Page 85 of Operation: Sharp Angel

Wilson nodded. “You mean after Rae and I check in? You’re basically checked in already.”

Tessman’s grin widened. “Yeah, I guess I am.”

“You sure you won’t want a private afternoon with Becca?” Wilson asked.

“Oh, I definitely want a private afternoon with her, but we haven’t discussed that yet.”

“She’s invited you to stay in her room. Duh! What do you think that means?” Rae said sarcastically.

“I’m hopeful, but assuming nothing. We haven’t seen each other in a month.”

“Except on video calls,” Wilson reminded him. “Jesus Christ, Tessman, the lady is in one of your favorite places, checked into a hotel, waiting for you. What do you think that means? Or are you trying to back out because it’s becoming real now?”

“You better not be,” Rae warned. She’d met Becca a few times. Tessman had brought her over, and they’d had dinner and hung out several evenings before Becca left for her time away. Rae liked her, and she was happy for Tessman that he had a woman in his life. Rae was hopeful the four of them would spend a lot more time together.

Tessman raised his hands in surrender. “Not backing out of anything. Just not assuming either. Look, she’s been through probably one of the worse things a person can go through, losing her entire family. We’ve slept in the same bed before and not had sex,” he said, not believing it himself.

“Well, that’s a first for you,” Wilson said dryly.

“Fuck you very much,” Tessman joked. “I’m being serious. So, that’s why I’m taking the approach on this I am. We’re close and I like her in my life. Yes, I’d like it to be a hell of a lot more, but that’s up to the lady and where her head is. Don’t forget what she’s been through.”

“You’re a true gentleman, Carter,” Rae said.

Wilson snickered. That wasn’t a description that usually fit his friend. He recalled their last trip to the island not very long ago. His life had changed drastically since then, with Rae and Lilly coming into his life. It wasn’t out of the realm of possibilities that Tessman’s soon would. He hoped it would be for him.

Tessman’s eyes were locked on Wilson’s. He could damn-near read his thoughts. He nodded. Yeah, Wilson’s life was differentnow from how it was during their last trip to the island. And Wilson would never tell Rae or Becca what his usual vacation antics were. He sincerely hoped his past life was just that, his past. He believed that Becca was his future, and he hoped she had worked through her loss and the incredible grief that went along with it, and got her head to a place that would allow him into her life.

His gaze shifted to Rae. Wilson was genuinely happy with her. And while Tessman had the hope of that happiness, had glimmers of it with Becca, Becca’s healing would determine if that happiness had a chance to flourish or if that glimmer would be extinguished. He hoped for the former.

The three of them deplaned and rushed through the airport, exiting into the warm Caribbean air. Rae looked around in wonderment, thrilled to be there. It was her first trip out of the contiguous United States. Jimmy had surprised her with the trip and even arranged for Madison to keep Lilly for the four days they’d be away.

They caught a taxi to the resort. While en route, Tessman sent Becca a text message.

On our way to the hotel, ETA fifteen minutes.

Becca’s reply popped in right away.

I’ll meet you in the lobby. I’ve missed you.

He smiled, reading her reply.

I’ve missed you too.

As the taxi pulled up under the canopy in front of the hotel, Tessman saw a beautiful sight. Becca stood near the taxi stand wearing a white spaghetti strap sundress. Her skin was sun kissed and golden with her hair up in a messy bun, showing offtanned skin, which looked soft and kissable. Or maybe it was just that he remembered how soft her skin was and how much he wanted to kiss her neck, her chest, her lips, and everywhere else. It had been a long month since he’d last held her. He truly had missed her.

He was out of the taxi before the driver had come to a complete stop. He rushed to her and engulfed her in a hug. His lips crashed into hers and the kiss was lengthy and passionate. Yes, the only place he wanted to go was their room. An afternoon dive was the last thing on his mind.

When their lips separated, Becca held him tighter, her eyes closed, just taking in the incredible sensation of holding his body to hers. She’d longed for his embrace, his touch, his kisses for the entire last month. But it had been a month that she’d needed.

“I’ve missed you,” she whispered in his ear.

“Me, too,” he said.

When she pulled further back, she smiled and let her eyes wander over his face. “I’m glad this worked out. I thought for sure something would happen at the last minute that would make you cancel your trip.”

“I was worried about that too,” he admitted.

“We’re going to go check in,” Wilson said to them as he and Rae stepped around them.

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