Back In The Bedroom (The Wrong Bed #29)(47)

After what might have been an hour or just a moment, Reilly lifted his head from the crook of her neck. “What the hell was that?”

“Our bodies saying good morning, I guess.” She slid off the counter. “Don’t look now but I think they like each other.”

He laughed. Laughed. “That’s an understatement.”

She went still and looked at him as he reached for his shirt. What was he saying? That it was more than like for him?

Even…love?

But as he pulled on his shirt and tossed her panties at her, he gave no indication of such a thing. Not a single sign.

“A bedroom,” he said softly, and kissed her again. “Next time, a damn bedroom.”

She just stared at him, confused. He smiled at her and she managed a smile back. As she went to leave his bathroom, he reached for her, cupping her face, giving her a soft, clinging kiss before letting her go, a kiss she’d never forget.



THE NEXT MORNING Tessa was dressing for work when the phone rang. It was Eddie.

“I’ve got a favor to ask,” he said. “I’ve got a client who needs a bookkeeper. It’s confidential stuff and he doesn’t trust anyone but me to send him the best and you’re my best, Tessa. You interested?”

“Oh,” she said. This caught her off guard. “But I still have today and tomorrow left at Reilly’s, and—”

“Yes, well, I know that’s been a terrible burden for you, working for my son. It was wrong of me to ask you to do it, so I figure this is a way to repay you. This new job will double your salary, plus it’ll give you the one thing you asked me for when you first signed with me.”

“What’s that?” She couldn’t think past one thought—she wasn’t going to be working with Reilly anymore.

It didn’t matter. It wasn’t like they couldn’t still see each other if they chose. And she chose.

But would he?

Would he want to continue what they’d begun? Given the heat they generated, given how he touched her, held her, she’d say yes, he’d definitely be interested in continuing their physical relationship.

But it would just be physical. If he felt more than that—which she suspected he did every bit as much as she did—he wouldn’t want to face it, much less admit it.

“You wanted to travel,” Eddie said. “You wanted adventure. I think this job’ll fit the bill, as it’s on a yacht in the Greek Islands.”

She sank back to her bed. “What?”

“It’s a three-month job and I just know you’re going to have the time of your life.”

Tessa went still. “Three months? In the Greek Islands?”

“My old friend is a world traveler. He’s currently cruising the Greek Islands with his financial business right on board with him. Isn’t it exciting?”

My God. Exciting didn’t begin to explain it. But—

“This will kill two birds with one stone,” Eddie said. “It’ll get Reilly back his favorite temp, Marge, and you’ll get what you wanted as well. Perfect, don’t you agree?”

“Perfect,” she agreed softly.



“CAROLYN.” TESSA SHOOK her sister, then plopped on her bed. “Wake up.”

Carolyn yawned. “Just take what you need from my closet. Quietly.”

“I’ve got the choice between the Greek Islands for three months or staying and making a complete fool of myself over Reilly.”

Carolyn’s eyes flew open. “Come again?” she queried.

Tessa sighed. “Greek Islands, or Greek god in my bed.”

“Some choice. Tell me about the paying option.”

“Eddie’s got a job for me on a yacht. But…”

“But… Don’t tell me that but is Reilly.” Carolyn sat up, looked into Tessa’s face and sighed. “It’s Reilly.”

Tessa smiled, too. “Yeah,” she admitted.

“So, I have to pick between some exotic water disease or a man I’m sure isn’t good enough for you?”

That caused Tessa’s first good laugh. “Yes, but remember, it’s my decision.”

Her sister nodded, looking amused and asked, “Then why are you here asking me?”

“Um…” Good point.

“Well, I vote for neither, if you’re still asking.”

“You know what? I’m not.” Tessa hugged her sister hard. “But thank you,” she whispered. “Thank you for always being there for me.”

“Wait!” Carolyn called when Tessa headed to the door. “Which is it going to be?”

If only she knew. “I’ll let you know.”

“Tessa! Come back here. Mom and I were talking and we decided you should go to work for Dad! He promises you an annual two-week vacation, sick days and health insurance—”

Tessa gently shut the door. She’d handle this, on her own. She’d surprise everyone.

Even herself.



REILLY GOT OFF the elevator. He was early, so he was surprised to see Cheri’s sweater hanging on the coatrack.

She came down the hall and smiled at him.

“How nice to see you two days in a row,” he said with just a hint of sarcasm. “Eddie didn’t need you today?”