Chapter 14

Parker

I watch Tess from across the Christmas festival, something in my chest stirring as she throws her head back in laughter. Even at a distance, her vibrant energy radiates deep in my soul. I absently stroke the nose of a goat in the petting zoo I'm manning, but my eyes are fixed on her.

"Easy there, big fella," I murmur as the goat nudges my hand for more attention.

Tess's pixie-cut blonde hair catches the lights strung above town square. She moves with an effortless grace, drawing eyes wherever she goes. My fingers itch to run through that soft hair, to pull her close and...

I clear my throat, forcing my mind back to the task at hand. Damn, it's near impossible.

The festival hums with life around me. Children's gleeful shrieks mix with the twang of country Christmas tunes. It should feel familiar, comforting. However, with Tess here, everything seems new and electric.

"Having fun over there?" my friend, Skylar, calls from manning the adjacent booth with his family vineyard’s wines.

I nod, not trusting my voice. Fun isn't quite the word. Mesmerized, maybe. Captivated.

Tess moves through the crowd with easy charm, stopping to chat and laugh. Her enthusiasm is infectious. I find myself grinning just watching her zest for life, but then frowning because I’m the one who’s pulled back from moving things forward with us.

What would it be like to be part of her world? To match that energy, that passion for new experiences? The thought both thrills and terrifies me.

I watched how Levi approached Tess and her family. His easy grin and relaxed posture grated on my nerves. Yes, he’s one of my friends, but he’s still a nice dude, and one that she could definitely be attracted to. He leaned in, saying something that made Tess throw her head back in laughter. My jaw is now sore from clenching so hard.

Fuck.

I’m still staring at her as she’s talking with her brother and sipping a hot drink when she suddenly turns, and our eyes meet across the crowd. Her smile widens, and she gives a little wave. The simple gesture sends warmth flooding through me, momentarily drowning out the jealousy.

I’m being irrational; I know she’s into me and we’re building something.

Yet, I wonder if that's enough. If I’m enough.

With my last serious girlfriend, we were together for two years before things fell apart. She always said I was too set in my ways, too afraid to try new things. In the end, she left for the city, claiming I was holding her back.

Damn it.

Could I be doing that same thing to Tess?

The thought of stifling Tess's vibrant spirit makes my chest ache. She's like a wildfire, beautiful and unpredictable. I want to bask in her warmth, not extinguish her flame.

Then there's The Castle. Just thinking about it makes my stomach churn. I know it's part of who Tess is, this world of exploration and sexual freedom. The idea of her being intimate with others, even in a professional capacity, makes my blood boil.

"You okay there, Rowdy?" Tess's voice cuts through my thoughts.

I force a smile. "Yeah, just... thinking."

She raises an eyebrow. "About? Seems like you’ve been busy doing that a lot lately since I don’t hear from you much."

I hesitate, then decide to be honest. "About you. About us. About whether I can really fit into your world."

Tess's eyes soften. She reaches out, taking my hand. "My world includes you, Parker. All of you."

I squeeze her hand, wishing I could believe it was that simple. I look into her eyes, and I know I’ll have a choice to make. Do I embrace all of Tess, Castle and all? Or do I let my fears hold me back, potentially losing her in the process?

I meet her gaze. "I need to talk to you. Somewhere private."

She nods, understanding immediately. We slip away from the festival crowd, finding a quiet spot behind a downtown store.

"What's on your mind?" Tess asks, her fingers brushing my arm.

"I've been thinking about us. About your world, The Castle, everything."

Her eyes widen slightly. "And?"

"It scares the hell out of me," I admit, my voice rough. " I want to try. For you. For us."

A slow smile spreads across Tess's face. "Really? You're sure?"

I nod, pulling her close. "I can't promise I won't mess up, but I want to be part of your world. All of it."

Tess's lips meet mine in a searing kiss, her body pressing against me. When we break apart, both breathless, she whispers, "Welcome to the wild side, cowboy."