Free Desire Part Three (The Desire Series Book 3) by Ava Alexia

garden at ten o’clock tomorrow morning,” Tess said in hushed tones.
    “I’ll be there,” Jaclyn grinned.

    *****

    Tess had just settled in bed when it started to rain. She loved the rain but was not a huge fan of lightning. She closed her eyes to listen to the rain and no sooner had she done so; a flash of lightning illumined her dark room. She gasped and pulled the sheet up to her chin.
    “I’m here, Tess.”
    “Matt,” Tess breathed.
    He got into bed and pulled her close to his side. She snuggled against him, happy that he was there.
    “Afraid of a little lightning?” he smiled.
    “It’s not my favorite thing,” she muttered.
    “It’s just God’s way of lighting up the night so it won’t be so dark,” he said softly.
    “That sounds like something a parent would say to a child,” she replied.
    “You’re right. My mother said it to me when we had fierce storms in Kentucky,” he confirmed. “I was only five years old and scared out of my mind when a storm came. She would lie in my bed to comfort and protect me. I’ve never forgotten her words to me.”
    “They are reassuring words. Do you see your mom often?” Tess asked curiously. Matt had not spoken about his family.
    “Yes. She’s living in New York now and I saw her before leaving to come here,” he answered. “I’ll take you to meet her if you like. You will love her.”
    Tess smiled.
    “I would like that very much,” she responded.
    “Is Jax okay with storms?” he asked.
    “Yes. She’s probably sound asleep,” Tess replied.
    “Are you sure?” he pressed.
    “Yes, I’m sure. Believe me if she wasn’t okay there would be three of us in this bed,” Tess giggled.
    “Hmm. I rather like the idea of being in bed with two beautiful women,” he grinned.
    She punched his arm playfully.
    “I bet you do,” she retorted.
    Another bolt of lightning lit the sky along with a loud clap of thunder. Tess jumped.
    “Easy, sweetheart. I’ve got you,” he whispered.
    He tightened his hold on her.
    “I’m so glad you’re here,” she murmured.
    “I wouldn’t be anywhere else,” he replied.
    They fell into a companionable silence and listened to the rain. The lightning ceased but the heavy rain continued throughout the night.

    *****

    Tess stood before the dresser mirror attired in tan shorts and a green sleeveless crop top. She was brushing her long brunette locks when Matt came out of the bathroom wearing only a towel wrapped about his waist. He noticed that Tess was dress and sighed. It would be a bother to undress her but he could get it done in record time. He admired her tanned legs and arms; the results of being out in the sun on a regular basis. Her bare tummy drew him to her like a magnet. His fingers itched to caress the flat planes of her torso and massage her mind-blowing breasts. He then saw his hands travel down to unbutton her shorts and they both knew what would come next. He watched as she secured her hair in a ponytail and her smooth, luscious neck beckoned him. He moved to stand behind her and slid his hands around her waist. He bent to nuzzle her neck.
    “Why are you dressed?” he murmured.
    She leaned her head against his chest and sighed deeply. She loved it when he touched her but she had to stay focused and get to the garden on time.
    “I want to take some more exterior shots. Jax is going to tag along with me,” she said.  
    It wasn’t a lie. She would be taking pictures; she just didn’t tell him the subject of her photography. Matt froze. Did he suspect that she wasn’t being totally truthful? She met his piercing gaze in the mirror.  
    “I made plans for us today. I thought that you had completed your assignment,” he said.
    “Oh! What plans?” she asked nervously. She wasn’t good at deception.
    “I thought we could have a picnic at the waterfall. I’ve invited a couple of friends to join us. They should be here by mid-morning,” he explained.  
    Mid-morning. That wouldn’t give her and