Chapter 3: Building Tension
The soft, golden light of the Austin morning filtered through the hotel's heavy drapes, casting long, dancing shadows across the room. Teresa stirred first, her eyes fluttering open as she registered the warmth of the body pressed against hers, the gentle rise and fall of her bedmate's chest against her back. She took a deep, quiet breath, the scent of laundry detergent and a hint of musk filling her nostrils. Patrick.
A slow, content smile spread across her face as she recalled the events of the night before. The conversation, the shared laughter, the quiet intimacy of their drive from Miami to Austin.
It had been a long time since she had felt so at ease, so...right. She carefully extricated herself from Patrick's embrace, trying not to disturb him. He stirred slightly, his eyes fluttering open briefly before closing again. Teresa smiled softly, her heart fluttering with a mix of happiness and apprehension.
She slipped out of bed, her bare feet padding silently on the plush carpet as she made her way to the bathroom. She took a moment to look at herself in the mirror, her dark brown hair a messy halo around her face, her green eyes reflecting the warm glow of the bathroom light.
She ran her fingers through her hair, trying to tame the wild strands, and sighed. She looked tired, but there was a softness to her face that she hadn't seen in a long time. She smiled at her reflection, a small, content smile that spoke of the peace she felt within.
As she turned to leave, she caught a glimpse of Patrick in the mirror, his blue eyes watching her. He was propped up on one elbow, his hair disheveled, a sleepy smile playing on his lips. "Morning," he said, his voice a soft rumble.
Teresa turned to face him, her heart fluttering at the sight of him.
"Morning," she replied, her voice soft and warm. "You're awake."
Patrick nodded, his smile growing wider. "I've been watching you for a while now."
Teresa raised an eyebrow, a playful smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. "Is that so? And what have you concluded from your observations?"
Patrick's eyes twinkled with amusement. "That you are beautiful. But that we both really need to get some clean clothes. You've gone from a content smile to mild annoyance in a matter of seconds." Patrick said, his voice tinged with amusement.
Teresa laughed softly, pushing a wayward strand of hair behind her ear. And what else have you learned, Mr. Observant?"
Patrick patted the bed beside him, a warm smile on his face. "Come here and I'll tell you all about it."
Teresa walked over to the bed, her eyes never leaving his. She sat down beside him, her hip pressing against his. Patrick leaned in, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper.
"I've learned that you snore slightly when you're deeply asleep, but it's kind of adorable." Teresa's eyes widened in mock horror, and she playfully swatted at his chest. "Hey, I do not snore!" she protested, a smile playing at the corners of her mouth. Patrick chuckled, his arms wrapping around her as she leaned into him. "Well, it's a very cute snore, if that makes you feel any better." He murmured, pressing a soft kiss to her temple. Teresa sighed, her body relaxing against his. "You're impossible, Patrick." she said, her voice soft and content.
"You know, I could get used to this." Teresa murmured, her voice barely above a whisper as she snuggled closer to Patrick, letting her head rest against his chest.
Patrick's fingers traced slow, gentle patterns on her back, his touch feather-light and soothing. "You mean waking up with me?" he asked, his voice filled with warmth.
Teresa hummed in response, her eyes fluttering closed as she drank in the moment. It felt so right, so natural, to be here with him like this.
"Good," Patrick said, his voice rumbling in his chest.
"Because I could get used to this, too."
The two of them sat in comfortable silence for a moment, simply enjoying each other's presence. Then, Patrick's stomach let out a loud grumble, breaking the peace. Teresa laughed and pulled back to look at him. "Hungry?" she asked.
Patrick grinned sheepishly. "I didn't have much of an appetite last night, but now that I'm awake... yeah, I could use some food."
Teresa nodded. "Me too.
Let's call room service and order breakfast," Teresa suggested, sitting up and reaching for the phone on the nightstand.
Patrick stretched, his body protesting slightly with the movement. "Sounds like a plan. I'll get cleaned up while you do that."
Teresa nodded, dialing the number for room service as Patrick closed the door to the bathroom. She ordered a hearty breakfast for both of them, her voice warm and friendly with the person on the other end of the line.
As she hung up the phone, she looked over to see Patrick walking much better. “Seems keeping your ankle iced and elevated and basically staying off of it for 36 hours has really helped. Huh?” She observed as he dropped into the chair across from her. “Seems like it.” He replied. She studied him for a moment and took in his very wrinkled shirt and suit pants. She was sure her clothes didn’t look any better. And the items in her go bag were now dirty as well. A knock at the door signaled the arrival of breakfast and she stood up to get it,“You’re right though,” she said over her shoulder. “I know,” he shot back as the room steward brought in the trays. “I am always right,” he teased, “but if you could specify exactly what I am right about, it would be helpful”
“Shut up.” Teresa smiled, as the room steward left. She dropped into her seat and gave his good leg a gentle kick. Patrick shot her a very exaggerated pained look. “About needing clothes” she said as she dug into her breakfast.
“Mmmm,” Patrick responded with his mouth full. “I have clothes at the airstream.” He said once he had swallowed. “Good!” Lisbon said lightly, “We can stop and get them on our way to the mall.”
“The mall?” Patrick said in distaste.
"Yes, the mall," Teresa confirmed, grinning at his reaction. "I need to stock up on some basic clothes and toiletries. It will be a few days before all my stuff gets back.”
Patrick sighed dramatically, but the twinkle in his eye gave him away. "Fine, fine. But only because I know you'll look absolutely adorable trying on everything in the store."
Teresa laughed, shaking her head at his antics. "Right."
Patrick was suddenly a little more subdued , “Seriously though.” He said setting down his fork, “Are you sure you don’t want some time alone tonight. I was thinking I would head back to the airstream… Give you time to think.”
Teresa looked surprised, “I am not letting you hobble in and out of that tin bucket on that ankle. With my luck you’ll fall and break your neck and Abbott will think I killed you.” She took a bite of her toast.
“But I can hobble around the mall?” He asked sounding dramatically surprised.
“Calm down, grandpa.” Teresa smiled back, “We can get you. Wheelchair.”
“Grandpa?” Patrick asked in mock horror, “You just remember that when we move you into that house you rented sight unseen.” Teresa smiled around her toast, “Don’t be a baby, Patrick. It’ll be fun. We can make a day of it. Shopping, lunch. Maybe even a movie.” She teased.
Patrick sighed dramatically and rolled his eyes. “You’re killing me, Lisbon. Literally.” He joked, but the smile playing at the corners of his mouth gave him away. “But I’d rather skip the movie. I can think of some more interesting things to do with our evening than stare at a screen.” He let his voice drop low with innuendo and Teresa blushed prettily.
“Oh stop.” she said her voice showing a little nervousness. Patrick decided to let it go. “I’m just saying.” He teased and Teresa set aside her food. “Well, hurry up and eat so I can get something clean to wear.” She urged. Patrick shook his head “So bossy.”
“Whatever.” Teresa shot back.
“Are you sure you’re ready for this, Patrick? Remember, you’ve got a bum ankle. We could always just go home and order in.”
Patrick grinned, unfazed. “I’m fine, Lisbon. And I’m not about to let a little limp stop me from accompanying my gorgeous date to the mall. Besides, I think I’d enjoy seeing you try to push me around in a wheelchair too much.”
Teresa rolled her eyes but couldn’t help the smile tugging at her lips. “Fine. Let’s get this show on the road.”
Teresa pulled into the parking lot of the Austin Mall, finding a spot close to the entrance. She turned off the ignition and turned to Patrick. “Alright, let’s see if we can find a wheelchair for you.”
Patrick raised an eyebrow. “A wheelchair?
Really, Teresa? I think I can manage with the crutches,” Patrick said, a playful smirk playing on his lips.
“Humor me,” Teresa replied, her voice firm. “I don’t want you falling on your face and blaming me for your pride.”
Patrick laughed, “Alright, alright. But only because you’re asking me.”
They made their way into the mall, the bustling crowds and bright lights quite a contrast to the quiet of their hotel room. Teresa spotted a rental kiosk near the entrance and headed towards it.
“Can I help you?” the attendant asked, her voice friendly.
"Yes, we need a wheelchair," Teresa replied, her expression serious.
"Certainly! Right this way," the attendant said, leading them to a small room off to the side. She retrieved a wheelchair from a stack and presented it to Patrick. "Here you go. If you need any help, just let me know."
Patrick smiled at the attendant, "Thank you." He turned to Teresa, "See? I told you I could manage."
Teresa just shook her head, a small smile playing on her lips. "Humor me, Patrick. It will be a pretty boring night if you injure yourself again.” She said in a low seductive voice as he lowered himself into the chair. “Besides, this way I can park you in front of the door and you can hold the stuff.” Teresa said, her tone playful. Patrick rolled his eyes dramatically but the corners of his mouth twitched with amusement. “I should have known better than to argue with you, Lisbon.”
Teresa grinned and started pushing him through the mall. “You should have.”
Patrick rubbed his hands together in mock excitement, “Now, where do we start?”
Teresa chuckled, “How about we hit up a few clothing stores first since that's the priority? I need to pick up some basics to tide me over until my stuff arrives.”
Patrick nodded, “Alright, let’s do it. I’m all yours today, Lisbon. Lead the way.”
Teresa steered the wheelchair towards a popular clothing store, her eyes scanning the racks as they entered. She immediately spotted a few things she liked and began selecting them off the rack.
Patrick sat quietly watching her, simply because enjoying the opportunity to be in such a domestic moment with the woman he is so in love with.
It was a simple pleasure that warmed his heart, seeing her move confidently around the store, picking out items and holding them up to herself in the mirror.
"What do you think?" she asked, holding up a pair of jeans. "Will these make my butt look big?"
Patrick chuckled, "Your butt looks perfect, Lisbon. And those jeans would look even better on the floor of my airstream."
Teresa laughed, "I'm sure they would. But I don't think I'm ready to give up my career just yet."
Patrick grinned, "Well, maybe we can compromise.
You keep the jeans, and I'll show you how to get them off later."
Teresa rolled her eyes, but she was smiling, too. "You're impossible, you know that? Let's try to find something that's not quite so...provocative."
"What's the fun in that?" Patrick asked, but he was already scanning the racks for more practical options. He found a pair of dark blue jeans and a soft, gray t-shirt that would look good on her.
Teresa took the items from him and held them up against her. "These should work.
Comfortable and not too flashy," Patrick said, approvingly.
Teresa nodded, "Perfect. Anything else you see that I should try on?"
Patrick scanned the racks one more time and shook his head, "I think that's enough to get you through the next few days."
Teresa smiled, "Great. Let's grab these and head to the checkout."
As they made their way to the register, Patrick turned to Teresa, "You know, I think I'm going to head back to the airstream while you finish up here. I’ll grab my things, get my car and come back and pick you up?” “But then who is going to carry all my bags?” She pouted her eyes sparkling in amusement. Patrick waved her around in front of him, and motioned for her to bend down. He placed a quick kiss on her pout, “I’ll take these ones with me. They are probably the heaviest ones, and surely you don’t need me to help you pick out toiletries.”
“Okay fine”, Teresa smiled giving a dramatic sigh. “Should I wheel you to the door?” She asked. Patrick laughed and gave her a gentle nudge towards the cashier, “Just go pay for your stuff.” He laughed, and as she turned to leave he swatted her ass playfully. “Hey!” She yelped scurrying out of his reach. Patrick sat back with loving amusement. He had never seen the self possessed Agent Lisbon scurry anywhere, but Teresa Lisbon was another matter entirely, and absolutely adorable.
Patrick watched her until she disappeared into the line to pay, a smile on his face. He knew it was childish, but he couldn't help but feel proud of himself for making her blush. It was a small victory, but a satisfying one.
Patrick sat back in the wheelchair and watched the people around him as he waited. Despite the hustle and bustle of the mall, he felt strangely content. He was with Teresa, and that was all that mattered. The thought of spending the day with her, of helping her shop and laugh and just...be, filled him with a warmth that he hadn't felt in a long time.
After returning the wheelchair and helping Patrick to an Uber and burying him under all his bags Teresa headed back into the mall. She was focused on heading to the drugstore, when a lingerie store caught her eye. She really did need some changes of underwear and a new bra.
She had just been wearing the same ones for too long and with the muggy Austin weather she was starting to feel a little... rank. There was nothing wrong with a little retail therapy.
She was greeted by a young sales associate, who asked if she needed help. Teresa responded with a smile, "Yes, please. I need a new bra and some underwear." The sales associate led her back to the lingerie rack and began pulling out various styles and sizes for her to try on.
Teresa slipped into the fitting room, the cool air conditioning a welcome relief from the humidity of the mall.
She quickly changed into a few different bras, trying to find the perfect fit. She was amazed at how much difference a well-fitting bra could make. She felt supported and comfortable, and that was exactly what she needed right now.
As she tried on the last bra, she caught sight of herself in the mirror and was surprised at how much better she felt. She looked around the fitting room, spotting a pair of lacy, black panties on a nearby rack. On a whim, she grabbed them and slipped them on under the bra. She stepped back and looked at herself in the mirror, a small smile playing at the corners of her mouth. She looked good, she felt good.
“Um, excuse me ma’am” she called out to the sales associate. “Yes?” Came the reply.
“If I wanted something…um…special…to…um…” she let her voice trail off. She had never bought anything to impress anyone else before. “Impress a gentleman?” The sales associate helpfully supplied for her. “Um, Yeah.” Teresa replied. "Yes, that. Do you have any recommendations?"
The sales associate smiled knowingly and gestured for Teresa to step out of the fitting room. "Of course, dear. Let me show you what we have."
Teresa stepped out, feeling a blush creep up her cheeks as the associate led her to a more private area of the store. She quickly scanned the lingerie on display, her eyes landing on a set in a deep green silk with delicate lace trim.
"This one is always a favorite," the associate said, holding it up for Teresa to see.
"It's sophisticated, yet sexy, and the silk feels amazing against the skin."
Teresa felt her cheeks grow warmer, but she couldn't help but be drawn to the set. It was beautiful, and she knew Patrick would love it. "I'll take it," she said softly, trying to hide her nervousness.
The associate beamed. " Fantastic choice!
Teresa took the set and made her way back to the fitting room, her heart pounding. She quickly changed out of her clothes and into the new set, her hands trembling slightly as she fastened the bra.
The silk slid against her skin like a whisper, and she had to admit, it felt amazing. She had never owned a set like this before. The bra
was a demi-cup that lifted and supported her breasts perfectly, making her feel sexy and confident. The panties were a matching thong that hugged her curves in all the right places, and the silk felt cool and sensual against her skin.
Teresa stepped back to look at herself in the mirror, her breath catching in her throat. She looked good. No, she looked amazing. The deep green set brought out the warmth in her skin and the green flecks in her eyes. She felt powerful, seductive, and she knew that Patrick would love it. She couldn't wait to see the look on his face when he saw her in it.
A knock on the door made her jump. “Excuse me ma’am,” the sales associate called through the door. “If you are really looking for something special, we have a matching garter belt and stockings. I brought them just in case.” Teresa took a deep breath, her heart pounding in her chest. “I’ll take them,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper.
“Fantastic!” the sales associate said, her eyes sparkling with excitement. “I’ll get these wrapped up for you, and you can try them on later.”
Teresa nodded, her cheeks flushed with a mix of excitement and nervousness. She quickly changed back into her clothes and emerged from the fitting room, the bag containing her new lingerie clutched tightly in her hands.
The sales associate handed her the bag containing her purchases as well as the garter belt and stockings. “Now all you need are some black high heels, and you will every man’s fantasy.” The sales associate commented with a wink as she handed Teresa her bags.
Teresa blushed, “Thanks, but I think I’ll stick to my usual style.”
“Suit yourself, dear. I’m just saying, you have the body for it, and the clothes to match. Don’t be afraid to let loose every once in a while.”
Teresa smiled and thanked the sales associate before making her way out of the store. She walked through the mall, her steps a little lighter than before. She felt good, and she knew Patrick would too.
She couldn't wait to see his face when he saw her in it. But first, she needed to finish her errands. She headed back to the drugstore, picking up the essentials she needed to tide her over until her things arrived. She grabbed a few toiletries, some basic makeup, and a new toothbrush. She also picked up a few snacks for later, knowing that Patrick would appreciate the gesture.
On her way back to the parking lot she passed a shoe store with a pair of shinny black stilettos that under any other circumstances she would roll her eyes at. At this moment she couldn’t get the words of sales associate out of her mind. She already had 90 percent of the outfit. She may as well get the last piece.
When she finally headed to the parking lot she was almost giddy with excitement.
She was more excited about showing Patrick her new lingerie than she was about anything she had ever purchased before.
As she walked out of the mall, she saw Patrick standing next to his car. As she got closer he opened the passenger door for her. “Madam,” he said with a theatrical bow.
“Thank you kind sir.” she smiled back, as she climbed into the seat, holding her bags on her lap.
Patrick closed the door and walked around to the driver side. “Let’s get back to the hotel.” He smiled.
“No,” Teresa said flatly trying to keep a straight face. Patrick glanced at her out of the corner of his eye as he backed out of the parking space and pulled onto the road. “No?” He echoed in surprise.
“You promised to buy me lunch.” She said as she pretended to settle into her seat.
“I promised?” He said incredulously. “I seem to recall lunch was your idea.”
Patrick replied, a smirk playing at the corners of his mouth.
“Well, I thought you might want to get something to eat after shopping.” Teresa said, her voice sweet and innocent.
“And I do. But I also thought you might want to, you know, try on your new lingerie for me.” Patrick’s voice was low and sultry, and Teresa’s heart skipped a beat.
“How did you know about that?” She asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
Patrick chuckled, “I have my ways, Lisbon.”
Teresa felt her cheeks grow warm with a blush, “Well if you want to see my sports bras and granny panties you are gonna have to wait till after lunch.” She tried to deflect. Patrick looked unconvinced “ Sports bras and granny panties?”
“Yep.” She felt a smile tug at her lips as she teased him. “Big grey cotton ones that cover more than my bathing suit.”
Teresa said with a mischievous smile.
Patrick raised an eyebrow, “You’re a cruel woman, Teresa Lisbon.”
Teresa laughed softly, “Just trying to keep you on your toes, Jane.”
"Alright, alright. Lunch it is. Where do you want to go?" Patrick asked as he pulled onto a nearby street and began to scan the nearby restaurants.
Teresa bit her lip, thinking. "I've been craving Mexican food all morning.