Jason knew the exact moment she walked in. He could sense her, feel her presence. And though it made no sense given the physical distance between them in the open-air beachside bar, he could swear he’d detected the smell of her perfume. A delicate scent of roses and lavender that carried over to his nostrils on the soft island breeze.
He’d counted on Tessa showing up tonight. This had been the most popular evening haunt of the wedding party when the current groom’s sister had gotten married to one of Jason’s closest friends, Jonathan. He’d been a groomsman at that particular ceremony, having known Jonathan since the first grade. Tessa had been one of the bridesmaids. Jason was drawn to her at first glance, pulled by a fierce physical attraction he’d never dreamed to experience. He hadn’t even tried to resist it.
Jason hadn’t even been invited to the wedding taking place this week. He’d barely gotten to know Clint and Rita, the couple who were now here on Maui for their own nuptials. But Jason had booked a ticket and a room on the resort as soon as he’d heard Tessa would be one of the bridesmaids.
He had to see her. And he had to make her understand. This was his one chance to try to get through to her.
A wealth of emotion flashed over her face when she finally looked his way and made eye contact. She was as beautiful as he remembered. Even more so.
Her hair was shorter now, but still long enough to plunge his fingers through the way he’d done a year ago.
He willed her to offer him a smile, though he knew it was too much to hope for. He was right. Instead of smiling, Tessa’s lips formed a tight thin line. Her eyes hardened with distaste. Even from this distance, he could see the subtle squaring of her shoulders as she looked him up and down.
Then she abruptly turned on her heel and strode toward the exit.
Jason didn’t hesitate. He ran after her.
“Tessa, wait,” he called out when he’d gotten close enough for her to hear him. Her stride didn’t even falter. Jason picked up the pace. It took more than a few long strides, but he finally reached her side.
Tessa never slowed down. In fact, she didn’t even acknowledge his presence.
Well, he’d come too far and missed her too much to let her just run off away from him now. Grasping her gently by the elbow, he turned her to face him.
“What do you want, Jason?” she demanded to know, her eyes shooting fiery daggers at him. She yanked her arm out of his grasp.
Such a simple question. She had every right to ask it. He owed her an explanation and more. Much more.
So why was it so damn hard to come up with an adequate response?