Teddy Spenser Isn't Looking for Love - Kim Fielding Page 0,86
walk away on principle. Or we can stay.”
“Stay at a job we both want. And need.”
Now Romeo came around in front and pulled Teddy into an embrace. So good. In Shakespeare, Juliet was the sun, but in real life Teddy knew better. His Romeo was the sun, bright...and hot. The blazing star in the firmament of Teddy’s life. The one who cast light that chased away the darkness.
“I’ll walk away with you, babe. And we’ll both be fine. We’ll find other jobs—good ones—and someday we’ll have enough money for you to open that store. Or stay, and I’ll stay with you. Either way our future is bright. I can feel it.”
Teddy could feel it too.
They kissed for a few moments, more tenderly than passionately. When they left Romeo’s office, Teddy led them to his cubicle and opened the upper right-hand drawer.
Romeo patted Teddy’s butt and whispered in his ear. “If you’re reaching for your scissors, let me remind you that stabbing rich ladies is frowned upon.”
“No stabbing.” Teddy reached in and retrieved the little aqua-colored velvet box. He handed it to Romeo. “Open it.”
A grin played at the corner of Romeo’s mouth, but he didn’t ask tedious questions. He just obeyed instructions—and then smiled widely when he read the tiny charm inside. “Love.”
“Yep. Put it in your pocket, will you? Keep it.”
“Always.”
Another soft kiss. When they pulled apart, they gazed into each other’s eyes before nodding. Yes. They knew what they wanted.
If Joyce looked somewhat tense when Romeo and Teddy reentered the room, Teddy wasn’t sorry. God knew she’d caused him and Romeo plenty of anxiety. But he wasn’t cruel—and anyway, he was eager to get this whole thing over with. He was done with mystery and drama for today. Time for the porn and romance to resume! So he remained standing with Romeo at his side and with his chin held high.
“We’re staying. Both of us.”
Lauren slumped and rested her forehead in her palm. “Thank God,” she whispered. Which was a nice boost to the ego right there.
Better, though, was when Joyce stood and beamed at them. “I’m so very glad. And I’m very sorry that I’ve put you through the wringer. I truly am. I hope, when you’re able to take a break from work, you’ll accept a gift from me as my apology. A vacation somewhere warm, perhaps? I have a lovely little villa in Ibiza that I rarely use nowadays. If you’ll allow it, I’d like to send you there for a week or two.”
Ibiza. Teddy had his pride. But, well, Ibiza.
And then Romeo held out his palm to show Teddy the little charm. “Ibiza would make a pretty good choice for a honeymoon, don’t you think?” His eyes were sparkling.
Honeymoon.
Because when that shirt coordinated with the trousers so perfectly, you’d be stupid not to wear them.
“Yes!” Teddy cried as he threw himself into Romeo’s arms, not caring that Lauren and Joyce Alexander were watching. “Yes,” he repeated, this time a trifle tearfully, sniffing against Romeo’s pretty silk shirt.
Romeo whispered it back, sounding sort of weepy himself. “Yes.”
Teddy Spenser wasn’t looking for love. But he’d finally and most permanently found it.
Epilogue
Two years later
It was time to intervene.
Usually Teddy greeted customers near the door and then left them alone unless they asked for help. But this guy had been in the store for five minutes, floating hesitantly between the clothing racks and the mannequin displays. Fiftyish and heavyset, he was now examining the display of Reddyflora vases, but not with any indication of truly wanting one.
Teddy stopped folding sweaters and approached him. “Can I help you find something?”
The man gave an uncomfortable twitch. “I bought my girlfriend one of these vase things for Valentine’s Day last year. I thought with all the hype, they’d be just a stupid fad, but she still loves it.”
“Did you want to buy another? A different size, maybe?”
“Nah.” The man shifted from one foot to another.
“You know, Reddyflora has a new product coming out soon. It’s a multicooker with a Bluetooth interface so you can download recipes directly to the pot, and it’ll tell you what to do, step-by-step.” Teddy smiled to himself. Although he was no longer with the company, his kitchen bunglings had been the inspiration behind the new product. “You’ll also be able to change up the exterior design to match your décor or the season.”
The man nodded. “Sounds good.”
“Yeah, but I bet it’s not why you’re here today. What can I help you with?”