Page 54 of Unforeseen Love

"Oh." She releases a frustrated sigh. "That's nobody."

His chuckle is deep and can be heard over the phone.

"Uh-huh."

"Anyway, I think if Theo makes you feel good and you enjoy each other’s company, you should just go for it."

Of course she would say something like that.

I notice my phone flashing. "Shit, Quinn, I've got to take another call, but don't think you're getting out of telling me who that guy is."

"And on that note, I'll let you go. I love you."

"Love you too."

I hang up and answer the incoming call before it drops out and pull up my emails. I need to ensure our usual supplier can get my products to me by the end of the week.

My mobile vibrates while I'm discussing quantity––a message from Quinn.

A photo of her and a sheepdog sit on a small riverbank, and I'm jealous I'm not there with her. But it's how happy she seems that really hits home, and I'm glad. It's a good look on her, especially after all the shit she's had to endure.

I type out a reply to her photo.

Me: Lovely, but I still want to know who the guy is???

Thankfully, my supplier can accommodate our order, so it's one less thing to worry about, and they confirm delivery for Friday.

Quinn: It's Callum. But I'll explain when we talk. How about we FaceTime on Sunday?

My thumbs fly over my phone screen.

Me: Gah, fine. And yes, it's a date, don't stand me up xoxo

Before sliding it into my drawer, her response comes through.

Quinn: Never xoxo

Smiling, I close the drawer. Quinn has never let me down, not once. I almost forgot why I rang her in the first place. I wanted her to give me some advice about Theo. I guess that will need to wait until Sunday when we can talk.

Walking through the hallway, I see Theo buttoning his jacket before he sees me, and I take a moment to appreciate just how handsome he looks. The arrogant way I thought he used to carry himself is now replaced with something else. Maybe I only saw what I wanted to? Yes, he's self-assured and confident, but he's shown me a side to him I didn't even know existed until recently. And honestly, I'd love to get to know him a little better. I'm aware of the restrictions in place, but we've been living and working together this long, and we follow all the safety measures in place. I don't begrudge myself some guilty pleasures during these uncertain times. I know I work with dead people, but it also highlights how important it is to live, and maybe I forgot that for a while.

ChapterThirty-Four

Theo

I’ve been jittery all day, like a kid wired on Christmas Eve. I have no idea what will transpire between Sienna and me, but I’m hopeful it will end up with me buried deep between her thighs. I need to redeem myself, and it’s not lost on me how I’ve treated her in the past, and I cringe. Am I saying I’m a changed man? Probably not, but for her, I want to be better.

The sound of the front door opening has me peering down the hallway. Sienna kicks her shoes off with a heavy sigh. Work has been taking an extra toll lately. High levels of stress and anxiety are occupational hazards of the job, but no one would have prepared anyone for this.

She raises her head and pauses when she sees me, chewing on her bottom lip before she slowly approaches me.

“Hey, do you fancy taking a walk?”

Tilting her head back, she looks up at me and shrugs.

“Yeah, why not? Let me quickly go change.”

I nod and then look down at my suit and do the same.

---