The lights were on low and there was no sign of Tessa. I’d fended off the headache, mostly thanks to Tessa’s talented mouth. I’d spent the rest of the afternoon smiling, even as I’d had to endure a few more meetings. I was glad I hadn’t charged on with more work. If she hadn’t forced me to stop, I wouldn’t have.

Work had become a habit. Maybe an unhealthy one. I was self-aware enough to know I was fueled by my feelings for my father.

No, I was not thinking of that man tonight.

I dropped my laptop bag on the table.

“You’re home.” Tessa appeared, smiling.

Several things hit me at once. She looked beautiful. She was wearing a casual navy dress with a floral print. It had a V-neck, was nipped in at the waist, with long gauzy sleeves, and a swishy skirt to her knees. Her feet were bare, and I could see newly painted toenails in bright red. Her dark hair was in one of those messy buns women must know make a man want to yank it out.

Mostly, I realized how much I liked this. Coming home to her at the end of the workday. Having someone waiting for me.

She wound her arms around me, and I hauled her close and kissed her.

“How did everything go?” she asked.

“The deal is signed, sealed, and delivered.”

She smiled. “Congratulations, Mr. Langston.”

“Thanks.” I didn’t quite feel the burst of happiness and satisfaction that I’d anticipated, but I was happy.

“Watch out, Maldives,” she said. “There’s a hot new hotel on the horizon. We should celebrate. Go and change into something more comfortable.”

I arched a brow.

“That wasn’t code for anything, Langston. Change. We’re eating in tonight. It’s all arranged, but I need to get us a bottle of celebratory champagne.” She headed over to the well-stocked bar as I pulled my tie off.

I saw her nab a bottle of Dom Perignon and two champagne flutes. “I’ll meet you on the roof.” She darted off toward the stairs.

The penthouse had a private rooftop terrace. I guessed we were eating in the open air. In the bedroom, I changed into a pair of black lounge pants and a dark green Henley. I saw Tessa’s clothes hanging in the closet beside mine and one of her cardigans tossed over the back of a chair. In the bathroom, there were pots and bottles and makeup littered across the vanity.

In the past, I’d never wanted anyone, especially a woman, in my space. But now…

I shook my head and made my way up to the roof.

When I stepped outside, I stilled.