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I bite the bun and nod. “Yes, ma’am.”
When she starts carrying a platter to the table, I follow with the other and then seek out the caffeine I need. I pour a cup of coffee, missing the routine I’ve fallen into of choosing a punny mug to make Tealey smile each day. I didn’t even realize we had a routine to miss until now when faced with a sea of white cups.
The mugs are funny, but it’s the company I’m craving the most. Our mornings begin with a quick chat in the kitchen before work, and most nights, she falls asleep on the couch when it gets late. I don’t wake her right away because I like the sound of her peaceful breaths at midnight.
I don’t want to miss any of it, not even for a weekend. I glance at the stairs, hoping to catch a glimpse of her coming to fill the Grand Canyon–sized hole in my chest again.
When I don’t see her, I walk to the buffet, wondering if eating enough honey buns will do the trick.
“Good morning, Amanda.” From just hearing the sound of Tealey’s voice, I’m smiling before I even look up. When I do, I’m not disappointed.
Wearing a yellow sundress hitting just above her knees, she walks across the marble floors in little white sneakers. Her hair is loose with soft waves streaming past her shoulders. Those beautiful blue eyes stare into mine, and if I’m not mistaken, her lips are swollen from our kissing. I try to act normal, but she makes it damn hard not to stare.
My mom says, “Good morning, Tealey. You look like sunshine today. Yellow is your color.”
Mom’s compliment deepens the pink in Tealey’s cheeks, matching the shade of her lips.
“Good morning, Rad,” Tealey says, tugging at a strap as if she’s suddenly self-conscious. When she joins me at the buffet, she asks, “How’d you sleep?”
“Amazing.” I lean down, resting my forearms on the counter next to where she’s standing at the coffee pot. “How’d you sleep?”
“Like a baby.”
“That’s what Rad said,” my mom says with a bowl of berries in her hands. “Glad you’re enjoying the getaway.” She holds her finger up. “Tealey, can you do me a favor and try to get Rad to forget about work and relax this weekend?”
Tealey smirks while I try to hide my amusement. “It would be my pleasure, Amanda.”
That sly vixen. I whisper, “And mine.”
“How about I take the berries out back and leave you two to chat?”
I turn back, worried I wasn’t sneaky enough. “You don’t have to leave, Mom.”
“I was heading to the back porch anyway.” The door closes behind her, and Tealey and I are alone.
She leans down, matching my position. I cock an eyebrow, and say, “I have an idea.” With our fingers aligned on the cabinet, I move mine to press against hers. It’s not enough because apparently, now when it comes to her, I want more. I lift my little finger and wrap it over hers.
Catching a smile on her face, she laughs. “What is your idea?”
“I know a way you can help me relax.”
“Does it involve a bed, a locked door, and just the two of us?”
I lean a little closer, my eyes locked on her lips. “It does.”
“That—”
“Why are we up so early on a Saturday?” Jackson bellows as he enters the great room. I pull my hand back to my side and stiffen upright.
While I move around the island, putting distance between Tealey and me, she replies, “Because a beautiful day beckoned us to enjoy it.”
Jackson heads straight to the table. “I’m starved.” He glances at us. “Have you guys eaten?”
“No,” I reply. “Go ahead. Anyone up for a walk on the beach?”
“Me.” I expected Tealey, but it’s Cammie, coming in from outside, who takes me up on the offer. “I’d love to go. We never get to talk anymore.”
It’s not like I don’t want to walk with Cammie. She’s great, and I always enjoy spending time with her. I just thought this would go a different way. “It has been a while.”
“All that champagne and . . .” Tealey eyes me. “Activity last night has me famished. I’m going to make a plate and join your mom on the deck.”
Cammie grabs a pair of sunglasses from the counter, anchoring them on her head, and then looks at me. “Let’s go.”
When we start crossing the lawn, Cade cups his hand to the side of his mouth. “Just have her home by curfew, brother.”
I shoot him the bird.
“Inappropriate, Radcliffe,” my mom says just before we’re out of range. I chuckle because sometimes it’s fun to push her buttons.
Stopping to blow him a kiss, Cammie quick steps to catch up with me.
When we reach the beach, she leaves her shoes on the edge of the lawn before dipping her toes in the sand. I kick mine behind me, and ask, “How’s life treating you?”
