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CHAPTER 6
Tessa arrived home to her Miami condo, tossing her keys in the dish on the credenza in her entry hallway. She crossed the living room to pull the blinds back, revealing her balcony and the stunning view of the beach. It had been her first major purchase with her raise. The house was decorated in a very minimalist style, with each piece of furniture carefully selected for comfort. Tessa slid her feet out of her Cole Haan patent leather heels, and after flopping her briefcase, purse, and laptop down on her abnormally fluffy bed, she ran a very hot bath with bubbles, flipped on the television in the wall near the tub, and began to sink into the water. The day had been ridiculously long and tiring. She had a multi-million dollar case that was headed for a mediation hearing prior to trial, and she was barely clinging to her sanity to get everything done in time. She had been working around the clock, writing briefs and preparing for depositions. Finally, she had a moment to herself. Her condo was silent other than the random noise of the television as she flew through the channels.
Tessa was half-heartedly flipping through the channel guide when she stumbled onto the show. It was his show. Oh, what the hell. Let's see what this is all about nowadays. She hit the requisite buttons, and suddenly there was a large image of John and some other tan Adonis on her screen. Tessa found herself wrapped up in what was happening; so much so that she stayed in the tub far longer than she intended and the water was cold before John's match.
She quickly jumped out and wrapped herself in the cushy towel resting on the ledge. Quickly running into her bedroom, Tessa grabbed the remote on her nightstand, and found the same channel on her bedroom television. After dressing in her favorite old t-shirt and spreading her work out on the bed in front of her, she watched the match, entranced by the back and forth between the two wrestlers. As the show ended, the image of John lying in the ring was the last that Tessa was left with. It got her thinking of whether or not to reach out…it had been quite a while and her phone had never rang from his end. She had been going back and forth regarding the situation for some time – her head was pleading for her to realize that things simply happen sometimes, and to let it drop. Her emotions and heart were not quite the same. Tessa had felt something for him, but was not sure if her feelings were unrequited.
She allowed her mind to keep control, and started working while she still had some energy to do so. After a good four hours of dedication, she shut her laptop for the night. It was well beyond midnight, but for some strange reason, Tessa was still wide awake. She took her phone out on the balcony, and curled up in her favorite lounge chair. The ocean was bringing in a cool, crisp breeze; it was one of Tessa's favorite things about this place. Her fingers had done the walking across the touch screen of her phone before she had another thought, and the message sent.
John had just left the trainer's room, having had his after show stretch and exam, waiving as he left. The arena was getting more and more quiet as people left for their hotels. He entered his dressing room, and pulled out his bag. His phone fell out as he pulled his basketball shorts and t-shirt from the duffel. He had just pulled his shorts up when the phone jingled to life. The name on the screen was someone he had been hoping to see for a while, but not expecting.
Not sure if you are around, but thought I would tell you that I caught your match tonight. John read the message several times, as his smile grew with each pass. His fingers flew across the screen.
Tessa was jolted by the vibrations of her phone. Picking it up, she realized she had nodded off, and she had a message. Eagerly, she pulled it up. I'm around. So what did you think? Too much spandex? Lol happy to hear from you, though. Was beginning to wonder what kept you.
Her conscious was trying to convince her that this was a bad idea, but her hands were apparently not listening. Well, you seemed fully covered. I saw you got several proposals for marriage. On your way to Vegas?
Her response made John laugh softly to himself. Nah. I did get some phone numbers, though. Shouldn't you be asleep? It's really late there.
It is late, but I have just given up on working for the night. It's a great way to relax. The last message from Tessa had a photo attachment, which, when John opened it, made him long for a vacation. She had quickly taken a pic showing the moonlight dancing on the ocean waves from her balcony. His mind went wild with the thought of having her near him, clad in that t-shirt he was so sure she would be wearing, and watching the waves crash the shore with her.
Tessa was sure that her picture would drive him crazy. She was right. Wow, what a view. Bet it's not the only view I would appreciate. ;) Wish I was there. And you knew it would make me say that, didn't you?
He had fallen for the bait. It was a minor affirmation to Tessa to know that she held a little pull over him, or at least his attention. I had a hunch. Don't worry that you are the only person working their fingers to the bone. I need a vacation where I just sit around. I'm sure you're like minded.
I am. Can't wait to get home. I bet there are quite a few palm leaves in my yard. Cars probably need some TLC, too. Tessa was a little confused as she read the last message. Palm leaves? Where was home, California?
Palm leaves? Cali has that many palm trees that shed?
John chuckled to himself as he exited the arena for his rental car. Tessa's response made him realize that they had never discussed where he lived. He shot back at her, yawning widely as the car started up. Not in Cali. Live in Florida. Tampa. Big garage. Come see it sometime.
I'll keep that in mind. Tampa, huh? Maybe. Goodnight John. Suddenly, she felt really awake and aware that there was not this amazing divide between them. It was a matter of several hundred miles – totally drivable in one day. She gave up thinking and decided to try for some sleep.
Goodnight Ms. Finch. John slid his phone into this pocket as the message sent out. This was a very good development. There was a chance, and John intended to capitalize.
Tessa was arguing with herself, which is berserk in and of itself, let alone what she was doing. Her rental and its GPS kept barking turns at her every so often. There was nothing sane about what she had agreed to, and the longer this drive took, the more she thought about turning right back around and flying home. But as she pulled into a drive and waited for the gate to be opened by the code punched in, she marveled at the building before her. Tessa parked the rental and climbed out.
The house was a massive stucco and brick structure, with a large garage, door open to the world. Several cars lined the inside; shiny, adored, and obviously expensive. The grounds were immaculately kept and despite having neighbors, due to the size of the homes around it, they all seemed isolated. Tessa opened up the hatch to her car, and pulled her suitcase from it. Just as she shut the trunk back, John's voice barked loudly, causing her to jump.
"You're here! Hello stranger!" John jogged out to her, and picked Tessa up, swinging her legs around as he turned.
Tessa managed a breathless hello. She had been invited to come to his home after several months of texting back and forth after their inauspicious start that clear, cool night. Since her mediation went better than she had planned, the other partners at the firm encouraged her to take a little time for herself. On a whim, she had succumb John's continual badgering, and found herself here. John set her down and grabbed up her suitcase as though it weighed nothing. He looked more relaxed and very tan; he had to have been enjoying his small break from work.
"Tessa, come on. So much to see." John whisked her into his home, and she marveled at the interior, which was even more grand than the outside. His house was decorated very well, with warm paint shades, tile and wooden floors. John led Tessa to a large, open kitchen. He pulled out a tall chair that was situated around an island in the middle of room. "Would you like something to drink? Glass of wine or water? Anything?"
Tessa held up her hand and smiled. "No, thank you. I'm fine." She turned around in her chair, marveling at her surroundings. "John, you have such a beautiful home. It's very nice."
"Thanks. One good thing to being gone so often is that I earn enough to get what I like. That, and I don't dirty the kitchen." He laughed as he leaned down on the island top. "I want you to make yourself at home, Tessa. I'm happy the have you here."
Tessa blushed brightly and smiled wide. She had imagined what it might be like to spend more time with John for a while, trying to ignore her rising anxiety throughout her trek up from Miami. Now that she was here, it was easy to remember why she had always carried such a flame for him. John's face was light, his eyes bright and that smile was massive as always.
"Anyways, let's get you upstairs so you can get ready. I'm taking you to dinner." John picked her suitcase back up, and waited for her to come beside him before leading her down the hall way and up the flight of stairs to the bedrooms. He opened a large door, revealing a light yellow room. There was a large bed and chaise lounge chair in the corner. "Bathroom is back there; totally full size, and just come on back down when you are ready. Let me know if you need anything." John set down Tessa's bag, and pulled her into a tight hug. "I'm happy to see you again, Tessa." Tessa took a long, deep breath, getting a smell of his cologne. He was intoxicating, and the sheer thought of his focus remaining on Tessa made her giddy. She realized that it was now or never, and she would have to make the trip worth it or refocus her energy. She had to make a decision about whether to pursue anything or not.