28. Ayla

28

AYLA

T he sun warms my skin as I toss the tennis ball across the yard, watching Shadow bound after it with unbridled enthusiasm. Piper giggles from her chair, her tiny hands trying to clap together as Shadow returns triumphantly, ball clenched between his teeth.

I reach down to ruffle her ears, a smile spreading across my face. Shadow drops the ball at my feet, his tail wagging in anticipation of another throw.

As I reach for the ball, the sound of the sliding glass door catches my attention. Teller steps out onto the patio, his dark hair tousled by the gentle breeze. He saunters over, hands tucked casually into his pockets.

“Beautiful day, isn’t it?” he remarks, his gaze drifting from me to Piper and then to Shadow.

I nod, feeling a flutter in my chest at his presence. “It really is. Just perfect for some outdoor playtime.”

Teller’s eyes meet mine, a hint of curiosity flickering within their depths. “Any plans for tonight, Ayla?”

The question catches me off guard. I do the same thing every night; make dinner, feed and burp Piper, put her to bed and then I go to bed. I shake my head, a slight blush creeping into my cheeks. “No, no plans. Just the same as every night.”

Teller tilts his head, a thoughtful expression on his face. “Hmm, I see.”

I can’t quite decipher the meaning behind his words, but there’s an intensity in his gaze that sends a shiver down my spine. I find myself wondering what thoughts are swirling behind those deep, pensive eyes.

Shadow nudges my hand with his nose, reminding me of the forgotten ball. I toss it once more, grateful for the momentary distraction from the unexpected tension between Teller and myself.

“Actually,” Teller begins, his voice low and smooth, “Kip, Clay, and I were thinking about having a pizza night. Maybe we could put Piper to bed a little early. What do you say?”

My heart skips a beat at his suggestion, and I can’t ignore the undertones in his words. The thought of spending an intimate evening with the three men sends a thrill through my body, and I find myself nodding enthusiastically.

This was real…I really am in a relationship with all of them.

“That sounds perfect,” I reply, trying to keep my voice steady despite the excitement bubbling within me. “I’d love to join you guys.”

Teller’s smile widens, and I catch a glimmer of satisfaction in his eyes. “Great. I was just about to go and get the pizza.” Teller reaches into his pocket and pulls out an envelope. “Before I forget, here’s your paycheck for the week.”

I hesitate, my fingers hovering over the envelope. A part of me feels conflicted about accepting money from them, especially now that our relationship is evolving into something more personal.

Teller seems to sense my hesitation, and he gently presses the envelope into my hand. “You’ve earned this, Ayla. Your work with Piper is invaluable to us.”

I nod slowly, my fingers closing around the envelope. “Thank you. It’s just... with everything that’s happening between us, I feel a little strange taking money from you.”

Teller’s expression softens, and he takes a step closer to me. “I understand, but please don’t let our personal relationship interfere with your job. You deserve to be compensated for your hard work.”

His words reassure me, and I tuck the envelope into my pocket. “Thank you.”

He looks back at me with a curious expression. “By the way, Ayla, I noticed your birthday is coming up soon.”

My eyes widen in surprise, and I tilt my head, trying to recall if I’d ever mentioned my birthday to him. “How did you know that? I don’t remember telling you.”

Teller shifts his weight, a hint of discomfort crossing his features. “I conducted a background check on you when you first started working for us.”

A wave of shock and anger washes over me, followed by a twinge of betrayal. “You did what? Without my consent?!”

He takes a deep breath, his gaze apologetic. “I know it seems like an invasion of privacy, and I understand why you’re upset. But I can’t leave Piper with just anyone. I had to make sure you weren’t crazy.”

I bite my lip, trying to process this new information. On one hand, I feel violated knowing that Teller dug into my personal life without my knowledge. But on the other hand, I can understand their need to protect Piper.

“I... I get it,” I say slowly, my voice tinged with a mix of emotions.

“Is there anything special you’d like to do to celebrate?”

“What?” I frown.

“Your birthday.”

Oh right.

I avert my gaze, my fingers fidgeting with the hem of my shirt. The mention of my birthday stirs up a well of bittersweet memories. “I don’t really celebrate my birthday,” I admit quietly. “My mother... she often forgot about it.”

A flicker of sadness crosses Teller’s face, and he reaches out to gently squeeze my shoulder. “I’m sorry to hear that, Ayla. But I want you to know that we won’t forget. You’re important to us, and we want to make your birthday special.”

His words send a warm flutter through my chest, and I find myself fighting back the sudden sting of tears. It’s been so long since anyone has cared enough to make a fuss over my birthday.

“I... I don’t know what to say,” I manage, my voice slightly shaky with emotion. “Thank you, Teller. That means a lot to me.”

He smiles, his eyes crinkling at the corners. “You deserve to be celebrated, Ayla. Take some time to think about what you’d like to do, and we’ll make it happen.”

I nod, a tentative smile tugging at my lips. The idea of actually looking forward to my birthday for once feels foreign, but exciting.

Before I can fully process the emotions swirling within me, Teller suddenly pulls me close, his strong arms enveloping me in an unexpected embrace. My breath catches in my throat as his lips find mine, the kiss both tender and electrifying.

He breaks away before I can kiss him back, his forehead resting gently against mine as he whispers, “I’ll see you soon, beautiful.” With one last lingering kiss, he reluctantly pulls away and heads towards his vehicle.

I wrap my arms around myself, watching him go and savoring the lingering warmth of Teller’s embrace. The anticipation for the evening ahead builds within me, a delicious mix of nervousness and excitement.