time for our meeting about the OC…” His voice fades as he sees the look on my face. “But I think maybe we should talk about something else.” He closes the door softly behind him. “What’s going on, Rand?”
“I don’t know what to do.” My hands clench, teeth grinding as I admit my failure.
“Tell me more,” he says, his tone serious as he sits down across from me. He might act like a playful dumbass sometimes, but Jesse has a wisdom beyond most people. If anyone can help me with this, it’s my long-time friend.
I update him on what’s happening. Ten minutes later, he leans back in the chair, hands steepled in front of him.
“What do you want?” He eyes me curiously. I’m sure he already knows what I’m going to say, but he has to get it out of me like a goddamn life coach.
“I want Tess,” I growl.
“Including the emotional stuff?” He sounds skeptical. Jesse knows I usually avoid commitments with women.
“Yes, dammit. I want every part of her, every day.” A fierce longing shoots from my chest as I remember her earnest eyes at the coffee shop. Or her seductive smile. Or her skipping in her tennis shoes at the job site.
“She’s everything. Of course I want her. But I’ve been focused on myself for so long. Am I actually what’s best for her? ”
“The fact that you’re asking the question means you’re on the right track. You should ask her.”
His words stop me in my tracks. “Wait. What?” I shake my head at him. “Jesse, were you listening? She didn’t even text me when her stepdad died. We don’t have the kind of relationship where I can ask her that kind of bullshit.” When I realize the depth of the hole I dug myself, I punch my desk, welcoming the pain.
“Of course she hasn’t called you.”
I stare at Jesse in shock.
He continues, “So far there hasn’t been much investment on your part. It’s no big deal for you to give her a job. You’re already connected, already successful, and could have any woman you want. Whereas she hasn’t finished her degree, she has a new job, her living situation is temporary, and now that her stepfather died, her future is suddenly very uncertain.”
Once Jesse points it out, it’s easy to see the power discrepancy that I missed in my obsession. At the time, it felt like she had twisted me around her little finger. But that’s not the only dynamic in our relationship.
Jesse huffs. “Plus, she doesn’t know that you’re a lonely, grumpy, son of a bitch when she’s not around.”
Rolling my eyes, I grab my bottle from the drawer and take another chug of whiskey.
“What are you going to do?” he asks.
“One thing I know for sure—I’m not letting her get away.”
