Chapter 11 Axel
Axel
Teagan is only opening the café for a few days this week before New Year's Eve.
I know she wants to stay busy, to distract herself, but part of me hates leaving her alone there.
It's hard to shake the feeling that something could go wrong again—like the break-in, gas leak, or worse. But so far, everything has been smooth. The officers stationed outside are keeping watch, making sure nothing happens. Still, it doesn’t sit easy with me, leaving her to run things on her own.
Leaning against the counter, I watch her for a second as she gathers her things.
She looks so damn beautiful, even with flour on her cheek and a little tiredness in her eyes.
I know she’s capable, knows how to handle herself, but my protective instincts have been on high alert since all this shit has been happening.
“You’re gonna be okay,” I murmur as she slides into the kitchen, her smile reassuring me more than anything. “I’ll check in with you later.”
“Don’t worry about me, Axel,” she says, that calming tone of hers cutting through my anxiety. “I’ve got everything covered. You go take care of business. I’ll be fine.”
I nod, even though I’m not entirely convinced.
The sound of the truck door shutting behind me feels heavy as I drive off, but I force myself to focus on the work ahead.
There are still a few sites I need to check in on—final inspections, a couple of deadline extensions I need to oversee in person.
Teagan’s right, I can’t let this linger.
The first site is a mess, but manageable. Dust and nails everywhere. I get briefed by my foreman, go over a few details with the crew, then I’m back in the truck, on the move again. The next stop, another check-in, another plan to tweak.
As I pull into the lot at the next site, I hear a shout from behind me.
"Hey, Pembroke!"
I turn to find Luke, one of my buddies from the crew, walking over with a grin. I haven’t seen him in a few weeks but I’ve kept him in the loop about me seeing Teagan.
Rolling down the window, I ask, “Luke, what’s up, man?”
“Not much. Same old, same old,” he says with a shrug. “So, how’s everything with you and Teagan? You guys good?”
I feel my stomach tighten a bit at the mention of her name, a familiar protectiveness filling my chest. “Yeah, we’re good,” I answer, the corners of my lips lifting despite the anxiety gnawing at me. “She’s running the café today, but things have been smooth.”
He raises an eyebrow. “Smooth? Sounds like it’s been a lot more than that. So, is she your official girl now? No more dodging the question.”
The way he says it makes me smile. It’s a relief to have friends who get me. “Yeah, she’s official. You’ve met her, right?”
“Once or twice, yeah. Great woman. You two are a good match. Damn, I didn’t think I’d see the day, though.” Luke lets out a low whistle. “You’ve been acting like a man on a mission since she came back into your life.”
I chuckle, rubbing the back of my neck. “She’s mine. What can I say? You’re next man!”
“Ha! I don’t know about that! But anyway!
Good for you, man! Good for you.” he says, clapping me on the shoulder.
“You guys should come out for the New Year’s party at my place.
It’ll be fun. I think the whole crew is gonna be there, and we could use a little celebration after wrapping up some of these tough projects. ”
I hesitate for a second. I’m not big on parties, but I know Teagan would want to go. She deserves a night of fun, especially after all the café mis-happenings.
“Yeah, sounds good. I’ll talk to her and let you know.” She would like to see Luke again. After a few more quick updates with the crew, I head down the road, feeling lighter. I’ll bring her to get reacquainted with everyone and to meet the whole crew. She deserves that.
The evening air bites sharper than I expect as we pull up to Luke’s house.
Music spills through open windows, mingling with the low chatter from inside.
I glance at Teagan as she slides out of the truck, her blonde hair tumbling over her shoulders, cheeks flushed from the cold.
She adjusts her silver sequin dress—a dazzling thing that suits her to a t—she stalls for a second.
I reach for her hand, my fingers curling around hers. “You good?”
Her lips press into a small smile. “It’s been a while. Two years changes a lot.”
“We don’t have to go,” I offer, giving her hand a light squeeze.
She looks at me, her eyes steady now. “I’ll be fine.” Oh, wait! This girl’s a beast. All she has to do is get that beast mode on and she’s unstoppable! What was I thinking?
“We’ll stick together.”
Her smile deepens, teasing now. “Don’t you dare leave my side.”
“Deal.”
Inside, the hospitality of the house surrounds us, carrying the scent of spiced cider and the buzz of conversation. Luke spots us immediately, weaving through the crowd to hand us drinks. Teagan’s grip on my hand relaxes, but I don’t let go.
“Glad you could make it!” he says with a grin, clapping me on the back. “You guys get comfortable.”
We slip into a quiet corner, but it’s no use—eyes follow us like shadows. Teagan's fingers tighten on mine; she senses it too.
And then I see her. Stella. Of course, she’s here. She glides over, all sharp smiles and sharper intentions, her voice dripping like honey laced with venom.
“Axel,” she purrs. “I didn’t expect to see you here.” Her gaze flicks briefly to Teagan. “And with your friend.”
Teagan doesn’t flinch, but I feel the subtle tension in her grip, a crack in her composure she’s determined to hide.
“Stella,” I say evenly, though the edge in my voice is impossible to miss. “Teagan has a name and she’s not just my friend. She’s my girlfriend.”
Stella’s smile falters, but only for a heartbeat. “How sweet,” she says, her tone sharper now. “Though I suppose you won’t be staying too long this time either. London next, perhaps?”
She leaves before I can respond, her heels stabbing the floor with every step.
Teagan’s lips press together tightly while the daggers in her eyes cut through Stella’s back like a knife.
“Forget her,” I punctuate each word very clearly, leaning closer. “She doesn’t matter.”
“She’s trying to get to me,” Teagan all but growls. “She has no idea who she’s messing with.” The fire in her words is fierce, and not gonna lie, it kinda scares me a little. But at the same time, it turns me on—damn I love this woman.
Her chin lifts slightly. “She’ll find out.. I’m not going anywhere.”
I grin, brushing a strand of hair from her face. “Damn right you’re not. When that ball drops, it’ll be you and me, and everyone in this room will know it.”
Teagan’s lips twitch into a smile, but her eyes remain steady, resolved. “Let’s make sure she gets the message.”
The countdown starts. Ten seconds. The room vibrates with anticipation, but all I can see is her. Teagan.
When the cheers erupt, I take her hand and pull her close. “Ready?” I whisper.
“Always,” she says, her voice soft but certain.
I kiss her, dipping her low as her hands grip my shoulders. It’s a kiss that drowns out the noise, a declaration of everything we are. The cheers, the music, everything fades into nothing.
As we break apart, her flushed cheeks and sparkling eyes say it all.
Luke’s voice cuts through the noise. “That’s right! Show ’em who your girl is!”
Teagan laughs, burying her face in my chest. Her words are muffled but warm with mischief. “Happy New Year, Axel.”
“To us,” I nibble my lips to her ear while clinking my glass to hers.
The year ahead is wide open, full of possibilities, but with her beside me, I already know it’s going to be the best one yet.