Page 99 of The Rogue

He checks the bar and turns back to me. “You see it too. You saw it that first day you met her back at the station. It’s why you kept running her out of town. Why you didn’t like her spending time with Jackson when she worked here. Why you didn’t trust her.”

“She’s nothing like Lilly,” I rasp.

I see that now.

“Then what’s the problem? Tell her you know she’s nothing like her.”

I swallow hard. “I can’t.”

“Why not?”

“Because facts are facts, Dad. You know Tess as well as I do—”

“Doubtful.”

“She’s flighty. She’s got secrets. A past no one in this town knows. She’s not here to stay. It didn’t even occur to me that Jackson compares her to his mother.”

Dad releases a heavy breath. “Yeah. I’ve been worried about that too.” He twists the bottle in his hands. “Forget Jackson for a moment. What doyouwant? We all know something’s going on with you and Tess. Have you asked her to stay?”

I shake my head.

“Maybe I should ask ifyouwant her to stay.”

“I know I’m not ready for her to go. That her six weeks are up in less than two, and I’m a wreck about it.”

“Then stop wasting it here with me when you know damn well what you want.” He stands with a grin. “I’ll get that apple pie ready for ya. Go home to your woman.”

Tessa covers her face with a pillow and cries out, jerking against my mouth, then goes limp on the bed. I climb up her soft skin, settling myself behind her naked body and pull her close to me under the sheets.

“You’re getting pretty good at number five, Cowboy.”

I chuckle softly. “I’m sorry about earlier, Tessa.”

She frowns. Twisting to face me. “Uh-oh. You used my name.”

“I like your name.”

“You only use it when you’re serious.” She pouts.

“Well, I’m seriously sorry.” I smile, running my fingers down her arm.

Her face falls as she strokes the hairs on my chest. “I overstepped asking about her today.”

“You didn’t. Okay, maybe for a part-time nanny, you might have overstepped.”

Her eyes flash with hurt.

I hold up a finger. “But you and I both know you’re not just his nanny. You’re his friend. You’re…myfriend.”

She giggles. “I’m yourspecialfriend.” Then bites her bottom lip. “She is pretty.”

“You heard my son. You’re prettier.”

“He was just being nice.”

I stroke her hair. “You’re nothing like her, Tess. You’re beautiful inside and out.”

“Is she why you didn’t like me all these years?”

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