Page 64 of Romance Is Dead

“It’s Popeye, isn’t it?”

“Um, no.” I thought for a moment. “Hmm. Probably Robin Hood.”

“I said animated. Didn’t that guy fromThe Princess Brideplay Robin Hood?”

“I meant the fox!”

Teddy gaped at me. “A sexy fox, Jigsaw? How am I supposed to live up to that?”

I ignored the implication. “What about you?”

“Velma. Definitely.”

“FromScooby-Doo? No, you’re definitely a Jessica Rabbit type.”

“No way. That orange turtleneck really does it for me.”

The family finished and we moved up to the yeti-themed hole.

“So I should wear mine the next time we hang out?”

If he was being flirty, why shouldn’t I?

Teddy lined up his shot, keeping his eye on the green. “Nope, you’re not going to distract me just because I’m beating you.” A moment of concentration, and then a smooth hit. He beat me once again.

As we moved forward and waited for the family ahead of us, I noticed the littlest one studying Teddy. He leaned on his tiny club, his big brown eyes never leaving him as the rest of the family took their turns.

I nudged Teddy, gesturing to the little boy. Teddy grinned and gave him a wave. It must have given the boy a boost of confidence, because he took a step toward us, holding out his little club.

“Can you teach me?” The little boy peered up at Teddy, his eyes wide and hopeful.

Teddy didn’t miss a beat. “Sure, if it’s ok with your parents.” They nodded, looking relieved that he’d be occupied for a few moments.

“Alright, little guy, get over here.”

Teddy was at ease as he stood behind him and got them both into position. His body dwarfed the little boy’s, but he was gentle as he moved the boy’s tiny arms slowly into the swing. Watching them, my breath caught and my chest swelled with affection. It was hard for me to remember how I’d ever thought of Teddy as arrogant and selfish. The Teddy I’d come to know was so thoughtful, so willing to help others. And he had such a confident way of existing in the world. Even when he was anxious, he seemed so sure of who he was. I wished that I had a little bit of that ease, instead of feeling constantly odd and out of place.

But then, I realized I didn’t feel like that around Teddy. Teddy made me feel at home, like I belonged. Like I fit.

“Thanks, Eddie!” the boy yelled when they finished their impromptu lesson. The family headed to the next hole, where the boy promptly returned to his previous form.

“Good job, Eddie,” I teased as I joined him on the green.

“Careful. Do I need to show you how to stroke properly?”

I opened my mouth to say no, that I didn’t need his help for any kind of stroke, actually. But then I paused. The anxiety I’d felt after my brush with death had been replaced by something else—a recklessness that made me want to say screw it and do what I wanted. If a killer already had a target on my back, why not?

“Actually, I think I do need some help. Stroking properly.” I looked up at him, eyes round with innocence. “If you’re up for it?”

Teddy’s eyes widened in surprise and his throat bobbed. He caught himself, his mouth then twisting into a smirk. “I’m always up for it.” He moved behind me, pressing his body against my back as his arms encircled mine. “Just don’t expect me to take it easy on you once I show you my tricks.” His voice was low in my ear, his breath sending tingles down my spine.

“Promise.” My stomach swooped as he tightened his arms around me and placed his hands over mine. Our kiss had been soul-rocking, but somehow this felt even more intimate.

“Ready?” Holding my arms snugly, he swung them back and brought them forward to tap the ball. It skipped prettily down the green, landing just a few inches away from the hole.

“Perfect,” I breathed, only half talking about the shot.

Teddy held me a few beats longer, neither one of us wanting to move. I leaned into him, my back pressed against the muscle of his chest. The way he held me felt like nothing could hurt me, not just because he was there but because I felt peaceful. Secure. Like everything would be ok.

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