Pivotal Moments (In Time #1) (22 page)

“Don’t be like that,” I scolded. “He just didn’t want to wait anymore.”

“He’s been a royal pain in the ass the last two weeks,” he muttered. “You’d think he’d lost his best friend or something.”

I laughed and put my hands on his chest, giving him a push. He leaned down and placed a light kiss on my lips, then stepped back. With a shake of his head and sigh, he crawled into the vehicle and set about getting the dog out.

After a few minutes and several colorful curse words, Zver bounded out of the truck, followed by a disheveled Teagan. The big dog loped over to me and commenced to leaning heavily against my legs, looking up at me expectantly. I smiled and reached down to scratch behind his ear. He gave a happy whine, tail wagging his entire body.

“I told you he’d miss you,” Teagan said, a touch smug.

I flashed him a grin and returned to loving on Zver. I admit—I had missed the dog too. He’d worked his way past my doggy dislike, and that took talent. “I might’ve missed him too,” I said with a shrug.

Teagan scoffed as he reached in and grabbed his bag and Zver’s food. “Might’ve, huh?” He slung the bag over his shoulder and wrapped an arm around my waist.

“Yeah,” I replied, grinning. “Maybe a little.” Zver vibrated beneath my hands, and I added, “Uh, is he okay?”

Teagan snorted. “He’s fine. He’s just happy to see you. He thinks you’re one of his pack now, baby. Pack animals don’t handle not having their pack mates around very well.”

We moved toward the door as one unit. “Pack mate, eh?” I said with a smile.

“Hey,” he said with a shrug. “What can I say? You’re stuck with us now.”

I reached down and ruffled the rich, thick fur along Zver’s neck, sinking my fingers into it. “I can think of worse things,” I said with a laugh.

***

I opened my eyes and frowned. Where was I? It was dark, and I blinked several times before my eyes adjusted. I was in the family room. A soft snore broke the silence, and I grinned at the firm bicep my head rested on. Something heavy was draped over my waist, and when it pulled me close to him, I concluded it was Teagan’s other arm. The fact we were like two fitting puzzle pieces wasn’t lost on me.

Another kind of snore mixed in with Teagan’s, and I lifted my head to find the source. This time it was Zver; he was stretched out nearby, sound asleep and snoring.

I stretched, working loose muscles tensed from sleeping on the floor. I stilled when a soft kiss pressed to the back of my neck, followed by a warm breath against my ear. “You okay?”

“Yeah. I’m just not used to sleeping on the floor.”

He yawned and stretched as well, then sat up and ran a hand through his hair. Reaching over, he grabbed his phone from the coffee table and checked the time. He groaned. “It’s just after three, sweetheart.”

I frowned. “What time did we fall asleep?”

“You fell asleep around eleven. I don’t think I was far behind.” He chuckled. “We probably would have been okay if your mom hadn’t cooked.”

I smiled. Mom had insisted on making dinner, and of course, it’d been amazing. We had both stuffed ourselves and afterward settled in the family room to watch a movie. I couldn’t remember making it to the end.

“Anyway,” he said, rubbing the stubble on his jaw, “we’re both awake now. Why don’t we make some plans for the weekend?”

“As long as it involves spending time with you, I don’t care what we do,” I said. “I’ve missed you. More than I thought I would.”

“Me too, baby.” He lay back down on his back, and I rolled over until I was facing him. I tucked myself in beside him and inhaled deeply, his unique scent sweeping over me.

“Before we do that, though, I’d like to talk about us,” he said quietly.

I tensed. Was that it? Was this the end? I started to pull away, but Teagan wrapped his arms around me and held me close.

“No. You’re not going anywhere, Aislinn, and neither am I, I promise. I just want to talk.”

I clutched his shirt tight in my fist, willing myself to calm down.

“Now,” he continued, “we have to be able to communicate, and we’re building that. But we need reassurances when we’re apart. Also, you need to know I’ll tell you everything, and vice versa, okay?”

I nodded.

“I want to take a minute and explain my thoughts about this Brody dude. Will you hear me out?”

I nodded again.

“Okay,” he said with a sigh. “Here’s the thing, Aislinn. I was Brody in high school. As you already know, I got a lot of girls, and it was by being exactly how he was with you. I’d be charming, playful, tell a girl I just wanted to be friends if she’d come hang out…” He paused for a moment, lost in memories. “I was an asshole,” he stated flatly. “What I wanted, I went for, and I pretty much always got it.”

I frowned and started to get up, but he wouldn’t let me go. I lifted my head and glared at him. “I know about all of that, but I don’t want to hear about it, all right?”

“Settle down, baby. I’m telling you this for a reason.”

I scowled, but rested my head back down on his shoulder.

“Now, Brody is going to be working double-time, since he’s not juggling a girlfriend. I need to know you’ll talk to me about him. I won’t ever get upset with you, I promise. I trust you.” He tilted my face up to meet his gaze. “I trust you, Aislinn,” he repeated.

I swallowed hard and nodded.

“But I don’t trust that cocksucker. I know he’s not going to accept what you said the other day as being the end of it.”

“Why do you say that?”

“Because I would have seen it as a challenge. It wouldn’t have stopped me at all.”

It was disturbing how well he was describing the situation. Now he had me worried. “Let me ask you something.” He nodded, and I cleared my throat before continuing. “When you were in school, what would you have done if you pissed a girl off, she called you a name, then stormed off?”

He studied me with a frown. “I would have seen it as a challenge. I’d have bumped up my game.” He narrowed his eyes. “Why? Did something happen?”

“Brody tried to corner me and talk to me during lunch. I told him I had nothing to say to him.” I met Teagan’s gaze. “He said we wouldn’t make it, and it pissed me off. I called him a dick.”

Teagan’s lips twitched in amusement. “You called him a dick?”

“Yes. He was rude and out of line.” Teagan’s shoulders started shaking as he held back laughter. I glared at him. “This isn’t funny.”

He sobered and nodded. “You’re right. But you didn’t do anything wrong. You just need to keep a couple of things in mind. One, you’re beautiful. And two, you’re incredibly innocent. That’s like a beacon in the night for us guys. You need to listen to me so you don’t get hurt, okay?”

“Okay,” I said.

“Now, then,” he rolled over, pinning me beneath him. “We have a little time before daylight…” he mused.

I looped my arms around his neck and grinned. “Is that so?”

“Mmhmm,” he hummed, his gaze falling to my mouth. Feeling confident, I licked my lips, and his eyes darkened. More of his weight sank onto me, and my breath caught when his thigh moved between my legs. He lowered his head to mine, but stopped just short of our lips touching. “Aislinn?”

“Yes?”

“I’m not like that anymore, sweetheart. I swear.” From his expression on his face, he was telling me the truth.

I swallowed hard and gave him a watery smile. “I believe you.”

His eyes lit up, then he smirked. “I have a plan for the rest of the night, if you’re interested,” he drawled.

“And that is?” I prodded.

“I,” he said, moving closer, “am going to demonstrate what it means to be thoroughly kissed.”

Chapter 18

“I’m hungry.”

At Teagan’s announcement, I shot him a raised eyebrow. “Yeah? What are you going to do about it?”

“You are going to get in the kitchen and make me some pancakes, woman. I want some breakfast,” he said with a wink and a grin.

I rolled my eyes and snorted. “Sure. Like that’ll ever happen.”

He chuckled. “Trust me, Connor’s already warned me about your cooking skills.”

My feelings were a little hurt, but I tried to play it off anyway. “I’ll have you know that he grossly underestimates me. I am quite skilled at opening a can of tuna, thank you very much.”

Teagan stared at me for a moment, blinking, and then burst into laughter. I scowled, my attempt at humor all too successful. When Teagan didn’t stop laughing, I stood and planted my hands on my hips. “Fine. If that’s how you’re going to be…” I turned to stomp away, but he reached out and snagged my arm. He tugged, but I didn’t turn back to face him.

“Come here, baby,” he coaxed. “I’m sorry.” I didn’t budge. He gave a firm tug, pulling me into his lap, where he still sat on the couch. He wrapped both arms tight around me. “I apologize, sweetheart.”

He nuzzled the side of my cheek with his nose before he placed a soft kiss on my ear. I struggled to hold on to my anger, but my walls were falling.

“If I hurt your feelings or upset you, I’m truly sorry,” he said. “That’s something I don’t want to do,” he murmured in my ear.

With a sigh, I turned and gave him a soft kiss. “It’s all right. Thanks to years of Connor’s little comments, I’m really touchy about that subject.”

“Duly noted,” he said with a smile. “But that doesn’t change the fact I’m hungry. Let’s go out and get some breakfast.”

I nodded my agreement, and he gave me a quick kiss, patting my leg. “I’ll just let Zver out, and then we’ll go.”

I stood up just as Mom wandered in. She was dressed to go to work, and she had her work bag with her. She looked us over, then said, “Have you two even been to bed yet?”

“We fell asleep on the floor,” I confessed.

She sighed and shook her head. “Bet that was comfortable.” She yawned and smiled as Teagan sidled past her with Zver hot on his heels. “So, what are you two up to today?”

“We’re going to breakfast, and then I don’t know what,” I said as I headed to the stairs to change. “Why?”

“Just curious,” she said. “I have to go into the office today.”

I nodded. “Okay, Mom. I’ll see you later, then. Love you.”

“Love you too,” she called on her way out the front door.

I raced up the stairs to change and freshen up. I already knew where I wanted to go for breakfast, and I had a feeling Teagan would like it too. I smiled to myself, pleased I was already learning his preferences. He wasn’t an easy person to read, but I was beginning to pick up on his moods and feelings, learning to navigate through them. At least he wasn’t one of those broody men.

I had just pulled my shirt on when a knock came to my door. “Come in,” I called, grabbing my purse and sandals.

Teagan pushed open the door and walked in. I took a moment to appreciate the fine specimen of manhood that just happened to be all mine. Even in cargo shorts, a t-shirt, and flip-flops, he looked fabulous. I won’t deny it; I blatantly checked out my boyfriend just then.

Teagan grinned. “Like what you see, beautiful?”

I shrugged. “Meh. It’s all right.”

He laughed and gestured for me to lead the way out. I walked past him, and as I did, he swatted my rear. I jumped and shrieked, then turned to stare at him, openmouthed. He just gave me a smug grin and said, “Baby, you know you like what you see.” He waggled his eyebrows. “This is prime meat, here.”

All I could do was laugh. “Come on, Mr. Modest,” I said. “Let’s go eat.”

***

“I like this place. Good choice,” Teagan said. We were at a little diner outside of town that Mom used to bring Connor and me to. Mona’s was designed retro, complete with the 1950’s-style counters and décor.

I smiled, pleased I had been right. “I thought you might.”

He started scanning the menu, muttering about what sounded good. Our waitress arrived to take our orders, and I barely suppressed a groan. It was Claire, one of Tracey’s friends. She grimaced at me, and then zeroed in on Teagan.

“So, are you ready to order?” she purred, stepping closer so her hip brushed his shoulder, and she leaned over. If Teagan looked now, he would have a clear view of a lot of cleavage.

He glanced up, frowned, and moved aside a bit. “No, not yet. Get Aislinn first, please.” He flashed me a smile before returning his attention to the menu.

Claire rolled her eyes as she turned to me. “You ready?”

I sent her a baleful glare, which she met with one of her own, and I said, “Yeah, I am. I’ll have the breakfast platter.”

She looked me up and down, smirking. “That’s a big plate. I’m sure you’ll enjoy every bite.”

I bit my lip, staring at the table. I would not hurt her. She wasn’t worth it.

Teagan’s head shot up, and he narrowed his eyes at the waitress. He reached across the table and took one of my hands, giving it a squeeze. “That sounds good, beautiful.” He glanced at Claire. “I’ll have the same.”

“Wait. What?” She gave a laugh. “You’re with her?”

Teagan sent her a hard look. “I’d advise you to watch yourself,” he glanced at her nametag, “…Claire.”

“Please. A guy like you with someone like her?” she exclaimed. “This has to be a joke.”

My face flushed red, but from anger—not embarrassment. “Excuse me?”

Claire rolled her eyes. “Like anyone would believe you’re seeing him.”

I dropped Teagan’s hand and moved to stand up. Claire backed away. But before I could move out of the booth, Teagan’s hand wrapped around my wrist. “Sit down, Aislinn.” I shook my head. “Sit down, now.” His voice was hard.

I reluctantly sat, and he shifted his grip to enfold my hand in his. “She’s not worth it, sweetheart.” I opened my mouth to disagree, but he squeezed my hand and shook his head. “Seriously, she’s not worth your time.” He turned back to Claire, who watched us with shock and not a little trepidation. “You will treat my girlfriend with some respect. You will not speak to her like that again. Are we clear?”

She nodded with a quick jerk of her head.

“Good. Now, go place our orders and bring our drinks.”

I stared at him in awe. With just a few words, he’d handled a situation that I’d been ready to commit violence over. He returned his attention back to me, effectively dismissing her, and she turned and hurried back to the kitchen.

“I don’t think anyone has ever spoken to her like that,” I mused. He sat back in the seat, an amused expression on his face. I furrowed my forehead. “What?” I demanded.

“You were about to beat her ass, weren’t you?”

I shrugged. “I don’t know. Maybe?” I stared at the table and grimaced. “Yeah, I was gonna try. But she pissed me off,” I defended.

Teagan grinned. “That would have been hot.”

I blushed and laughed. “Yeah, whatever.”

He leaned across the table and pressed a soft kiss on my lips. “I’m proud of you, baby,” he murmured against my mouth.

At the sound of a throat being cleared, he leaned back; Claire had returned. She glared at me as she handed us our drinks, then turned and stomped back to the counter. I met Teagan’s gaze, and we both started laughing. Claire’s words hadn’t bothered me.

They didn’t bother me at all.

Breakfast passed without further incident. It was turning out to be a beautiful day, so after Teagan paid the bill, we decided to take Zver to the park. When Teagan got out of the truck with a backpack of Zver’s stuff, I grinned and rolled my eyes. The dog was definitely spoiled.

Teagan walked to the rear of the vehicle and opened it up. Zver immediately leapt to the ground and shook himself out, then sat at his owner’s feet while Teagan puttered around, getting out the water bottle, bowl, the leash, and his other canine paraphernalia. Finally, he had everything we would need, and he hooked the leash onto Zver, who quickly stood, practically vibrating with excitement.

Teagan slipped an arm around my shoulders, pulling me tight to his side, and I snuggled close to him. “Everything okay?” he asked quietly.

I nodded. “Perfect.” I glanced up and smiled at him, seeing myself reflected in his sunglasses.

“It is?” He grinned.

“Definitely,” I said.

“Good.” He pulled us to a stop and looked around.

We were beneath a large maple tree, which provided lots of shade. The green grass stretched out around us, and in the distance I could see the ball fields. There was a picnic table situated off to the side, and I pointed it out. We headed over to it, and I sat on the bench, watching as Teagan got Zver ready.

He took his time, making sure the dog had water in his bowl and his large rawhide bone to keep him occupied. Last but not least, he unhooked the leash and came and sat down beside me. He straddled the bench and pulled me between his knees with a huff. I giggled and Zver lifted his head to inspect the sound. Seeing that nothing was amiss, he went back to his bone, tail thumping in satisfaction.

Teagan leaned forward and rested his head against my shoulder, absently stroking my hip. After a moment, he sighed and lifted his head, then pushed his sunglasses up. Teagan studied me, his eyes searching mine.

I squirmed. “What?” I asked finally.

“Just wondering what you’re going to look like.”

I wrinkled my brow in confusion. “Huh?”

“I’m taking you to your prom, right?”

My jaw dropped open. “Are you serious?”

“Sure I am. Why wouldn’t I be?”

“Well…” I struggled to form a coherent sentence. “It’s just…it’s high school, you know?” I gestured with my hands, trying to get my point across.

“So what? You weren’t going to go or something?”

“Not really. I hadn’t really thought about it, to be honest,” I admitted.

He shook his head, frowning. “Well, you’re going now. It’s your senior prom, sweetheart. You should have that.”

“But…I mean, won’t you be bored?”

He tapped me on the nose. “Nope. I’ll be with you. I’ll be taking you to something you’ll remember for the rest of your life.”

I was silent, thinking over all he had said. I had been honest when I said I hadn’t planned to go. I hadn’t had a boyfriend, and no one looked like they were going to ask me. It had been on the agenda to stay home, like every other Saturday night. But now I had a boyfriend, and he seemed sincere.

“You really want to take me to prom?” I asked again.

He nodded. “Absolutely. You tell me when, and I’ll be there, dressed in a tux.”

That sparked some excitement, and I beamed at him. “Okay. If you’re sure, then we’ll go.”

He ran a hand up my back until it cupped the back of my head. He pulled me to him, and my eyes closed as his lips fit over mine. But before we could get carried away, he pulled back and ran a finger down my cheek.

It was the soft kisses, the soft touches that always drew me in the most. We shared a smile, and I entwined my fingers together with his. He raised our hands to his mouth and kissed my knuckles. I opened my mouth to speak, but another voice interrupted.

“Ash?”

I froze, eyes widening.

“What are you doing here? Who’s this?”

I dropped my head to Teagan’s chest with a groan. This was not my day, at all. Teagan’s chest flexed when he finally put two and two together, and his arm tightened around my waist. With a deep sigh, I turned and frowned. “What do you want, Brody?”

Brody stood there, sweaty—having obviously been out running—watching the two of us closely. The tension was so thick it could’ve been cut with a knife. Zver stood with a low, grumbling growl, abandoning his bone. Brody glanced nervously at the massive animal.

“Zver, lyezhat,” Teagan said in a firm voice. The dog lay down immediately, keeping a watchful eye on Brody.

He looked from the dog back to us. “What the hell is that?”

“It’s a dog,” I said impatiently. “What do you want now?”

“What, I can’t say hi to a friend?” He frowned and then looked at Teagan. “Who is he?” he repeated.

I sighed. “One, we’re not friends, Brody. Two, this is Teagan—you know, that fake boyfriend of mine?”

Neither of them moved to shake hands. Teagan shifted in his seat, watching me, and I raised a hand to trace my fingertips along his jaw. He quirked his lips, amusement flashing in his eyes. I got the idea he liked my open display.

Brody cleared his throat, and with a sigh, I raised an eyebrow and turned back to him, waiting for him to say something. My impatience must’ve registered, because he shifted his weight. After a beat, he said, “So, there’s a bonfire out at Tom’s tonight—I was wondering if you wanted to come.”