by Traci Hall
Tasha leaned into the van over the window. “How is your mama, honey?”
“Better.” Teagan put her hand over Tasha’s. “Thanks for asking.”
“In Germany?”
“Yeah.” Teagan released her hand and sat back. “You’re watching the vlog?”
“You’re one of us!” the woman said with a chuckle. “Even if you’re trying to get away.”
Max pointed a long, tan finger at Teagan. “Can’t pull your roots without a piece of your soul dying.”
“Nice.” Tasha nodded as if this was sage advice. Riley wondered if they were going to get hit by the traffic waiting behind him now that the light had just turned green.
But they waved and sauntered the rest of the way across the street without harm.
“How high were they?” Riley asked, stepping on the gas as a car honked behind him.
Teagan coughed and laughed. “And here I was thinking I might have to use that line. I’d let folks know where it came from. Peace, Love and Paddleboards.”
“Plugging their business?” She hated her home, but helped the locals. He had a feeling that Teagan’s Observations came at a time of growing from a young adult to the adult she was now. “On your vlog, which even the stoners watch.”
“If I can help, I do.” Teagan finished the candy and took a drink from the water bottle at her feet. “Local viewers can be a blessing and a curse.” She met his gaze. “Though more blessing than not.”
At the stop sign, Teagan leaned over the console and kissed him, her mouth so soft and inviting that Riley got an immediate hard on. Peppermint flooded his senses.
When he could speak again he said, “Everybody knows your business.”
“It’s part of the deal.” She sat back against the cloth seat and closed her eyes, even though they were less than a block away. “God, I need a nap.”
“We’re almost home.” How could he convince her to give him a real chance? Not just a date he’d tricked her into accepting.
Chapter Eight
Teagan didn’t mind not being behind the wheel, though she was just as comfortable driving. Riley, confidant in himself, didn’t make anything a power play. Maybe because he was a teacher? He had the patience of a saint without the ego. Truth be told, some of her exes were so buff because they had lousy self-esteem—and Riley was ten times a better kisser than any of them.
She and Riley weren’t an item. He’d asked for a chance to show her the ocean at night. Romantic.
“Whatchya thinking about?” Riley opened the door into the house for her. As if he’d been doing it forever.
She had zero time for romance. “Nothing.”
“You were scowling.”
“Was I?” She didn’t need to get into the ex-thing because she and Riley weren’t dating. If they made out a little, hey, if they even had sex, it was consensual and responsible with no strings. No expectations.
“Yeah.” He went into the dining room and waited by the long, dark mahogany table. Sliding glass doors opened out to the back patio and garden. “In, or out?”
“In. I’m beat.” As she sank into the cushioned mahogany ladder back chair she felt the last bit of energy escape. She fought to keep her eyes open. “I’ve got to sleep for an hour or I’ll never make it to midnight.”
“You have a family ritual?”
“Yeah, we get to...” She broke off and sucked in her lower lip before puffing it out again. “I was going to say open a present, but that’s not happening this year.”
Teagan hadn’t thought this part through.
“My mom sent a card with fifty bucks. Which in her world is a lot, and something I can use, which is important to her.”
“My folks and I are exchanging when they come home in January.” She shrugged. “It’s all right.”
Riley reached across the table and caressed the top of her hand. “How about we find some mistletoe?”
Tempting. She snatched her fingers back with a laugh. “Listen, Riley. Let’s talk about tonight.”
“Let’s.” He checked his text messages and sighed as if relieved. What had the message said? Was it from his mom? A girlfriend? “How about we walk downtown? They’re having an outdoor band and Santa will be there.” Riley tucked his cell phone back in his pocket. “It’s a party. I’ll treat you to dinner at Aruba’s. And then after a few glasses of champagne we can take a blanket…and more champagne…to the sand.”
Teagan pretended to consider this, although it sounded better than sitting alone in her house on Christmas Eve. For both of them. Why not be by themselves together? She just didn’t want to give him any wrong ideas.
“I’ll carry you so your pretty feet don’t have to touch the sand.”
“I’d break your back.” She shook her head at him.
He curled his arm. “I think I’ve proven this is all muscle.”
Teagan rolled her eyes. “Fine. But I need a bath and a nap and to call my parents and...” Some time to shave her damn legs, just in case they ended up in bed.
“I can take a hint—I’m leaving. I’ll be back at seven. Put on something festive and let’s forget about cookies and have some fun. We can make up our own Christmas tradition.”
She had to be tired if it was Music Man who suggested they kick up their heels and dance a little. So cute, that he had a plan for the night. “Tradition means that you’ve done it a couple of times. Years.”
“They have to start somewhere.” His tone dared her to argue with his logic. Was that how he got his classroom to behave?
“You have a point,” she conceded. “But that implies that we might be together next year to do it again.” She got to her feet, exhausted. “Unless you’re moving overseas I don’t see it happening.”
Riley scooted his chair back and stood with a triumphant grin. “Woman, don’t try to tie me into next year already. Sheesh, one Christmas at a time.”
Teagan growled and tossed a piece of junk mail at him. “Go,” she said, her voice thick with laughter. “Before I change my mind.”
“I’m going.” Riley walked toward the front door and paused before leaving. “Uh, how about you wear that sexy little elf costume?”
“Out! Or I’ll broadcast the video of you and your Santa can-can online. My viewers would love it.”
He stalked toward her and stole a kiss filled with intent for the evening to come. “Be ready for some fun.”
She grabbed the front of his shirt and kissed him back, thrilled by the heat in his gaze. The grip of his hands on her shoulders. “Shenanigans?”
He finally left after a few more minutes of searing hot kisses that made her insides ache. It didn’t seem right to not have a gift for him...but what? They were new friends. Possibly they’d be long-term, long distance friends. She grinned and reached for her phone, watching the video of him shaking his ass. No holding back.
Laughing, she plugged her phone into the laptop and printer in the bakery office and set about creating a masterpiece.
*****
Riley nervously strummed his thumb against the steering wheel of his car. He and Teagan had stayed side by side for the past five days, singing and sweating and suffering oven burns and tight schedules.
Why was his stomach jumping now?
He glanced in the rearview mirror as he waited at a stoplight. His hair, slightly damp after his shower, curled around his glasses and he shoved it impatiently away from his forehead.
Teagan had called him Fabio the whole next day that they’d worked together, and he was glad when she seemed to forget about it. She relied on a litany of nicknames that varied for the occasion. She was fun and for all her bluster about anti-family she’d been diligent and responsible for the bakery.
Figured that he finally found a girl he wanted to know better and she had a different agenda. Why did Teagan have to leave? But she did, he got that, so he planned on enjoying time with her while she was here and then hopefully staying friends.
He loved South Florida. He
had a job, responsibilities. Fully intended on a mortgage one day. Wife, dog, maybe even kids. Teagan refused to be a, what was it? Haus frau? They had little in common, but...
Riley parked in front of the Becker house, flowers in hand. Not roses—he wanted something more exotic for Teagan, so he’d picked pink and red lilies with evergreen foliage. They smelled spicy. He’d noticed as she baked that she sniffed everything. It made him more conscious of scent.
Teagan’s personal fragrance was carnation oil. He’d peeked in the bathroom, wanting to know everything about her.
He used Axe. Pine because of the holiday. Not a connoisseur of the whole cologne thing, he went for clean and hoped it was good enough.
She opened the front door and his heart thunked against his chest. “You look handsome,” she said, holding the door wide. “Come on in.”
Her shiny auburn hair cascaded down her shoulders in loose curls that begged to be touched. Could it be as soft as it looked? She reminded him of an old-fashioned pin-up girl, all big eyes and hair.
He handed over the bouquet before he made a fool of himself and went inside. “You too,” he mumbled. Ah shit. Had he just told her she was handsome?
She wore a silver sleepless top with a snug black skirt. Black heels that showed off incredible legs. Silver hoops and strands of silver tinsel in her hair.
“Thirsty? I’ve got wine chilled.”
“Yeah.” Riley nodded, his mouth dry with nerves. “I mean, yes, please.”
She flipped the remote and the television came on, showing a cozy fireplace while Christmas music played. “The best kind of fireplace.”
“No danger of burning down the house.” He bowed his head. Lame observation.
“True.” Her voice lowered as if she was holding back a laugh. “Riley, let me put these flowers in a vase and pour the wine. You can come with me, or sit here on the couch. Before the fake fire.”
He followed her into the kitchen not wanting her out of his sight. “Funny how wearing dress-up clothes outside of work makes me feel like a kid.”
She smiled over her shoulder, her full mouth slicked with gloss. Would it taste sweet?
Pouring them each wine, she gestured toward crackers and cheese she’d sliced. “Want to grab that?”
He nodded, tongue-tied at how pretty she was, how perfect.
They sat next to each other on the couch, thigh to thigh. “You don’t look like a kid,” she said, toasting his glass with hers. “You look sexy.”
He choked on his wine. “What?”
“Yeah.” She gently tugged a curl at his ear. Her touch sent shivers down his spine. “Very sexy. It’s the glasses.”
Riley swallowed as her fingers traced his jaw line.
“Smooth.”
He cleared his throat, her caress going straight to his groin. “Just shaved.”
She lifted her leg, lightly touching her ankle and inching her long, red nails up until she reached the short hem of her skirt. “Me too.”
All he wanted to do was lay her back against the couch and make love to her. Touch her, feel that silky skin, free those fabulous breasts, bury his nose in her soft hair. But that would be rude, and despite how incredibly turned on she made him feel, he would prove to her that he was no child.
Riley would buck up and show the woman an amazing night, ending with mutual satisfaction for both of them.
“Don’t you want to kiss me?” She circled the rim of her wine glass with a sensual fingertip, her glossy mouth pursed.
His dick actually hurt he wanted her so bad. Riley stacked cheese on a cracker and popped it in his mouth. “Don’t want to ruin your make-up. You ready to go?”
*****
Teagan could kill him. She’d put some effort into seducing Riley so that they didn’t have to go out. But no, he was sticking to his damn plan.
He shifted on the couch, and she noticed the bulge in his black pants. Slim fit, like skater pants for grown-ups, they had to be uncomfortable across his groin. His silky red shirt was untucked and he wore a black tie with a gold Christmas tree tie pin. She re-crossed her legs, making sure the skirt inched up farther. Was he trying to be a tease?
She got to her feet, smoothing the curve of snug black skirt over her derriere, knowing his eyes watched her every move. It had been a while since she’d been the object of someone’s desire—it was nice.
Better than nice, it fueled her libido like a shot of tequila, hopefully without the hangover. He audibly gulped and shot up from the couch as if it had a spring in it. “I have champagne in the car,” he hurried to say. “Two bottles.”
She couldn’t be more obvious. “Really?”
“I want to dance with you, Teagan.” He pulled her close and her heart raced. “I want to show you off as we walk around the Christmas tree downtown. You are so beautiful.” He smoothed a curl around his finger and brought it to his lips, his eyes not leaving hers. “I want to get to know you over a nice meal. I want you to get to know me.”
“But we do know each other,” she protested, resting her hands along his hips, his interest poking her belly.
“Slower than this.” He nipped at her lower lip. “I want to go very, very slow.”
Teagan groaned and leaned into him, knowing he’d be worth the wait. Hating to wait. “Is it hot in here?”
“No, babe, that is all you.”
Chapter Nine
Teagan and Riley walked hand in hand downtown. The smell of the ocean competed with the pine from the giant Christmas tree in the center of the crossroads. “How tall you think that is?” she asked, craning her neck to see the star.
“Dunno. 100 feet maybe?”
Teagan was glad she’d grabbed her pashmina as the air this close to the beach held a hint of a chill. “You feel that breeze? It’s gotta be in the low seventies.”
“I love it.” Riley shouldered his backpack, which contained champagne and a beach blanket. “Are you too cold? I’ll buy you a sweatshirt.”
“Tourist trap. I’d go back to the house if I needed something.” She gestured over her shoulder. “It’s right there.”
“Some of the gift shops have really nice stuff though. We can take a look, if you want to. Browse.”
“I’m fine.” She usually complained that South Florida was too hot but the temperature was just right. “This time of year is why everybody moves here. It’s almost perfect.”
His fingers tightened around hers. “It is perfect.” Riley pointed to a group of kids caroling around the tree. “I wonder if that’s the public school?”
“I was going to ask if you recognized any of them.”
“Watkins is private.” He lifted his nose. “Hoity-toity. Not sure Principal Ricksen would want her charges singing in public.”
“But you can-canned so well!” Teagan laughed. “Do you like your job?”
“Yeah. I mean, it’s not my dream, but it’s cool. It could be worse. According to my mother, I could have followed my dad’s footsteps and been a musician. Playing pop music in bars on weekends ‘cause practically nobody gets famous. Survive on drugs and saltine crackers until finally dying alone in a flea-infested motel.”
Ouch. Teagan squeezed his hand. “Do you stay in touch with him?”
“Haven’t talked to my dad since I was eight. If he wanted to find me he could. But my phone isn’t ringing.”
She lifted her face to the night air. “So, what is your dream?”
He paused to kiss her cheek. “I’m living it.”
“Smooth. That’s your best line yet.” Holiday lights adorned every business, every surface, making town center look like, well, Christmas. “This is magical. I want to take a picture at the restaurant, okay?”
“Sure. Proof that you weren’t alone for your viewers? Hey, did you talk to your parents?”
“I don’t mind being alone. And yes. They’re having dinner with my mother’s cousins. Dad’s not happy because the oldest cousin, he’s gotta be a hundred and fifty, gets drunk and takes his t
eeth out.”
Riley laughed. “Cool party trick.”
She smiled. “Dad said Mom’s ready to come home too. Maybe three weeks was a long time, but it’d been twenty years since they’d gone.”
“Did you tell them how awesome you did, with the cookies?”
“No.” She didn’t want to talk about the business. “Mom is supposed to be relaxing. Which is easier said than done.”
“Are you like your mom, or your dad?”
“Tough question. I have to say my dad, but honestly? I think I’m most like my maternal grandma, which makes my mother crazy.”
“She was the wild one?”
“Yeah.”
Riley led them toward Aruba’s. “I have a friend who works here, and she’s saving us a table by the window.”
“You dog!” Teagan gave him a look of admiration. “They don’t take reservations.”
“It’s all about who you know. And when I thought of how to impress you, I came up with nothing. So, Carrie said she’d help me out.”
Teagan didn’t like the spurt of jealousy that came to play and stamped it down. “Thank you, Carrie.”
Riley was cute and kind and of course had prior girlfriends. Not that she was his girlfriend. She was a Christmas date. A pay-off for a job well done.
Carrie, as it turned out, was an older woman who lived in Riley’s apartment complex. She had graying brown hair, a thin nose and a huge smile for Riley when she saw him.
“You’re right, she’s lovely,” Carrie told Riley, including Teagan in the greeting. “Follow me. The lights shining off the pier into the ocean are gorgeous. I highly recommend the prime rib, but we have the full menu.”
“Nice to meet you,” Teagan said as the woman sprinted off with a wave.
Riley scooted her chair in. “Carrie has a terrier that I watch sometimes. When she goes up to Orlando to see her kids.”
“That’s nice of you.” Teagan wasn’t at all surprised. He probably waited at the street corners to walk old ladies across. She looked out the window and the white, green and red lights seemed to dance along the ocean’s surf. “The moon gets lost in the glitter,” she said, admitting to herself that the water was beautiful at night.
