Justin pushed open the door to Tessa’s offices, his blood pounding in his veins, his chest full, and his mind tense in anticipation of the challenge that lay ahead of him. He had to get this right this time.

The receptionist stood beside her desk, buttoning her cardigan. “I’m sorry, we’re closed.”

“Where is she?” he demanded. He didn’t care that it was after six, as long as Tessa was still there.

The woman picked up her purse. “She’s getting a cup of coffee.”

Justin strode down the hallway.

Tessa stood behind the counter of the kitchenette, tipping hot water into a cup. A lock of her blond hair fell around her face, her focus on what she was doing.

“Tessa.” He whispered her name, his throat tight.

She jerked her gaze to meet his. “Justin.”

Their eyes met and held. A spark of hope warmed him.

Tessa clunked the kettle down on the counter and grabbed a tea towel, sponging up the spilt liquid from around her cup. “What are you doing here?”

“Looking for you.”

She straightened. “Did you muck up the proposal?”

He could have been affronted that she’d assumed the worst. That after her help in proposal planning, after she’d shunned him, that he would have reverted to his original plan.

“Totally wrecked it.” And he had. Just not in the way she thought.

Tessa gripped the tea towel tightly. “Tell me what you said, and I’ll see if I can help you remedy the situation.”

He moved over to the bench. “You’re so damned dedicated.”

She managed a smile. “That’s my job. So what did you say?”

“I surprised her.” He moved closer, praying that there was still a chance for them. “Thought I’d chicken out?”

“No, of course not.” She met his gaze. “Well, yes. I was sure you would.”

Like he had when they were young. He’d been afraid to get serious, afraid to lose himself in love. “You think I’m not into commitment?”

“I think you’re scared of loving someone like your father loved your mother.” Tessa tucked the stray lock of hair behind her ear. “Because when she died your father couldn’t cope without her.”

He shoved his hands into his pockets, braving the urge to run from someone who could see him clearly for who he was. “You’re probably right. But I’m here to remedy the situation.”

“To get help to propose properly to Victoria?” Tessa shook her head. “Because if it’s anything else — I’m not a therapist. That was a lie for Victoria’s benefit.”

“And how much lying have you been doing, Miss Knightly?” The urge to drag her into his arms and kiss away all her doubts was excruciating, but he held his ground.

She wouldn’t meet his gaze. “Enough to get by.”

“I think I’m not the only one that’s been hiding from my true feelings,” he accused.

“I don’t know what you mean.” She threw the cloth into the sink.

He stopped at the bench. “I’ve been lost, searching for the perfect partner to share my life with.... And then I found you.”

“Me? Your perfect partner?” Tessa laughed, but her eyes were cold and flat as though she was a million miles away, or wished she was.

“Yes, you’re perfect,” he murmured. “From the top of your glorious blond hair to the tips of your toes — perfect.”

A shadow flickered in her eyes. “And that’s what you’re after. Perfection?”

“You’re beautiful, Tessa. Everything a man could want. I want. Perfect.” He could finally see that his life would mean more than a bank balance and a tally of empty years. And he was ready to stop teasing her and to come clean. “I didn’t propose to Victoria. We broke up. I want to give us a chance.”

Her face darkened. “Get out.”

Justin swallowed hard. “Pardon?”

“You’ve got the wrong girl.” She waved him off. “The wrong idea. Please go.”

He hesitated, his mind tumbling in confusion.

She gripped the bench tightly with one hand. “I’m sorry about the kiss. It was a mistake. I don’t love you. I don’t even like you. I hate you.”

Justin hesitated for only a second, the impact of her words slicing through him. How could he have been so wrong? So stupid? She hadn’t been in denial, she’d been honest!

He strode out the door.

* * *

Tessa hobbled to the passageway, leaning heavily on her cane for support and not just because her leg was sore but because her legs were like jelly.

Tears burned her eyes. He had no idea about her accident... but he wanted perfection and there was no way she could offer him that.

Tessa’s stomach curled. She’d hurt him. And the knowledge clawed at her, but telling him the truth wouldn’t have helped. She didn’t want his pity.

She waited for the sound of the shop door. Nothing.

Tessa stumbled into her office, her heart pounding. What was he doing? She lurched to her sofa and collapsed onto it, kicking her cane underneath.

“I need you to open the door.” Justin stood in the doorway.

“Why’s that?” she managed calmly.

“Because the door is locked.”

“My receptionist always locks up after herself. I usually work late. I don’t want just anyone walking in late at night.” Tessa bit her lip. She was babbling. “Well…” The office keys were in her handbag in her desk. “You can get the keys yourself.”

Justin crossed his arms over his chest. “And why is that?”

“Because I’m not going to go to any effort for you,” she said as calmly as she could.

He reduced the distance between them and held out his hand to her. “Let me help you up, then.”

“They’re in the bottom drawer on the right.” Her throat ached and her eyes burned. Why couldn’t her secretary have just left the door open?

Justin shoved his hands in his pockets and stared down at her. “I get the impression that something else is going on here.”

Tessa tried to laugh, but the sound clogged in her throat.

“So what is it? Another lover? A hidden agenda? A secret baby?”

Tessa almost choked. “You’re crazy. Please just get the keys and go.”

“Fine. Goodbye then, Miss Knightly.” He held out his hand, offering her a cordial handshake.

She took it. One last goodbye. She could let herself have that, could savor his touch one last time.

Justin straightened, pulling her with him, stepping back and yanking her to her feet. “You can show me out.”

Tessa staggered.

“What in —?” Concern blazed in his eyes.

Tessa hung on to him for balance. Damn stupid leg. Darn her secretary for locking the door!

Justin wrapped her in the comfort of his arms, drawing her close. “What’s going on, Tessa?”

She sighed, looking up into his rich dark eyes. “I was knocked off my bike by a car a while back and now my leg isn’t as reliable as it used to be. That’s all. No big deal. It doesn’t make any difference.”

“Then why didn’t you tell me? Show me?” His voice thick, his brow furrowed.

Tessa sucked in a slow, deep breath. “I wanted you to remember me the way I was,” she whispered, staring at the floor.

Justin tilted her chin up. “I want to keep you just the way you are.”

Tessa’s eyes burned, and a wave of warmth washed through her. She couldn’t believe it. “I’m not perfect,” she said carefully.

“You’ve always been, and always will be, perfect to me.” He ran his hand around the curve of her neck, his thumb stroking her cheek. “The problem as far as I see it is that you don’t love me.”

She managed a smile, her chest filled with love. “So I lied.”

“You do love me?” he asked, a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.

“Always.”

And Justin claimed her lips, wrapping her in his warm arms, kissing away the years of pain, of separation.

Tessa held him tightly. She knew there were no guarantees that they’d have the perfect life, but she knew that they had something worth far more. They had love, and deep down inside, she knew they’d always have each other.

The End