Calling what we shared a friendship left a bitter taste in my mouth. That wasn’t what I wanted at all but I couldn’t find the words to ask for more.
I sat a bit straighter, reminding myself I’d been the one to call for a pause on anything more than working together and being friends. That meant I needed to find the courage to be the one to make the first move. “Would you like to have dinner tonight?”
There. That wasn’t so hard.
Teddy’s eyes widened in surprise, and for a moment, he looked as if he was searching for the right response. “I’d like that,” he said finally, his voice steady and warm. “I’d like that a lot.”
A genuine smile spread across my face, and I couldn’t help but let out a sigh of relief. “Great. We can go to the new Italian place that just opened up on the edge of town. I’ve heard it’s fantastic.”
People had mourned the loss of Rosario’s when the family retired after more than thirty years on Main Street. While the residents of Harmony Grove should have welcomed the new restaurant, they were struggling because it wasn’t Mama Rosario in the kitchen. I felt for the owners because being an outsider here sucked sometimes.
“Sounds perfect,” Teddy agreed, his fingers still gently wrapped around mine. “It’ll be nice to spend some time together without the pressure of work hanging over our heads.”
Both of us knew damned well it wasn’t work that created the ongoing tension between us. It was the almost kiss. It was the way he almost got me off without touching my dick while I was still completely dressed. The way one of us was constantly brushing a hand across the other’s back as we passed. The heated looks that were out of place at a rickety table in the middle of a dusty work area. It was the connection we’d both failed to ignore.
The sun was beginning to fade behind the taller buildings on Main Street. Before long, a chill would settle in the air, and sitting on the patio tucked away from the world wouldn’t be so comfortable. I stood, holding out a hand to Teddy. “If we head out now, we can get a table before they get busy.”
“I like the way you think.” Teddy intertwined his fingers with mine, holding the door until I walked through. The lingering heat from the ovens instantly warmed me, but that was nothing compared to feeling Teddy’s chest against my back when I stopped abruptly. “Is everything okay?”
I waited a beat or two before answering. I wasn’t about to tell him I’d gotten caught up in my thoughts and my brain quit telling my feet to move forward. “Yeah, I’m good.”
Great, actually. Teddy stayed close as I detoured to the office to grab my backpack and keys. He waited like a true gentleman as I double-checked the back doors and the front door to the expansion. Knowing I wasn’t alone, I didn’t feel the same chill that often plagued me as I locked up. Feeling as if I wasn’t alone was an unsettling feeling I chalked up to being in such an old building by myself.
“Let’s get out of here.” I startled when Teddy placed his hands on my shoulders, guiding me to the front door. “If I don’t get you fed soon, I’ll have to take you straight home and tuck you into bed.”
That didn’t sound like such a bad idea. Except...
In the state I was in, Teddy tucking me in wouldn’t happen until after he’d given me an orgasmthat drained me of energy. Just because we’d crossed some arbitrary line I’d drawn in the sand didn’t mean we needed to go from platonic to attached at the dick in point-seven seconds.
“Penny for your thoughts?” Teddy asked. I seriously needed to get my head out of the clouds. Or the gutter. I stood at the front of the bakery, staring at our reflections in the glass. “If you’re too tired for dinner, I’ll understand. Rain check?”
No way. I’d been counting down the days until this project was complete. I’d only punished myself by not budging when I realized how explosive the chemistry was between us. “No, I promise I can stay awake long enough to eat.”
I spun around and Teddy’s face was inches away from mine. Every inch of my body ignited in a way I had never experienced before. My heart rate thundered, loud and obnoxious like a drummer hopped up on caffeine. His warm breath fanned across the side of my cheek, sending shivers down my spine.
With a sudden surge of boldness, I leaned forward until our lips met in a blistering, passionate kiss that left me dazed and wanting more.
Teddy’s arm slipped around my back, holding me upright when my knees threatened to give out. He backed me against the wall as his tongue forced its way between my lips. I whimpered into his mouth, rocking my hips forward in a desperate attempt for some friction.
The moment was short-lived but powerful, leaving us both breathless and wanting more. As we pulled away, our eyes met, and I could see the surprise and longing mirrored in Teddy’s gaze.
“Well,” he whispered, his voice barely audible. “That was... a nice surprise.”
“I know,” I admitted, my cheeks heated with a mix of embarrassment and excitement. “I just... I couldn’t wait any longer. I needed to know what it felt like to kiss you.”
Teddy’s eyes softened, and he reached out to brush a stray lock of hair from my forehead. A gentle smile played at the corners of Teddy’s mouth. “Now you know. And if a rushed kiss was that good, I can’t wait to take my time with you.”
A sudden idea struck me. “Hey, instead of a stuffy sit-down meal, why don’t we head to the Tap right now? We can eat and then maybe spend some more time in the library.”
Teddy’s face lit up at the suggestion. “That sounds perfect. Let’s do it.”
With our fingers still entwined, we walked down Main Street as if it was the most normal thing ever. I’d never taken for granted the fact men like us could walk down the streets without fear. It was one of the things that drew me to Harmony Grove after a news story aired about how inclusive the town was year-round.
As we entered, the familiar sights and sounds of the bar greeted us: worn wooden tables, the clinking of glasses, and the murmur of friendly chatter. We found a quiet corner booth and settled in, both of us eager to enjoy our long-awaited firstreal date.
Jon, one of the bartenders, noticed us and gave me a congenial nod. “Hi, Shiloh. Hey, Teddy. Can I get you gentlemen something to drink?”
Teddy shook his head a little too emphatically. “Just... two waters for now.”
