Chapter 3 - the one

Now 18 years old Teddy had been trying to reignite his love life. Of course, outside of his endless practice matches and drills. But he was trying. Being a 6’3 sculpted semi pro footballer didn’t make it hard to meet people but it really made it hard to meet the right people. He’d fully written off the club, and probably for the best considering footballers track history with nightclubs. Tinder and Bumble had been okay but no one he’d felt he clicked with.
‘What did you think? You’d meet the love of your life down the chicken shop?’ Jules had scoffed. And that is exactly what had happened. (Teddy did love to remind him of this later.)
Kira had just ordered 6 hot wings and chips; Teddy was queuing to get some mini fillets and popcorn chicken. As he stepped forward and placed his order she remarked sarcastically, ‘A big lad like you ordering a meal for a literal child. You okay hun?’ She’d then smiled at him, a deliciously sexy inviting smile. Teddy had gawked. Kira had a wry smile and dimples under her high cheekbones. Her amber eyes seemed to glow under the fluorescence of the chicken shop and she had a natural confidence and buoyancy to her that immediately invited him in.
‘Er yeah, it is a bit shit isn’t it.’ She laughed at him gently, tickled by his sincerity and awkwardness. It wasn’t cruel laughter and Teddy stepped alongside her after he paid.
‘Is there a path to redemption?’ He asked her, starting to relax.
She laughed again, ‘For that? I don’t think so angel. Unless—I don’t know if you could take it.’ She looked up at him through her thick black curls that bounced around her face and that coquettish smile tugged at the corner of her mouth. She knew she was being shit. She was flirting heavily, and badly, with this fucking hulk of a lad. Jesus Christ he was fucking hot.
To his chagrin, Teddy blushed a bit, he was really drawn to her and her flagrant flirting was getting to him. She on the other hand couldn’t believe he was blushing and she felt a rush flow over her. ‘I can assure you-.’ He paused.
‘Kira.’ She said biting the inside of her cheeks trying not to smile.
‘I can assure you, Kira, that I Teddy-‘ He winked at her when he said his name, quick as a flash but it made Kira’s insides flutter. ‘I can indeed handle it.’ He finished looking right at her. Someone had found their feet Kira thought. ‘Okay then, let’s give this a crack.’ She went to the counter and ordered a pot of chili oil and some of the garlic mayo.
‘In case you pussy out.’ She called back cheekily. Fuck me, she was a lot more drunk than she thought from the match earlier.
Waiting at the counter seating Teddy admired Kira from afar. She was about 5’6’ and looked about 140lbs. Not big by any means. But not petite either he thought as his eyes ran over the curve of her bum in her tight jeans and the way the denim hugged her thighs. She was so sexy.
‘I picked your Happy Meal up for you.’ Kira said jauntily as she sat down heavily next to him.
‘Oh ***.’ He said lightly, laughing.
‘So Teddy?’ She raised an eyebrow making sure she’d got it right. He clocked the City scarf round her neck, she’d been at the game and had a few pints he suspected. He nodded.
‘Teddy-‘ She broke giggling and tried to regain composure, ‘Are you ready?’
‘Jesus take the wheel.’ He replied putting his hands up and allowing her full access to the greasy little box of chicken. She took the oil and drizzled it over and then shook it violently. Teddy couldn’t help but notice her boobs jiggle through her football jersey now she’d taken off her jacket.
‘Now try.’ She said trying to tuck an unruly curl behind her ear.
‘Fuck me that’s really hot!’ Teddy exclaimed his mouth curled in a O trying to let air in.
‘Oh come of it!’ She cried in peals of laughter pushing the garlic mayo to him.
‘Nah, actually with the mayo its really good.’
‘So Mr. I can handle it- can handle it only with mayo?’
‘Is that so bad?’
‘I can permit it I guess.’ Her full lips broke into another of those dazzling smiles.
‘So did you go to the match today?’ He asked playfully flicking the tassels of her scarf. He felt a sudden panic that she’d gone with her fella and this was all some sort of drunken prank.
‘I did indeed.’
‘Who with?’ He asked disjointedly. She smirked kindly at his subtle query, surely he didn’t think she’d be this obvious with a boyfriend in tow.
‘It’s my season ticket. And this time I just went on my own.’ Teddy took a sudden intake of air and choked. Christ alive, this is how you want to act in front of the first girl you’ve felt attracted to in years.
‘Sorry- sorry, I’m fine. That’s super cool though.’ Gushed Teddy trying to redeem himself.
‘You’re okay.’ Said Kira coyly, nibbling on a chip. And that was it. The rest of the evening got away from them. Teddy was only meant to be popping out for some food after a long day, one of the last few times he’d be able to do it before he was on that pitch. Kira was getting some scran in before she went home after the match and yet they ended up in one of the football pubs near the station. Kira got the pints in, accused Teddy of being a cheap date as he started to feel it one and half pints in, he posed the question if this was a date which got her flustered. Claiming to be hot she suggested they went into the smoking area, but they started making out to the side of the garden, out the direct glow of the pubs lighting. Kira was an incredibly good kisser; she gently bit his upper lip as she pushed her lithe body against him. Teddy let her take the lead, he was so enthralled by her, but he did clamp his large strong hands against the back pockets of her jeans.
Kira pulled away slightly breathless, Teddy pulled her in to him by the loops of her jeans.
‘Can I see you again?’ He whispered in her ear. His hot breath made Kira’s spine curl and she tilted her head back. Pressing her body against his rock hard (Rock fucking hard?!?! she thought to herself) she entered her number into his phone.
‘I want to take you on a proper date.’ He growled into her neck, using his fingers to comb through her hair and cradle her neck. She felt wet through her jeans.
‘I’d like that.’ She croaked back.
They re-entered the pub looking dazed and suspicious, slinking past the hammered patrons and Teddy walked Kira back to her bus stop pausing only to kiss her deeply.
He watched as her bus pulled away feeling the tug of something new on his heartstrings.