I’m not one of those book boyfriends from the romance novels my cousin Georgia Cameron devours like candy. The kind of guy who storms into a woman’s life with a smirk and a smolder, takes charge of the conversation, and has her on her knees—or in bed—the first time they meet. I only know about those guys because, one summer, while Georgia and I hung out by the pool, I swiped one of her books out of sheer curiosity.
I’d been trying to figure out what women were into, what made their hearts race, what made their bodies respond. I’ll admit, I was curious. But reading that book? Man, it was a trip. Those guys… They went from strangers to soulmates faster than you could say "happily ever after."One look, one heated glance, and suddenly, it was love.
No awkward small talk. No figuring out if they had the same values or even liked the same movies. Just instant fireworks and earth-shattering orgasms.
That’s not my style.
I prefer a slow burn—the kind of love that starts with a spark and grows over time, building heat until it’s impossible to ignore. Might take a few years for them to come together, but when they do, it’s undeniable.
But even a slow burn has to start somewhere, and the bit I’d spoken to Teagan tonight is hardly what I’d call a good beginning.
When I finally get back into dating someday, when I decide it’s time to settle down again, it’s going to be for the long haul. Next time, I’ll do it right. No rushing. No second-guessing. No “I thinkthis might work.” I’ll be sure. I’ll be steady. I’ll build something that lasts.
But as I lie back on the couch, running a hand over my face, I can’t help but feel like I’ve already started falling into something with Teagan—something I didn’t plan for. Something I don’t know how to stop. And maybe it’s the most unexpected encounters that lead to something good.
The couch creaks as I shift, closing my eyes and letting out a deep, tired sigh. I wish sleep would take me. Maybe if I can shut my brain off for a while, I’ll have the clarity I need come morning. Maybe then, I’ll say the right thing instead of stumbling over myself like some clueless idiot.
But sleep feels impossible with Teagan so close. She’s just down the hall, tucked into my bed, her soft scent still lingering in the air and probably wondering what the hell is wrong with me.
She deserves better than that.
She deserves better than a guy who overthinks every move, who lies on a couch while she’s in his bed, wondering if she’s making a mistake. But she’s also the first woman who’s made me feel like this in years. The first woman who’s made me want to believe in something reckless and impossible, like the stories Georgia swears by.
And maybe, just maybe, that’s worth the risk.
I throw an arm over my eyes and let out a low groan, trying to drown out the chaos in my head. But the creak of my bedroom door pulls me back to the moment that I’m living in. Sitting up, I catch sight of Teagan stepping out—wearing nothing but my checkered flannel. It’s buttoned neatly down the front, hanging just high enough to tease the tops of her thighs, and every inch of her smooth, sun-kissed skin has my attention locked.
She crosses the room slowly, her bare feet silent against the floor, until she’s standing right in front of me. Her gaze is steady, her expression serious, lips pressed into a thin, unreadable line. Herchest rises and falls with a rhythm that matches the tension humming between us.
I sit up on the couch and ask, “Is everything ok?”
She nods. “I just wanted to come out here and say thank you again for tonight," she whispers. “For everything.”
Chapter 5 – Wilder
I nod. I already told her she that doesn’t need to thank me anymore. I hope that isn't the only reason she’s still awake.
Maybe the bed’s uncomfortable.
Or maybe she’s uncomfortable sleeping so close to a guy who doesn’t make her feel safe.
“You didn’t ask me much about myself tonight, and that’s okay. But something you should know about me is that I like guys who care about animals.A lot.There’s something about a man who cares for vulnerable creatures when they need some help that… gets me.” Her gaze drops down to the floor and then returns to mine as she looks up at me behind her thick lashes. There’s only a little bit of moonlight coming in from the pool house window but it’s enough for me to catch the way her pupils have widened and the swell of her breasts as her chest rises and falls.
She steps towards me tentatively, like she's just as lost on what to do next as I am, and I hope that’s the case. I hope I’m not the only one here fumbling for the right words and actions. I'm rooted to the spot on the couch, unsure of whether I should pull her close or let her make the first move.
She’s right, I don’t know anything about her, and I should haveasked more. Maybe it’s because I don’t want just a casual hook-up with her. I don’t want to treat her like the other women who I’ve slept with, using them for a warm body to take away the persistent ache of loneliness that's pervaded my very being for the last two years. I don't want to use her to simply get off and I’m not sure why I’m feeling that way.
“It wasn’t a problem. Like I said, we’ve got the space for the kittens here and I’ll keep an eye out for them. Make sure they’re eating properly.”
She nods, and steps forward again until she’s standing right between my legs. “I like that you’re quiet, and slower to speak. I like that you think things through before acting, and talking. And I know that I don’t know anything about you except that you live in this pool house and have a soft spot for kittens,” her voice drops lower, and her eyes cast to the side, “but I think you might just be one of the most handsome guys I’ve ever seen.”
I swallow the dryness in my mouth down and clear my throat. Where’s the words I seem to always have rolling through my mind when I need them? The ones that I have no problem putting pen to paper with. “I think you’re… incredible. Beautiful, Teagan.”
A shy smile crosses her face, and I smile back. She takes one more step towards me and then lowers herself to straddle my hips, one knee on other side of me as I sink back into the couch, bringing her body with me. The warmth from her heat is everywhere on me now as her soft limbs cover mine like a blanket. She smells so good. Like warm vanilla and cocoa and her breath smells like mint.
I bet she’d taste better.
And is she... not wearing underwear?!
