Chapter 16
Teresa paused with her fork in mid–air, a faint smile on her lips, as she listened to o the family chatter.
She was suddenly reminded that her son was waiting at home, and a strong desire to head back washed over her. Setting her fork down she told Hayden, It’s getting late. I need to leave now.
Hayden’s confusion was clear. “Leave? But I thought you were staying over tonight.”
Teresa shook her head, briefly looking at Jonathan, who seemed to be avoiding her gaze. “We actually live in Luviston Estates, Hayden. It our home,”
Hayden checked the time and frowned, worried. “It’s a hike to Luviston Estates, and the night’s young. You might as well stay here, we‘ got plenty of space, he offered, trying to be considerate
Teresa tried to argue, but Hayden was resolute. “I’ve made up my mind, he stated firmly, turning to Jonathan with a raised brow. “You’re okay with this, right?”
Jonathan took a moment, then agreed. “Sure, I’m good with staying
Teresa wasn’t too keen on the idea, but Jonathan convinced her otherwise. “Grandpa really wants this. It’s not worth causing a fuss and leaving at this point he reasoned.
Hayden seconded that. “Right, we’re family. No need to be bashful.”
While Jonathan and Hayden got into their chess game, Teresa slipped away to the bathroom to call Miriam. She whispered to her friend, asking if she could watch Mike for the night since she was stranded at the Lynn residence.
Minam’s excitement came through the phone. “You and Jonathan sharing a bed? Whoa, don’t want another surprise on the way, you?” she teased.
Teresa quickly retorted, “You’re reading way too much into this.”
do
Miriam let out a sigh of resignation. “Alright, I’ll drop it. I’ll look after Mike, but please be careful, okay?” she urged before ending the
After a quick bathroom break, Teresa came back to see Jonathan and Hayden still engrossed in a chess game. She nonchalantly checked
the time–almost ten o’clock.
Jonathan’s attention was drawn to Teresa, and as their eyes met, Teresa excused herself to the kitchen, mentioning that shed prepare some fruit
Hayden stretched and yawned as he announced, “No need, Jonathan’s mom called to say she’s staying out. It’s just us tonight. I’m going to watch a soccer match”
Teres, stopped in her tracks. “Actually, Hayden, I’m not tired. I’ll watch TV with you,” she said, sitting down next to Hayden and pointedly ignoring Jonathan’s slightly grumpy look
Jonathan, deep in thought and with his arms folded, murmured, Tm going to bed. You can join if you want” He then turned and climbed the stairs
Though tired, Teresa stayed up, eyes open, as she watched TV with Hayden
Upstairs in his room, Jonathan lounged on the bed, legs crossed, browsing through a magazine.
He glanced at the time–10.29—and then at the door, silently counting, “One, two-“The door swung open just as he mouthed. “Three”
Hayden, with a sly grin, gently pushed Teresa into the room. “It’s 10:30, time for me to hit the hay. You two lovebirds rest up,” he said winking before shutting the door.
“Hayden-” Teresa tried to say, at the door closed, leaving her voice trailing off
The room was steeped in a rich, woody aroma, accented by the tangy frealmness of Jonathan’s post–showet vent, a heady combaution. that enveloped Teresa’s senses
Out of the corner of her eye, Teresa glimpsed Jonathan, clad in a white robe and dark shorts that showed off his physique revealing
– bit too
150 FM & &
Chapter 10
Despite his impressive physique, Teresa swiftly admonished herself for being aware of it. Shaking her head, she shifted her focus and went out onto the balcony, letting the cool breeze clear her mind as she paced
Jonathan with a teasing lilt in his voice and a raised eyebrow, called out. “You’re not planning on standing there all night, are you?”
Teresa retorted. “Just soaking up some moonlight. Is there an issue with that?”
With a playful smile, Jonathan glanced out into the darkness, challenging her. “Yeah, but where’s this moon you’re talking about!” he
teased
Teresa, undeterred, gently touched her chest. It’s here,” she whispered, “in my heart.”
Jonathan paused, momentarily speechless.
As the clock struck II and the house settled into a quiet hush, Jonathan closed his magazine and reclined against the headboard. He let out a soft sigh and offered. “Guess we’ll have to share the bed. Time to hit the hay.”
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