Page 33 of Love Shots

“So you don’t mind her sexting your brother then?” Laney helpfully added.

“I am not sexting Teddy!” Summer screeched. Just a little too loud. Heads seemed to swivel, and another round of laughter erupted from both her friends.

After attempting her best scowl, she ignored the giggling women and turned her attention back to her messages.

Teddy: Too soon?

Teddy: Summer?

Teddy: I’m sorry. I was joking. All my clothes will be staying firmly in place tonight. Promise.

Shoot. He was panicking because she hadn’t answered. And apparently trying to move their relationship backward.

Summer: Sorry. Planning emergency. I hope you’re joking about your clothes staying on. What happened to my private show?

Teddy: Phew. I thought I scared you off. You really want a private show?

Summer: No, you didn’t, and yes, I do :)

Teddy: You gonna ask nicely?

Summer: I’m always nice!

Teddy: Naked?

Summer: Well, I’ve heard that’s the only way to book.

Teddy: How soon can you come over?

This time she did take a moment to laugh. And squirm. She checked the time. Okay, she needed to wrap up this meeting and go shave. She had a date with a hot man. A naked date.

***

Summer tried once again to check her unease and knocked on Teddy’s apartment door. She’d already given herself a good talking to on her way over. Shaved, showered, and in her good underwear that matched and everything, she really shouldn’t be nervous. Yet, she was pretty sure she was shaking.

This is Teddy. My Teddy. I’ve wanted this since forever.

Maybe that was the problem though. She’d built this moment up in her head since she was twelve years old. Well, maybe sixteen years old. At twelve, she just wanted to hold his hand. What if it didn’t live up to her expectations? What if she didn’t live up to his?

No pressure then.

Teddy swung open the door and she watched as his face flicked from unadulterated lust to sudden concern. Damnit. She was doing a piss-poor job of hiding her nerves. When did she become so transparent?

“What’s wrong, doll? Jesus, you’re trembling.” He gathered her into his big, strong arms and held her close.

Resting her head against his shoulder, she relaxed into him. This felt better. This felt right. “It’s silly. I feel silly now. I’m fine. Honestly.”

“Talk to me, doll.” He didn’t let her go, just pulled her along with him as he moved them back inside the apartment and shut the door.

Taking in a deep breath, she let the musky scent of his cologne and soap soothe her. “I’m nervous.”

Loosening his arms, he drew back just enough to tilt her face up and aim that green-eyed gaze at her. “Nothing needs to happen tonight. This goes at your pace, okay? I’ve waited a fucking lifetime to be with you, Summer. Another few weeks, months, hell ... even another year doesn’t mean jack. I’ll wait however long you want.”

I’ve waited a lifetime to be with you too.

That was the thing about Teddy. He always knew what to say. How to put her at ease and make her feel safe. Suddenly, she didn’t feel so afraid anymore. So what if tonight wasn’t perfect? If she wasn’t perfect. This was right. He was right. Nothing else mattered.

Summer rose onto her tiptoes and zeroed in on Teddy’s lips. Her heart was thumping its way out of her ribcage, but at least she was no longer shaking. As their mouths met, she nipped at his lower lip and pried him open. Once her tongue swept inside, the kiss turned urgent as they swallowed each other’s moans.

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