Chapter 13
Teresa surveyed the room with a sigh. “Looks like I’m taking the bed, and you’re stuck with the floor, she said, trying to sound light–hearted.
Jonathan’s brow furrowed, clearly not thrilled with the arrangement. “Why do I have to be the one on the hard floor!”
Teresa shrugged, her tone matter–of–fact. “We’re divorced.
- ed. Sharing a bed would be weird. I can take the floor if it makes you feel better?
The moment hung in the air while Jonathan’s gaze swept across her, taking her in from head to toe.
Teresa folded her arms, meeting his gaze squarely. “What’s with the look?” she demanded, a tinge of irritation creeping into her tone.
Jonathan’s eyes twinkled with mischief. “You figure I’m really into you? Worried I’ll get too close?” he teased. He muttered something additional, but the room’s silence swallowed his words.
As the night wore on and the clock hands crept towards midnight, both of them were too tired to argue anymore. Teresa let out a long breath, signaling her surrender.
With a single blanker to go around, they had to make do and share. As they settled in. Teresa turned her back to Jonathan and established a clear limit. “Don’t cross this line, she stated, her tone leaving no room for argument.
With a playful eye roll Jonathan let out a chuckle. You’re a piece of work, aren’t you?” He reached over and switched off the light, then sented in
next to TerDİ.
As darkness blanketed the room, the smallest sounds became more pronounced. Their breaths fell into a rhydum, and Jonathan’s throat–clearing cur through the silence now and then
Teresa tossed and turned, unable to drift off to sleep. Eventually, she gave in and gazed at Jonathan, bathed in the soft moonlight streaming through the window.
In the dirnness, she acknowledged his charm, a key factor in their whirlwind marriage. His closed eyes and relaxed mouth, with his nose standing ou, were undeniably appealing
Reflecting on their quick marriage and shared dreams, she mused, “With a face like his, who needs money? He’d attract women no matter his wealth:
Jonathan offered a slight frown. “I must be quite the sight, huh?” he joked.
Teresa, who had been zoned out, came to with a start and let out a nervous giggle. “Hardly. I’m just too wired to sleep, that’s all,” she replied, her voice a little too, sharp to be convincing
Jonathan, after a brief pause, opened his eyes slowly, a hint of curiosity in his tone. “Got any
by other plans for the night!” he questioned.
“Not really, just hoping to get some shut–eye. Teresa mumbled, turning away and pretending to drift off, though her heart was racing
From time to time, her hormones sparked certain thoughts. It had been more than two years since she’d been intimate with anyone, and Jonathan certainly stood out leaving a lasting impression on her.
Lost in a whirlwind of thoughts, she finally gave in to sleep without realizing it. She slept deeply, more peacefully than she could remember. It was the gentle touch of the morning sun on her face that eventually stirred her awake.
Waking up abruptly, Teresa found herself nose to nose with Jonathan, her heart skipping a beat. She was nestled against him, a familiar feeling from the past.
Pushing off him with a sudden burst of energy, she scrambled out of the bed.
Jonathan, jolted by her push, blinked away sleep. His face showed a flicker of surprise as he noticed their close, entangled positions.
A sharp knock on the door interrupted their moment. “You guys up? It’s getting late. Hayden’s voice boomed through the door.
Teresa grabbed her phone, her eyes widening at the time.
They both hurried out of the room in quick succession, each trying to shake of the morning sluggishness.
Hayden, grinning from ear to ear, met Teresa outside. Hey Teresa, catch any 2’s last night he inquired, his voice full of warmth.
Teresa, a bit abashed, scratched the back of her head. “Hayden, we overslept. Sorry about that,‘ she apologized.
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Chapter 18
Hayden chuckled and brushed aside her apology. “No need for apologies. I get it. Late nights are your thing” he said, offering a knowing smile.
Teresa hesitated, wondering if she should set the record straight.
Hayden recommended. “Eat up, and if you’re still tired, go back to bed. You both look like you need more sleep. He gave Jonathan a stern look “And you, cut back on the late nights. The dark circles under Teresa’s eyes say it all
Jonathan was at a loss for words.
After breakfast, Teresa mentioned she needed to head our for work
Hayden’s brow furrowed in confusion. “You still got a job, Teresa? Where
are you working these days?” he questioned.
“NewEdge Media, Teresa answered with a smile. Just a regular nine–to–five.”
Hayden glanced at Jonathan “You’re rolling in dough, and Teresa’s still working! What’s the deal!” he asked, a hint of disapproval in his tone.
Jonathan put his fork down and wiped his mouth. “She loves her job,” he explained with a nonchalant shrug.
Relief washed over Teresa as they left the Lynn residence. She wasn’t built for deception, and she was glad that part was ov
OVCE.
La smile on her face.
In the ear, Teresa sat in the passenger seat while Jonathan drove. “Hayden’s a real kick.” Teresa commented, a
Jonathan kept his eyes on the road, nodding in agreement. “You got that right,” he said.
After a moment. Teresa turned to Jonathan with a mischievous twinkle in her eye. “Su, Mr. Lynn, when do I get my thank–you gift
Jonathan looked at her, his lips curving into a smirk as he caught the glint in her eyes. “You’ll have to wait and see, he replied.
Teresa’s laughter subsided, and a silent question echoed in her mind. How long do I have to wait?”
Hayderis departure was set for
was set for 7 PM.
and he was keen on returning home to his pets, always thinking about his small, furry companions.
Teresa and Jonathan wrapped up their workday and drove to the airport in bid Hayden farewell
+
At the airpon, Hayden held Teresa’s hand tightly, then reached for Jonathan’s, pulling them close. With a playful yet hopeful said, “You two, don’t waste time. I’m hoping to meet my great–grandchild soon”
Jonathan simply replied. “Okay,” his voice barely above a whisper.
Teresa glanced at Jonathan, a pang of guilt pinching her heart.
glint in his eye, he
Seeing Hayden’s keen desire for a great–grandchild made Teresa feel uneasy. She pondered on the alternative scenarios where she and Jonathan were still a couple–showing Michael to Hayden and bringing him joy.
But life had taken a different tum. I’m sorry, Hayden, she thought, her heart heary. We can’t discuss this because Jonathan and I have both moved on. Especially Jonathan: he’s engaged now.
Hugging Hayden tightly. Teresa’s voice trembled with emotion. “I love you. Hayden. I’ll miss y you. Take care,” she said, her eyes glistening
Hayden’s hearty laugh filled the air. “I’ll be back soon to keep an eye on you,” he promised, his tone teasing.
Teresa watched Hayden leave, her laughter tinged with tears,
Exiting the airport, Teresa was ready to return to Rosary Estates when Jonathan’s light touch on her wrist halted her in her tracks.
She turned to him, her brow furrowed in confusion.
Jonathan reached into his pocket. “Here, hold out your hand,” he said, his tone flat.
Teresa’s interest was aroused as she reached out her hand. Is Jonathan about to hand me some cash?‘ she wondered, her eyes bright with eagerness.
SEND GIFT
