A Love as Restless as the Wind novel Chapter 3

"Tess! You're finally awake!"

The moment Tessa opened her eyes the next morning, she saw Clifford lying beside her.

He reached out to feel her forehead with concern. "Why didn't you call me when you had a fever? Do you know how panicked I was when I came back and found you unconscious?"

Tessa wondered if calling him would have made a difference. After all, wasn't he busy with Tania and his precious baby?

"I'm fine now," she croaked as she pushed his hand away.

He frowned. "Are you upset?"

"No, I'm not."

"I can tell when you are." He leaned down and kissed the top of her head. "Didn't you say that you've always wanted to go horseback riding? How about I take you today?"

As Clifford spoke, he gently helped her out of bed and guided her to freshen up, just like he used to.

Not wanting to raise suspicion, Tessa went along with whatever he wanted.

Just as they were dressed and about to head out, Tania timidly appeared in the doorway. "Mr. Jones, Mrs. Jones, are you going horseback riding? I'm so jealous! I've never ridden a horse before. May I join you?"

She cradled her baby bump with both hands, and her eyes were full of anticipation as she looked at Clifford.

"No," he said firmly while frowning. "You're pregnant."

Tania bit her lip. "But I really want to go… Being cooped up at home all the time isn't good for the baby either…" Her voice trailed off. She sounded soft and coquettish in a way that was hard to ignore.

Tessa turned and walked out without saying another word. She knew Clifford too well. He could never say no to a pitiful plea like that.

As she expected, just as she stepped outside, she heard his sigh of resignation behind her. "Fine. But only if you follow my lead the entire time."

After getting in the car, Tessa realized that Tania had actually tagged along.

Clifford personally helped her into the car, his hand constantly hovering behind her back like she was something fragile that might break at any second. After they got out of the car, he fussed over her every step of the way, completely forgetting who he had planned to come to the ranch with.

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