"I suppose." Humor lit her eyes.
But his uneasiness wouldn't leave. "How far along were you when you miscarried?"
"Twelve weeks." The words came slowly and warily.
"What does Dr. Faraday say about this baby?"
She looked suddenly affronted. "Mind your own business, Chase."
He leaned close, in her face. "You are my business, Tessa." He braced his hands on the Jeep, on either side of her head, hemming her in. "You aren't going to lose this child," he said with absolute conviction. "He's got Madison blood in him. And if I have to watch you every second of the day, I will."
Great. Now she'd turned him into a bloodhound-slash-nanny. "Look. I'm not stupid, Chase. I'm very careful. And I got this far—" she gestured to her belly with both hands "—without you."
He pressed softly against her, hearing her breath catch and loving the feel of her tummy between them. For a moment he simply stared into her belligerent green eyes, then, like a falcon to his prey, he swooped down and covered her mouth with his.
Tessa jolted, dropping the water bottle and pushing at his chest. She turned her head to avoid him, but he followed her mouth, tasting her over and over. And then she let him. He held her motionless without the touch of his hands, his lips and tongue rolling lushly over hers, driving ripple after ripple of hot excitement through her body. Her mind screamed to hit him, gore him, but she couldn't. It felt like centuries since she'd been kissed and never like this. Oh God, never. Her legs felt weightless, and he kissed her. Moans escaped her throat and still he kissed her, and kissed her, until she wasn't pushing him away, but gripping his shirt by the fistfuls. She wanted more and when he slid his tongue over her lips, she opened for him, deepening their kiss, exploring the flavor of him and letting the sensual pull of this man take her somewhere new. Ohh, Chase.
Chase felt the moment she gave in, felt her soften deliciously, her breathing quicken with his. Her body rose to greet him and he wanted so much to hold her in his arms, but didn't dare. This was more incredible than he had imagined. He could do this forever, just stand here, loving her mouth. And when she opened for him, he thought he'd come apart and he struggled to control his need for more. Yes, more. His fingers flexed on the cool metal frame of the Jeep and he knew he was close to erupting, too close. Before he did something stupid, he drew slowly back, stealing a short, soft kiss.
Tessa opened her eyes, expecting to see smugness in his expression, yet found only breathtaking tenderness.
"You didn't make this baby by yourself, Tessa." He brushed a wisp of hair from her face, watching his movements before catching her gaze again. "And I might not have had the pleasure of being inside you first," he rasped near her ear, a shiver dancing down her body. "But a part of me is now."
He retreated suddenly, forcing her to lose her grip on his shirt. He looked down at the wrinkled fabric, then back to her. Instantly, she lowered her gaze. But the message was clear. There was more growing here than a child.
Abruptly, Tessa pushed away from his Jeep and headed to hers, taking a moment to catch her breath before starting the engine. She'd messed this up good, she thought, avoiding a look at him as she drove off the lot, pebbles and dirt spitting with her speed. She'd given him a piece of herself in that kiss. And she couldn't take it back.
Chase watched until the dust cloud dissipated, then sagged back against the Jeep. He closed his eyes, his hand trembling as he pushed his fingers through his hair. He blew out a long, slow breath. If the woman only knew how much power she had over him and used it, he'd be in trouble. Lord knew, he was deep in it now, his jeans so tight across his hips he thought he'd split the seams if he so much as moved.
He'd never wanted anything as much as he wanted this baby, wanted to be a dad.
But after experiencing her desire, he wanted Tessa more.
* * *
Five
Chase hooked his thumbs in his belt loops and stared up at Tessa. They were back to square one. He could tell by the cold way she addressed him from her front doorstep. It was as if nothing had passed between them, as if they had never shared a mind-boggling kiss just hours ago on Lot 404. "I understand how you feel about the packages, Tessa. I thought I'd get them out of your sight."
Tessa wiped the perspiration from her face and throat with a towel slung around her neck. "That isn't necessary, now."
"Yes, it is," he said, advancing, inviting himself in. Two men followed and she stepped back to hold the door.
Inside, Chase stopped short. When he'd seen the gray Victorian house, he'd expected ruffles and lace and feminine clutter like her shop. No place for a man. But the spacious, rustic interior of her house made him feel welcome, relaxed. He could almost see a dark-haired little boy skidding across the wide polished floor like a Surf Ninja. The image made him smile, the tension leaving his body.