Page 24 of Love Shots

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Summer really shouldn’t have been surprised that a date with Teddy would be unlike any other she’d had. Yet, she was. She still had no idea where they were going, but it was safe to say, it definitely wasn’t to dinner and a movie.

They’d already driven further into the woods than could be considered socially acceptable for a first date. If she had been with anyone else, she would be calling the cops right about now. She wasn’t an idiot. This was exactly how those serial killer shows started.

The long drive was also giving her time to think. And that wasn’t a good thing. Her messed-up mind was high-fiving her one minute for bagging a date with Teddy McCallen, and then listing all the reasons that this wasn’t a good idea the next.

Summer snuck another look over at Teddy; he looked hot, even more so than usual. He’d exchanged his usual flannel shirt for a black button-down and rolled his sleeves up to reveal the black ink on his forearms. She still hadn’t gotten a good look at all his tattoos or even asked how far up they went. Of course, the best way to check would be an up-close-and-personal inspection. That sounded like a good time. Teddy McCallen shirtless. Okay, now she was squirming in her seat.

“Do I wanna know what’s put that look on your face, doll?”

Busted.

It was official. The burning she felt on her cheeks meant only one thing: her face was flaming. Even being caught red-handed didn’t deter her dirty mind. At this point, it was safer to stay quiet. She didn’t have a smartass retort. Or an innocent explanation. There was only filth lingering on the tip of her tongue.

What in God’s name is wrong with me? Actually, don’t answer that.

She really needed to get her mind out of the gutter and give herself a good talking to. This wasn’t okay.

Teddy’s deep chuckle had her head snapping back toward him. “Fuck, you’re cute.”

Cute? Since when did she become cute? She supposed Teddy wasn’t used to seeing her blush. Or at a loss for words. But that’s who she was now. She’d changed a lot in the years since they’d known each other. The past year had been especially brutal. Her confidence had definitely taken a nosedive, that was for sure.

Needing to steer the conversation into safer territory, she cleared her throat and managed not to say anything dirty. “You gonna tell me where we’re going yet? Also, will there be food there?”

Another rumbly laugh echoed around the truck’s cab. “You hungry, dollface?”

“Uh, yeah. I need to eat three meals a day, Teddy. It’s basic biology. They don’t teach you that at SEAL school?”

“Nah, I think I missed that one at BUD/S. I didn’t miss the other biology classes though. The more advanced ones. I’d be happy to give you a demonstration of what I learned later?”

She smiled at that. “Are you gonna ask if you can unzip my genes next?”

A bark of laughter ripped through him. “No. But I might ask if you wanna decrease your dopamine and increase your prolactin together.” He glanced her way and gave her a cheeky wink. She couldn’t help but laugh right along with him.

She liked seeing him like this. He was so relaxed. Chilled. Like he offered up biology-based sexual innuendos on the daily. There was also the advantage of his gaze remaining fixed on the road ahead, giving her a chance to shamelessly ogle him without being caught.

“You’re such a nerd.”

“Yup.” His grin was infectious. Everything about him was.

Yeah, I’m screwed.

A few more nerdy puns later, they were pulling off onto a dirt road. Other than someone’s house up ahead, they were surrounded by nothing but fields. As they got closer, realization set in. This had Teddy’s name written all over it.

“Oh my God.” She turned to look at him as he parked up. “You did it. You’re building it.”

Engine off, he twisted to face her, excitement glittering in those green eyes. “You remember?”

How could she forget? A cabin in the middle of nowhere. The ultimate dream for any dedicated introvert. Summer and Teddy had spent hours together detailing their perfect hideaway. It would have to be in the middle of nowhere. A cross between a cozy log cabin and a traditional farmhouse. She’d imagined dark wood floors and thick rugs. A real wood-burning fireplace. And, obviously, a view to die for.

She stared at the timber logs through the windscreen. He was really doing it. “Of course I remember. You’re getting your bolthole in the boonies. How long?”

The outer shell looked near completion, with the exception of the wrap-around porch, which was still a work in progress.

“A couple of years. I’m getting there. Hoping in another six months or so it’ll be ready.” He opened the driver’s side and jumped down. “Come on, I’ll give you a tour.”

He was next to her door moments later, helping her out. “You’re doing it yourself?”

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