Free Tessa's Treasures by Callie Hutton

kinds of salads. I’ll even give you the coleslaw that comes with my ribs.”
    She sniffed and reached for the door handle. “No you won’t. You will eat it all yourself.” She turned to him and winked. “Every bite.”
    The noise from the band blended with voices attempting to rise above the music. A young hostess in skinny jeans, white blouse and a blue cowboy hat led them to a picnic-style table covered with a red and white checked oilcloth. “One tap beer and one white wine, please,” Lucas shouted over the noise and settled across from Tessa.
    She cupped her hands around her mouth, and leaned across the table so he could hear her. “I’m not exactly dressed for this place.”
    “You’re fine.”
    The band took a break as the waitress returned with their drinks, and took their order. Tessa excused herself for a trip to the ladies room. As she crossed the room, the gentle sway of her hips beneath the long flowered dress drew more considering gazes than just his. For a moment, his gut clenched—until he reminded himself she was with him, wanted to be with him. As she disappeared into the ladies room his mind turned to their day on the boat, when she’d been dressed in much less.
    And the tramp stamp.
    Nothing had ever turned him on as much as seeing that bit of rebellion on Tessa’s lower back. Even now, picturing it under her demure dress had him breaking into a sweat. He shifted on the bench to accommodate the reaction his thoughts caused.
    Old feelings for Tessa had resurrected when she fell into his arms, and the protective layer of ice around his heart from his soured marriage, melted after making love to her. The magic of joining his body with hers, knowing he’d given her an orgasm for the first time, brought out all the love he always knew would be hers for the taking.
    The band started again as Tessa returned to the table. Dinner soon arrived, so conversation wasn’t necessary. Lucas dug into his ribs and fries, and tried unsuccessfully to avoid the coleslaw, but Tessa kept pointing at it, lips twitching with humor. It was finally easier to just eat the damn stuff. It felt good, though, to have someone who cared about him. He could get used to that.
    He pushed his empty plate aside and stood up. “I’m going to the men’s room. I can stop at the bar on the way back if you want another glass of wine.”
    She dabbed at her mouth with the paper napkin and smiled. “If it’s all the same to you, I’d rather leave.”
    “No problem. I’ll be right back.” He made his way through the mob. He’d thought for a weeknight it wouldn’t be so crowded. He took the time to settle the check then visited the men’s room. Peaceful quiet descended on him as the door swung closed. Maybe I’m getting too old for this kind of place.
    As he exited, his gaze moved directly to where he left Tessa. The table was empty. He frowned. Maybe she was in the ladies room again. As he grew closer, he caught sight of her flowered dress out of the corner of his eye. She was on the dance floor with what seemed to be a drunken cowboy. Blood pounded in his ears when she attempted to push her partner away, but he grabbed her back with such force her fingers splayed across his chest like she was trying to create distance. Her mouth twisted in distaste as she arched back from his body, turning her head to the side. As he plowed through the crowd, Lucas saw her wince when the jerk’s hand grabbed her upper arm. Fear etched lines along her forehead.
    His hand clamped on the man’s shoulder. He glanced at a pale-faced Tessa, as her shoulders slumped with relief. “I suggest you let the lady go.”
    “Go git yore own gal. This one’s mine.” The words weren’t too clear, but the intent of hanging onto Tessa was.
    Every protective instinct screamed for release. “I’m saying this one more time, cowboy. Let the lady go.”
    The drunk shoved at Lucas' chest, which was all the incentive he needed. His fist connected with the