Oral Exam by Tessa Rae Page B

creaking of the dark wood floors accompanied every footstep. They walked through a short hallway to an enormous room. In the center was a huge stone fireplace that sprung from the floor and disappeared into the ceiling like an overgrown tree. The dining area was to the left of the fireplace, and a spacious living room was on the other side.
    Seth set Celeste’s bag on top of a wooden chest in the living room, and placing a hand on her back, he guided her around the fireplace to a pair of French doors.
    “You can get a good view of the lake out her.” He opened a door, motioning her toward the outside.
    She stepped back into the cool mountain air, her jaw dropping as her mind tried to absorb the scenery before her. She stood on the upper level of a long, two tiered deck, which looked to be constructed on the furthest edge of the mountain side. Taking a few steps toward the rail, she observed that the drop off gently sloped toward a tranquil lake, enveloped by towering pines. The deep blue water mirrored the crimson and purple hues of the sunset.
    “This is beautiful,” she breathed.
    “I’m glad you like it,” Seth said behind her back.
    She peered over her shoulder to see him unscrewing a bottle of wine. Two glasses were sitting on the wicker table beside him.
    Her gaze found a second deck just a few feet below. Smiling, she recognized the square object nestled beneath a blue tarp. Seth’s Jacuzzi made this mountain getaway the perfect love shack. A thought flashed through her mind, although she did her best to bury it. But she couldn’t help wondering how many women had played in that Jacuzzi with him.
    Celeste shook her head, trying to purge all jealous thoughts. After all, if he was only interested in keeping her for a few practice sessions, she could hook up with what’s-his-face. Squinting her eyes shut, she had to recall his name.
    Corbin. How could I forget?
    But when she was with Seth, all the others were easily forgettable. After all, they were just boys, and Seth was a man.
    Warm arms encircled her waist. “Care for some wine?” he murmured in her ear, pressing light kisses along her neck.
    Basking in the warmth of his hard chest, she realized she wasn’t wearing a jacket, just an Omega Chi t-shirt, which did little to protect her from the growing chill of dusk. “Yes, please.”
    She shivered as he pulled away, but within moments, she was enveloped in warmth again, as he draped a soft blanket over her shoulders.
    “You looked chilled,” he smiled, while handing her a tall glass of wine.
    “Thanks.” She spoke into her glass, feeling a little strange about being so pampered. She wasn’t used to it, not by the two jerks she’d dated, and not by her parents. Why was he always thinking of her needs?
    Either he’s very considerate, or just a damned good player.
    A pang of jealousy stabbed her chest.
    No, I don’t want him to be a player.
    She didn’t want to think about Seth bringing other women to his cabin, wrapping them in blankets and sharing wine.
    Think about something else, Celeste . “You must love it out here,” she blurted.
    He pressed his back against the rail, grasping her free hand, circling her palm with his thumb. “I do.”
    Celeste smiled, reading the honesty in his gaze. Something about this place just fit Seth. She didn’t know if it was his relaxed smile, or the slight drop in his shoulders, but he belonged to this piece of heaven.
    “How long have you had this cabin?” she asked.
    Releasing her hand, he turned, resting both elbows on the railing. “I spent my happiest days here as a youth.”
    “Oh, is this your parents’ place?” She took a large sip of wine, trying to drown out a flashback of Asshole Number One. She had flown with him to the family beach condo for spring break, only to have his parents unexpectedly arrive when they were having sex in the shower.
    “It was my Mother’s.” His gaze dropped, while one finger traced the rim of his wine glass. “She