Chapter 3 Teagan
Teagan
“Pick up! Pick up, pick up, pick up!” I repeat over and over, pacing in tight circles as the phone rings endlessly on the other end. My grip tightens around the phone, my pulse racing while I wait for Finley to answer.
“Hey, hey what’s wrong?” Panic laces her voice as she answers.
“Oh sorry. Nothing’s really wrong per se. I’m going over to your brother’s tonight for dinner and I have no freaking clue what to wear. Do I wear something that says, ‘You’re sexy and I want you,’ or do I wear something comfortable and warm because it’s freezing outside?”
“If it were you coming to my house and you knew he was there, not a date, but just coming over…what would you wear?”
“That’s obvious. I’d look like the bumble snow monster shredding layers of clothing at the door once I got inside. But I’ve always had a crush on him and now he might actually be interested in me Fin.”
“Be cool. He’ll like you just as you are. Dress like the bumble.” Laughter carries through the line. “I can’t believe you two are actually having dinner. Just you two. Alone.”
“We both know that I can’t lay all my cards out on the table tonight. I’ve crushed on him for years but just because we’re having dinner tonight doesn’t mean he wants to pursue anything romantic with me. Me, on the other hand, I can’t seem to get my heart rate to calm down.”
“Considering he’s never had anyone over other than family, I’m sure this is for pleasure not business.” Her giggles are contagious.
“You’re ridiculous. Love you, bye.”
“Love you. Tell me how it goes.”
Punching the red button, I end the call, then, drag out a form-fitting shirt that accents my curves.
Thanks, Mom, I say, silently thanking my her for my hourglass figure as I tuck the sweater comfortably into my skinny jeans.
I tug on my knee-high boots, then grab my puffer jacket and head over to Axel’s.
Here we go.
When I arrive, my feet carry me up the stairs to his wrap-around front porch, the twinkling lights strung along the railing cast a welcoming glow against the gathering dusk.
Clear views of the sea shimmer in the fading light, and a brisk wind from the ocean greets me, carrying the fresh scent of salt and pine.
Just before I’m able to knock, the door swings open, and I’m enveloped by the warm, inviting aroma of rosemary and garlic.
My stomach growls in anticipation as I step into Axel’s cozy living room, aglow with soft, golden light from festive candles flickering on the mantle.
The air is rich with the scent of evergreens, mingling with hints of cinnamon and the faint sweetness of sugar cookies baking in the oven.
His place is impeccably neat, with a few personal touches—a tiny wooden ladder made into a blanket holder leans against the wall next to framed photographs from family vacations, each capturing joyful moments. It’s all so… him.
“Hey!” Axel’s smile greets me like sunshine, his dark hair slightly tousled, an apron tied around his waist. I can’t help but grin back, my heart doing a little flip. He’s as handsome as ever, and seeing him like this—cooking, smiling at me—makes the nerves swirling in my stomach intensify.
“Hey! Wow, it smells amazing in here,” I say, glancing around as I kick off my shoes. The dining table is set for two, a beautiful spread of roasted chicken, vibrant vegetables, and a fresh loaf of bread, steam wafting up in delicate curls. My mouth automatically waters.
“Thanks! I hope you’re hungry.” His eyes light up with enthusiasm, while a cheerful holiday playlist hums softly in the background, adding to the warmth of the moment.
“I could eat,” I say, trying to play it cool, but my voice wobbles giving me away.
Axel chuckles, and the deep, throaty sound hits me right in the uterus. “Good to know. Dinner’s almost ready. Want to help?”
“Sure!” Walking over to him, my shoulder brushes against his side as my five-four form connects with his six-foot frame. While he stirs a pot on the stove, steam rises, enveloping us in a comforting warmth.
The faint crackle of a fire in the hearth adds to the cozy atmosphere, and I catch a glimpse of his hands—strong and confident—and suddenly all those years of wishing he’d notice me flood my mind.
“Can I ask you something?” he questions, glancing over at me, his expression shifting from playful to serious and my heart jumps into my throat.
“Yeah, of course.” My words almost don’t make it out of my mouth.
“Why do you always look so nervous around me?” He tilts his head slightly, a teasing smirk on his lips.
I bite my lip, my cheeks heating. “Maybe because I’ve had a crush on you for, like, forever?”
His brow raises in surprise, but his grin grows. “Really? You never seemed interested.”
“Are you kidding? I thought you saw me as an additional sister that you never wanted!” Taking a step back, a mix of frustration and past time swirls inside me.
Axel moves closer, the distance between us shrinking, charging the air surrounding us with unspoken tension. “I saw you… but for much different reasons.”
“Um,” I murmur, my heart thumping. “You did?”
He nods, his gaze steady. “Yeah, I did. But I had to treat you as if you were my sister because...” Rubbing the nape of his neck, he looks down briefly, stopping himself from saying what he was about to say.
“I’ve always noticed you. Believe me, I noticed you.
But you were my sister’s best friend. And I was getting my business growing.
I’d only had my business operating a few years and it just started really booming when you were talking about leaving. The timing was so off.”
“And now?” I whisper, my pulse quickening as I search his eyes.
“Timing is perfect,” he states, his voice low and sincere. “Now, I want to have dinner with you.”
A thrill shoots through me, mixing with the nervous energy I’ve been holding onto for years. “Dinner sounds nice.”
As we set the table, the tension in the room is so thick it could be cut with a knife.
The flickering candlelight dances across our faces, while the Christmas decorations—the wreath on the door, the garlands draped over the mantle—remind me of the joy of the season.
My mind is turning a mile a minute with his body this close to mine.
But I guess I’m silent for a bit too long.
“So, how do you feel about sleeping at your place knowing the police didn’t find anything?” His question catches me off guard causing me to jolt.
“Um, I’m not sure. I don’t like the idea of being there alone, but I certainly don’t want to let them scare me off.” He stops pouring the water into the glasses and levels with me.
“I get that. But just because you’re not sleeping there doesn’t mean you’ve left. You’re simply not sleeping there.”
Shifting nervously on each foot, I contemplate his words. “You’re not wrong.” But I’m not sure where he’s going with this.
“You’ll stay here then. I’ve already got the guest room ready. The views of the ocean are peaceful and it’s right across from my room. Make yourself at home.”
“I’m not sure how to feel about your big brother protectiveness.” I’m not.
“This is not me acting like your big brother. This is me caring.” He winks and my stomach flips. It should be illegal to be as handsome as he is.
“Axel, I can’t ask you to do that.”
“Again, you’re not asking. I’m offering.” More like telling, but I like this side of him. Taking control, being an alpha.
Picking at an invisible piece of fuzz on my shirt, I mention, “I didn’t bring any clothes.”
Axel leans in slightly, his breath warm against my skin. “That’s okay. I have the perfect hoodie you can sleep in. Let’s enjoy dinner first. Then you can change.”
I laugh, the sound bubbles up, filling the space with lightness. “Okay, deal.”
“Deal.” His dimples deepen as his smile grows, satisfied and we sit down at the table. Yup! Finley is going to freak out.