19
RUNNING WITH THE DEVIL
TEDDY
Teddy woke to an empty bed. He headed down the hall in search of his woman. As he entered his kitchen, he smelled freshly brewed coffee and found Sydney sipping from a mug at the table while working away on her laptop.
Not wanting to startle her, he said, “Good morning, baby.”
He didn’t like that she had her back to the room, but he didn’t want to begin the day by criticizing her. Especially not their first day as an engaged couple.
“Good morning,” she said as he dipped down, pulled aside her hair, and kissed the back of her neck.
After filling a mug with coffee, he made his way over. Her gaze darkened as she checked him out. “Looks like my buddy is back for more action and adventure.”
He glanced down as his wood. “I got a thing for you.”
When he sat beside her on the dining room bench, she rubbed his bare back.
“I love that you’re a true patriot, saluting me every chance you get,” she said.
He laughed. “Whatcha been doing?”
“I wanted to get organized about our mission,” she said. “Did you sleep okay?”
“Great.” He sipped the hot drink. “You?”
“I sleep so much better in your arms. I’ve replaced half a dozen soft pillows for body of granite. Tell me, how does that work better?”
“It’s love, baby. Nothing but love.”
He glanced down at her clothes. She was wearing one of his T-shirts and a pair of his shorts that were much too big for her.
“I’m gonna throw on some clothes,” he said. “You good with what you’ve got on?”
She nodded before turning back to her laptop.
In his bedroom, he pulled on boxer briefs, a T-shirt, and shorts. The morning air was crisp, and he wanted to get out for a run, but they’d have to wait until they were at the Black Site to spend time outside. Even there, it was risky.
When he returned, she was making breakfast. He pulled up alongside her and offered to help.
“I found pancake mix,” she said. “How ‘bout a stack along with some eggs?”
They cooked together. She handled the pancakes and, when she’d cleared the griddle, he cracked half a dozen eggs. Once those were done, they filled their plates, topped their coffees, and sat side by side on the bench at his kitchen table.
“Is this your furniture?” she asked.
“Uh-huh.” He sipped the coffee.
“I like this table. The bench is nice too.”
“Once the mayhem is behind us, we can shop for?—”
“The mayhem willneverbe behind us. We’re assassins.”
While they ate, she pitched her idea regarding her cousin Robby and the cabin at the lake.
“Sounds solid,” he said. “When do you want to do this?”
