Chapter 16

Teresa paused with her fork in mid-air, a faint smile on her lips, as she listened to 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’s 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’ve 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.

Miriam’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.”

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 call.

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 she’d 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.”

Teresa 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, “I’m 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, but the door closed, leaving her voice trailing off.

The room was steeped in a rich, woody aroma, accented by the tangy freshness of Jonathan’s post-shower scent, a heady combination 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—a bit too revealing.

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 eleven 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.”