Good Girls Don't

He looked up at the ceiling and took a deep breath. “The answer is still going to be no. But I’m going to New York for a few days, so I’ll sit on it until I get back. A week. That’s the best I can do.”

“Thank you so much, Mr. Kendall. That’s all I ask. Just a few days.” She rushed forward and grabbed his hand. “Thank you,” she said again, shaking his hand too hard.

He finally extricated himself and waved her toward the door, and Tessa walked out surrounded by a bubble of hope. She didn’t even sneer at the receptionist as she passed. A few days. A few days of not panicking, and she just might pull off the impossible. If only she could get all the men in her life to cooperate at the exact same time….

LUKE LOOKED OVER the pile of files to see Simone grab her jacket and walk out of the station without a backward glance. Sure, it was quitting time, but she could’ve at least waved on her way out. Or given him the finger. She was clearly still pissed about him following her. Well, that was fine. He was still pissed about everything else, so his self-righteousness was safe.

Closing the manila folder in front of him, he transferred it to the short stack of files, and grabbed another from the tall stack. He and Simone were going through every commercial break-in from the past two years to see if they could link any of them to the newer robberies. Five hours later, and they hadn’t found a damn thing.

He was thankful for the quiet of the glassed-in conference room, but the stark fluorescents were giving him a headache on top of the headache he’d had when he came in. Luke closed his eyes and laid his head against the seat back. The tight muscles of his neck stretched. His spine popped. But his mind still twitched like a dying fish. He’d come back to Boulder to simplify his life. Yet another failure to chalk up on his list.

When his cell rang, he ignored the first few chirps before he stretched and looked down at it. He couldn’t have been more surprised by the name on the screen than if it had been Santa Claus.

“What the hell?” he muttered. He hit the call button and put the phone tentatively to his ear.

“Luke?” a sweet voice said.

“Yes.”

“It’s Tessa. How are you?”

“I’m … Yeah, I’ve been better. I wasn’t expecting you to call.”

“Oh. Did Jamie talk to you?”

“Yes,” he said, his muscles tightening anew. “He did.”

Silence drew between them for a moment, and then he heard Tessa inhale on the other end of the line. “Is it true? About your partner?”

He closed his eyes. “No.”

“Does everyone think it’s true?”

“Yes.”

She sighed and Luke waited for the next question. “Why?” she finally asked.

And Luke found himself telling the truth about it for the first time. “Everyone thinks it’s me because Simone and I are close. We were best friends. But we were never lovers.”

“So who’s the father?”

It was Luke’s turn to sigh. “I don’t know. It’s a long story.”

“You sound sad.”

Sad. Yeah. That actually made him smile. “I guess that’s one word for it.”

“Pissed?”

He smiled wider. “Maybe.”

“Do you want to talk about it?”

Luke frowned at the pen he was pushing around the table. “I don’t think that’s—”

“Come on. Just come over. Bring me dinner.”

“I …” Okay, this was awkward. Given any other circumstances, he would put up his hands and back slowly away from a hot virgin with two protective older brothers. Why the heck did she have to be the only person who managed to make him smile these days? Damn it, he said silently, rubbing a hand over his eyes.

“All right,” she said, her voice pulling down in disappointment. “I understand. I guess I’m the definition of complicated.”

Her? Good God. “Don’t be stupid, Tessa. I’ll be there in half an hour. Burgers okay?”

“I assume you mean burgers from the Sink?”

He grinned at the table. “I do.”

“Cheeseburger with guac,” she said quickly. “No onions. And park behind the house.” With that reminder of how idiotic they were both being, Tessa hung up the phone, probably afraid he’d call it off. Because any sane man would.

Yeah. That sounded about right. Any sane man.

At least he could claim one small comfort. There was no possible way he was sleeping with Tessa Donovan tonight, so she was probably the safest woman he could have dinner with.

“Even I’m not that stupid,” he muttered as he packed up his files and grabbed his keys. “No way.”

CHAPTER SEVEN

HE WASN’T A MISOGYNISTIC asshole with a pregnant girlfriend. He was just a hot single cop who was bringing her a cheeseburger.

Tessa smiled as she fired up the stereo, damn happy with the way this day was turning out. It might even call for a little Van Morrison. Yeah, it definitely called for Van Morrison. Tessa turned on “Brown Eyed Girl” and danced into the kitchen to finish tidying up.

She’d saved the day—probably—and now she was going to get the man—maybe. What more could a girl ask for? Feeling a lovely bond with all the other women in the world, Tessa typed up tonight’s Twitter message and sent it out.

Feeling my Celtic roots tonight, ladies. You know what that means. Come on by & and say sláinte.

Jamie had been wearing his kilt tonight, and their Twitter feed was already buzzing with it.

She was still grinning when a car door shut in the alley behind her house, and Tessa rushed to the back door to open it. But her smile fell when she saw Luke. He looked exhausted. As if five days had passed since she’d seen him and he hadn’t slept a wink since.

“Luke! You look awful!”

His brow crumpled even as his mouth turned up at the corners. “That’s a terrible way to greet a man who comes bearing burgers.”

“I’m sorry! You just look tired.”

“Fair enough. I am.”

Tired, but still hot and strong. So she kissed his cheek as she took the bag from his hand and led him into her lair. “Red wine with burgers, do you think?”

He raised an eyebrow.

“I don’t want to think about beer tonight,” she explained.

“Red wine, it is.”

Half a bottle and two burgers later, they were sitting snug on her couch with the music turned down to a whisper so they could talk. “So tell me why you look so beat up today. Big murder case?”

“You’re determined to turn me into a TV show, aren’t you?”

“Well, for a minute there, you were headed into Jerry Springer territory. I’m trying to steer you back toward CSI.”

“Oh, right. That.” The tightness around his eyes told Tessa that this was what had been weighing on him.

She raised her eyebrows and waited.

“I don’t really talk about it.” He paused as if that would be enough, but Tessa didn’t let him off the hook. “My partner. It’s complicated.”

“Complicated as in … you’re in love with her and she has a boyfriend?”

“No!” He shook his head. “But you put it in perspective, I suppose. Complicated as in, she’s pregnant and she won’t talk to me about it.”

Tessa felt the exact moment when her heart began to melt. She could actually feel it go warm and squishy inside her. “I’m sorry, Luke.”

“She’s not married. There’s no boyfriend. She’s alone.”

“Maybe she’s okay with that.”

His frown turned angry for a moment. “That’s the thing. Simone would be okay with that. So why the hell isn’t she?”

“She won’t tell you anything?”

“Nothing. And I …” He raised a hand as if he were going to make a point, but his fingers hovered, half curled, before he dropped his hand to his knee. “I just want to fix it.”

Aw. Tessa took his hand and curled her feet beneath her to scoot a little closer. Men were such adorable creatures. He was going crazy because he couldn’t fix everything for his partner.

She stroked his fingers until they curled around hers. “How far along is she?”

“Seven months, I think.”

“And she wasn’t dating anyone last year?”

“No. Not that she told me.”

She wove her fingers between his and stroked his thumb with hers. “Is she … Is it possible she, um, went to a clinic and did it herself?”

Luke sighed, and his body relaxed back into the couch as if someone had cut his strings. “It’s possible. I’ve never asked her if … She doesn’t date much, so there was talk. Stereotypical bullshit, and it’s nobody’s business but Simone’s.”

Tessa squeezed his hand.

“But … I thought she’d tell me.”

She cocked her head and studied his face as he stared at some faraway spot. “You’re sure you’re not in love with her?”

He smiled and his eyes finally found her. “It’s not like that between us,” he said. “Promise.”

“I’m glad,” she whispered, and his eyelids dipped. He stared at her mouth. Tessa suffered a nearly irrepressible urge to lean forward. To taste him. To lick at his bottom lip until he devoured her. But she didn’t kiss him; she just stroked his thumb, over and over. Luke blinked slowly, and then he pulled her in.

Triumph roared in her blood, but it was premature. Luke’s mouth hovered over hers, but their lips didn’t touch. Her breath quickened. His hand curved around her neck. For a long moment, Luke rested his forehead against hers.

Just as it occurred to her that he might not kiss her at all, Luke whispered, “Damn,” and his lips touched hers.

Tessa’s heartbeat jumped to a frightening pace. He kissed her so softly, but she could taste him as his mouth parted, slowly opening her body to him. His tongue touched hers and she gasped into him.

Oh, God, he tasted good. So good. Tessa’s body went hot in a sudden rush of lust. She spread both her hands on his chest, but Luke didn’t deepen the kiss as she’d expected. His hand stayed light against the back of her neck. His tongue still teased her. He seemed content to taste and taste again. But Tessa wanted to drown.

Something about this man inspired a strange mix of urgency and vulnerability that turned her into a bundle of need. Clearly, Luke wasn’t laboring under the same burden. His tongue slid over hers with such slow sensuality that she found herself whimpering, hoping he only needed a hint.

But no. It was just his mouth on hers, his fingers against her neck. Then his other hand rose to spread over her shoulder, and shivers shot along her skin.

Screw it. She was all in. Tessa eased closer and straddled his legs.

“Mmph,” he said against her mouth. Ignoring his surprise, she pressed her belly to his and took advantage of her new leverage to kiss him deeper.

Luke groaned and his fingers finally tightened against the back of her neck. The roughness of his hands only made her hotter. She was wet already, aroused as all hell, and they’d only kissed. Tessa wrapped her arms around his neck, burying her fingers in his hair so she could press her body more firmly to him. The hand that had been holding her shoulder slid down until his fingers framed her ribs.

Now, finally, his kisses grew rough. Gorgeously rough. His mouth tasted of heat and wine, and the scent of his skin clung so tightly to him that she had to press closer and closer to get enough of it. Her shifting proved that she wasn’t the only one aroused. But when she rolled her hips into him, Luke jerked his head back, breaking the kiss.

“Wait,” he gasped.

Tessa froze. What the heck?

“We can’t …”

“Can’t what?” she asked with a frown that felt decidedly grumpy.

“Can’t … do any of this.”

Tessa scooted back a little so she could meet his gaze. “Do you have a girlfriend? Not your partner, but someone else?”

“No. That’s not it. I don’t have a girlfriend.”

“Good.” She started to scoot forward again, but Luke’s hands gripped her hips and held her back. He shook his head, his eyes going wider as each second passed. He looked … scared?

“What’s wrong?” Tessa pressed.

“Nothing! I just … I should go. That’s all.”

“You’re kidding. You need to leave right now? In the middle of this?”

He didn’t answer, just watched her as if she might grow tentacles at any moment.

Tessa shrugged. “Just give me a few more minutes.” She leaned in and kissed him before he could say no. Her ploy worked for a moment. He moaned when their tongues met and immediately picked up the kiss where they’d left off.

She would’ve smiled if she could have, but Tessa didn’t want to frighten the man. She had him just where she wanted him: under her and falling fast.

And it felt good. It felt good and that was all she wanted right now.

NO, NO, NO, Luke’s brain was chanting, but the message broke up before it reached his body. Her mouth was so hot. Just pure wet heat. He wanted to get deeper. Deeper inside her fiery body. Good Christ, what would that feel like?

Stop! his brain bellowed. Luke’s body jerked at the command, and he managed to pull away. “Stop,” he groaned.

This woman was a virgin. He had no intention of taking her virginity, so there was no point going any further. His resistance was more effective this time. Tessa scrambled off his legs and stood in front of him.

“What is wrong with you?” she demanded.

So many things. But he wasn’t going to add “deflowerer of innocent women” to his list of dubious accomplishments, so he croaked out, “Nothing,” and pushed to his feet.

Tessa backed up and crossed her arms. “Well, you look like you were having a good time.” Her eyes dipped down to aim her gaze at his lap.

He fought the urge to shield himself from her sight. She probably understood what happened down there, anatomically speaking. Her brothers hadn’t mentioned anything about a convent education.

“I’m sorry, Tessa,” he said, holding up his hands in surrender. “I shouldn’t have come over. I’m honored, but …” He backed away, heading for the door.

“Honored? What the heck are you talking about?”

“Look,” he finally said. “I know, okay? I know.”

“Know what?”

“About your …” He made a vague gesture toward her middle.

Tessa shot an impatient glance down her body. “This is getting really weird, Luke. Just go.”

She’d given him permission to escape, but now he couldn’t move. Tessa’s sweet face was creased in a frown of confusion. He’d rejected her, and she didn’t know why. If she’d really wanted to have sex … Surely that kind of rejection could scar a virgin for life. What if he permanently damaged her blossoming sexuality? His mind spun with horror.

“Go,” she said. “I won’t jump you when you turn your back on me. Shoo. You’re free!”

He should never have come over. This was too much pressure. Luke turned up his palms in a helpless plea. “Maybe we could just watch a movie or something. Get to know each other as friends.”

Tessa drew herself straight and gave him a tight smile. “You seem like a really nice guy, Luke. Honestly. But I’m starting to get a weird Madonna-whore-complex vibe from you. And I don’t feel like watching a movie. Or pretending to be a saint. So I’ll see you around, okay?”

“Madonna-whore complex?”

“It’s a psychological term for men who—”

“I know what it is and I don’t have it!”

“Oh, come on. You think I’m nice. You’re honored that I’m sexually interested in you? And then there’s the pregnant woman you want to save. The first step is admitting you have a problem.”

He’d been cursed. He was sure of it. Cursed to never have a simple, straightforward relationship with a woman. But he was a willing participant, wasn’t he? He’d come over here knowing damn well that he shouldn’t. Then he’d kissed her because … just because he’d wanted it so badly. And she was way off base about his interest in her. He thought she was nice and he wanted to fuck her all at the same time.

Tessa growled and squeezed her eyes shut. “Oh, just go already! You look so cute standing there. It’s not fair.”

He could not leave like this. There were too many rumors floating around about him as it was. He’d be damned if he’d add sexual deviant to the list. Luke took a steadying breath, and he said it. “You’re a virgin.”

Her jaw dropped and she took a step back. “What?”

“Not that there’s anything wrong with that, but … I can’t pretend I don’t know. I’m sorry. This is incredibly awkward.”

Tessa uncrossed her arms and held her hands up in a calming motion. He recognized it because he’d used it a thousand times in his career. “Okay, I’m not sure what kind of fantasy you’re creating here, but I don’t want any part of it.”

“Fantasy?”

“Yeah, it’s a little early in this relationship for role-playing.”

“Are you kidding me? I stopped you!”

Her eyes slid to one side and then the other, as if she were searching for answers in her living room. “I don’t understand. Why would you think I’m a virgin?”

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