Free The First Touch (Templer Series) by Duka Dakarai Page A

beach. I don’t know if he has been protectively watching over me or just beach gazing. Either way, I only stop running when I screech to a halt in front of him. Jake is seated still, peeling the label of a beer bottle, but laughs when he sees me. I’m suddenly aware that I must look like an excited teenager not a twenty six year old woman!
    “Oh, Drew…I’ve got such a huge favour to ask….and I know you’ve done so much already …..and I know you’ve given up work schedules….and I feel really bad about…”
    He takes me gently by the shoulders and places a mocking hand over my mouth.
    “Breathe, Tilly, Breathe! What’s the favour?”
    I take a deep breath in. I feel calmer now.
    “Would you let Mia visit me here….just for a day….well, an overnighter? I’d really love to see her and she is very worried, especially after….after Simon”
    “Is that all? That’s the big favour? Of course Mia can come here to see you . She can spend longer than a day if she likes.” He smiles the biggest, kindest smile at me.
    And if I could put my next movement in reserve, and change my reaction, I would, but I can’t. Instead I find myself launching at him, throwing my arms around his neck and kissing him full on the lips…and worst of all? It wasn’t a chaste peck…ok, no tongues were involved…but it was a full on, lips electricity kiss. I felt it and I know he did. Make an exit quick, Tilly
    I dash my thank you at him and run up to my guest bedroom, both to call Mia again and to cringe. I’ve probably made him really uncomfortable and I feel mortified at myself. I decide to stay in my room and have a nap. Anything just to stay out of the way.
    “You’re blushing!” Jake roars with laughter at his elder brother.
    “Fuck off, Jake!”

“You. Are. Blushing!” Jake emphasises each word, still laughing, harder now. “I never thought I’d see the day!”
    “Jake! Pack it in…I mean it” And with that, Jake returns to peeling at his beer bottle.
    Fuck, the taste of her….her scent………….those fucking lips
    “You still haven’t told me what’s the deal with you and Tilly, anyway? You banging her?” Jake eyes his brother gingerly. He’s still amused by his brothers obvious reaction to the kiss but mutual respect means he also knows when to tread carefully. Unlike himself, Drew is a very private person, business first always.
    “Banging? Fucking hell Jake. We slept together, ok? Satisfied? And now it’s over. Just friends. So drop it” A low growl throwing out the words. Hell, Drew never talks about any sexual partners so this is a major confession.
    “Hey, man. I’m sorry, ok. I didn’t mean to fuck with you. Honestly” Jake is genuine now, laughter over. His brother might not be prepared to admit it or even understand it but this Tilly is obviously a big deal. I mean, he has never had a woman at this house, apart from Jenny, he’s so passionate about his privacy and not having a committed relationship…so to have her stay here….. and invite her friend?! I can either stand back and watch Drew car crash this or I can do my upmost to make sure he doesn’t lose this opportunity. Hell, one of us deserves not to end up a total Fuckhead…..he decides on the latter, and maybe this Mia woman can help.
     
    Chapter Twelve
     
    I’m relieved that last night Jenny tapped on my bedroom door at exactly seven o’clock with a tray of delicious home cooked food. She had assumed that I must be exhausted from travelling and whatever the commotion was that was the reason for my stay, and so, when Drew had said to call me for dinner, she had scolded him, like a mother hen, and told him on no uncertain terms to leave me be. So, instead, he had dined alone. And I didn’t leave my room. Not until now, this morning.
    Mia is coming later this afternoon. I can’t wait to see her. She is bringing me yet another ‘treat’ of which I protested and as usual, she totally ignored. Now all I have to do is get