Page 42 of Love Shots

Teddy rolled his shoulders, focusing solely on Summer and how happy she looked. So carefree. And radiant.

That’ll probably be the whiskey shots if I know my girl.

“Fine. Let’s get to it then, before I change my mind.” He grunted as he started to stalk toward the corner table where the rest of the women were gathered.

He’d had to fend off Brady, Duke, and Ace for the chance to pick up the women tonight, all of who were anxious to see their other halves. Everyone knew by now that Lily was pregnant, so Jake had automatically been picked as one of the designated drivers. Teddy, though, had found himself offering free drinks at Mickey’s for his chance to pick up Summer. And not just because she was hilarious after a couple of whiskey shots, no, it was more than that. He missed her. Badly. Even though it had only been a few hours since he’d seen her.

You’ve got it really bad, man.

And didn’t he know it. Feeling actual physical pain being away from Summer was a new, worrying, and scary development that he hadn’t had time yet to decipher.

“Ladies,” Jake greeted as his fingers brushed the brim of his hat. Before the women had a chance to reply, he was already gathering Lily in his arms and cradling her as if she was the most precious thing on the face of the planet. For once, the move didn’t make Teddy’s eyes roll. He finally understood.

“Boo!” Alice heckled. “It can’t be time to go already, I’ve only just convinced Laney here to sing ‘Single Ladies’ with me.”

“Neither of you are single.” Jake smirked, his hands tightening around Lily as if he were scared she was about to run away or worse, join Alice on stage for a “Single Ladies” rendition.

“No shit, Sherlock,” Alice replied, accompanied by an overly dramatic sigh.

Teddy ignored the jibes starting to fly between brother- and sister-in-law and turned his attention back to the stage. Just in time as his gaze collided with Summer’s.

Mid-lyric she jumped and let out a squeal into the mic. He couldn’t have stopped the smile spreading across his face, even if he wanted to. Nor could he stop his feet from moving toward her. Especially after realizing her intentions as the mic thudded against the floor.

Seconds later, Summer was throwing herself off the stage and into Teddy’s arms.

“Teddy!” She shrieked as her fingernails dug into his shoulder blades. “Did you like my song?”

“Yeah, doll, I liked your song.” Humor laced his voice as she wriggled and writhed in his grasp. “How much have you had to drink, baby?” His hands moved to her ass as her legs wrapped around his waist.

“Uh”—she not-so-daintily hiccupped—“two?”

A laugh vibrated through him. “Two what? Bottles?”

Burying her face in Teddy’s neck, Summer started to giggle. Damn. She was adorable.

Enjoying the feel of her secured safely in his hold, he started back toward the table. On the way back, her giggles dissipated, and her intentions turned torturous. Open-mouthed kisses crept up his neck until his steps faltered. “Doll,” he warned in his sternest tone.

Her warm breath sent a shiver down his spine as her lips hovered over his ear. “I want you.” Her voice had taken on a huskier quality, forcing Teddy to stifle a groan. “I’ve been thinking about you all night. How you touch me. How you taste. How you feel inside ...”

Summer’s whispers elicited a primal growl. A growl that undoubtedly hadn’t gone unnoticed. All eyes had been on them since she’d jumped off stage and into his arms. Now he was growling like an animal as his woman’s words penetrated him, making his whole body pulsate. Thank God she was wrapped around him, protecting what was left of his dignity.

“Jesus Christ, you two,” Ivy chastised as Teddy finally made it to the table. “If I wasn’t so close to hurling, I’d suggest that you get a room.”

“Oh, please, like I haven’t walked in on you and Ace re-enacting scenes you’d only find on the discovery channel.” Teddy grinned, loving the shade of red his sister had now turned.

“Okay, children.” Jake chuckled. “Time to go. Me and my lovely wife have plans.”

After a few groans, Jake eventually managed to herd the other women toward the exit. Teddy followed closely behind, Summer still in his arms. Now to get her home. His home. In his bed. Where she belonged.

***

Teddy tugged at his collar again. Damn monkey suit. After years of uniforms, you’d think he’d be used to being uncomfortable. But three years of flannel seemed to be enough to have his body rebelling.

It’s only for a few hours.

Knocking once on Ivy’s bedroom door, he hadn’t been prepared for the sight that greeted him as it swung open.

Wow.

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