Chapter 35
Were the birds singing extra sweetly today?
The sun was definitely shining brighter, and the mountain air carried a fresh, invigorating scent on every breeze that caressed Jessica’s face.
She was in an excellent mood.
Even if she was tired and sore. But it was a delicious soreness that provoked pleasant—no, magnificent—memories of last night and waking up next to Teddy.
Getting a front-row seat to his ridiculous bedhead, the slow rumble of his ‘good morning, Starshine’ before he pulled her close and coaxed her onto her back for a round of perfect, sleepy sex before dreamland claimed them both again.
“This one wobbles.” Teddy reached back to help her onto the next rock of the current uphill section of their hike. They’d gone off track, using maps Owen had produced from his back pocket as soon as they were out of sight of the cabins.
Jessica smiled and slid her hand into Teddy’s.
Good Lord, her cheeks hurt from smiling so much, and it wasn’t even ten o’clock.
Turns out it was impossible to be mad about anything when she’d spent the night—and this morning and this morning’s shower—benefiting from Teddy’s determination to make her smile.
“Thanks,” she murmured, her cheeks heating when he twined their fingers together and squeezed her hand. In her peripheral vision, Owen nudged Nate.
Teddy noticed as well and said, “Ignore those idiots.”
“It’s fine,” she whispered.
Someone—Rafferty, she’d guess, because Lulu, Wilbur, Alice and Eloise had stayed behind at the cabins—snickered, and Teddy leant forward, snatching the map and compass from Owen.
“This is where we are,” he said, pointing, “and this is where we’re going.” Teddy checked the compass. “We’re headed in the right direction.”
“Interesting,” Owen said.
“But unsurprising,” Nate added.
“Quite smooth,” Rafferty agreed.
Teddy’s loud huff made her lips twitch.
“You guys suck,” he said.
“What? It’s a compliment, Ted. Look at you. Trying to seduce someone by reading a compass,” Owen said.
Teddy’s head dropped forward, and he groaned. “We should’ve stayed back at the cabins with the normal members of my family rather than voluntarily spending time with these clowns.”
“We’re only teasing, Little Ted.” Nate laughed.
After growing up without siblings—and friends who didn’t live on the pages of her local library’s books—Jessica still wasn’t used to this kind of ribbing.
Where was the line when it stopped being funny?
Because it felt like they were getting close.
Her spine straightened, and she searched Teddy’s face for any sign that he wasn’t enjoying this.
But, like he was most of the time, Teddy’s shoulders were loose and there was a lazy twist to his lips.
“It’s okay,” he murmured, his hand finding its way into the small of her back as he stole her move and reassured her.
“Teasing is how we show our love for each other. Always has been. I’ve dished out plenty of jokes at their expense, but if it makes you uncomfortable, say the word and they’ll stop. It takes a bit to get used to us.”
“Yeah, Jess, we’re sorry,” Owen said.
“We don’t mean anything by it,” Nate added.
Rafferty mouthed an apology at her.
“It’s okay, I was only checking,” Jessica said, wanting to remind Teddy that even though it was lighthearted banter, she was on his side.
But she also wanted to prove she could take a joke too, be like them.
Maybe even one day, she would be one of them?
Not just on paper. Jessica could try for Teddy.
She would try for Teddy. “But, FYI, it is working. I am feeling quite seduced.”
Teddy’s laugh boomed out among the trees, and he hugged her to his chest, his heart a steady thump underneath her cheek. She lowered her voice, so only he could hear her.
“Could be seduced again soon if you want to cut this short?”
Teddy tossed the map and compass to Rafferty, grabbed her hand and saluted his brothers. “Sorry, fellas. We’re out of here. Enjoy the lookout.”
Jessica bit her lip, a tinge of embarrassment mixing with the anticipation flooding her body. Putting herself out there was worth it, especially when Teddy tucked her into his side and pressed a kiss to the top of her head before leading her away from his brothers.
If Energizer ever needed new brand ambassadors, they should consider the James family.
Jessica flopped into one of the director’s chairs clustered around the table on the verandah of Alice and Owen’s cabin.
Teddy, Rafferty and Wilbur were manning the barbecue, Owen was tending to the fire and Nate had ducked off to the nearest town to get more marshmallows.
“Big day?” Lulu asked as she pushed a bowl of cooked potatoes, a bottle of mayonnaise and some chopped dill towards Jessica.
“A good day,” Jessica said, mixing everything together.
Aside from the hour they’d spent in their cabin after returning from the hike, she and Teddy had joined the rest of the family for endless rounds of cards, darts, board games and finally a spa where he’d teased her with wandering hands.
They’d never wandered anywhere they shouldn’t with so many family members around, but it had been a reminder of the places she wanted him to touch when they were finally alone again.
Jessica blinked, realising Lulu was waiting for her to say more.
“I’ve never been on a family holiday like this. ”
Or any family holiday.
With a pang, she realised Sam hadn’t either. Jessica had been so focused on providing all the everyday stuff he needed that there’d never been time—or money—for anything else. Her thumb rubbed the back of her empty ring finger. That was all going to change now.
“Teddy said you were planning to bring Sam here.”
Jessica stirred the potato salad. “He’d love it here.”
“My boys always did. Now we’re back here, it makes me sad we stayed away so long.” Lulu’s expression had turned wistful. “But life gets busy.”
“It does,” Jessica agreed.
“Teddy also said you were thinking about changing your hours around. Giving up a few of your jobs.”
Jessica nodded. “I don’t know if you’ve heard about my inheritance …”
“No?” Lulu feigned innocence, and they both laughed. “Joan might’ve mentioned it, but she swore me to secrecy. I haven’t told anyone else.”
“My father left me some money. Enough to purchase Joan’s house and give myself a bit of breathing room, so I don’t have to work so hard.” Her eyes flared. “Not that I’m not happy to work hard.”
If she and Teddy were going to make this work, the last thing she wanted was Lulu thinking she was lazy.
“No one could ever accuse you of that, darling.” Lulu settled her hand on Jessica’s, and her touch was so kind, so maternal, it made Jessica’s chest ache.
“You’ve worked so hard for so long. I’m so glad you get to have some fun now.
Everyone deserves that. Whether it’s treating themselves to their favourite takeaway, skipping the washing to sit outside and stare at the trees or spending time with someone who makes them laugh. ”
“I agree,” Jessica said.
Lulu nudged a bag of bread rolls towards Jessica and gestured to the plate covered in paper serviettes. “Can you cut those in half, please?”
“Sure.”
“Do you want to know what makes me happy?” Lulu asked, and Jessica paused, the bread knife hovering over the side of the first multigrain roll.
“The way my son looks at you, especially when he thinks no one is watching.”
Jessica breathed out slowly. “How’s that?”
“With a smile. Sometimes they’re only small, sometimes they’re cheeky and sometimes they’re content, but it’s always with a smile.” Lulu squeezed her hand. “I always told him that when he finally let himself fall, it’d be hard and fast. I do love being right.” Her wink made Jessica laugh.
“Teddy’s pretty great,” Jessica murmured, her cheeks heating as she remembered all the wonderful things she’d already discovered about Teddy.
He was so kind. Always generous with his smiles and good humour.
He worked hard too. Teddy was so much more than what others gave him credit for.
Jessica was only beginning to understand how easy it was to be distracted by his good looks and charm when that was the tip of the amazing iceberg that was Teddy James.
There was so much depth to him. She couldn’t wait to discover more.
“He is,” Lulu agreed. “I don’t have favourites, but if you’ll keep this between us, he’s my favourite fourth son.”
There was a chuckle behind them, and Teddy slid into the seat next to Jessica. His hair was down and loose strands framed his high cheekbones, his full lips.
“Is this an unofficial meeting of the Teddy James Appreciation Society? Please, don’t stop on my account.” He smirked.
“Of course it is,” Lulu said. “I’m always doing my best to recruit new members.”
“Pretty sure I’ve already convinced this one.
” Teddy bumped his shoulder against Jessica’s and winked.
He’d winked at her earlier, too, right before he made her come so hard she’d almost forgotten how to breathe, her body so overloaded with pleasure.
Good Lord, am I blushing again? In front of his mother?
Teddy’s smirk widened, the teasing curl to his lips more pronounced, his eyes bright with mischief.
Jessica jabbed Teddy in the side, which made his grin expand.
“I was coming to tell you both that there’s talk of an early morning family fun run, and if that doesn’t sound like something you want to do, you should prepare your excuses now.”
“Forget it,” said Lulu, and Jessica laughed. “I mean, unless you like running, Jessica? Then I’m fully supportive of that. For you. Not for me. I refuse to run.”
“What do you say, Starshine?”
Running had never appealed to her, and she was keen to turn over a new leaf and try new things, but she wasn’t that keen.
“I’d rather not, but you can go if you want to,” Jessica said softly. “I don’t mind.”
“There’s somewhere else I want to take you, if that’s okay with you?”
Jessica had noticed how Teddy always did this. Checked in with her. Okay, sometimes the details were a bit scant, like now, but anything would be better than running. And time alone with Teddy? It was fast becoming her favourite.
“Sure.”
“Perfect. I’m also supposed to tell you that the meat’s ready. Do you need any help with anything here?”
“Nope. We’re ready for you, aren’t we, Jess?”
The meaning of Lulu’s response was simple, but flutters erupted in Jessica’s belly and happiness poured throughout her body.
She was ready.
For all the changes that were happening in her life.
“How do you feel about blindfolds?” Teddy asked Jessica later that night once they were back inside their cabin.
Her mouth dropped open. Fuck, she was adorable, and gorgeous, and everything.
“In like a sexy way?” Her voice was deeper than normal, huskiness and excitement weaving their way through her words.
That wasn’t what he’d been asking, but Teddy bit the inside of his cheek to stop himself from groaning out loud. He filed her reaction away for later.
“In more of an ‘I have a surprise for you’ way.”
“Oh. Fine?”
Her disappointment sent a bolt of heat straight to his cock, but tonight wasn’t about him. Tonight was all about Jessica. Sure, he could give her his birthday present tomorrow on her actual birthday, but he’d caught her staring at the stars a few times during dinner.
Teddy pulled a scarf off the hanging rack next to the door and held it up.
“Can I?”
Jessica bit her lip, her exhale long and slow. “Yes.”
Carefully, he tied the soft fabric around her head, making sure her eyes were covered.
“Okay”—he took her hands and guided her forwards, down the little hallway, past the bed that was still a rumpled mess of magnificent memories and towards the glass doors that led out to the back verandah—“stay still for two seconds.”
Cool air greeted him when he opened the doors, and the rustle of the leaves mixed with the soft babble of the river. The telescope was exactly where he’d left it, already pointed up at the stars. He’d even tied a red bow around it.
“Teddy?” Jessica called.
Within seconds, he was back by her side, guiding her forward. “I’m here, Starshine. Little step,” he said when they got to the doorway, his grip on her hands tightening. She squeezed his palms. “Ready?”
“Yes.”
Leaning forward, Teddy dropped a soft kiss against her lips, loving the way Jessica’s fingers found the collar of his jacket and how she pulled him closer, sinking into his embrace.
“Hi,” she whispered when they pulled apart.
“Hi.” He trailed his hands along her jaw, into her hair and found the knot at the back of the scarf. Once it was untied, he pulled the material away from her face and said, “Happy early birthday, Starshine.”
She blinked. Blinked again. Her mouth dropped open as she reached out for the telescope. “You remembered?”
Teddy was so busy cataloguing everything about her reaction that all he could say was, “I did.”
Jessica bit her bottom lip, her teeth a flash of white against the pink of her mouth.
“It’s too much.”
Pffft. In truth, it wasn’t enough. Teddy leant back against the verandah, keeping his stance casual. Knowing that this was a lot. “I disagree.”
“No one has ever given me anything like this.”
“I wanted you to have something special.”
“Why?” she whispered, hiding her eyes from him.
“Because you’re special, Jessica, especially to me, and you deserve to be celebrated.”
He’d spend as long as it took getting her used to people who cared about her and who didn’t expect anything in return.
“I love it.” Her tone was hushed, a hint of nervousness threading through her words.
“I’m glad.”
Christ, he loved her.
And when she was ready, he’d tell her.