Page 30 of Love Is…?

Jayde sighed. “Perhaps I develop a sudden facial tic whenever I hear her name.”

He laughed. “She makes you smile. I’ve seen two smiles already. Besides, you only ever give sass like that when you’re happy.”

She’d forgotten how observant Oliver Ferguson was when he was having a good day.

A quick knock saved her from her father’s interrogation, but, upon opening the front door, nothing could save her from the vision on the doorstep.

Tessa wore a tentative smile, a black sheer blouse with a black bra showing through, a cropped leather jacket, a red mid-thigh skirt, black stockings and a pair of black suede heeled boots. Adorning her left ear was a gold cuff, with a kaleidoscope of tiny silver butterflies sweeping down to her lobe.

Jayde stared, then her lips parted in what felt like a completely reasonable response.

Tessa’s smile dropped. “I’ve worn the wrong thing, haven’t I?”

“Oh! Oh, God no. You look amazing.” Jayde waved her hand up and down in front of Tessa. “I was just—you’re gorgeous.”

The statement brought a pink tinge to Tessa’s cheeks, but Jayde noted that the blushing didn’t stop Tessa raking her gaze over Jayde’s body.

They smiled at each other.

“Jayde, love. Is that Tessa?” Her father’s tone held everything—interest, teasing, affection—and she gave a silent sigh.

“Come in and meet my dad,” Jayde said, ushering Tessa through the door. It occurred to her that she’d only ever introduced her dad to one other date—not a date!—and yet it felt so comfortable inviting Tessa into his space.

Jayde shut the door, then turned to find that her father had already stood, walked across the carpet, and was clasping Tessa’s hand. She raised an eyebrow.

“It’s lovely to meet you, Tessa. I’m Oliver, Jayde’s dad. Come in and sit. Would you like a cup of tea?”

The other eyebrow joined its mate at the top of Jayde’s forehead.

“Oh, no thank you, Oliver. I’ve only just eaten so I’m still full.” Tessa smiled, collecting Jayde in the gesture, which did funny things to Jayde’s stomach. And heart, if she was honest.

“Well, come in and sit anyway. Tell me all about being a chaperone.” He turned slowly and made his way back to his chair. Tessa tossed a glance at Jayde, who mouthed ‘sorry’ and shrugged apologetically, but both gestures were waved away with a smile.

Jayde walked over to the couch and sat on the curved arm. Again, her heart sizzled because Tessa had perched at the end of the couch closest to her father and angled her body as if she instinctively knew that his legs wouldn’t allow for much diagonal movement.

“My daughter is interviewing Abigail Taylor. Did you know that?” He beamed at Jayde, the pride evident in his voice, and Jayde swallowed thickly.

“Yes, I did,” Tessa said, winking at Jayde.

“She’s a marvellous actress,” Oliver said, enthusiastically.

Tessa tilted her head. “Jayde?”

A loud boom of laughter fell out of Oliver’s mouth. “Oh, you’re delightful.” His laugh drew down to a smile. “No, I meant Abigail. I’ve seen all her romantic films. I’m a bit of a softie when it comes to love.” He huffed a breath and stared pointedly at Jayde who rolled her eyes.

Tessa gasped. “So am I!” She grinned into his face, and held his forearm, and Jayde watched, with the warmest glow in her heart, as her father’s eyes sparkled like a disco ball dipped in little confetti stars.

“I’m glad I’m not the only one.” He smiled into Tessa’s face. “Are you interested in plants?”

Tessa blinked. Jayde understood the brain whiplash her father’s participation in conversations could cause, and leaned forward to interrupt.

But Tessa gave his forearm a quick pat and nodded. “Absolutely. My cousin, Angel, owns a small nursery and is constantly talking about the new natives she’s sourced.”

Oliver laid his hand over Tessa’s. “Does she know about…” He frowned, then his mouth turned down. “Oh. I’m sorry but I seem—Oh! The Dwarf Cider Eucalyptus Gumtree!” He beamed.

Jayde exhaled slowly, her heart aching with love for her astonishing, clever, wonderful father. She glanced at Tessa who hadn’t removed her hand from under Oliver’s, as they chattered about native trees and growth height and leaf distribution. That beautiful woman, in her sexy black blouse and her sexy red skirt and that amazing ear cuff ablaze with tiny butterflies, was completely invested in the conversation. The funny feeling made itself known again, but Jayde shook it away. Tessa was off limits because Tessa was all about relationships, and a relationship was not something Jayde could offer.

Then the thought of Tessa and possibilities quickly dissolved as her father’s expression closed, his gaze drew into itself, and he stilled his body. Jayde stood quickly, ready to help her father with his sudden brain paralysis, but paused, then reclaimed her spot on the arm of the couch. All because Tessa had laid her hand over her father’s, sandwiching his hand with hers, and quietened her voice.

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