Chapter 3: The Date

The next morning she was hearing noises coming from here kitchen. Looking at her clock that read seven in the morning. UGHH! WHY! WHY is it always my house. Except on Sundays breakfast and dinners normally at daddy Angelo's place. Getting up and getting dressed and trudging down the hall. "There is my beautiful girl." "Good morning Tia Gabby." I hug and kiss Jaxon's mom. Besides mama Ellie Tia Gabby is the only mother figure I've ever known. My father and Tio Eddie were best friends with Jaxon's dad Edgar. Edgar was like my hunter third in command, until lung cancer got ahold of him and took him a month Jaxon turned sixteen. Andres mom got caught in the middle of a shoot out at a fancy Gala in Spain her Uncle's party when a low gang thought they could took the Spain mafia on by themselves. Melina hid us kids at the time was about twenty-four hiding us in the panic room and she took them out herself except one had managed to get her in the chest and she bleed out on the way to the hospital. Hunters mom and dad were never married though he did try he loved her. They fell pregnant and she was ready to give up her life style so he paid her to keep the baby and never come back in their lives again or she will be shot on sight.

My closest friends all only have one parent left well. Not Dre' his father went as long as he could hold on for him and a month after Dre turned about seventeen. My dad treated all four of us like his very own kids. We are a broken family but together it feels more like home. I love my annoying brothers. We have no secrets in this house. Well not real big ones anyway. We're all raised to be human lie detectors. I've always been the best, since I've never had any real emotions. Well none readable anyways. Growing up people wondered if I had a heart since I was such a bitch. In reality I was never shown emotions until late except for all my friends parents, mama Ellie, papa Angelo, and Ian. Ian is a whole other story on his own. I miss him. The last secret I ever had was Ian. He was he heir of the Australian mafia. We did were always together he was apart of crew in the academy. We grew close first crushes, first boyfriend/girlfriend, among other first serious things. We were seventeen when we got discovered I thought dad was going to string him for target practiced. Until he realized it was the first time I ever shown real fear emotion. He understood how important we were together.

The Chinese mafia came down in an uprising taking a couple of families with them to dethrone us. Slaughtering all families who stood in their way. I was visiting Ian's family as we all went to the beach. Ian locked me in a cave type place and took off to help. When I finally busted out I got out in time to see three people holding on to only Ian and shot him in the face when he told them to go get fucked not giving me up. Just like that his whole blood line was gone. It's alright though they got theirs. I snuck in their home their territory and all the uprising families and some of their men. I found a way to video everything. I single handedly slaughtered them and their men leaving my kill count at over three hundred men in one evening in less than two hours and sent it world wide to the families as a warning I was about to turn eighteen. Dad was pist when he could find me for four days after the attack. He got there in time to see me rising up blood covered body. He was looking at me with pride, fear, love, and relief. I've never dated anyone again. Hook up with once in a while. Nothing has stirred me up that way until last night meeting Gage. Maybe it's a sign.

"Good morning family. Tio. Daddy." Tessa said kissing each grown man on the temple of the forehead as they gave her a half hug. Tio Eddie and dad never needed a woman they nagged each other like a married couple just fine. "I'm just saying if you worked your legs half as much as you do your cardio, you would be able cut your lag time in half." Tio Eddie was complaining. "Yeah and if you cut out eating like a pregnant woman you would be able to keep up on the runs. I swear the only thing you've been running is your mouth, especially on the tiramisu. Pick up a damn apple you lazy asshat." Angelo told him back snipping to him. "Good morning baby." Angelo added looking at her with a smile.

"You came in late last night when I called you where'd you go." Angelo asked as he cut into his waffle Gabby made them. Eddie and Angelo love Gabby as their sister and would also care for her until they were dead for the love od Edgar, and she was always there for his baby. Angelo was a devoted parent. He didn't care how awkward it was for him or for Tessa growing up all big talks and decisions he took full responsibility for. Worse yet he wanted to. The sex talk, the period talk finding bras he did it all. They learned together you can say. Tessa never felt embarrassed she mainly felt proud she had someone in her life who wanted to be there in the big milestones. When he took me all those years ago he really knew what he was getting into and never looked back. I'll always be thankful.

"We went out to the club last night to celebrate the beast here." Dre said with a smile and a mouth full of food. Angelo slapping him behind the head. "Chew your food hijo." "Lo siento pá." Dre' added. "Did you meet anybody?" Tia Gabby asked with a smile as all eight eyes were upon me. Jaxon and he guys smirked widely. "Yeah Tess, meet anyone special?" Hunter asked with a smile hen a painful noise came from as she kicked him under the table. "Calm down papa it's a club you meet a lot of people. I didn't drink more then like three drinks and I ate good with mama Ellie." She added looking him in the eye. "If it gets serious you tell me first. I mean it this time." Angelo warned her in a deadly tone. Jaxon looking at her in wonder until he shook his head and continued eating.

"OK now listen up as you know I've had Jaxon face as the V.P of the Dark Rose and that's the way it's going to stay until Tessa tell us different. She is still the Owner and CEO of the place. For her own request I changed her name for the office until further notice as Tessenia Moretti my mothers maiden name and you guys can run the main office. Understand. We will take of the other ones and make sure to check in with you. I will be organizing your party and in about six months you will be crowned our queen. You'll always be my princess though." Angelo winked. "You two will be with them Dre' you are head of finances, and Hunter you are marketing anyway." Eddie added. You guys are officially together ruling one kingdom, run it well. I know you'll make us proud." Gabby told them kissing all their heads.

"Maybe now you will finally leave this place and give your ol' man a descent nights sleep." "I told you dad I'm fine here. This will always be home." Tessa told him. "The richest woman walking this planet and you stay in the south west side. Ubers are scared to come out here." Jaxon told her shaking his head. "Yeah well we are better side with the forest behind us. "Yeah which people think is haunted because of all the bodies they think we hide out there." Dre' told her rolling his eyes. "Stupid dumbasses like we would ever pollute the water like that, that's the work of the low gangs who don't know what the hell they doing. You don't let bodies decompose in the water like that man we all the droughts the world has we need cleaner water." Hunter added as everyone else agreed with him then started a whole green peace talk and maybe how we can better some water systems in other parts of the world. Hunter would start putting fillers out for design teams. For murders and psycho paths at least they were very green minded laughing to herself at that thought.

"Get down to the gym now. It's no time to start slacking." Angelo told them all. "You call me. We have dinner tomorrow I'm busy in the morning. Yeah?" "Ok dad." She hugged him close to her as he left. The other two older ones left with them. As they got in two separate cars. Hunter and Dre in one and Jaxon and Tess in the other. "Why did you not tell Tio Angie about the Gage guy last night?" Jaxon asked her looking at her weird. She always been honest about a hook up no matter how much Angelo scolded her. "I. I don't know. I just didn't think there was much to tell." She shrugged. "Really you don't think going on a first real date since you were what seventeen. Like six years ago because your twenty three right now soonish twenty-four. You don't think that is a big deal, or much to tell?" Jaxon scoffed at her. Making her roll her eyes.

"Look Tess you and Ian dated for like what six years from when you were eleven to seventeen without telling anyone. I'm your best friend. I just want to look out for you. Just please keep me in the loop and you know deep down that's all dad tio wants too." "I know Jax. Thanks." "Maybe we could get a little more information on this guy before you go out with him tonight." "NO! No I'm not doing that. I', not doing a back ground check on the firs guy who actually caught my interest Jaxon. I want to know him the right way. That's probably why I didn't tell dad." "As your righthand I want to let you know how dumb that is." "Fuck you no it's not." "Yes it is you known this person for a few hours, what if there is some major skeletons in his closet? What if some cray crap comes to light in the media and shit? We can't have any of that right now, not yet." He told her as if her was scolding her as a child who got caught running in the road.

"Just chill. Hakuna your tatas there home skillet. He's fine. He's just a huge, tall, dark, handsome, nerdy, funny, sexy guy. I'm scared I'm going to taint his innocents." "Yeah you should be, because you probably will. Pyscho." Jaxon told her. "You almost as crazy as I am. Oh I got it by the way." "You got what he book?" "Yup, sure did. Once Dimitri and Antonio get her we can go down to the basement we get to try it out." She said smiling. "Yeah we've been tracking the damn scorpions for a while we just need Tony and Dimi there to gather them up and bring them in. I can't believe one damn gang thought they could steal from the mafias and they wouldn't find out." Jaxon started shaking his head. "Yeah by next month or so they should be here with the evidence so they can stand trial." Tessa said with a smile.

"They both have been on my jock about you this whole year. You know. What you going to do about that?" "Look I know we all are good friends and everything but that's as far as we are." "You know they would both give their left nut to be with you right?" Jaxon warned her. "Maybe it would be a good idea. You know them both since forever. You trained with each other, you know everything about each other. You get on with both their families I hate to admit it but once you get to know you, you are a very loveable person. Emotionless most times. Scary as fuck, but still loveable. I mean you can be yourself with them. Would it be so bad to be with someone from our side of the fence?" "No, there's nothing wrong with anyone form our side of the fence. I been there done that already. It's not that I'm holding back because I'm scared of being with someone of power again. I just want someone who gets my heart going and yet at the same time can calm it down. I just want someone I can be me with who reaches to me through my soul, heart, and body. Dimitri and Tony they just can't come through my soul at least. I mean I would do anything for them. Just I don't think I can marry them and make myself happy. So many girls would kill for them to look their way but it doesn't go deeper hen a lustful or friendly attraction to me." Tessa said told him as they were already hitting the punching bag.

"Well you know it's been awhile. They've changed. Besides they are both territorial and jealous naturally what are you going to do if things go well enough with Gage there and they come and find out. How much danger you think he'd be in then?" Jaxon smirked to her. "I don't know he's a big guy he looks and seems like he can hold his own. Besides I would never let anything happen to him. I'd kill anyone who tried." She told him in sa serious tone making even Jaxon flinch a little. "Awfully possessive of a man you just met Angel." He said flatly raising his eyebrow to her. "Just get back to work." She warned rolling her eyes. The hell is it with this guy. Jax is right I just met him and I'm acting like he's already mine. Damn what a lucky lady I'd be. Hmm… maybe that's it then. Maybe my heart already knows he's mine. How cruel would that be to drag him into my world. I think it's already too late to worry about that. I can't find myself able to let him go.' "Boss we got a phone call Bleeding Dragons wants a meeting on a change of shipment orders." Putting her gloves down and going into the office and waiting for some of her favorite runners to come through and video chat other suppliers for the academy's.

Meanwhile across town.

"Let me get this straight. That beautiful short little thing you left with picked you up. Took you to dinner and got you to go on another date. All of this AFTER you told her you was a dating virgin and big nerd." Axel asked him. "Why did you have to bring them with you. I thought we was close man." Gage whined rubbing his face sitting forward as his three best friends were just listening to him mouths gaped open. "Come on man don't hold on us." Vince moaned out. "Yeah don't be like that bro we came here to help you." Ace added on. "You came because you nosy little fuck-twads." "Yes, but still nosy fuck-twads who are going to help you get ready before tonight." Axel told his cousin. "I may be regretting all this already. Maybe I should call here and post-pone it maybe do some research." Gage said lowly.

"Oh no, no my anxious friend. You will not be getting in your own head. In your own way. Look all we got to do is get reservations at a restaurant. Then you can just go for a walk in that nice little garden they got down in the square there they got nice drinks you can get and it would be perfectly fine for a first date or second date of getting to know each other." Ace told him. "Really ok but where can I get a reservation in a few hours that would be even mildly impressive." Gage asked him. "See there's your problem. Based on the details you gave us about her, being kind of like you. Big flashy places are not going to impressive it doesn't seem like money means much to her. What was something she likes to eat?" Vince asked him.

"Chinese food is her favorite. Also steak houses and pasta. All the good places would be kind of where we were yesterday for Chinese. I like the garden walk idea so I think the Italian place down town in the square be good." Gage said looking around them as they all nodded. Picking up his phone Axel calling the restaurant. 'Yes hello I need to get reservations for tonight under the name Brooks.' 'I understand how busy you must be but surely you can squeeze in a able for two.' 'Yes this Axel, but I need the name to be for Gage Brooks. Yes that's right. Ok thank you.' "Man I tell you coming from a strong family name surely has it's advantages." Axel sighed happily as they were all top in their fields. "Ok go that done. Now you're all set for six." Axel told him. "Well what are you waiting for text her. It's already like noon man." Vince snapped to him.

Picking up the phone scared and shakingly he pushed call. 'I was starting to think you forgot about me.' She teased in that voice that made him both melt and smile. 'Trust me Tess you are a very memorable lady. I was just calling to let you know I'll be picking you about five thirty tonight.' 'You are. Well can I ask were we will be going so I don't dress to embarrass you.' 'There's nothing you can wear that would embarrass me, but if it eases your mind it's that little Italian place down town if that's ok.' 'That's perfect. I'll text you my address right now. I'll see you tonight Gage. Looking forward to it.' 'See you soon.' Gage hung up with the biggest smile on his face feeling calm and blushing like crazy at the same time.

"Damn dude you got it bad for someone you just met." Vince said shaking his head. "I don't know bro he lucky as hell Ace and I saw her before we left she was a straight up 10. That little honey turning men down left and right laughing away with this egg head right here." Axel told his friends as they were laughing. "I'm right here man. Standing right here. You see me." Gage told him in offense. "Hell people from space can see your big ass calm down. I'm just saying maybe you should dig up a little information on her. Just to you know make sure she is what she says she is. We all know how crazy woman are now a days." Ace told him in a warning voice. Gage knows how much they care about him, and how he's just looking out for him. It's just not the way he wanted to go about things. He wanted to do it like the traditional way. "I don't know man I think you just sit back and enjoy the ride." Axel told him as the voice of reason he always was beside Gage that is.

"Oh wait man here's her address. Where the hell is this at?" Gage asked getting the attention of the three others. Pulling it up on Google Maps and saving it for later his mouth dropped a little. "Well it's a nice place. An easy six bedroom ground floor classic house I love the grey color and he porch swing on the West and East side of the wrap around porch." Vince said supporting a smile. "I like the woods next to it." Axel said happily. "Dude that's the scary part of town. You sure that's the right place? Come on bro if she coming out of there you need to check into her. What would your mother do to her if she found any skeletons coming out of her closet and the media got ahold of it. You come from a strong family name your mama going to kill you." Ace said shaking his head.

"Well no. Now Uncle Sean would like her. There's more to life then appearances and money and tiles and all that other unimportant crap. I mean her house looks amazing it's just in a bad part of town I mean she's still a cool girl. Don't listen to this numb nut this is the first girl to put herself out there for you man don't toss her back in with the other fish. There's always more then meets the eye. Things are never as they seem. Enjoy tonight and see where it goes. Trust me you'll be glad you did." Axel warned him as Vince agreed to him. "You're right man. I wouldn't want to be judged by my background this is fine. It's not a big deal." Gage told him waving off. It honestly didn't bother him at all what side of Bell Brook she was from or on. It just matter if she actually liked him. The guys left after a little bit. Until he got a file from Ace.

'You maybe mad at me now for this. Just looking out for you bro.' Was the subject looking through it was a background check and a picture of Tessa. 'The fuck man how did he find this out. Tessenia Moretti twenty-three almost twenty-four graduated top of her classes. Job unknown, friends unknown, relationships unknown. Family one father, no mother, no siblings. No tickets or anything. Interests all same as mine. Likes to jog down the runners trail in the woods like I do just different days. Allergies Sea food, shellfish. Regular fresh water creatures hurt her stomach. No major or minor surgeries, and no past or present husband or children. File seems a little light. Weird. What's weirder is you reading it you hypocrite. There goes trying to figure it out the old fashioned way, I'll just fake surprise when we go over it later. It'll be believable if I ask questions about it.

The sound of the T.V. news show going off in the back ground. "Crime rates have dropped another fifteen percent world wide as other certain and new laws roll over nation and country wide. In other local breaking news The Dark Rose Company and all other related or partnered out with it will be seeing some major changes coming soon as the current owner is handing down the reins in a few months to his successor. Jaxon James current face of the company now as the V.P is excited for all the changes yet to come and is looking forward to the transfer. The next couple of months all will be doing it's part to make the process as smooth as possible including the new water system now about to countries wide for healthier better living. Later tonight." Gage turned off the T.V. smiling widely at the talk of all the good his job does. This is why I'm in this making the world better place company. Under new management soon now huh. Alright no big deal I mean how is really going to differ from me working the computers. No one else can ever hack as good as I can.' Gage smiled smugly to himself. "Shit." He muttered as he ran to shower, change, and get into the dark washed jeans and nice button down that highlight his body's best features.

Sitting in his car for a few minutes longer then he should trying to get the courage to get out of the car. Grabbing the bouquet or wild colorful flowers made his way to knock on the door. Opening the door he was lost in the how pretty she really was. The dark blue sun dress and flip flops, her hair down with loose big curls, and just eyeliner on to highlight her beautiful colored eyes. How can someone wearing something so simple stand out so loudly. "Gage. Earth to Gage." "Sorry what? Hi. You look wonderful. Uh these are for you I hope it's no to corny or anything." "Slow down handsome. First off hi. Second off these are beautiful and lastly you look very handsome as well. Please come in I'll get these in water real quick." Stepping inside to let him in. He watched her go off to the kitchen as he wiped his sweaty palms on his pants looking around at some of the pictures of kids on the wall he is assuming is her and her friends she was talking of. Before he could see the ones in the hall she came around the corner.

"You ready?" "I love you're book shelf." He was in awe of it a whole wall made into a book shelf by genre and author. Hell he could was getting a semi just knowing and seeing just how much her nerdy side meets his nerdy side. Most of the same books he's read and the others are on a special list. Special editions he never thought he'd see in front of him. "Thank you. I worked hard on that." "YOU made this?" Shocked. "Yeah I was looking at the wall on day and needed more room for my books. "I got two wall shelves in my office study. That took a good amount of time to get through." "Wow I'm impressed. Quiet the carpenter there. It's all so beautifully detailed. You should feel proud its truly amazing. Yeah I'm ready." Walking out the door while she locked it behind them.

"You have a beautiful home Tess, it's so warm and welcoming." "What were you expecting dark and cold?" She teased him as he helped her into his lifted truck, by lifting her up in. "I didn't mean like it that. I'm sorry." "Chill, Gage I'm just messing with ya. I get it based on where it is and all. I could see how you may have been iffy about coming all he way out here to get me." "All the way out here? Tess you like a good hard fifteen- twenty minutes away from my own place." "Really? I just figured a guy like you may have had some doubts pulling up to place over here. I wouldn't blame you." She shrugged. "What kind of guy do you think I am." He was a little insulted no matter how truthful it kind of was. "I think you're the kind who lives on the other side of the tracks and probably always has so he takes extra caution when he steps over to a side likes this and as well you should it can get dangerous the further you go back the other way. Look it's not a big deal Gage I know how you mean the compliment." She said placing her head gently on top of his that resting in the middle of them.

Gulping deeply he couldn't help but feel calmer as she did that. Looking at her quickly he noticed how content she was in the seat next to him. Man she looks great riding shot gun. Hope I goes alright tonight. Once they got there he helped her out of the truck and gave the keys to the valet. Holding the door open for her leaving smiling to him. Of course still being a guy he couldn't help but look down to the gorgeous view of how great the dress looked all the way down the back of her body going to the knees. As they reached the hostess she smiled to him and quickly unbuttoned a button to gain his attention. "Name sir?" Yup girls like this was a dime a dozen always trying to impress him for a minute until hey realize who he is then it's a different story. The same ol' story.

"Brooks." "Yes party of two." She said looking Tessa up and down who was just smiling to her lightly. "Hmm. Right this way." She tried to purr trying to be seductive. Gage didn't even notice. Following behind both woman he took the chair as he helped Tessenia in it. As he went to walk around he table Tess quickly and smoothly moved her foot to make the hostess stumble quiet hard without falling over. "Oh goodness are you alright there honey. Lord you almost fell so hard you could have spilt all your dignity out there luckily your blessed so small there wouldn't have been much to have shame with." Tessa told her in a sarcastically sweet fake voice. Only for the hostess to get red with anger and fumed away quickly. "Oh bless her heart." Tess said as she looked down to her menu. Gage confused on what just happened or what was said shrugged it off.

After they placed and received their order she kept seeing him look at her or peak glances at her. "What?!" She laughed out finally not able to take it anymore. "I just can't believe your sitting here with me. I don't think you know just how beautiful you really are Tess. I mean hell over half the men can't take their eyes off you. I'm one of them." "Well thank you Gage, but it seems your passing over the looks of half the females who would sab me with their stilettos to be sitting next to you." She winked to him that made his heart skip. "How about twenty questions." "That sounds fun You go first." "Alright what do you do for work?" Gage asked her. "I uh work at The Dark Rose." Looking quickly away for a second when his mouth hung open for a second.

"Are you sure?" He felt shocked. "Yeah I am. Is that a problem?" "I work for The Dark Rose. In the intelligence and other resources division. This is such a crazy small world. I mean I've been there for just a few short years right after college it was my dream job. I can't believe we've never ran into each other." Gage said proudly looking at her. Axel was right she is so much better the more he gets to know her. "Well I was working at another building but now I get to be working at the main head quarters building down town." "That's great maybe we could meet on lunches and stuff. I could even show you around if you want to get there a little early and get coffee with me maybe?" Gage asked her nervously. "That sounds great. I just have to be at my office by nine the latest." "That will be no problem I'll meet you at the front of the building by eight. What department are you in?" Taking another bite of their chicken alfredo.

"I uh work with all the CEO's kind of like an advisor and secretary type thing." She shrugged off and waved off. His mouth dropped open. "Wow that's incredible you must have worked so hard. That's great." Gage was staring at her as he was actually proud of her most men would be intimidated but he was genuinely proud of her. Her heart was starting to feel like it was beating fast and shaky. "No one's ever said that to me before, well that was a close friend. I appreciate that Gage." She told him as she felt honestly touched. "Well any one who understands how the world works knows just how hard it is to get in even as a janitor you are rocking it in the top. I'm proud for you." Gage told grabbing her hand from across the table holding and rubbing the back of it. Where did this bravery come from. It feels so natural.

"I believe it's your turn." He smoothed out. The night went quickly they went to get up to pay the bill. When Gage got caught with his foot on the carpet and ended up spilling their drinks all over her drinks. "Crap! Are you ok?" Rushing with napkins to help her clean up not realizing he was rubbing her breast in the process. Tess couldn't help being turned on and no even ashamed of how hard she was starting to get. "Gage!" She pulled him out of his head of trying to help until he saw what he was doing dropping them quickly. "I'm so sorry." "It's ok. I got it. No big deal. Aint nothing a little soap and water can't get out." She was calm for someone who just got her favorite dressed ruined. Not having the heart to tell him she made it herself. "I can get it cleaned for you." He told her sadly as they were about to walk by his truck.

"It's really fine." She laughed. Would you still be interested in going for a walk with me in?" scratching the back of his head. "Sure. Sounds nice." Rubbing her arms for a second. "Would you like my jacket from the truck you must be getting a little cold." Trying to be subtle as her nipples were still hard and showing. "Thank you that would be great. Starting to look like I could cut glass here." She teased him with a wink. "I'm so sorry. I guess maybe I'm just a little more nervous than I thought I was." Draping the jacket over her. It was a work blazer that matched her dress.

"Gage you don't need o be so nervous around me. I'm having a great time. From my point of view I think his going pretty great. Tell me some more things about you." Gage couldn't help but blush. They enjoyed some strawberry mango smoothies from a vendor in the middle of the garden. It was a good three hours before he even knew it not even adding the hour from dinner. "Wow It's getting pretty late. I should get you home." Handing a hand out to her to get up. "Always the gentlemen?" She asked in more of a question than a statement. "Only for you babe." I teased her with a wink. Once I got out of my own head. I somehow became much smoother guy. I relaxed and was just in the moment. Realizing how big on sarcasm she was, always full of joke it became so much easier to loosen up with her. I'm not where this side of me has been hiding for so many years but Gage was really enjoying it.

Walking her up to her door they were still in the middle of laughter after he gracefully helped her out of his truck and as they turned to walk up the walkway he tripped and took her down with him. Literally with him like directly under him. Leaving a tiny bruise on behind her shoulders, and a scrape on his knee a few of them since his pants around it ripped. "I'm so so so sorry Tess. I told you a was a spazzy nerd in my defense. I feel so bad." "Gage it's ok. It's gravel over here and it's all loose it's slippery enough on it's own. Hell I slip on it all the time when I come in from runs everyone is always trying to get me to get rid of it. I'm just lazy but seeing you all cut up from it, I think it's about time. I'm sorry Gage. Are you alright? I mean it was rather graceful the fall really." She laughed out to him again.

"Man you got jokes. Mean jokes but you got still got jokes. For real though are you ok? Is there anything I can do." "Gage everything is fine you're the one who bleed. Look stop stressing you sexy beast. I had a great time tonight. How was your first real date? Did it meet your expectations?" Tessa asked and for the first time ever she realized she was nervous. It was an odd feeling. "Well I didn't really know what to expect to begin with. Minus the beverage spill, and the tackle to the ground just now." He laughed off rubbing the back of his head. "I think it was a great. Did I meet your expectations?" "Not yet." She said flatly as she walked up and gave him a big hug then pulling her head away leaning as far as she could stretch while pulling him down a little before he knew what was happening she had smashed her lips onto his. Not wasting anytime his hands instantly wrapped around her waste getting drunk off her.

As she pulled away with a huge smile and what felt like the whole zoo in her stomach. "Now it's a perfect night." She purred to him happily He knew what was he doing with that mouth. "Yeah." Looking at her with the worlds biggest smile. "Did I cross a line with you just now?" "No, just happily surprised." "Well I have a theory where if you like someone and you get the chemistry going you got to make sure you got the physical chemistry to so nobody wastes their time wondering if they actually connected or not."

"That is pretty smart. What did you gather from tonight?" "I enjoyed every little thing about tonight and I wouldn't change one single thing even when you felt me up." Teasing him even further making him blush hard. "Would you like to do go out with me again?" Gage finally mustered up the courage to aske her. "I would love to. Are we still on for meeting up on Monday for that coffee and tour?" She asked running her hands up his chest. "Ya we are." Kissing him one more time. Thanks for everything tonight Gage. Drive safe." "You too. I mean goodnight Tess." Blushing hard he walked back to his car as he saw her go in and shut the door smiling.

Banging his head lightly on he steering wheel. "Stupid, stupid, stupid, stupid." Looking up to the knocking sound on the window. "I forgot to give your blazer back." Tessa told him. Rolling down the window she handed it to him. "Thanks again Gage." She smiled walking away. Sitting quietly he rolled the window back up and hit his two more times. "Stupid, stupid." Finally pulling out of her drive way making his way home. There was nothing that could bring him down for the rest of the weekend.

It was in the evening that Tessenia was passing the salad bowl to her dad as they had a nice steak dinner just the two of them. "Are you excited for you're first full day at the actual office tomorrow?" Angelo asked with a smile. "Yeah I'm meeting someone early getting coffee to start the day right." "That's sounds nice. Who are you meeting up?" "A guy who works in the computer division." Looking at her suspiciously. "What's his name?" "Is it important?" "What's going on my little flower?" Angelo asked raising an eyebrow. "You are just so, so good at that." "You're different today Tess. Not in a bad way mind you. I just never thought I'd see you this way again not since I-." When his eyes snapped to her waiting for her to confirm his theory.

"OK FINE!! I met a guy at the club the other day and we went to out to dinner last night. I'm meeting him for coffee tomorrow because he works there too. We had a great time and we are going to go back to another date sometime soon." "Were you going to tell me?" "Yes, eventually when I had something to actually tell that wouldn't leave more questions than answers." Pushing the meat around her plate slowly looking up at him. "You tell me before it get serious I meet him first before you get a boyfriend. Understand? No repeats of last time. I don't' want to find out you're in a relationship with someone again walking in a room while your saddled up on him. Somethings I just don't need to ever see." He told her in a deadly warning. "I know dad. I promise you'll meet him before it gets too serious. I just don't want to scare him off. I. I like him dad." She told him quietly enough for him to barely hear. A small smile went straight to his heart looking at his little angel in front of him. His biggest hope was for her to be settled down with a man who will take care of her should anything happen to him. No one ever seemed good enough though who better, stronger, smarter, and more dangerous than he around this world. Would anyone be able to be the man a woman like her is going to need?