Saving Teddy

by Kaci Rose

  I get up, head into the kitchen, and pour myself a glass of wine.

  “I think I needed to as well,” I agree.

  “So, how cute is this Teddy guy? Can you send me a picture?”

  “Ellie!”

  “Well, I know you’re good at sneaking photos, so just send me one!”

  “There’s nothing going on with us, but if I start something with anyone, I promise to send you a photo, then. Deal?”

  “Deal.”

  We hang up, and I laugh at how well Ellie knows me. I may want something to happen between Teddy and me, but I doubt he feels the same way. Besides, this is totally not the time to start anything.

  Chapter 7

  Teddy

  I had an early morning PT session today, so I haven’t seen Mia yet. She wasn’t able to get here, before my PT session, like she normally does. I’m getting ready to leave the PT room and wonder if I’ll see her at all today. My visits with her, no matter how brief they have been, are the highlight of my days here.

  When I open the door, there sitting on the bench is Mia, and her smile, when she sees me, takes my breath away. She’s so beautiful, and even more so, when her smile lights up her pretty face.

  With each passing day, I become more and more addicted to her.

  “So, they’re starting to serve lunch. Would you like to join me?” I ask her.

  I know it’s a bit early. Just barely eleven a.m. But I want the excuse to spend some time with her. The walk back to my room would be a minute at the most, and I must have more time with her.

  “Yeah, I’d like that. I skipped breakfast talking to my mom, trying to convince her not to come down here to make sure I have a roof over my head. I guess she thinks I’m lying about all this and am bumming around in my car or crashing with some guy.” She rolls her eyes, as we head to the dining room.

  “She sounds like fun.”

  I guess at some point we will have to talk about our families. It’s a subject we’ve avoided until now.

  “Oh, tons. The last thing I need though is for her to make a surprise visit. Even though I love my mom, she’s a lot to handle.”

  “I was thinking maybe we take our lunch to the back porch and eat. Do something different.” I say, trying to change the subject.

  “I love it. Let’s do it.”

  When we get our food, I balance the tray on my lap, ready to go to the porch, but Mia stops me.

  “Let me carry it for you.” She says and reaches for the tray.

  “I can do it.”

  I tense up. Mia has always been one to let me figure things out on my own, and only offers to help when I ask. But I don’t ask.

  “Teddy, it’s okay to accept help every now and then. When you’re up and walking, I’ll let you carry my tray, and we’ll make it even. I won’t even argue.” She gives me a smile, and I just shake my head.

  “It’s hard to accept help,” I mumble, but of course, she’s so close she heard it.

  “I know it is. But soon enough, you’ll be up and going again, and then you can turn around and help someone else, and all will be right in the world.”

  “I don’t know how you are always seeing the bright side.” I shake my head and follow her out to the back porch.

  “It’s a gift. When you face death in the face, you have two options. Let the darkness consume you, or flip death off and find the bright side.”

  We settle in one corner, where she can sit on a rocking chair, and there’s a table in front of us to sit our food on. But this is the closest we have been to each other. If I shift my arm just right, I can easily brush her arm.

  “So, tell me about your family,” she says.

  Damn. I had a feeling this was coming with the talk of her mom earlier. I wish we could just skip this conversation, but even friends talk about their family, so I know I won’t be able to avoid it forever.

  “I don’t really have one. I was a foster kid. My foster family was really nice. I was with them all through high school, but they didn’t want to adopt me or anything. So, I joined the military, and they became my family. What about you?” I try to turn it back on her, so she won’t ask questions.

  “Ahhh well, I have a younger sister, who is married with kids. And my parents chose to spend all their free time with them. They live in Colorado. When they do focus on me, it’s to harp on me about what I’m doing with my life, and why I don’t have a man yet. They don’t care if I’m happy just how it looks to their friends and family. I guess, I’m the black sheep.”

  “You don’t let them control your life. That’s good, though,” I say.

  “Yeah, after the accident, they were glued to my side. After two months of not even being able to pee alone, I lost it and blew up at them, and it’s been like this ever since. There were days I thought they wished it had been me who died, and then they could just focus on my sister. I guess some days I still feel like that.” Her eyes tear up, as she says the last part.

  Without thinking, I reach over and grab her hand, trying to offer her some comfort.

  “Well, I’m glad you survived, and I know Ellie is, and so are her girls. I’m sure there’s a list a mile long who are thankful you’re here.” I tell her.

  She bumps her shoulder to mine. “I could say the same to you, but let’s change the subject. If you could have done anything besides joined the military, what would you have done?”

  Thankful for the subject change, I take a moment to think. I really haven’t thought of life outside the military, even though I need to start thinking about it.

  “I’m not sure. Something that allows me to be a foster parent, though.” I say without thinking.

  “You can still do that, you know. Once you get out on your own.”

  “Yeah, one of the many things to do while here, is to figure out my next steps.”

  “So, what were you like as a kid?” She asks.

  Just like that, we’re on to easier subjects. Subjects that make this feel very much like a date. The kind of getting to know you topics that are light and easy. One’s that keep a smile on her face.

  We finished lunch a while ago, but we’re still sitting here talking about everything and anything. Pets, food, travel, and even cars.

  During one pause, we look at each other at the same time, and our eyes meet. I don’t think, because if I think too long, I’ll talk myself out of it. I bring one hand up, cupping her cheek, and then lean in and kiss her.

  Her lips are soft and tempting, as I slowly kiss her. She sits there stunned, and for a moment, I think maybe I read her wrong, but before I can pull away, she wraps her arms around my neck, pulling me to her.

  She kisses me back, and her lips dancing on mine sends sparks up and down my body. Fuck, my cock is getting hard just from a kiss. But this kiss with Mia isn’t just any kiss. This is the best damn kiss I’ve ever had in my life. The kind of kiss you hear people talking about, and then think it’s just bullshit.

  I tangle my hand in her hair and pull her even closer, deepening the kiss and possessing her mouth. When she lets out a little moan, I start to pull back, because anyone can see us out here. I don’t want anyone else seeing her like this, much less, someone else hear those moans. They’re mine and mine alone.

  When I pull back ever so slightly, her cheeks are flushed, her lips swollen, and when she opens her eyes, they’re glassy. I did this to her, and she looks sexy as hell, and it makes me even harder.

  She smiles at me, and I lean in, giving her a soft kiss on her mouth, before sitting back.

  “Join me for lunch tomorrow?” I ask her.

  I want a repeat of today, especially the kiss.

  “Yes.” She says with a smile on her face.

  We wrap up, and she goes to find Lexi, and I head back to my room.

  Maybe, she’s my reason to push. I’d like to take her on a real date. One we both get dressed up for, and one that I pick her up, and maybe, bring her flowers.

  If she can get through her accident a
nd come out on this side as bright as she is, there’s no reason I can’t at least try.

  Later that night, back in my room, I stare at the letter on my nightstand. I’m not as compelled to read it several times a day like I was.

  I pick it up, and it doesn’t feel as heavy as it once did. Then, I put it in the drawer of my nightstand.

  There’s no reason to read it every day. I have every word memorized by heart.

  I’m excited to see what tomorrow brings.

  Especially, if it brings another kiss like that.

  Chapter 8

  Mia

  It’s been a few weeks, since my first kiss with Teddy, and he’s able to walk short distances now. We’re still having lunch together almost every day, and every day he greets me with a panty melting kiss.

  His kisses alone have turned me on so damn much, that I think I might combust. I’m hoping to maybe get him out of Oakside today, as I think it will do him some good to have some new scenery. Plus, I want to be out of sight of the prying eyes all around us. Especially Lexi, who I know is reporting back to Ellie.

  I wait outside the room of his PT appointment, like I have been every day this past week. Just like every day, when he walks out, he sees me, and a huge smile spreads across his face.

  “Ready for lunch?” He asks.

  “I was thinking maybe we shake things up today.”

  “What did you have in mind?” He asks with a sparkle in his eye.

  “Let’s get out of here and get some non-healthy food. I want to show you this amazing spot I found, while out driving the other day. No walking required, and we don’t even have to get out of the car.” I try to reassure him.

  “Sounds perfect. I’d kill for a greasy hamburger,” he says.

  He takes my hand, as we head to the front desk, and he signs out. Of course, Lexi is there, and shoots me a fun wink, and quietly demands details, when I get home tonight. I agree, as we go out front to where I parked my car.

  We pick up burgers from a drive-through restaurant, and then I drive to this great overlook that I had found. Just like the other day, there isn’t anyone here, so I wonder if this is a little known spot.

  Teddy seems so much more relaxed in the car with me. I guess it’s knowing that he won’t have to get up and walk or move around, when he’s still so unsure of himself.

  I park, facing the views, and then turn to him. It’s great to see him out of Oakside. Just Mia and Teddy today. Not the patient and the volunteer.

  “This is beautiful,” he says.

  We’re in a small parking area with room for five, or maybe six cars. There’s a small stone wall in front of us that’s knee level. From there, you can see our small, little town of Clark Springs, Georgia.

  “If you look really hard,” I point to the left edge of town.

  “Is that Oakside?” He asks.

  “It is. Even if it looks like a tiny pinprick, it’s kind of beautiful to see it from here.”

  The day is clear and sunny, and you can see the North Georgia Mountains in the distance.

  “Can you imagine this spot at night?” He asks curiously.

  I chuckle, “It’s probably filled with teenagers making out.” I hand him his food.

  We talk a bit about how he’s doing in PT, and the exercises Vince, his physical therapist, is putting him through.

  “Didn’t you have dinner with Easton recently?” He asks.

  “This past weekend, yes. He brought his fiancé, Paisley. I had met her my first day here. She’s so sweet. Easton, Noah, and Jake got to talking, so we girls slipped out to the sun porch, had some wine, and watched a bit of TV.”

  When I mention that we went to the sun porch, he relaxes a bit. He can’t be jealous that I had dinner with Noah and Easton, right? They’re both madly in love with their women. Like crazy in love. Maybe, it’s Jake that’s settling him off? Jake is single, so that has to be it. I honestly felt like the odd man out.

  Noah is so head over heels in love with Lexi, and Easton is the same way with Paisley. They didn’t hide it and could barely keep their hands off each other, when in the same room. It’s how Ellie and Owen are. Then, Jake had Atticus with him, and he’s good friends with Easton, so he didn’t pay me much attention.

  I pause and eat a fry, as he watches me. I shrug, “I hope to find that someday. It’s nice to know it’s still out there, even if my luck hasn’t been that great.”

  Then, I turn and look at the view, while I eat another fry. No sooner do I swallow it than Teddy’s hand is in my hair, pulling me towards him. His lips crash into mine, and his passionate kiss overtakes all my senses.

  I never had a make out session with a guy in a car like this. I didn’t date much in high school, and by college, we just made out in the dorms. So, I’m not sure what to do with the console that’s preventing me from getting closer to him.

  His other hand runs up my arm, over my shoulder, and behind my neck, pulling me to him.

  “Tell me to stop.” He mumbles against my lips.

  I just shake my head. I don’t want him to stop. His lips on mine feel like it’s where they belong, and I don’t think I could take him pulling away from me now.

  Then, he gives my bottom lip a soft bite, before wrapping his hands around my waist, and in a move I was not expecting, he pulls me over, so I’m straddling his lap. His hard erection rests in the juncture of my thighs, and we both groan.

  I grip his hair in both my hands, tilting his head back to make it easier to kiss him. His hands pull me against him, so our hips meet, and he slowly grinds against me. He pauses, like he’s waiting for my reaction.

  I don’t waste any time. I move against him, and I feel the smile against his lips, before he gently bites my lips and starts a steady rhythm of helping me grind my hips against him, and then thrusting into me.

  Even with all the clothes between us, I already feel my orgasm starting to press down on me. It’s been so long, since I’ve been with anyone. I’m on a hair trigger.

  “Teddy.” I gasp, pulling away from his lips.

  “I got you, love.” He says and begins slowly kissing down my neck to, I hope, my breasts.

  I bury my face in his neck, close my eyes, and focus on the sensations about to claim me. We’re in a car making out like teenagers, fully clothed, and yet, this feels like it’s going to be the strongest orgasm I’ve ever had.

  It crashes into me hard, and my mouth opens in a silent scream, before I clamp down on his neck without thinking. He groans, as he keeps me moving to ride out my pleasure.

  When I finally collapse on top of him, he holds me tight, and neither of us moves.

  I sit up to look at him. “Did you? Ummm…” My face heats.

  “Cum in my pants like a teenager? Yeah, love, I did.”

  “Sorry.” I smirk, not the least bit sorry.

  “I’m not.” He says, grabbing a few napkins and cleaning himself up, as I move back to my seat and get situated.

  “I should get you back, before Lexi calls me, trying to track you down,” I say.

  He pulls me in for one more soft kiss, before I start the drive back to Oakside.

  After walking Teddy to his room, I go back to Lexi and Noah’s and find them on the front porch once again. I join them and sigh. This is quickly becoming one of my favorite ways to end the day.

  “It was nice to see Teddy get out of Oakside for a bit. How did he do?” Lexi asks.

  “We stayed in the car and drove around. We got lunch, and he was craving a burger. Then, we drove to this spot I found that overlooks the town,” I say.

  Lexi giggles, “Make Out Hill?”

  “Yeah, wouldn’t surprise me. I even joked with Teddy it’s probably filled with teenagers at night.”

  “Oh, it is,” Lexi says.

  “And who have you visited Make Out Hill with?” Noah says.

  “Only Tyler.” She says, resting her head on his shoulder.

  I watch Noah relax, but I still have to ask.


  “And who’s Tyler?” I ask her.

  Lexi gives me a soft smile. “My high school sweetheart. He was a Marine, too. We got married after he graduated boot camp, but he was killed on his second deployment.”

  “If you look by the stairs at Oakside, there’s a picture of him there. We dedicated Oakside to him,” Noah says.

  My eyes water at the thought of finding someone you think you’ll spend the rest of your life with only to lose them so young. I hope Lexi knows how lucky she is to find this kind of love twice in a lifetime. So many of us struggle to find it even once.

  “I’m convinced Tyler brought me Noah right when I needed him most,” Lexi says, almost like she can read my mind.

  “You’re lucky,” I say. “Most people don’t even find one great love in their life, but you have gotten two.”

  “I know I am. I don’t go a day without remembering it.” She looks at Noah with a huge smile on her face.

  I think back to this afternoon with Teddy. Maybe, I’m lucky enough to have found my one. Only time will tell.

  Chapter 9

  Teddy

  Vince pushed me hard at PT today. I asked him too, but fuck, if I’m not sore. It’s a good pain, though. The kind of pain that tells me something is happening. What we’re doing is working. This kind of pain is a reminder we’re moving forward. It’s almost like the pain I’d have when I’d completed a workout at the gym, but not quite.

  Like always, Mia is waiting for me in the hallway, and her smile is better than any drug in the world. All thoughts of the pain leave, as she walks over and slips her arm around me.

  “Lunch?” She asks.

  “How about we take it back to my room, cuddle up, and watch some TV? I’m beat after my session today,” I say.

  “Sounds good. Want me to grab food and meet you there?”

  I hate to have to do that, but not having to make the extra walk, would give me a break.

  “That sounds great, love,” I say.