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Chapter 4
xoxoxoxoxoxoxo
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"John, how much detail do you think they will want of our past? Elise seemed very interested in how we met?" Teyla was looking through the closet in their bedroom for a suitable outfit to wear to the Traynor's house later that day while Torren napped.
"They may ask for some stories but I think Nina made sure we covered most bases. And if you feel like they're looking for a story, try and pick something that we really did together but just romance it up a bit."
Teyla stopped and turned, her gaze thoughtful. "What of our first kiss? Nina said we should discuss things like our first date and first kiss."
Now it was John's turn to look thoughtful. "Well, I suppose we could tell them we were sparring, Nina said that would be interesting to Traynor, and I was suddenly overcome by your beauty and grabbed you and kissed you. We don't have to tell them I turned into a bug a few days later or that you were horrified by the kiss."
Teyla walked softly over to where John stood by the window. She gently placed her hand on his arm and confided, "I was not horrified by the kiss you gave me, John, merely surprised. I must admit in other circumstances I most likely would have enjoyed it."
John's eyes narrowed as his hand covered the one touching his arm. "Really? I thought I completely freaked you out."
"No," Teyla denied. "But perhaps I should know what kind of kiss John Sherman did give me, in case Elise asks."
"Kind of hard to describe a kiss," John scowled then grinned. "Probably better if I show you, huh?"
"Yes," Teyla's eyes lit up. "Then I can truly speak of my experience."
John took a step closer and lifted his hand to touch the side of Teyla's face. "I think I'd want our first kiss to be a bit calmer than what we really had. I'd slide my hand into your hair and …"
John did just that. His hand cupped the back of her head and his lips descended to meet her waiting ones. They touched briefly then retreated but soon returned to increase the pressure again. Teyla opened her mouth slightly and then closed it around John's lips as John's mouth mimicked her actions.
Teyla's hands slid unmindfully up John's chest to wrap around his head and run through his hair. She pressed herself closer and wondered if he could feel her heart pounding against his chest. The sensation of his soft, full lips was causing small flutters in her stomach.
John took a final nip then eased back from her, still keeping his hands in her hair and on her back. His breathing was a little uneven. "Was that sufficient for a first kiss?" He knew in his mind it was. Although it also made him want more, so much more. Her lips were just as sweet as he remembered them and he reined in his desire to keep from simply devouring them.
Teyla opened her eyes and stared dreamily at John's handsome face. She could not do much more than nod as a feeling of euphoria had enveloped her during the meeting of their mouths. This made John smile.
"Should we … get a bit more practice in or … do you think that was enough," he tested her reaction, hoping she was up for more practice. And if she was he planned on being an A plus student.
"Oh, yes, we should … um we … should practice more," Teyla responded very seriously as if truly considering the question. "We would not wish to appear uncomfortable with this task. It would not be good for our cover."
"I absolutely agree," John whispered as his mouth pressed against hers once again.
Teyla pulled his head in closer and continued to move her lips across the softness of his. The tip of her tongue darted out to caress John's bottom lip then she gave a small shudder.
The kisses continued this way for a bit longer then Teyla asked, "Gentle, sweet kisses are wonderful, John, but … should we try something a bit more passionate? Would there be a call for that?"
John shrugged. "Always a good thing to be prepared."
And with this, John's lips opened wider and his own tongue ran along the outline of Teyla's lips. Her tongue came out and soon parries and thrusts were being exchanged as the assault continued. Hands pulled the other in tighter until bodies rubbed against each other.
As John caressed his hand over her back, her top shifted slightly and his fingers found themselves underneath, touching her skin. Teyla sucked in a deep breath at the contact and John lifted his hand.
"Sorry, Teyla," John apologized but Teyla shook her head.
"No, John, I should not have reacted to your touch that way. A wife would be more comfortable with her husband's hands on her back. And I found it quite pleasing. You should continue so that I will become better acquainted to the feel of your touch against my skin."
John's hand returned and slipped right under her top again. As he moved it up and down, he leaned in and pressed his lips to hers again then whispered, "I find it quite pleasing, too. Wondering why I never did this sooner."
"Yes," Teyla answered in between kisses. "It does seem as if we missed out on something quite nice."
"Mmmm," was all John responded back. His lips and tongue were still exploring her mouth.
They stayed that way for a while, kissing and touching and learning what the other liked. John kept himself under control as best he could and didn't allow his hands to roam any further than Teyla's silky back. He was thrilled that she had suggested he continue.
A discreet knock came on the door and the two jumped apart, their breath quick and deep. Teyla put her hands to her hair attempting to straighten out where John had run his fingers. John took another deep breath and opened the door.
"You said you wanted to know when Torren woke up," Amelia said as she held the sleepy, little boy in her arms. "I changed him already. If you're still busy I can take him into the family room."
John looked back at Teyla and realized she hadn't decided on an outfit for tonight. He was just planning on wearing what he had on.
"Maybe you can give Teyla a hand choosing what to wear tonight, Amelia," John said as he reached out and took the child from her. "I'm not very good at the whole ladies' clothes thing."
"Be happy to, sir," Amelia nodded and walked further into the room.
John smiled at Teyla and told her, "Take your time. We don't need to be there for almost two hours. I'll take TJ into the family room and play with him for a while."
Teyla looked coyly at him and said, "Thank you, honey."
John left and Amelia closed the door behind him, noticing the flush on Teyla's cheeks and her breathing which was still a bit heavy.
"What exactly are you thanking him for and what were you doing to get you all out of breath?" Amelia asked with a twinkle in her eyes. It was no secret that Colonel Sheppard and Teyla had a thing for each other. Of course most people weren't sure if either one of them actually realized it. Chuck was taking all sorts of bets on whether this little undercover husband and wife assignment would help them to figure it out.
Teyla shrugged as she looked inside the large closet again. She had been distracted from it earlier by John. "We were merely practicing so we are not uncomfortable with each other while at the Traynor's house tonight."
Amelia's lips twitched as she continued her questioning. "And what exactly were you practicing?"
Teyla looked at Amelia and felt a little awkward. She and Amelia had become friends since Ronon had begun seeing her in the last month but she was unsure how much she could trust her. She was still, after all, under John's command. But Ronon swore she was reliable and hadn't given away anything he'd told her.
Now Teyla's mouth smirked as she glanced at the closed door. "We thought perhaps if Elise asked about our first date or first kiss, we should be able to fill her in with some detail. So we were merely practicing … kissing."
Amelia's smile grew and her eyes lit up. "Oh, that's awesome, Teyla. The Colonel needs someone like you to shake him up a bit. I hope it all works out for you both."
"I did not say that we are beginning a relationship with each other. We were simply submersing ourselves into our roles."
"Right," Amelia replied doubtfully. "Do you want to begin a relationship with the Colonel?"
Teyla turned back to glance slyly at Amelia. She took a deep breath in and let it out slowly while a wistful expression crossed her face. She gave a tiny nod but then reminded her, "But you should be calling him Mr. Sherman and not Colonel. You need to practice as well."
Amelia nodded in agreement then walked closer to the closet. "Let's see what kind of stuff you have in here. Hopefully something that will knock Mr. Sherman's eyes right out of his sockets."
"Let us hope," Teyla responded enthusiastically then they both started pulling out clothes.
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"Are you almost ready, Teyla?" John called out to the bathroom door, where Teyla was putting on the outfit she and Amelia had finally decided on. "We should be leaving soon. Amelia's got TJ all ready and he's downstairs having a snack. I wasn't sure what the Traynors would have for him to eat. He's used to Mess Hall food not rich cuisine."
John checked himself out in the mirror and smoothed a few creases that had managed to sneak into the supposedly wrinkle-free material of his slacks. But then he and Teyla had spent the last hour on the floor in the family room allowing TJ to take steps between them. His best today had been six steps without falling. He knew he couldn't have been prouder if the kid had actually been his own.
He looked down at his watch and checked out the buttons that would allow him to take a picture and send it to Rodney's computer. He didn't think he would find any huge bits of information tonight but he wanted to be prepared. Rodney was across town in his motel room and was planning on compiling any data they had on this couple and their house.
John crossed to the jewelry box that Greg's people had set up for Teyla and removed the gold dangling earrings that Teyla would wear tonight. The gems in the middle were also cameras and they sent video back when activated. John didn't think they would need them much tonight but maybe a few pictures of what each room looked like so they could get the layout of the house.
He set the earrings back down and was about to yell again when the bathroom door opened and Teyla came out. She was wearing a pair of black cropped pants with a halter neck matching top that were both embellished with colorful, dangling beads on the bottom. John wasn't sure if he was happy or not that the pants were hip huggers and her top was the kind that stopped just shy of her bottoms showing off her amazingly taut abs. She looked gorgeous but he hoped she wouldn't distract him from what he needed to do tonight.
"Do you like it, honey?" Teyla asked curious as to John's strange expression.
She turned to the dresser to pick up her earrings and watched John's reaction in the mirror when he saw the back of the top. Or what there was of it. The top had virtually no back and only three thin straps to hold it in place; one around her neck and then two that crisscrossed from each side. Nina had said it was perfect for her with the muscle definition she had there. Looking at John's now stunned face, she would have to agree.
She finished putting in her earrings then turned to look at John. She tried to keep her expression neutral. "Do you not like the outfit, John? I could try to find something else but it would take time and we should be leaving now."
John walked closer and took Teyla's elbows into his hands. "No, Teyla, it's a great outfit, really. You just might have to remind me a few times tonight what our purpose is in being over there. I'm thinking I might be a little distracted by this," and his finger traced across her stomach.
Teyla sucked in a deep breath at the feel of his hand on her skin but then his other hand moved to touch her back and run his fingers down to her exposed hips.
"And this, too," John continued. "You probably should make sure you face me all night and … hold something in front of you."
Teyla crossed her arms over her chest and sighed, "John She… Sherman, I have worn tops like this for many years and I do not remember you needing me to hide my stomach on other occasions."
John gave a crooked grin. "Yeah, but you never got in bed with me later at night, either."
Teyla chuckled and moved closer. "Then I suppose I will just need to expose myself further to you so you become comfortable with seeing me that way. All in the name of this case, of course."
John pulled her so she was flush against him and his hands roamed her back. "Yes, very generous of you. I suppose I'll have to do my part and gaze at you all exposed."
Teyla's hands moved to the top button of John's gray shirt and slipped one out of the button hole. "This exposure should not be one sided, honey. It is only fair that I become accustomed to seeing you as well."
Teyla slipped a few more buttons out of their holes then parted the shirt to gaze at his nicely, masculine chest. Her fingers ran down his skin from his neck to his nipples. She sighed again. "It is unfortunate that we do not have time right now to become more familiar with each other. It will have to wait for later."
John looked at his watch and said, "Yeah, we should be there right now. We'll have to have show and tell another time."
John rebuttoned his shirt and waited while Teyla slipped on a pair of wedge heeled sandals then they walked down the stairs to collect Torren.
"Why don't you come over around 7:30 to get TJ, Amelia. He should be pretty tired by then. He might not even make it through one story so I'd put him in pajamas before you start."
"Absolutely, sir," Amelia responded then added, "Have a great time and don't stay out too late."
John just rolled his eyes as he guided Teyla, who was holding Torren, out the door. "So fresh!"
They heard Amelia's chuckle as they closed the back door. It only took a minute to get to the side door of the Traynor's house and they were let in by a lovely, young woman with long dark hair who looked perhaps of Spanish descent.
"Mr. and Mrs. Sherman, I am Camillia. Mr. and Mrs. Traynor are waiting for you in the parlor. Please follow me."
"Thank you, Camillia," Teyla said and looked around as they walked through the rooms. She handed Torren over to John and touched her earring to activate the camera. She would not keep it on all night but she thought it would keep Rodney busy examining the house and beginning to draw a floor plan.
They walked through a very large foyer and then into an even larger room with extremely elegant furnishings and the Traynor family was sitting there almost picture perfect. Elise was wearing a figure hugging sundress of pale yellow silk and Philip had on tan slacks and a dark blue button down.
The children were sitting on the sofa looking bored as John and Teyla entered the room. Philip looked up and called, "John, Teyla, come in. So glad you could make it."
He stood and shook hands with John then leaned in to kiss Teyla on the cheek. Elise then got up and gave them each a kiss as well.
"And these are our children; Jeremy and Emma. Say hello to Mr. and Mrs. Sherman and their son, Torren."
Like little puppets the children stood up and dipped their heads. "Hello," they parroted each other.
Then Emma, blond hair and blue eyes, with her flowered sundress, looked up at Torren and asked, "Can he play, yet?"
John got down on her level and allowed her to see TJ closer. "He can play but he isn't old enough to be by himself yet. We need to watch him and make sure he doesn't get hurt. He's just starting to walk. If you have a few bigger toys he can probably sit with you while you play near us but I have to warn you he likes to put things in his mouth."
John then pulled a plastic key ring out of his pocket and handed them to Torren. "I usually bring these so he can chew on them instead of other things. I think he's got a few more teeth coming in."
Emma looked up at her Mom and asked, "Mommy, can I bring in some of my toys to play with Torren?"
Elise looked resigned and answered, "Yes, but only a few and nothing too large or too small. And remember we will be eating soon so you won't have too much time to play."
Emma's eyes lit up like she was receiving a special treat and John wondered if the girl wasn't usually allowed to bring toys into this room. Elise answered the question a second later.
"We typically don't allow the children to play in this room as they have a large playroom in the back of the house. But I understand Torren is a bit young to just go off and play with the others. Another time we could have the nannies take them to watch but for now we'll just all stay in here."
Jeremy looked at his Mom and Dad and sighed. "Do I have to stay here? I don't want to play with a baby."
John thought the kid seemed awfully rude although he certainly understood his dilemma. But he'd had younger cousins who he had needed to entertain when he was the kid's age and he would never have gotten away with talking to either one of his parents that way.
Philip threw the boy a stern look but simply said, "You may play your video game and sit over there." He indicated a chair on the other side of the room.
Emma came skipping back in and stopped in front of John. "Come on, Torren, you can play with me, okay?"
John saw the girl had brought a large, soft ball and a doll. John lowered TJ to the floor and he immediately crawled to where Emma sat.
Elise shook her head at the ball and warned, "Emma, don't even think about throwing that ball in this house. If you break something, you know how upset your father and I will be."
Teyla now squatted next to the girl and suggested, "Torren is not very good at catching a ball yet but if you roll it to him I am sure he will be happy to try and roll it back."
Emma looked up at her mother and Elise nodded her approval. As Emma rolled the ball to TJ, Philip offered drinks to the adults.
"What can I get you, John?" he said as he steered John toward a wet bar in a corner of the room.
John looked over the decanters on the counter and smiled that he knew exactly what was in each one of them. He pointed to one crystal bottle and said, "Scotch would be good."
Philip poured some for John then some for himself and asked, "What would Teyla like?"
John shook his head. "She's more into wine. Something light to start with."
Philip poured what John knew to be a very expensive Chablis then mixed a martini for Elise. The men carried them over to where the women were sitting on the sofa near the children on the floor.
"Here you go, sweetie," John settled next to Teyla and pressed a swift kiss to her cheek as he handed her the drink.
Teyla looked up at him with a warm smile and touched his cheek with her free hand. "Thank you, honey."
"So what brings you two to the San Francisco area, John?" Philip started and John knew it was time to try and entice the man with juicy little tidbits that would interest him in doing business with John.
"Business mostly," John answered and took a sip from his drink. He placed his free hand on Teyla's knee and rubbed gently. "I've been doing a lot with Teyla's Dad and we thought it would be good to have a base here in the States. And Teyla hasn't really been here before and wanted to see what it was like living here. We've done some business with a few places in this area and figured it would be a perfect place to start."
"What kind of business are you in, John?" Elise was the one to ask this time.
"Imports and exports," John answered vaguely trying to make it seem as if he was trying to avoid the subject of specifics. "Teyla's father has an extensive international clientele list and we thought we should try and expand that a bit with more American made goods."
Philip nodded and John noticed a spark of interest in his eyes. Good, be interested. But for now I'll change the topic to make it look like I really don't want to talk too much about what I do.
"How long have you two lived here?" John asked his own question even though he knew the answer to it already. The file on the Traynors had been extensive and very complete.
"Almost ten years," Elise answered. "We moved here right after we got married."
"Then you must know the area well," Teyla clarified. "There are many things that I need and would love to ask your advice about. Would you mind if I was very inquisitive?"
Elise laughed. "Not at all, Teyla. I'd be happy to show you around or give you directions to some of the places I use."
"Well, Teyla doesn't drive," John informed them. "She had no use in learning back in her country but we have a chauffeur, Lorne, and he was recommended highly and says he knows the area well. But I don't imagine he knows about some of the types of places that Teyla would need."
"I am wondering if you know of any places I could take Torren where there are other children to play with," Teyla inquired of Elise. "He is an only child and even though Amelia is wonderful with him and John and I try to give him attention as well, we feel he should begin to interact with other children for at least short periods every once in a while."
Elise got all excited and waved her hands. "Oh, you've got to bring him to the play group that Emma goes to. It's very exclusive but I can get you in, no problem. And the children range in age from just a few months old to about five, although it's summer vacation now so there may be some older children but they usually play in a separate room. They meet twice a week at the Country Club."
"That sounds perfect," Teyla smiled graciously at Elise. "I would be very appreciative if you could let me know what I need to do to get Torren enrolled."
"Just leave it to me, Teyla, I'll call the director on Monday and he can start on Tuesday. Either you can bring him or the nanny. Just let me know so I can inform Darla who runs the program."
"I would wish to be with him on his first day there," Teyla informed her. "Perhaps once I feel comfortable I will allow Amelia to continue. But it will also be nice to meet with other mothers. They do go with their children, do they not? It is not all nannies, is it?"
"Yes, lots of moms go. Many of them use it as the nanny's day off. The children are occupied for a few hours and it's a great little social event. We actually plan some of our best charity work while the kids are playing."
"Thank you, Elise," Teyla nodded. "I appreciate that you would do this for us."
The chatter continued for a few more minutes then Camillia appeared and announced that dinner was ready to be served. John scooped Torren from the floor with a minimal of fuss and escorted Teyla to the dining room right behind Elise and Philip and their children.
Some of the food was already on the table but Camillia brought in a few more steaming dishes and Philip started scooping food onto his plate.
"Please, help yourself," Elise said as she instructed Camillia what to put on the children's plates.
John complied and between him and Teyla cut up and fed Torren as well. Lighter conversation flowed during the meal regarding many of the attractions of the area and all it had to offer.
When the meal had been cleared and the Traynor children had been shuffled off by Claire, their nanny, the adults sat with coffee and tea for Teyla, relaxing. A short while later Amelia and Ronon were shown in and John and Teyla rose to say good night to Torren.
John pulled him in close for a quick snuggle and a kiss on the cheek and whispered, "Lala salama, mtoto."
Teyla now cuddled the child and sang a few bars of a lullaby into his ear then softly said, "Ninakupenda, azizi."
Torren fussed briefly as Amelia took hold of him but Ronon started tickling his belly as they left and Teyla and John knew he would be fine. They turned back to Philip and Elise who had puzzled looks on their faces.
"What did you say to him?" Elise asked as Philip guided them back into the parlor.
"We were simply letting him know we love him and wish him good sleep," Teyla answered. "John and I use English most of the time when we are with him but I do like to allow him to hear his native language so he is also familiar with it."
"It's Swahili," John explained and hoped they wouldn't ask Teyla to speak much more of it. They had each learned a few phrases of the language just in case anyone asked but John knew they couldn't fake much else. "I'm not that proficient in it. Luckily most people that I dealt with while I was there speak English. I only learned enough to charm Teyla into my bed."
"John!" Teyla admonished as she truly blushed. He pulled her head into his shoulder and chuckled as he pressed a kiss to her hair.
John grinned at the Traynors and added, "I may not even have needed that much."
Teyla pushed playfully at John's chest and huffed, "Yes, well perhaps we will see whose bed you are sleeping in tonight."
John looked properly chastised then caressed the side of Teyla's cheek. He gave her the roguish smile he saved for just such occasions and whispered, "Come on, sweetie, you know I can't live without you."
Teyla rolled her eyes then sighed. "It is a good thing you are so handsome. It is the only thing that saves you at times."
John smirked again then looked at Philip. "So what business are you in, Philip or is this all family money?"
Philip laughed but John knew that much of his initial wealth had come from Elise's family once her father had died. "I'm an international business consultant, John. I help troubleshoot companies that are in need of help and arrange for bigger companies to take them over if that's the only way to keep them running."
"So I take it you travel a lot," John asked knowing full well the man did. What he really wanted to know was how he got the guns from the military and how they were actually shipped overseas. But he didn't think Traynor would answer that question for him at the moment.
"I do my fair share," Philip replied. "You obviously do too. I'm wondering how you ended up in Tanzania."
John shrugged and gave the illusion that he didn't really want to talk about the subject. Then he gave a slight grimace and said, "I was in the military for a while, Afghanistan and a few other places that weren't exactly prime vacation spots, and I decided I wanted to spend some time seeing a few more of the nicer places in the world."
"What branch? And how long have you been out?" Philip asked and John could tell he was fishing for information. He would put something on his hook and hope he wouldn't throw it back.
"Air Force pilot and I've been out almost ten years," John responded casually. "Can't say I miss it. I was never the following direct orders type of guy. Kind of why I left. It was either take an honorable discharge or spend the next few years in Antarctica. That decision wasn't too hard."
"Pissed somebody off, did you?" It was Philip's turn to smirk.
John rolled his eyes. "You could say that. But it turned out for the best. I took what I'd saved from eight years of combat pay and what my Dad had left me when he kicked off and I saw some great places and managed to start my own little business. It's how I ended up in Tanzania. Teyla's family live on the island of Zanzibar and I have to say settling down there for the last five years was pretty damn sweet."
"What does your family do there, Teyla?" Elise asked and John wondered if she knew what her husband really did for a living or if she was just curious.
"They own an ocean front resort that caters to a very exclusive clientele. Although my father would say that is just his hobby. He has many … interests … and uses the contacts he makes at the villa for these … interests."
Teyla and John flashed each other a sly smile meant to entice Philip then John added, "Her Dad's always looking for the next best thing in the business world. It's why I originally went to meet him. And it's why we're here in San Francisco now. That and the fact that Teyla had wanted to live in decadent America for a while. She had heard the women here have a bit more freedom than where she's from."
Teyla let out a big breath and said, "John makes it sound as if I married him for a free trip to this country. I did not."
"Oh?" John raised his eyebrow and Teyla knew some teasing would be coming. "And why exactly did you marry me?"
But Teyla had an impish side of her John had seldom seen, though he would see it now. Teyla placed her hand on his chest and purred, "Because you pleased me so much more than any other man I had known."
John almost choked at the words that had come from Teyla's sweet mouth but he knew he needed to play along. The Traynors were definitely intrigued by the new neighbors.
"Just remember that you said I wouldn't be sleeping in your bed tonight, sweetie. Kind of hard to please you if I'm not in your bed."
Teyla threw him a sassy glare. Her eyebrow rose also. "Do not try that with me. I can think of many places you have pleased me and most of them were not a bed."
Elise actually giggled and pleaded, "Oh, do tell. I'd love to hear about them."
Teyla looked at her and made it seem that she had just become aware that their flirting was in public. She blushed slightly and apologized. "I am sorry. Please forgive us. There are times that John and I become fixated with each other and forget others are nearby who perhaps do not wish to hear our banter."
"Oh, no, I love the banter. It's quite playful. It's very obvious you two are deeply in love with each other. That's so nice to see. Unfortunately it's common among people of our stature to marry for reasons other than love."
Teyla saw Elise throw a tiny glance in her husband's direction but Philip remained smiling his pleasant smile that he'd worn most of the evening. He looked at John and started up a conversation about other interests John had. When he found out that John golfed he invited him to join him the next morning for a round at the Country Club.
"I'd love to, Philip, but I have to warn you I haven't played much lately. Can't say I'll be all that good."
"That's even better," Philip laughed. "I like it when I don't have to try too hard."
John turned toward Teyla and asked, "Is that okay with you, sweetie? I can ask Ronon to watch TJ if you want to sleep late as it's Amelia's day off."
"I will be fine with Torren although I would certainly not object if you wished to change his diaper before you go."
John gave a crooked grin. "Sure, I can change his diaper. I'll even get him dressed and fed and deliver him to our room if you're not out of bed yet. You know he likes to snuggle in there if you read him a story."
"That would be lovely, John," Teyla said. "And then you should enjoy playing golf with Philip."
Philip nodded his head and replied, "Good. That's all settled. I am wondering who Ronon is. Is he the big guy who walked your nanny over here?"
"Yeah," John supplied vaguely but when he noticed Traynor gazing at him curiously he waffled a bit then explained, "Ronon is a … friend. He … makes sure … everything is … good for us. He keeps Teyla and the baby safe and basically gives me a hand if I need one. Like I said, he's a … friend."
"Yeah," Philip nodded doubtfully but he didn't dispute what John had said. And John knew he had just made the man wonder what John did that he would need a bodyguard … hm hm … 'friend' who hovered over the family like he did. Let the man guess and hopefully he would come up with a good answer, like that John was the type of person he needed to help him with his business.
They spent another hour or so chatting amicably about places they'd been to, although Teyla remained fairly quiet on this topic as she hadn't ventured much past San Francisco. Then she and John stood and made their excuses.
"If I have to get the baby up and fed tomorrow and be ready to golf with you first thing, I suppose I should get some sleep," John announced. He stuck out his hand and shook Philip's. "Thank you very much for the hospitality tonight."
He kissed Elise on the cheek and said, "The meal was delicious. We appreciate your inviting us over to share it with you."
"You're very welcome, John, Teyla," Elise answered as she kissed each one on the cheek in farewell. "I'm so happy you've moved in next door. Emma, I'm sure, will be bugging me to play with TJ as soon as she's up in the morning."
Teyla smiled. "I would be happy to have them play. And please let me know what I need to do for the play group on Tuesday. I know Torren will be thrilled to have other children with him. He is so often only with adults."
As they left, Teyla knew what she'd just said was true and began to think about Torren's life on Atlantis. He was given so much love by so many people but she truly did wish for him to have other children to be with. But that was something she would have to worry about another day. For the next month or so they would be here and he would be exposed to children frequently. That was a good thought.
And perhaps if she and John grew close there could be the opportunity for more children. She shook her head at that thought and knew she should not think of such dreams. Before she could, she would need to make John truly notice her. Her mind was already thinking of tonight as they got ready for bed.
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