His smile widened, and he started my way, roughing his hands over Gigi’s needy head. My stomach tightened. So maybe I wanted a little of that petting for myself.
Each step he took sent a tsunami of energy crashing through the space. Something potent and secure. Warm and fierce.
A shiver raced down my spine, and I had to avert my attention to heaping noodles onto a plate to keep him from seeing the need I was sure was written all over my face.
He just kept coming closer, until he was right behind me, leaning over to murmur in my ear, “Spaghetti made by you. For me. Like I said, wrecking me.”
Sparks flew.
I wondered if he could see them crackling in the air.
I gulped and tried to keep my cool. “Well, I would go crazy if I didn’t do something. I need to get back to work and find a place to live.”
I really must have been hallucinating because I thought I felt a pulse of disappointment vibrate from that beautiful body that towered over me from behind.
“You can stay here as long as you like, Tessa. You don’t need to rush into anything.”
“Aren’t you sick of me yet?” I tried to tease as I turned around, only to stumble with how close he was.
Dark eyes flaring, he touched my chin. “Not even close. Not sure that’s even a possibility when it comes to you.”
Oh, my poor heart. If I stayed here much longer, I was going to be done for. And I knew this was only this man doing his duty. Generosity overflowing. Offering everything he had was just who he was.
Swallowing hard, I grabbed our plates. “Let’s eat.”
Nothing like a distraction.
He grinned. “Put me out of my misery, woman.”
Oh yeah, he needed to stop that, too.
He sat down and started scarfing down his food. “Oh God…so good…Tessa…wrecked,” he mumbled around the food he was stuffing into his mouth.
A giggle slipped free, satisfaction riding through my veins. “You’re ridiculous.”
“You’re a savior.”
I didn’t even try to keep the sincerity out of my voice. “No, Derrick. You’re the savior.”
Sobering, he lifted his head to fully look at me where I sat across the small table from him. Something hard flashed through his kind eyes, his lips slanting down at the side. He wiped his mouth with his napkin and set it down.
The mood shifted in a flash.
“Need to tell you something, Tessa.”
Dread bottled in my chest. “What is it?”
He hesitated, roughing a frustrated hand through his hair before he forced out, “Got word from the Captain today. It was confirmed the fire at your house was arson. It was probably teens or some punks out being stupid and not thinking about the conse—”
The words sliding off my tongue silenced the logic he was trying to find. “He always said I was nothing without him. I guess now we know exactly what he meant.”
Anger surged. In an instant, the man was a vat of rage.
Boiling.
Churning.
But I wasn’t afraid. Not of him.
“What does that mean?”
“It doesn’t matter.”
“Like hell, it doesn’t matter. Tell me, Tessa.”
Anguish gusted through me, and moisture clouded my eyes. “I thought I could get away, but I should have known better.”
I should have known he would hunt me down.
I had to get out of here before I put Derrick in danger. I’d warned him he didn’t want my mess, that he didn’t deserve it.
“Who?” he demanded.
“I…I need to go.”
I stood from the table, intending to pack my things and leave. Before I could make it a step, Derrick was on his feet. He flew around the table and boxed me in. “Tell me who you’re talking about.”
Tears fell, and I wanted to give it to him. Let him hold it. But how was that fair? “Just let me go, Derrick. I told you this wasn’t your concern.”
He inched forward, blocking me in. “No.”
I pushed his chest. “Please.”
He grabbed me by both wrists, hauling me close, his nose brushing mine. “No, Tessa. Not until you tell me what the hell is happening.”
“I don’t want to hurt you.”
“And I won’t let anyone hurt you.”
It was a promise.
A promise carved in stone.
And I was having the hardest time breathing, my lungs heaving in my chest, filled with the strength of this man.
Dizziness spun my head, and my knees felt weak.
“Derrick.” It was a whimper.
He wrapped me up, his mouth at my cheek. “Tell me. Let me take care of you.”
There was nothing I could do…nothing but trust him with my truth.