Page 12 of Beautiful Sight
Tessa shrugged. “Oh, maybe some other kind of business since I have no idea if you have a job or business to run.”
Jefferson mentally kicked himself for not sharing more of his life with his mate-to-be. Even though they’d known each other less than a day, she should know he was a successful entrepreneur and she wouldn’t have to worry about being homeless. “I own a number of small businesses, all of which have capable managers to handle the day-to-day work. Running the pack and working for the council takes some time, but I have an assistant who helps keep me organized. I’m letting go of work for the day to help my mate settle into her knew life. Marla will call my cell if there’s an emergency that needs my attention.”
“Oh, okay. Well, then, let’s get some breakfast,” Tessa said with a giggle and a wink. “Then I’m sure my alpha wolf mate-to-be will be needing a nap.”
Jefferson growled softly as sexual fire heated his blood even more than normal. “That sounds like an excellent idea. Now, what would my mate like for breakfast?”
He led the way into the kitchen and helped Tessa to sit on one of the stools on the far side of the island. Brushing a kiss on her temple, he watched as her face once again grew pink.
“Tessa?”
“I was wondering if I could have a grilled cheese sandwich. I know it’s not normal breakfast food, but it’s my favorite comfort food.”
Jefferson’s heart melted at the innocent expression she wore, and her simple request. “Of course. You can have whatever you like. While we’re talking about food, do you have any allergies or foods you don’t like?”
“Liver and melon of any kind,” she whispered, “and I’m not real fond of sushi. Other than that, I’ll eat just about anything.”
Jefferson nodded and turned to the refrigerator. “As long as you’re not a vegetarian or vegan or anti-red meat. Then we might have a problem.”
“Oh, no, I like meat,” Tessa said quickly and then squeaked as both hands flew up to cover her face. “Oh. My. God. I can’t believe I just said that.”
Jefferson chuckled as he finished preparing three sandwiches in a large skillet. “No need for embarrassment. I knew you meant food and not necessarily my man-meat.”
Tessa giggled wildly for several seconds. “Your man-meat?”
Now he was feeling a burning in his cheeks. “Cock, dick, schlong, man-meat, Mr. Happy, whatever you want to call it.”
Chapter Seven
Jefferson’s outrageous names for his penis had Tessa’s giggling grow to full-blown belly laughter. A moment later, she heard Jefferson join her.
As her laughter subsided, she gasped as the scent in the air changed. “Flip the sandwiches.”
She wished she could help, but from the sounds of Jefferson moving around the kitchen, he seemed to have everything well in hand.
Two minutes later, Jefferson handed her a plate and then a glass of something cold. Lifting it to her nose, she sniffed but couldn’t tell what the liquid was. Taking a sip, she was surprised to find it was milk. She took a bigger sip and then set the glass down. A moment later, she heard Jefferson settle on the stool beside her.
“Thank you,” she said softly.
“For what?”
“Everything. Taking me in, feeding me … everything else. I’m sure my appearance has turned your world upside down.” Because she didn’t know exactly where his face was, she kept her face straight ahead so it wouldn’t look like she was talking to his belly or something.
Jefferson remained quiet for a moment, then wrapped one hand around the back of her neck and turned her head to face him. He leaned close enough that she felt the breath against her face as he said, “You’re welcome. And no more thanking me for things that are my privilege. I am your mate. I want to take care of you, in all ways. Now eat before your sandwich gets cold and gummy.”
Silence settled over the kitchen as they ate. Once she finished, Tessa wasn’t sure what to do, so she folded her hands in her lap and waited.
“Would you like another sandwich?” Jefferson asked as he took their plates and carried them away.
“No, thank you,” Tessa responded softly as she heard the water run in the sink.
Not sure what else to say, she remained silent.
Jefferson moved so quietly, she did not hear him after the water went quiet. She jumped and flailed her arms when her stool suddenly twisted. A moment later, large, warm hands settled on her shoulders and began to squeeze and massage the flesh. She had not realized how tense she was until he began to work the knots out of her muscles.
“Jefferson?”
“Yes, tigress?”