When She Walks Away (Teresa) 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.”

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.”

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.

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.”

Charles grinned, clinked glasses, and glanced at Naomi before turning back to the group. “Thanks for the compliments, guys.”

Teresa saw it all with a blank face, not feeling much of anything. She slid into her seat, and Troy sat down right after her.

Leo spotted them and hurried over, pouring Teresa a drink. He lifted his glass, clinking it against hers. “Teresa, this one’s for you.”

Before she could react, he downed his drink in one shot.

Left with no choice, she just drank her own glass of red wine too.

Leo clapped loudly, cheering her on. “Nice! Teresa, you’re not beautiful and quiet; you can really hold your liquor too. If Troy ever messes up, just let me and Peyton know. We’ll always back you up.”

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10:36 AM P P.

Chapter 165

Teresa knew Leo was trying to stick up for her, and she was grateful. She gave him a small smile and said softly, “Thanks, I’ll keep that in mind.”

Leo made sure to speak loud enough for everyone to hear, and of course, Charles and Naomi caught every word. Their eyes both flicked over to the group.

Naomi noticed Troy staring at Charles, with nothing but hostility and frustration in his eyes.

Seeing Troy like that, Naomi instinctively pressed her lips together.

She figured Troy was totally jealous of Charles, which was why he was shooting daggers at him like that.

Leo caught their glances and, making sure everyone could hear, handed Teresa his business card. “Here, keep this. If anyone gives you trouble, call me. Forget about Troy; I’ll handle anyone who tries to mess with you.”

Teresa accepted with another polite smile. “Thanks.”

Across the table, Charles narrowed his eyes at Teresa. Seeing her accept the card without saying no or trying to explain herself, his brows drew together.

Naomi gave Leo a look, clearly annoyed, thinking, ‘Is this guy seriously that clueless? How could Troy be into Teresa? It’s obvious he’s got his eyes on me.‘

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