Page 77 of Let You Love Me

I’ve gone completely insane.

Or maybe I’ve just been Teagan’d.

The thought makes me snort.

The truth is, I’m so used to doing everything myself; having to struggle solo through nights like tonight where I’m already exhausted by the time I put Soph to bed, leaving me drained. And though it’s partly my own doing—my refusal to ask for help—I can’t help but be moved by Teagan taking the initiative. Hedoesn’t act like Sophie’s a chore or a burden. Instead, he seems to enjoy helping.

“What?” Teagan grins as he does a double take to the bed and back. “Did I do it wrong?”

I shake my head, my throat tight. “No. I uh—” My voice cracks, and I have to clear it before I can speak. “Sorry. No, it’s just . . . it’s perfect. Thank you.”

His shoulders curve in relief, and I almost laugh at the fact he was worried I might be upset he took charge and set up her room without me. The thought is quite comical.

“Ready, Soph?” I glance down at her, afraid that any moment, I might throw myself at Teagan’s feet.

Sophie nods and runs to the bed, giving it a little bounce when she jumps on. “It’s comfy!”

I smile as I drop the duffle bag from my shoulder and remove the two small books I packed, then ease myself onto the edge of the inflatable bed beside her while Teagan takes a seat nearby on the floor, leaning his back against the wall.

Without preamble, I crack open the first book and start to read, trying my best to ignore Teagan’s probing gaze. More than once, I glance over at him, self-conscious of the inflection in my tone as I read in different voices. But each time, he just grins, his dimples winking at me from his perch on the floor.

Once I finish, I lead Sophie in a couple of prayers, then give her a kiss and a hug, noting the way her eyelids are already drooping heavily with sleep.

“Night, baby,” I say, pressing Betty the Brachiosaurus into her arms before I head for the door. “I’ll be just outside here, and I’ll have the monitor if you need me.”

“Teagan, too?” she mumbles.

My chest tightens, but I nod all the same. “Yeah, Teagan, too.”

“Night, Sweet Sophie,” Teagan says.

My heart kicks the way it did the first time I heard his nickname for her as I head out into the hallway.

Sophie’s quickly becoming attached, growing used to having Teagan around.

Panic accompanies the thought, bubbling behind my breastbone. But as long as I can keep it contained, I’ll be all right.

Besides, he’s only been around a few weeks, and he’s just a friend. I’m not hurting anyone.

I close the door behind us, neither of us speaking until we’re back in the kitchen, away from the door.

The soft static of the monitor fills the silence between us as I turn to face him. Nerves jump in my chest, and I clear my throat, grateful I had the forethought to grab a bottle of wine before I came.

A little relaxation and liquid courage are precisely what I need.

I head to the ancient refrigerator wedged in the corner of the kitchen and open it, pulling out the bottle of Chardonnay, then grab two paper cups off the counter and hold them up. “Want to have a glass and sit out back?”

Teagan smiles and draws closer, each step slow and languid like an animal stalking its prey. I swallow, and the pulse leaps in my throat. His eyes flicker to my neck as if drawn to the movement before he stops an infuriatingly acceptable distance away and leans against the counter. “I don’t drink before games.”

“Oh. How could I forget?” I blink, feeling slightly foolish.

Of course he doesn’t drink before games.

I start to turn and set one of the cups back. “Sorry, I—”

“But,” he says, reaching out and taking the cup from my hand, “I can make an exception this once and have half a glass.”

I exhale and a flush of pleasure creeps up my neck. I need to get a grip. I’m so nervous, I feel like I’m sixteen again, pining over my first crush.