Chapter Nineteen: Don't Make This Weird

Isaac Black's Office: 2:30PM

ONE WEEK LATER …

"So the papers look really good. I really think the kids are going to enjoy this opportunity," Christian said to Isaac. They were sitting at the conference table waiting on the arrival of their kids.

"Yeah, I think it will be great to give them the opportunity to work together. It will look good on their resumes even though I'm pretty sure baby girl is going to end up working here after college." Christian nodded and smirked he knew that Ana had been courting Tam for years now and desperately wanted her to work at Grey Publishing. He really didn't know how much Isaac knew about it and at this point he didn't care. Christian of course, had looked into Tamera's background, and he knew all the way around she was just a good girl. Her test scores, resume', and her bank accounts were insane. The girl was a worker and through all of that stuff she still made time to cook his son dinner almost every night.

"I thought Tamera was into journalism?" Christian asked and Isaac arched his eye at Christian and then sighed.

"Yeah, she thinks she wants to be a writer, and to her credit she's really good. I've read her stuff very thorough. I know your wife wants her, but she has an empire here to inherit. If it doesn't go to her Gina will in up with it and I love my niece, but she knows jack shit about business." Isaac was blunt. "My daughter knows my business like the back of her hand she won't have to give it but so much time to help it to continue to strive. Engaging her in the offer should be a good way to keep her invested in my company. I don't mind if she interns with Ana or works for her part time or something but this was what she was born to do." Christian nodded at Isaac he could relate. He felt the same way about Theodore and Phoebe running his company. If they don't who will?

After a little while of talking shop Teddy was the first to arrive. He was dressed kind of causal and seemed to out of it. He still was gorgeous and dressed better than most in his sky blue polo and dark denim fitted jeans, but he still carried a despondent demeanor as he entered Mr. Black's office. He shook hands with Mr. Black and then gave his dad a look of confusion.

"What's going on?" Ted asked the obvious question.

"We'll explain in a minute, we're just waiting for Tamera and then we'll begin," Isaac explained. His daughter was generally early if not on time. He looked at his Rolex she still had four minutes.

"She's coming here?" Ted asked and his eyes brightened for a minute and then he resumed his look that almost resembled despair.

"I figured you'd have known that," Isaac said darkly.

"I haven't," Ted started to talk when Tamera barged in and looked winded.

"Sorry daddy I'm … what's this?" Tam was wearing a royal blue pencil skirt and black blouse, she looked like she'd just come from a meeting or something. Christian noticed that Ted was frowning, FROWNING, at Tam. He turned back to Isaac as if he wanted no parts of her.

"Christian and I have a business proposal that involves you two. You look so beautiful today angel." Tam smiled at her dad who approached and placed a kiss on her cheek.

"Thanks daddy, I had a presentation today in my independent studies class. I spoke on women in the work force. The professor and his associate seemed really impressed with it. I spent like forever on the paper." Tam was rambling. Her dad went back to his seat and expected Tam to take the seat next to Ted, because it was the only one available she paused for a moment and she pulled the seat out she inched it away from him. "So about this proposal?" Isaac gave both Ted and Tam some statistic and a business analysis of what they had in mind.

"Last year Christian and I worked on building some house for the less fortunate and we are looking at doing that again. We want to make if bigger this year, we want to find some candidates interested in our plan, a space to build, and we need people to follow up on the execution of everything. We felt this would be a good opportunity to give you some more work experience. You and Ted would be the head on the project you work on getting locations now and during the summer it would just be maintaining numbers and working with getting proper candidates into the homes. We are looking for candidates who have had like their homes destroyed due to natural disasters, theft, or people trying to get back on their feet due to layoff. Are you two interested?"

"I'm interested. I loved the idea of this plan last year and dad had left me look at how successful it had been last year. I always like the opportunity to help people," Ted spoke as he rifled through paperwork. He was a really fast reader he was almost half way through the documents.

"What about you baby? This sound good to you?" Isaac was holding his breath slightly. Tamera usually lets it be known when she is interested in participating in something and right now she had now words and she seemed really uncomfortable. She had her hand at her chest and looked as if she was having difficulty swallowing. "Tam baby, are you okay?" Everybody looked towards her and she looked at Teddy. The eye contact even for that mere second was uncomfortable.

"Uh yeah, I just need some water." She went over to the beverage station in her dad's office. She grabbed a glass and poured. She felt better already having her back to everyone. She took a sip of her water and willed her legs to stop feeling like jelly. "I like the proposal dad. I want to have a chance to look over it though. I also need to get back with Mrs. Grey. I am pretty sure she wants to offer me a job after I graduate and if she does I want to be able to take that position." She turned back to her table and Christian and Isaac were both looking at her. Teddy was frowning and kept his head in the paperwork.

"I can handle doing this on my own. I don't need her," he said bluntly, he never raised his eyes to look at her. "The work is all things I've done for my father before, her parts are minimal. I could handle those too."

"I didn't say I didn't want to do the work!" She snapped.

"I didn't sound like you wanted to be a part of it. I'm giving you the out, take it." He looked at his friend, and she glared at him. Her teeth were clenched and heart fell into her stomach.

"I want my daughter to be a part of this. She is a damned good business woman and I'd trust her with just about anything." Ted scoffed.

"Yeah I used to feel that way too," he murmured. "I've given my decision. I need to leave; I have other plans for this afternoon. Let me know what Ms. Black decides." Ted gets up and walks past Tamera not saying one word. She was enraged and horrified by the display put own by her supposed best friend. So she excused herself to chase after him.

"Teddy, Teddy, stop!" Begrudgingly Ted stopped and rolled his eyes before turning to Tam. She caught up to him and waited for her to say something.

"What?" He blurted out. "I don't have much time."

"I'm pretty sure whoever she is can wait. We need to talk," she explained.

"Oh do we? I've only been trying to call you since … you were the one who ignored me and now just because you want to talk I'm supposed to hop to it. Fuck you Tamera!" He turned away from her again.

"So is this how we end? You've know me for years and now its fuck me? Teddy!" She tried to keep the tears out of her voice. Teddy couldn't leave even though he really wanted to; he wanted to let Tam know how horribly she'd treated him. Tamera looked at the receptionist whose eyes were glued to their activity in the lobby.

"Jackie, do you know it there are any empty project rooms available?" Jackie didn't ask any questions even though she really wanted to. She just clicked on a few buttons and provided Tam with an answer.

"Yes Ma'am, Suite 16." Tam nodded and then looked back to Ted.

"Give ten minutes and then you can go about your business," Tam pleaded and Ted sighed.

"Five let's go."

Tam paced back and forth, while she tried to figure out what to say to Ted. That night had been so crazy. After they'd done what they did she fell asleep in his arms, he stayed with her all night. When she awakened he was still in her bed and she just couldn't face him. So she stepped out for the whole day. When she came back he was gone, but he kept trying to call her and she still didn't have the words that why she said nothing. What was she supposed to say? What did this mean? Why did she let this happen? Why did she let him touch her? She had so many questions that she didn't have the answers to and she was sure that talking to Teddy would only make it worse.

"Four minutes Tam. Say something or I'm leaving," Ted urged and crossed his arms.

"I'm sorry," she blurted out because she sorry that she'd let any of this happen. "I'm so sorry that I let all of this happen."

"It's too late for sorry Tam. Why didn't you answer my calls?" He asked dryly. Tam felt the wetness from her tears hit her face. He was treating her like one of the others. He'd never been so cold, not to her.

"I didn't know what to say. I still don't." She crossed her arms and she finally stopped pacing and looked at him. "I really am sorry Teddy."

"You've said that already ... let's not be repetitive or redundant." He smirked a little and she hesitantly smiled too.

"I'm not the redundant one, that's you," she teased and an unusually low tone. She was still a little worried that he was mad at her. She didn't want that she wanted to reverse time but she didn't have the ability.

"I'm about to repetitive and ask my question again. Why didn't you call? We talk about everything Tam, and if you were or still are uncomfortable about what we did you could've told me that. I get it. Like I said I know you and I wouldn't have pressured you or anything. I for damn sure didn't like being ignored especially by you."

"I'm …" She started to talk but he held his hand up.

"I know you're sorry. I am too. I shouldn't have suggested that to you. It was fucking stupid on my part. I knew you were going to freak a little, it's in your nature but I didn't think you'd avoid me like the plague. I didn't mean to hurt you Tam. I waited at your apartment until 3:00PM until I caught the hint that you wanted me to be gone when you returned. So I left." He shrugged. Tam sat down beside him and he looked really sad. "This week has really sucked without you Tamera. I was so lonely and completely bored." Tam snickered.

"I felt the same way. I missed have you in my space. I missed you in general." She placed her head on his shoulder. "I missed my buddy!" She said playfully.

"I missed you too." He patted Tam's knee, skin on skin contact made Tam tense. It was uncomfortable, but deliciously so, and she didn't like that she felt that way. It was a weird feeling that she rather not have, she wanted to move away, but she was trying to convince herself that nothing had to change between them. They could be this close and not be sexual. "Tam?"

"Yeah?" She shifted a little so she could see his face. Ted did move his hand and she was secretly grateful.

"Did you hate all of that night? It seemed to mean that your body really responded well to it. Did you just wish it wasn't me that you experienced it with?"

"Ted, I think the only reason I responded was because it was with you." Tam said without thinking. "You really knew what you were doing. No wonder so many girls are after you. Speaking of don't you have plans?" Ted looked at Tamera and shook his head. For some reason he was really put off by her answer. It wasn't like she'd said anything mean to him it was just that it wasn't the response he wanted.

"Not really, I just didn't want to be here anymore. I'm okay being right here now … I'm more than okay." Ted began to trace circles on Tam kneecap and for some odd reason she had the urge to clinch my legs together. Ted chuckled at Tam's nervous energy; she squirmed a little in her seat and then straightened her blouse.

"So you're a lied? You said I could trust you." Tamera forced out the words, it took a minute for her to realize what Ted was doing. He was trying to get under her skin but she didn't understand why he would do something so stupid. Wasn't it enough that their brief moment of insanity almost cost them their friendship. Now he was just being silly. She couldn't deny that her body liked it after only a few moments of him just barely touching her, she was damn near panting.

"You can, Tam. I just said it because I was hurt and I thought you didn't want to be around me."

"I didn't mean to hurt you Ted," she cooed. "I just didn't know how I would feel seeing you after." She explained as she took the hand that he was using to caress her and held it both of hers. "I meant it when I said you were the best thing that ever happened to my life. I would never intentionally go about hurting you Ted."

"Ditto baby," he chuckled, "can I have my hand back." Ted stared down at their hands.

"Oh, yeah sorry." Tam crossed her legs and squirmed a bit and once again pressed her thighs together released more of the frustration she was now suffering from. "So since you don't have plans you want dinner? I have some turkey in the freezer I could cook us something?" She said as she tried to focus on something else. Something she considered normal but Teddy had other things he wanted to talk about.

"Tam, what did you like about that night?" Ted asked and Tamera didn't like where this conversation was headed.

"Teddy, don't ask stupid questions. We both need to forget about that night." She went to stand up and Ted halted her movement.

"Tam, you liked it … and I really liked watching you. You sound lovely when you come." He whispered as he scooted closer to her and she was about to flip out. What was he saying and why the hell was he saying it?

"Teddy, please stop," she whined in hushed tones.

"You were so wet. What were you thinking about while I touched you?" He ran his pointer finger along the stitching of her skirt.

"Teddy," she tried to warned. "Don't."

"Answer me and I'll stop … if you want." Teddy scooted closer her and glided his up her thighs and to her waist. "Tell me what you were thinking? Were you thinking of me?" His eyes carried a look that was dark, seductive, and intense. Tamera found herself growing flushed. She was so heated and so out of her element. "Reddened Caramel … so, so pretty." Ted leaned into Tam and licked his lips. Tam attempted to swallow back her desire. He placed a small moist kiss at the nape of her neck.

"Oh God," she moaned. "Teddy, this isn't right. We should stop." Ted looked at his conflicted little friend and knew that she was right. That they probably should stop until she was sure, but he wasn't sure that she ever would be. She'd always have a reason why this shouldn't happen and after seeing her today he was convinced that it most definitely should take place.

"Just tell me Tam and I'll stop, unless you don't want me too and I'm pretty sure you want me to at least touch you again. I'm sure I have so much more to offer you than my fingers." Tam whimpered in frustration of her situation.

"I thought of you. I thought about how strong your hands were against my chest and how I loved the sound of your voice in my ear. I'd never felt so sexy and special … and wet, so wet." Teddy took a sharp intake of air; her words fueled the fire that was burning inside him. He wanted to please her. He had to.

"Are you wet now?" Ted easily maneuvered one of his hands between Tamera's legs and slowly inched toward her center. "I can tell you're turned on, I just want to know how much."

"This is crazy," she breathed. She placed her hand on his wrist.

"You want this to happen Tam, I know you do. Just let me … please." Ted and Tam stared in each other's eyes. It was Tam's last opportunity to say no and she just couldn't form the words. Ever since Ted had touched her the first time she'd wanted to feel that amazing feeling again. She'd tried once more to please herself but it was nothing like his touch. She released his wrist and allowed his hand to continue its journey up her skirt. Ted groaned inwardly as he caressed her over her panties.

"Is this lace? I love lace." He murmured. He rubbed her roughly and caused her to call out. Ted grinned down at her with eyes filled with lust. "Feels good doesn't it? Tell me Tam, tell me how much you like it."

"I do Teddy … I like it so much." She wanted to opened her legs further but her skirt hindered her from doing so. She was grateful she didn't want to seem too eager although now that he was touching her again she wanted it all, completely euphoria just like last time. Ted repositioned Tamera so she was sitting on the couch correctly and then kneeled down in front of her. He slid both of his hands under her skirt raising it higher until it wrapped around her waist. He then played with the fabric of her white lace panties. She looked beautiful and he found the color of her panties quite fitting.

"So pretty," he said as he parted her legs and placed his nose at the heat of her want. "And they smell even better than they look I may have to keep these." He pulled on the band and Tam hesitantly allowed him to remove her underwear. She was in another world, watching from the outside, yet enjoying the heady ride. Tam thought that Teddy was going to use his fingers to please her like before and in part she was right. He used his two fingers and gently stimulated her clit, moving in a slow circular motion. Her desire was building and she wasn't sure how much longer she could hold on, she knew what she wanted, she wanted more. The compete feel she wanted his fingers to dip inside her and caress her from within just as they had done that night before.

"Teddy." She opened her legs wider and gyrated involuntarily. "Touch me."

"I am touching you baby," he said but he knew what she meant. "Is this what you want?" He dipped one of his fingers in side and she nodded before throwing her head back and enjoying the slow rhythm. After picking up his rhythm he added his other finger. Tam was soaring, she was in space flying with stars, enjoying this whole other level of sensation. She panted and groaned and called out Teddy's name. "How does it feel Tammy? Do you like that?" He positioned his head down between her legs and touched his tongue to her sweet spot. She quickly looked down to make sure she was imagining this. Her buddy was most definitely going down on her. He swirled his tongue around her clit as he began to slam his fingers aggressively in and out of her. She was climbing, climbing, climbing, and before long she hit euphoria's brick wall. She cried out helpless to the sensation, her body immediately went limp after coming off her high. Ted slowly removed his fingers from within her and placed them in his mouth to revel once more in her taste. She was delicious by far the best he'd ever tasted. Not that he'd tasted many; this was one of those things that he'd pull out of his arsenal for special occasions. He grabbed Tam's panties and shoved them in his pocket.

"These are mine now," he smirked at her and she wore a look of confusion with a hint of regret. He pulled down her skirt and made sure she looked presentable. "I don't want you to think too hard of this Tam Cake, it's just something that happened and we'll be fine. Don't make it weird."

"But," she started to freak and Ted held his hand up.

"Tam listen to me, we're fine, this is okay. We are still the same people, we're still friends, and this won't change that. Can I still come over for dinner?" He asked as he stood up Tam noticed the swell of Teddy's pants. He followed Tam's line of vision down to his full blown erection. "What you thought I could do all that and not get hard? Maybe one day when this isn't so weird for you, you can return the favor, until then where's the nearest bathroom."

"Down the hall to the right … It's not far." She whispered as she held her head.

"Okay, dinner?" He asked again.

"Yeah." He walked over to her and placed a kiss on her forehead. "We're good Tam … this is okay, trust me." Ted quickly exited the meeting room and strode down the hall. Tam took a deep breath to compose herself. She couldn't believe that this had happened again. She wasn't this type of girl; this couldn't be what she really wanted, could it?

Author's Note: I named this don't make this weird because several people asked me not to make Tamera act weird toward Ted. I just feel like Tam would have to be a little freaked out by the situation, but I think the end turned out good. I will add my favorite review to this chapter and chapter eighteen to my blog tomorrow. Can wait to see what dinner holds. As always please read review and no flames.