Page 9 of The Teddy Bear's Prize

“Well, you’re more than welcome to crash here for a couple of days,” Erika dips out of the frame, and I see her crossing the kitchen and opening the fridge.

She’s been keeping me company since dinner, and I’ve been offering moral support while she tries out a new brownie recipe. I also have Tobias propped up at the other end of the couch with my comfort rewatch of Criminal Minds as background noise.

“I would, but I’m on call this weekend. Hopefully, I can get someone to look at it soon.”

She looks over her shoulder, “Jason could check it out. Heisa licensed electrician. I’ll even tag along to run interference so you don’t drool all over yourself.”

Of course, Jason. Erika’s older brother, who, besides being covered in tattoos, is devastatingly handsome and aging like the finest wine. It’s really a shame that he is a fuckboy of the highest caliber.

I close my eyes, scrunching my nose. It would be nice to have the extra reassurance that the house won’t burn down while I sleep, trapping me in a fiery blaze. Plus, there’s no guarantee my landlord will send someone out before Thanksgiving, this might be the hot water heater all over again.

“Okay,” I look down at my toes, dipping the little brush back in the polish. “If it isn’t a big deal.”

“I’ll send him a text tonight,” Erika grabs her phone.

“No—that’s okay. It’s almost midnight, it can wait. Erika.”

Her video call screen goes gray and if I listen hard enough, I swear I can hear her fingers on the screen as she types out the text.

“Sent,” she smiles at me when the video returns, “Hey, so, I’m planning to have Friendsgiving next Saturday since I’m flying with Paolo to meet my parents. I know it’s kind of short notice. If you’re free?—”

“Are you kidding?” I sit up. “Is there anything specific you want me to bring?”

“What is that thing you make with the fruit and marshmallows?”

“Ambrosia?”

“That’s the one!” Erika looks at something out of frame, “By the way, Paolo is going to invite a few of hisfriends.” She glances back at me, biting her lip and raising her brows suggestively.

“I’m not sure I’m up for dating right now.”

“Because of Jeff? Has he answered any of your texts?”

“Nope. He’s listed as ‘Do not Disturb’ on Slack.” I paint my last toe and screw the top back onto the nail polish.

“Men are a mystery.” Erika shakes her head, looking down at her countertop. She straightens, waving her silicone spatula in my direction, “You deserve so much better, Mia. Someone who won’t leave you guessing and who isn’t afraid to shove your head down into the mattress?—”

I watch her take out her aggression on the brownie batter.

“On that note, I’m gonna get in bed and read. Good luck with your baked goods.”

“Thanks, babes. Love you.”

“You too,” I blow her a kiss and hang up, falling back against the couch.

I shut off the TV in the middle of Dr. Reid’s speech, then look at Tobias. Sometimes I swear it feels like he’s watching me with those rich brown eyes. It’s the same sensation from Jeff’s car, but I don’t feel threatened or like I’m in danger. I’m just aware of his attention.

What am I saying? He’s a teddy bear.

After checking all the doors and the locks, I pick up Tobias and bring him along as I get ready for bed. I follow my normal routine, brush my teeth, and go to change into my pajamas.

The moment I take off my shirt, I sense someone staring at me again, but it’s only me and Tobias, like always. The attention is a gentle caress down my spine that makes my skin heat.

I must be crazy, because I imagine that it’s Tobiaswatching. It’s driving him crazy, being so close to me and without being able to touch me.

I bite my lip and turn around, unclasping my bra. With one arm covering my breasts, I let the straps fall over my shoulders.Yep,I am insane.That’s the only explanation for me going full voyeur in front of a teddy bear, but I can’t help it. It makes me feel powerful. I can almost hear him whispering his encouragement with every move.

“Fuck, do you have any idea what you are doing to me, little doe?”

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