This wasn’t a restaurant. This was his home.
Tessa’s heart fluttered in her chest as she gathered her purse. This evening was going to be more intimate than she had planned. The thought sent a thrill of excitement through her as she approached the cabin’s wooden door.
Before she could knock, the door swung open, and there stood Matt—casual in jeans and a deep blue button-down that brought out the warmth in his eyes, his dark hair slightly damp as if he’d just showered. The scent of something delicious wafted from behind him, making her stomach rumble in anticipation.
“You came,” he said, his voice low and uncertain, as if he’d been half-afraid she might change her mind.
“I did,” Tessa replied, suddenly shy under his gaze.
Matt stepped back, holding the door wider. “Welcome to my home.”
“Thank you.”
Whatever happened tonight, whatever this was between them, she was glad she’d said yes. Glad she’d taken this step into the unknown.
Chapter Sixteen – Matt
“Come in.” He stepped back, and for a moment, he sensed her hesitation.
Maybe this was a mistake,Matt said to his bear.I should have booked a restaurant.
No,his bear replied.Just give her a moment.
Tessa looked down at her feet and then took a step forward, and another, crossing the threshold into his house. Matt wanted to slam the door shut and lock it, and throw away the key so she could never leave again.
I think Rachel might notice her friend is missing,Matt’s bear told him, even though he would love for their mate to never leave again.
“You have a beautiful home.” Tessa looked around, taking in the rustic wooden beams and the warm glow of the fire crackling in the stone hearth. “It’s so cozy.”
That was the plan,his bear murmured.A cozy den for two.
Matt could barely breathe as he watched her. She wore the same sundress as she had at the farmers’ market, only now she wore a cardigan draped over her shoulders. It took all his self-control not to tug it off, to reveal her bare shoulders. Shoulders he longed to kiss. Then he would slide the straps of her dress down and kiss lower…
“Would you like some wine?” he asked, his voice rougher than he’d intended. “I’ve got a bottle chilling in the kitchen.”
“That would be lovely,” she said with a smile that made his heart stutter.
“This way.” He led her through the living room toward the kitchen. The rich aroma of herbs and lemon filled the air. “Dinner’s almost ready.”
The kitchen gleamed with copper pots hanging from the ceiling and warm light reflecting off granite countertops. This was the center of his home, where he spent the most time, experimenting with new dishes for the restaurant. But now, with Tessa here, it felt like the heart of his home.
Matt moved to the open bottle of wine and poured two glasses of the pale golden liquid.
“This is from the Thornberg Vineyard,” he explained, holding out a glass to her.
As Tessa reached for it, Matt deliberately let his fingers brush against hers. The contact sent a jolt of electricity up his arm, and he watched her reaction carefully. Her eyes widened at the touch, her lips parting slightly as she looked up at him. Something intense and unspoken passed between them as their gazes locked.
Time seemed to stretch, the moment expanding until it contained just the two of them, standing close enough that he could smell the subtle floral scent of her perfume, could see the pulse fluttering at her throat.
His bear rumbled with pleasure.Kiss her. Now.
With enormous effort, Matt broke the connection, stepping back before he could give in to the urge. “I should check on dinner,” he said, his voice husky.
Tessa nodded, a flush coloring her cheeks as she took a sip of her wine. “This is delicious,” she murmured. “I can taste pear, peach, and honey.”
“You have a good palate,” Matt complimented as he busied himself with the oven, stirring the risotto and checking the salmon.
“I’ve never really thought about wine too much,” Tessa admitted. “But since you have introduced me to the Thornberg wine, I’m becoming addicted.”
