Teddy’s eyes lock onto mine with a gaze so sweet and inviting that I begin moving toward him, a moth fluttering helplessly toward the flame. I can only pray that Rafe’s threats are idle ramblings, because I’m falling for Teddy despite my best efforts to push him away.
Teddy’s lips part, his chiseled features softening as I approach him.
I’m moving closer and closer… we’re only three feet apart… then two… then one.
This is it; I’m going to throw my arms around Teddy and kiss this gentle giant, this gorgeous, kindhearted werewolf who’s taken all my gruffness in stride and worked tirelessly to turn my dreams into reality.
But then Teddy inhales sharply and steps away; I pause, confused by his mixed signals.
“I’m glad you’re happy,” he murmurs softly, “and that… um… you’ll be ready for your grand opening.”
“Don’t you meanourgrand opening?” I smile up at him.
Teddy swallows and shakes his head. “Since the grand opening coincides with the full moon, I won’t be here; that’s why I wanted everything to be ready ahead of time.”
“But the full moon’s on Saturdaynight, when the bakery is closed, so I don’t see what the big deal is.” I shrug and start moving toward Teddy again, but he skirts behind a table to avoid me.
Geesh. What’s gotten into him?
“The thing is… I need to leave for the entire weekend. It’s… um… a werewolf thing,” says Teddy.
“A werewolfthing?” I stop moving and cross my arms with a frown; something doesn’t add up. Is this another of Teddy’s secrets? “I grew up with Jake and his pals. I know all about the pull of the moon. A young wolf cub may need to be isolated while he learns to adjust to the waxing moon, but you’re a grown man.”
As Teddy runs both hands through his long, blond locks, I recall the silky feel of those strands between my fingers. Little Olivia was right; I took my time pulling Teddy’s hair into a scrunchie. I’ve wanted to run my fingers through his hair since that first day he walked into my wrecked bakery, lecturing me about Auntie Dragonfly’s will and the forfeiture clause in Appendix C.
“Adult werewolves sometimes have… um… a certain condition that requires more time away.”
I narrow my eyes. “What sort of a condition? Are yousick?” My voice drops low; should I be worried about him?
“In a manner of speaking.” Teddy puts up a hand. “But it’s not contagious or anything. Like I said, it’s a werewolf thing.”
“And that’s all you’re willing to share with me?” My voice rises in frustration. “Can’t you trust me with the truth for once?”
“What’s that supposed to mean?” Teddy’s forehead creases.
“You never told me what happened with your last pack, even though you obviously told Auntie Dragonfly and Jake. You never told me why you suddenly moved out like I had the plague or something. And now you refuse to tell me the real reason you can’t be here for the bakery’s grand opening. You’re keeping an awful lot of secrets.”
“I’mkeeping secrets? What about you? I find it impossible to believe that creep hasn’t tried contacting you again, but every time I bring it up, you steer me away. If you don’t want to discuss it with me, fine. But at least tell Jake there’s a strange werewolf harassing you.”
“Don’t try changing the subject,” I fume. “This isn’t about me—it’s about how you’re hiding behind your werewolf nature to avoid the truth!”
Teddy reaches one hand toward me, and then lets it drop down to his side. “I don’t want to hide anything from you.”
“Is that so? Then tell me the real reason you can’t be here for the grand opening.”
He doesn’t reply; instead, he glances away from meand takes a couple of deep breaths, like he’s getting ready to sprint out the door any second.
I’m so frustrated with Teddy that my filter is gone, not that I have much of a filter to begin with. “What are you hiding from me? What’s so important you’re willing to risk everything you’ve worked so hard for?”
Teddy’s gaze snaps back to me, and his mouth gapes open. “What are you trying to say, Sophie? Are you consideringfiring me?”
I feel a twinge of remorse, given everything he’s done to get the Rhyme ’N Riddle Bakeshop ready, but this is the most important weekend of the season, and Teddy is my only employee. I’m going to really struggle to run this bakery by myself. “I don’t want to take such drastic measures, but you’re refusing to work during our grand opening without giving me a valid excuse.”
Teddy’s chest heaves a few times, like he’s having trouble getting enough air in his lungs. “I already told you—I have a werewolf condition.”
“And you’re sticking with that story?” My face flushes, hot anger coursing through my veins.
“It’s the truth.” Teddy is obviously lying through his dazzlingly white teeth.
