“Wow.” I gently caress her hand. “That’s pretty perceptive for a kid.”
“Yeah.” A humorless laugh escapes her mouth. “Dad said that moment sort of saved him. He stopped drinking, went to AA meetings, and met my stepmom. The rest, they say, is history.”
“So you really are magical?”
“What?”
Oh shit, did I say that out loud? “You’re very special, Teddie.”
“Thanks.” Teddie turns away, her face flushing crimson.
“I’m fucking serious.” I brush my fingertip against the bottom of her chin, gently turning her face toward mine. “You’ve got a calming…superpower.” Her blue-green eyes sparkle in theafternoon sun. “My dad was a total prick who beat the shit out of us until he died in prison. That was the happiest day of my life. My whole life, I’ve been on guard, waiting for someone to do the wrong thing or look at me the wrong way.” I caress the side of her face. It’s as soft as I imagined. “But when I’m around you, I feel like everything’s fine.”
“You almost mauled my ex-boyfriend.” She teases.
“I know, and I’m sorry.” She leans into my touch. “But since getting to know you, I see that my being that volatile would only hurt you.”
“It’s true. I hate conflict.”
I nod, running my thumb over her ruby lower lip. “I feel like we were supposed to meet at that stupid bar.”
“I feel the same way.” She leans forward at the same time I do, licking her lips and closing her eyes as my lips come crashing down on hers. Gentle at first, I taste the sweet wine on her lips, but our kisses soon turn passionate, and I can’t get close enough. She parts her lip, making way for my tongue. My hand finds the back of her neck, drawing her closer to me so I can taste every inch of her mouth.
I lean forward and accidentally knock over what’s left of my wine.
“Shit.” Teddie pulls back as the wine soaks her hand. She dries the wetness off with her flannel before bringing her hand up to her mouth, suppressing a smile.
“Well, I ruined that moment.” I roll my eyes, trying not to get angry.
“Nah.” Teddie moves the glass and raises onto her knees. She wraps her arms around me and presses her soft lips against mine. “Truth is, I was already wet.”
My cock twitches in my pants. Jesus Christ, I have to get this woman out of here and now. I can’t wait another minute.
“Grab what you can.” I kiss her once more and will myself to pull away from her grip, then start putting things back in the pack. I’m so frazzled, ready to take my woman that I keep dropping things. Teddie’s melodic laugh is contagious, and I find myself smiling right along with her.
“You’re very cute.” She says, leaning over to grab our empty plates, affording me a view of her billowing cleavage in the process. I don’t know how I’m going to get down this mountain with my rock-hard stiffness pressing against my jeans.
I shake the thought and finish packing up the site, grabbing Teddie’s hand and leading her as fast as her legs can carry her toward the car.
Chapter Eight
Teddie
I’msurprised at how sophisticated Stark’s house is. Nestled off a small side road in the mountains, it’s a craftsman’s dream. The oversized windows and track lighting surrounding the house make it glow in the dark. I note the nearby brook provides a sanctuary of white noise as we enter his house.
“What did you say you do again?” I ask, admiring his dimly lit living room.
“I didn’t say.” He moves toward me, his hands wrapping around my waist.
“Fine.” I roll my eyes, playfully dodging his kiss. “What do you do again?”
“I’m in construction.”
Once again, I pull away before our lips can make contact. “Like the mafia?”
He lets out a hearty laugh. “Yeah. I’m a mob boss, and you’re my little minx.” His lips engulf mine, and I lose myself in his expert kissing skills. “No, baby. I own a legitimate construction company. Now shut up and let me kiss you.”
“Okay.” I throw my arms around his strong shoulders and completely surrender to him. His strong lips take away any semblance of rational thought. Rolling over and over in my headare thoughts of giving myself over to him, being his forever. His wife, his minx, the mother of his children.