Page 96 of Grumpy Boss in Love
“Understandable.” April nodded.
As everyone chatted, I noticed that Tessa was quiet. She had a wistful air about her as she sipped her champagne. Lucy seemed to have noticed too because she subtly watched Tess. I glanced at Lucy questioningly, and she shrugged.
* * *
I walked to the kitchen, knowing I’d find Tessa there. The others had opted to stay in a hotel because they didn’t want to crowd Elliot’s penthouse, but Tessa chose to stay with us.
“Hey,” I greeted, taking a seat around the island.
Tessa, busy whisking something in a bowl, glanced up. “Hi. What are you doing down here?”
I shrugged. “I knew I’d find you in the kitchen baking at twelve a.m. because that’s what you do when you have a lot on your mind.”
Her lips quirked. “I hope you and Elliot don’t mind me invading your kitchen.”
I snorted. “Are you kidding? The way Elliot raved about your breakfast this morning, I think he might ask you to move in with us. I wouldn’t mind either.”
Tessa grinned, flashing her adorable dimples, yet she still seemed sad.
“Are you alright, Tessa?”
She glanced at me. “Sure, why?”
“You seemed sad earlier. You still do. I’m worried about you.”
She sighed and pushed the bowl aside. “Don’t. It’s nothing…” Her eyebrows snapped together. “Well, it’s just that I get a little depressed when I’m around everyone. You girls are all married and happy, starting families, and I’m alone.”
“Oh, Tessa…” What could I say to make her feel better?
“I’m happy for all of you,” she added.
“I know that.”
“But I can’t help feeling left out sometimes. I’ve yet to experience an epic romance.” She laughed softly. “There was a time when I balked at the idea but seeing how it’s worked out beautifully for you guys, I want it now.”
Reaching across the counter, I placed my hand over hers. “And you’ll have it when the time is right.”
Her expression twisted into doubtful lines. “Not everyone is meant to find true love.”
“But—”
“Hey.” She tapped my chin like she used to when we were kids. “Stop worrying about me. Don’t you have a husband waiting upstairs? Get outta here, kid.”
I rolled my eyes because I knew I was being dismissed. Tessa was nicely telling me that she was done talking. “Fine. I’ll see you in the morning. Good night.”
“Night.” She waved me off.
I stepped into Elliot’s and my bedroom, sulking.
Elliot was sitting up in bed reading. He glanced up when he saw me. “Uh-oh. What’s with the pout?”
“Nothing,” I chirped, wiping away my scowl. I took him in with a blossoming smile. He had on his glasses. “Ooh. Professor Sinclair has come out to play… dirty, I hope. So hot,” I purred crawling into bed to straddle him.
The corners of his mouth twitched, and his eyes twinkled as he put his book on the bedside table. “You know, I’m starting to get jealous of the professor. You’re way too obsessed with that guy.”
My giggles surrounded us. “Don’t worry, Prince Westwood, I have the hots for you too,” I whispered, pressing my lips to his.
With a growl, he flipped us over. “No playing with either of us until you tell me what’s wrong.”