When She Turns Her Back (Teresa and Charles) novel Chapter 165

Chapter 165

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The night wind rustled across the lawn, leaving only the two of them quiet.

Teresa listened to Troy’s question, then lowered her gaze, her voice hoarse. “I’m just feeling sorry for myself,” she said. “It wasn’t worth it.”

She had wasted years of her youth on a man who had never cared.

Standing there in her thin evening dress, the early winter chill seeped into her bones.

When Troy heard her answer, his heart twisted painfully.

He stepped forward, draping his still–warm jacket over her shoulders, and drew her into his arms.

His embrace was fierce, almost desperate, as though he wanted to fuse her into himself. With his face pressed against her neck, he whispered, almost pleading, “Please… stop hurting over him.”

Wrapped in his jacket, Teresa felt his warmth seeping into her.

His body and his jacket both radiated warmth.

For once, she didn’t push him away. She found herself drawn in by comfort, leaning closer.

All her life, no one outside her family had ever given her this kind of warmth.

Suddenly, she found herself unwilling to let go..

Troy felt her move closer, and without thinking, he pulled her even tighter into his arms.

Teresa tilted her face up, still nestled against him, and whispered, “Okay.”

When Troy heard her answer, it was like a surge of electricity ran through him. He shivered, then gently eased her back, staring at her in shock. “Really? You mean it?”

Teresa nodded. “Yeah, I mean it.”

Her makeup was light, accentuating her delicate features. Each flutter of her long lashes tugged at his heart.

In her black evening dress, pale skin glowing under the moonlight, she looked breathtaking.

Troy watched her, and for a moment, his mind went blank.

He knew she was still married, knew he shouldn’t cross the line, but his body wouldn’t listen to reason.

He slid his arms around Teresa’s waist and slowly leaned in, his lips moving closer to hers.

He wanted nothing more than to kiss her.

Really, that was all he wanted.

Teresa realized what Troy was about to do. Instead of backing away, she let her eyes flutter shut, surrendering to the moment.

She couldn’t help thinking, ‘Charles is already with Naomi. So what if something actually happens between me and Troy?

‘I’m a grown woman with my own desires. If Charles can’t give me what I need, why shouldn’t I see what it’s like with Troy?

‘Even if Troy was known for being a flirt, what’s the worst that could happen if I just messed around with him?”

But at the last second, Troy stopped himself, brushing only the corner of her mouth.

If he kissed her fully, he knew he’d lose control, and he couldn’t let that happen.

Teresa felt Troy straighten up after brushing his lips against the corner of her mouth.

She opened her eyes and looked at him, confused. “Why’d you stop?”

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10:36 AM

Chapter 165

Troy’s ears were red, a glaring indication of how strongly he was feeling at the time, and he turned his head away. He was fighting to keep himself in check.

When he spoke, his voice was rough, like he’d swallowed sand. “Because I want to respect you. I can’t just think about myself.”

Teresa was genuinely puzzled. “Why are you being so nice to me?” she asked.

Troy glanced up at the night sky, then looked back at her, his tone dead serious. “If you say yes and let me be your lover, I’ll tell you.”

Teresa shot him a look and snorted. “Troy, you’re not even drunk. Why are you saying such ridiculous things?”

She hadn’t paid any attention to the stuff Troy said that night in his bedroom.

He’d been drunk out of his mind then, and she figured most of what he said was just nonsense.

Troy bent down and took her hand, pressing it firmly against his abs. His eyes stayed locked on her as he said, “I’m not joking. Feel for yourself. I can give you things you’ve never felt before. Trust me, after you’ve had me, Charles will be nothing but a distant memory.”

He was completely upfront, shamelessly teasing and tempting her without a hint of hesitation.

Teresa tried to pull her hand away, but Troy wouldn’t let go, keeping her palm against his burning–hot skin. She could feel the hard ridges of his abs, solid and real beneath her touch.

Her cheeks flamed. She ducked her head, giving a half–embarrassed, half–mocking snort. “You…have no shame.”

Troy smirked, delighted by her blush. Releasing her hand, he said, “You look gorgeous tonight.”

After Teresa pulled her hand back, her heart wouldn’t settle down for a long time. She sat down on the swing chair, trying to calm herself.

Without looking at him, she murmured, “You look pretty handsome yourself.”

Troy let out a clear, warm laugh and sat down beside her on the swing. “If you like it, I’ll dress like this for you every time.”

Teresa didn’t reply, choosing to stay silent.

From the banquet hall, the sounds of clinking glasses, laughter, and cheerful toasts filled the air.

Teresa remembered it was Xavier’s birthday party. After a pause, Teresa spoke softly. “We should go back. If Xavier notices we’re missing, he’ll come looking for us.”

The party wasn’t over yet and leaving early would be disrespectful to the host.

They’d been out here long enough, and it was time to go back.

Troy understood. He rose, and together they returned to the banquet hall.

At the entrance, Teresa spotted a crowd toasting Charles.

Naomi stood right beside him, glass in hand.

“Mr. Logan, you’re really lucky. Having such an amazing woman with you,” someone piped up, “Seriously, you two are perfect together.”

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