Plot: Marcus Pike heads a highly efficient task force for many years now and his career is going up and up. She on the other hand is trying to organize her life from a trying ordeal when an unexpected event put her life on a spin again.
Character: Marcus Pike and female reader [For convenience's sake I gave her a name but feel free to change it]
AN: Marcus Pike was a guest character in the show The Mentalist. If you don't like the character, okay. I get you. Don't read the story. I respect your opinion but this is MY story and you don't have the right to tell me that it doesn't belong here.
Alert: Some smut.
CHAPTER 8
You deserve to be loved and chosen—
Not almost loved, or almost chosen.
~Bianca Sparacino
Theresa.
There. She finally got the name that she wanted to hear.
A name.
The name.
It all makes fucking sense.
It sounds like her name, if her name would have a few more consonants….
Marcus reacts to Tessa's name every time he hears it. Wouldn't you know he's not reacting to her name but it's his old flame's name! He's probably thinking about and remembering ALL the fucking things they've said and done in the past. What he said to her, what she said to him. What he did to her-for her-with her and what she did to him-for him-with him….shit!
What was she even thinking about? Just because this man begins to flirt and pay attention to her would that mean she's supposed to jump into a relationship, begin to plan a future with him?
She has decided. She can't have a relationship with Marcus. Not now. She's too raw. She's too hurt. Anything right now is like salt on a wound. Stinging. Painful. Shirley didn't need to tell her not to be in a relationship at the moment. She didn't want to.
She had made the decision as soon as Marcus told her the name. She was the ghost that haunts him and she came back. He said he would not go back to her. Trust a man to tell the truth? She did that. Look where it got her.
She's not falling for that again.
She's not settling as a rebound.
Not ever.
-o0o-
Sound came back like an explosion in Marcus's ears. The loud honk of the bus behind him jerked him back into awareness.
"Shit!" Marcus hurriedly slid down the window. The noise invaded the SUV: car horns blaring, people's loud voices, the shrill sound of a whistle. He turns to the traffic aide thumping the hood of the SUV for his attention. "Sorry! The gas!" The officer waved at him impatiently. The man motions to him to fix it while his other gloved hand gestures for the others to wait.
He pretends to fiddle with the gas and the pedal then revved up the motor for that convincing sound. "Okay now!" The traffic aide gave him a nod and motions for him to move on. Marcus gave the man a salute and crossed the intersection. Damn it!
"What the hell did I say?" Only when he turned to a corner did he ask the question out loud. A frown briefly appeared on his forehead as he went over their conversation. "Why did she get angry?" He was trying his best to answer her dammed questions. How did he get himself… "How the fuck did I fall for her Q&A session?!" Marcus grips the wheel in anger. Like a scalpel those questions were cut with surgical precision. They began in small cuts, but soon she's making deeper incisions that draw blood, and before he even knew it he's being dissected like a frog, each of his organs neatly arrayed around him. "English teacher, my eye! That woman should have been a surgeon!" This is becoming a little complicated for his comfort. He should never have opened up his feelings too soon.
Tessa thought she was trying to get close to him, to get to learn more about the man he was. She was getting close to the truth.
Well, like an idiot he gave her permission. He told her he likes her so naturally the next step is the 'getting to know you' stage. And even if he or she has no romantic feelings for her it's still normal for people to get to know each other. They live in the same house, they have a professional association so at some point they need to get to know something about each other. Normal people do that.
But he is not one of the normal people. He will never be; his job, his skills, his experience do not belong to normal people.
He must have been mad.
Also, he's been out of practice. Way out of practice.
For the real thing, that is.
As a highly trained operative he could simulate attraction, passion and even love to get what he wants. To get results. And he was good. He was very good.
No matter his skills in the field this is real life.
Their first meeting was kind of a disaster.
The second was the same.
He was almost, almost successful in getting on Tessa's good side yesterday and today then it all went downhill.
Marcus suddenly shivered. He didn't believe in that superstition of someone walking over their grave or some stupid shit but he felt suddenly cold.
-o0o-
With a deep breath Tessa leans away from the door to lock it. Shit! Her hand quakes again. She clenched them together but her jaw began to tremble as if she's cold. Tessa gasps as she brings both hands to her face. She hates herself a little but she couldn't stop when she started. Why did she ask….
No, she had to. It was needed. It was necessary.
Unlike before, this time she vividly remembers what happened after she left Marcus stuck in the middle of the road.
When she opened the door of the black SUV the sun was like a torch on her skin. The sound of the avenue and the various hum of the vehicles as she maneuvers between them to get to the safety of the sidewalk was kind of deafening. The vehicles around her were like F1 cars revving up their machines ready to beat one another to the finish line for when the red light turn to green.
As she steps on to the sidewalk Tessa happened to glance at herself reflected on the glass door of a shop. When she turned around to face the road, there, four vehicles away, she could see the SUV right in front of her. Through the clear windows she could easily see the remaining occupant.
Marcus.
Their eyes met.
He looks to be in shock, unmoving.
In her chest, a sensation twitches; it feels as if something's wedged there, pressing in. For a moment she regretted what she did.
She could still go back.
Tessa almost stepped off the curb to retrace her steps to the SUV.
The light changed.
It's not to be.
It was hard to breathe in the heat and her throat was suddenly and strangely parched; she thought that she might faint. The heart went from flutter to hard thumping. Her heart started fluttering after Marcus drove off into traffic. She bought a bottle of water from a vendor who looked at her shaking hand with concern. Looking around she spotted a vacant chair inside a pharmacy.
"It's hot outside." Thankfully the cashier was kind and understanding and the lady allowed her to stay. The interior was blissfully cold. The cold air began to calm her down and the cold water helped steady her nerves and hydrated her. As Tessa holds the cold bottle to her neck she fought the urge to cry. She could still see him in her mind…
Marcus didn't move even though the cars and all kinds of vehicles race by.
She could feel his gaze through the passing cars.
His eyes looked lost, hurt, a little angry.
-o0o-
Back in the house the shaking in her hands had stopped. This is why she hates confrontations; it feels like she's gonna have a heart attack. She gets into a cold sweat, her whole body trembles and her hands shake.
With feet dragging as she's still trying to get her energy back Tessa headed to the dining area to get some water. And that's when she noticed what the kitchen looked like: the pot of Bolognese sauce was left uncovered on the stove, the colander of pasta was forgotten in the sink, the various packs of ingredients that Marcus used for the Italian dish are still scattered on the counter.
The kitchen is like her life…messy.
With a tired and resigned sigh she dropped her bag on the table. She wanted to clean everything before she retires in her room.
Before Marcus comes back.
Tessa gave out a loud sigh slash groan. Let's get to work.
From the overhead cabinet she took two containers and transferred the sauce in one and the pasta in another. Both went in the fridge. While the two pots and other various utensils and containers are soaking in soapy water in the sink she took one of the plastic shopping bags and swept the wrappers, packages and small empty containers in it.
Next, she wet the sponge and dropped a small glob of detergent on it and began scrubbing the marble counter. Just like this morning when she cleaned the kitchen she had to move some items on the counter so everything can be cleaned thoroughly.
One of them is the knife block.
It looks custom made; big and heavy with lots of slots. The knives look custom made as well. There's a Damascus steel and a Japanese chef knife in the collection. It's quite impressive. Knowing how Marcus likes to cook and the way he cuts vegetables it's not too far-fetched to assume that the knives are his.
She grabs the big and heavy knife block with both hands. As she pulls it towards her a green can tumbled over. She looks at it dumbly as the can of Parmesan cheese rolls on the counter and to the floor.
"What are you doing there?" she murmurs to the can of Italian grated cheese. "Don't tell me, either he forgot he bought you or he put you there intentionally." She wipes her hands clean before she picked it up and took it to the table where she placed it there with a thump.
From the corner of Tessa's mouth she tasted something wet and salty. Confused, she brushed a hand there. Her fingers went up to her cheek to the wetness coming from her eyes. She didn't even realize she'd been crying. She found something in her bag to dry her face but she pulled out Marcus's white handkerchief. "No, you go back there…" she mumbles. The offending cloth went back in the pocket and instead she found one of her own in another compartment.
Her movements were faster and more focused when she went back to cleaning. She even surprised herself that she finished the dish washing and other small clean ups in record time but cleaning is very tiring and she couldn't resist the pasta.
"Like him or not the damned guy can cook. If only he's not shady as hell." Tessa grumbles under her breath as she was polishing off the Bolognese that she left from her own plate from earlier.
Good thing about food it would never lie to you. It comforts and makes you feel good.
She could never be angry with food. Thank goodness.
-o0o-
"Hello, Director Pike. Welcome back." The receptionist gave Marcus a bright smile. "Coffee?"
"Hi. Uh no, thanks. The ambassador?"
"He's waiting for you. Follow me, please. This way." The woman went ahead then after a few steps walks abreast of him. "How do you like the country so far?"
"Great. I've been here before."
"Oh, really?" She stops and faces Marcus. "Any place you like to go?"
"The sea. The mountains…"
"Sounds awesome." The receptionist looks up at Marcus with a red-lipped inviting smile, she took one step closer to him. "I know some places that you might be interested in."
"Thanks." Marcus returns the look. He's familiar with that kind of smile. He follows where her eyes went. "I'm kinda on the job at this time but I'll think about it." She likes his answer because she gave him a look that's full of promise that he could claim for a later date should he be inclined.
"Very good, Director," She knocks on the door and at the same time slips her name card in his breast pocket. The wide doors open and the ambassador steps out. "Director Pike, sir."
"Good. Let's get you settled, director. This way."
As Marcus follows the official he gave the woman a quick glance. "By the way, am I officially confirmed, sir?"
"Yes. Congratulations! Welcome to the diplomatic corps, monsieur attache'!" Marcus warmly took the man's hand with a big smile.
"Thank you sir. So where are we headed?"
"Physical exam." The ambassador smiles at him reassuringly. "Just the run of the mill heath check and some bells and whistles."
"It means?' His eye follows where the man taps his arm. "I see. Do we have extra?"
"Extra?"
"Uh…I mean for present and future auxiliary staff."
"We have enough. You and your staff have your own supplies."
"Do I have an office sir?"
"Of course, it's near mine but it's being cleaned and sanitized at the moment."
"Great. When do I officially begin?"
"Today. After your physical HR has some papers for you to sign then Ms. Green will give you a tour of the place."
"Ms. Green?"
"My secretary, Sasha. You talked to her a while ago."
"Ah. Ms. Green. A tour sounds great."
"Ms. Green will come for you in two hours. I'll be attending a formal event early this evening so I'll need to leave early."
"But when are we going to begin the preparation?"
"After four days."
"Four days? Why?"
"The doctor will explain. Don't worry. Everything is on schedule. I'll leave you in good hands, Mr. Attaché'. See you in four days."
They shake hands again. "See you then, sir. I look forward to working with you, Mr. Ambassador."
-o0o-
It feels like Tessa's having some déjà vu about cleaning for the second time today. It's starting to annoy her. It's not because she's not into cooking it's because in her line of work she doesn't have a lot time to prepare food. Her usual way is to go out two or three hours before lunch. She would then go to one of the many restaurants commonly seen and conveniently placed in many places. She could choose any kind of dish paired with rice and have it to go. Everything sold is freshly cooked and hot and reasonably priced too.
Tessa would grab all the food or things she needs for the day and head back home. She does not go out again until the next day.
Tessa just realized that this is a problem for her now. The nearest 'store' which is a small shopping mall is about two kilometers away. The gate is about a block away but it's a very long block consisting of fifteen or sixteen large houses which is the standard size for Marcus's village. It's a long walk on foot.
She'll have to go shopping for groceries every week. She'll have to stock the refrigerator lots of food. How about Marcus? How will their arrangement about the house and logistics go?
Tessa's jaw hardened in anger. Unfortunately the thought of Marcus made her think of Theresa again.
How much of his actions were just a pretend? What if everything was about Theresa? What if the 'long time ago' Theresa was not really over?
When he sees her does he see Theresa's face instead? What does he want? To try to recreate what he didn't have with Theresa? Have it with her? Is she going to become Theresa's stand in?
He might have said a lot of words aimed to convince her before that but his actions; getting lost in his memories of Theresa, imagining her having his son.
The car felt as if it's full of Theresa's presence. She had been told to leave…he didn't want her there.
Red flags. Flags as big and as wide as a bullfighter's red cape.
Tessa is not about to ignore those big red signs.
Not this time.
-o0o-
"All done?"
Marcus looks toward the voice. The receptionist, Ms. Green, sits in the metal waiting chair outside the infirmary. Her name is….Sasha. Yes.
The woman is stunningly beautiful; straight dark hair falling over silk emerald blouse, beautiful firm breasts, the black leather mini-skirt further enhances those long shapely legs crossed over black stiletto heels.
The woman looks on while he rolls down his sleeves. "That's what the doc said." Marcus reaches up to fix the collar of his white shirt. He just looked away for a moment and then she was in front of him, her hand over his to turn the collar down.
"That's good to hear." Ms. Green spreads and slides her hands on Marcus's shoulders as if she's smoothing the cloth. Then she took the blazer hanging from his arm and helps him put it on.
"Thank you."
"All part of the service." Ms. Green looks up at him expectantly, "Ready for your tour?"
Marcus frowns after checking his watch. "It's past 7 already. Maybe we can do it next time?"
"You have a point but would you like to see your office? They're done cleaning it."
Marcus couldn't decline her again since he had said 'no' to her invitation once. Hearing his office is ready he got kinda curious to see where he'll hold office as the Inter-agency Attache'. He gave her a polite smile, "I see. Sure. Lead the way."
"My pleasure. I'll guide you back." But instead of going before him she took his arm with a smile. "Where in the states are you from, Mr. Pike?"
Marcus notices Sasha stopped calling him 'director.' "Texas. And you Ms. Green?" The embassy is now quiet and Marcus was a little thankful that Ms. Green would at least help him avoid getting lost in the many twists and turns of the hallways. The executive offices were far away from the main business area of the complex. They walk at Ms. Green's pace; it feels like they were a couple taking a leisurely stroll along the Seine.
"Call me Sasha. I'm from Seattle."
"Ah, best known for Pike Place Market."
"Yeah! Any connection?" Sasha pulls away a little to look up at him.
Marcus discretely averts his eyes when the V of her blouse reveals a little more cleavage. "None whatsoever but I'm always asked about it. People think that I or my family owns it or something."
"Do you miss Texas?"
"I do sometimes. I miss the food."
"The commissary held a month long Texan food fest two months ago." They crossed a garden with a covered path with two large ponds on either side. The grounds were beautifully lit. There was a light breeze from the bay.
"Damn! Too bad I missed it."
Ms. Green smiled at his fallen expression and squeezed his arm a little for comfort. "We will have a welcome party for you. Any requests?"
Marcus got confused, "Requests?"
"Tell me what food you like, music, alcohol, a plus one…." She gave him that look again. "I make all the arrangements. I can also arrange a permanent residence. There's one nearby. I think it's perfect for you. Care to see it?"
Shit. "Wow, that's a lot to take in for now. I think I will defer to your judgment on the food, music and alcohol. I'll take care of the rest."
Ms. Green raised a well-shaped brow at 'the rest'. "Good then. " Sasha let his arm go to open a door five doors away from the ambassador's. "Welcome to your office, Mr. Pike."
-o0o-
"It's done!" Tessa whispers happily as she logs out of her teaching page. Her classes ended one and a half hours ago. There were supposed to be four classes in the evening but two students were absent; one a kid and another, an office worker. When she checked why the two schedules were in red the direct messages from the teaching page told her what happened to her students.
She was actually glad that she didn't have a lot of classes. That horrible episode with Marcus today made her kind of distracted, out of her head. Good thing her last student was one of the fun kids in her class and for fifty minutes she sang songs and laughed with her student. But after she said goodbye she has to come back to reality of what was bothering her the most….but she has lesson evaluations to do first so she kicked that thought to the back burner.
There was a commotion outside her window which is the covered laundry area. She leans over the glass; the cleaning tools and some buckets that were under the laundry sink were scattered and upturned. It sounds like two cats were fighting. They were hissing and yowling at each other.
Oh, that goddamn tomcat! It might be one of them who bit Cleo! Hair flying and on a mission to avenge poor Cleo Tessa hurriedly left the room, keys in hand and grabs the heavy broom in the kitchen. When she finally got out to the garage the two male cats slipped out from the padlocked metal gate that separates the garage and the laundry area.
One is orange and the other is a gray-black male and in their absorption with each other they didn't even notice Tessa looking from behind the corner. They are still battling each other; hissing then clawing and tumbling on the concrete. Tessa winces; the fight was savage and she didn't dare break it.
Then suddenly as if they sense something the cats froze in attention and just like that the fight ended. One ran back inside the laundry area to jump to another house and the other ran to the street. All that were left were bits of fluff from the fur on the ground.
But Tessa had forgotten the two felines already; she was excited to see the large square patch of moonlight at the garden. She looks up in amazement at the clear sky and the almost perfect orb that is the moon.
Tessa ran back inside the house and into her room, opened the cabinet where her large plastic bins were stowed and grabbed a tall, rolled mat beside it. She also took her phone and earphones, her shawl and hurried back out.
She rolled open the woven sea grass mat in the middle of the garden and sat cross legged on it. She attached the earphone jack in the phone and lay back on the mat while she places the earphone speakers in her ears. A deep sigh made her feel better as she gazes at the soft light from the moon. She closes her eyes after she tapped the 'play' button for her playlist.
-o0o-
"Do you like it?" One by one the light in the room illuminates Marcus's new office. "Come in, Mr. Pike."
"Wow..." He couldn't help but whistle.
"I know, right?" Ms. Green smiles at Marcus's wide-eyed expression. "Over here is your wet bar and a six-seat table. This room is like a mini-house; it has a small kitchen there. It even has an en suite bath, shower, toilet. Even a room with a bed."
Marcus shrugs as he enters, looking around. "I'm not much for offices. I'm not usually there." Hands on hips he stands to face the large heavy desk. The surface is still bereft of any name plate yet but there is a lamp shade. It's quite impressive, he had to admit. His office at the bureau cannot even be compared to this luxury. Plush is the word that comes to mind. He shakes his head in disbelief.
"Because?"
"I'm usually with my team." Marcus goes around his desk to test the executive chair. Nice. Very nice.
"At the FBI?" The woman smiles when Marcus smiles back to delay his answer. "I read your file, of course. My grandfather was in the Bureau too."
"I see." Marcus nods in understanding.
"Grands, that's what I call my grandfather, used to have your eyes."
"My…eyes?"
"Guarded and always alert. I know he keeps a lot of secrets." The woman walks slowly toward the desk and sits on it, facing Marcus; the side of her leg very close his arm. "What do you hide in there…." Her hand reaches out to cup his jaw, the thumb gently caress his cheek. They look at each other. Sasha leans down to him, their faces inches away. "Hmm, Mr. Pike?"
Marcus glances at the door that he didn't remember closing. Ah, the fast-moving Sasha. His gaze returns to the beautiful woman in front of him, her half-hooded hazel eyes, the slightly parted luscious lips. Her hand began a rhythmic caress of his cheek and neck. He couldn't help but close his eyes. Damn. That feels good.
As she leans on her elbow on the desk the side of her right breast presses warmly on his left arm. The V of that blouse is just waiting to be unbuttoned so he could finally see how beautiful they were.
Sasha's eyes follow when his right hand moves, laying a hand on her slim waist. She gave him a look that tells him to go on, to continue. Their eyes close as their lips touch. He pulls himself closer, sliding the chair until the front of his chest made contact with hers. Their lips devour each other, the pass of their tongue long and sensuous. As Sasha lies on her side on the desk, his lips went from her lips to her chin, licking and kissing the smooth skin. She bares her neck for him. She tastes good. She smells awesome.
Her other hand joined him on her waist and guides his hand toward her thigh, toward the edge of her skirt. She left his hand there as she reaches up to unbutton further the front of her silk blouse.
The further skin she exposes is where Marcus's lips followed. He let her bare what she wants to bare. His lips went where she wants him to lick and taste.
A breathy sigh came from her when he licked the nipple close to him, flicking the tip of his tongue on its hard tip. She arches her back, offering it more. Her groan made him stiffen and pulse as he took the dusky nipple in his lips, sucking it hard and flicking his tongue over it. Marcus's right hand that Sasha left on her thigh slid between them. He felt himself harden at how smooth and silky those thighs were. She lifts her other leg when he found her; when his warm fingers slid aside the lace panties and began rubbing her folds, palming the junction. Sasha grasps his shoulder at the pleasure of his fingers sliding inside her and he didn't stop until she was breathless and her hand was almost gripping the back of his head. She came in a moan, gasping his name, her hips buckling, her thighs trapping his hand between them.
She was breathing hard when he let go of the left breast then he took the other and gave it the same attention. "If you make a lot of noise…" The woman nods and opens her legs more for his fingers to explore. Marcus slides a thumb up on her slick entrance and she moves her hips to meet it. He watches her reaction as he began to slide in and out of her. Her soft moans have further hardened him to a painful point when her walls tightened around his thumb. Sensing her readiness for him Marcus stood; the chair rolled away and hit the bookshelf behind him.
"Please, Mr. Pike…Shit!" The woman jumped at the shrill sound. "What the fuck?" She grabbed at her open blouse and hastily stood up. She was baffled that Marcus casually took out a device from his pocket and motions for her to be quiet.
Marcus took a deep breath before he clicked the call button. "Call me in fifteen." The 'end call' beeped.
"Work?" the woman made last adjustments to her clothes. She looks calm and collected as if she didn't just have two orgasms from his hand. On the fucking new desk.
Shit! What the fuck did I just do? Marcus looks up with a start at Sasha's hand on his cheek. He thinks of the words to say…
"Hey, don't be worried. I wanted this to happen."
"I'm sorry, Sasha. I didn't know…"
"Who is Tessa?"
"What?" he whispers.
"You called her name when you gave me the second…" She took his hand, the one that gave her such pleasure and placed a kiss on the palm, her scent is still there. "She's one lucky girl."
"She's not my girl but she's amazing…"
"She wouldn't become your girl if you don't tell her, Marcus. Go to her. Tell her the truth."
"I can't…." Marcus gulps, he removes the device from his ear. "She's been through some personal trauma. She likes me too but…"
"...she's not ready. No one's ever ready, Marcus. You want her, you love her. I bet you want to do to her what you did to me."
"I'm sorry. I already offended one girl today…"
"I'm not sorry and stop apologizing. Goodness, I'm not a high school girl!" she chuckles.
"I don't deserve her."
She stood there looking at Marcus looking lost. She caught Marcus's eyes again. "Yes, you do. You need her. She also needs a man like you." She said insistently as she grasps Marcus by the lapels. "Do you know when the only time Grands lose that lost and guarded look? When he's with my grandmother. Her love kept him grounded, kept his demons away." Sasha let him go and smoothed the blazer. She bit her lip. "I still would have wanted to know how you feel inside me…." She gave him a disappointed shrug. She walks towards the door.
-o0o-
Marcus came home surprised to see Tessa lying in the garden; cross legged as If she's sitting down. One leg propped across a bent leg. Marcus taps the toe nearest him and smirks when she jolted and pulled off the earphone cords. Her face is priceless.
"You love scaring me to death." Tessa's glare only made him chuckle.
"You give me a lot of reasons to scare you to death."
"You're back."
"Yeah, I'm back." Marcus threw his blazer on the garden stool. "Do you have room for me?" He whispers 'thanks' as she scoots to her left. She looks on as he removes his shoes and kneels on the mat. "I was curious about this thing in the closet. Interesting." He runs his hand on the woven grass mat.
"This was a gift from Leslie."
"Your American friend." Marcus sighed as he lies down beside Tessa.
"Best friend."
"I stand corrected."
"This is a moon bathing mat."
He paused from putting his hands behind his neck. "The moon…what?"
"Leslie's house had a large balcony, almost the same size as this garden. When the moon is full we would moon bathe there."
"Do you need to remove your clothes?"
He sounds like he wanted her to say 'yes'. Her shoulders shook with laughter. "Yeah, I bet you'd like that, huh?"
Marcus's pouty lips got pouty some more, "It's an innocent question." He smirks at her 'yeah, right'. He looks up at the moon. "I've never done this before. It's relaxing."
"Look up at the moon?"
"No, lay down in the grass with a pretty girl." Tessa snorts again and said 'yeah, right' in a murmur. "So young. So cynical."
"Whatever." Tessa removes her earphones and set the phone on her stomach.
"I'm sorry." Marcus turns his head slowly. Tessa has her eyes closed. The light of the moon puts the beautiful curves of her face in chiaroscuro*.
"I'm sorry too." Tessa holds up a hand. "Let's leave it at that, shall we? Today is collateral damage day."
"Yes, ma'am." He glances at Tessa's phone. "What were you listening to?"
She looks over at him with that gentle look in her eyes that draws him in, "Ever heard of Chillhop?"
"You know, I've never met anyone that I've learned so much from in such a short time. The fantastic coffee, the jar opening, the moon bathing, the…what again?" he points to her phone.
"Chillhop."
"Chillhop…you're amazing."
"Thank you." Marcus was glad that she accepted his words this time. "Wanna listen?" Tessa held out one earphone to him. He accepted it from her with a soft 'thanks.'
"Hey…this one sounds hot." He drawls.
"What do you mean?"
"It sounds like it's good for…"
"For…?" she looks at him in askance.
"What other songs do you have?" he quickly asks then…"What are you giggling at?"
"Nothing."
Marcus turns quickly on his elbow, "I didn't say anything." He lifts a brow.
"You didn't have to. I dare you. What do you think it's good for, hmm?" she lifts her own brows to him in that sassy way.
"For this." Before Tessa could react Marcus's lips covers hers.
"Marcus…" she turns her head a little away but his hand brought her back to his lips. "Marcus…what…."
"Tessa…"
"Marcus, you're burning up!"
-o0o-
A/N:
Chiaroscuro /kyärəˈsk(y)o͝orō/ noun-the treatment of light and shade in drawing and painting.