Page 66 of Unforeseen Love

This gains me a smile from him, and I find myself smiling too.

He cups my cheek, and I lean into his touch. His eyes dance over my face.

“Tell me something that no one else knows about you.”

His question catches me off guard. We talk, and I’ve mentioned losing my mum and nan. And he knows about my best friend Quinn, of course, but I guess there’s a lot we don’t know about each other, but at the same time, I feel like he also knows the important stuff.

“You’re thinking kind of hard there. Easy, Morticia. I don’t want you to burst a blood vessel.”

I swat his chest and then shake my hand out from the sting. How he is still solid with no access to a gym is beyond me, but then again, we have been spending a lot of time doing extra-curricular activities.

“Hmm, is someone having dirty thoughts?” he asks, swiping his thumb over my bottom. “Come on, just one thing.”

Inhaling a deep breath, I think of something that not even Quinn knows and then exhale as I straighten my shoulders and blurt it out before I have too much time to think about it.

“I’m terrified of death.”

He scrunches his nose in confusion.

“You’re afraid of dying?”

Looking down at the duvet and picking at nothing, the mattress dips as he moves closer to me, tilting my chin up with his forefinger.

“Really?”

I nod, and his expression is one of tenderness.

“And yet you work with dead people, Sienna.”

Clearing my throat, I try and explain. “It’s because I have some semblance of control while doing so. I can help them and their families.” I watch him, expecting him to say something sarcastic, but he waits for me to continue. “And, of course, the logical part of my brain knows death is inevitable. And I know how utterly weird I sound right now.”

He grips my jaw, holding my stare. His gaze is so intense I find myself holding my breath, waiting for him to speak.

“Not weird at all. You face your fear every day. Do you know what kind of courage it takes to do that?” If I could, I’d shake my head, but he has me mesmerised. “The kind that comes not just from the heart but from your soul. The compassion and empathy you have, Sienna, is in abundance and a rare gift. You’re incredible.”

His words hold so much strength and conviction, my heart feels like it’s grown three sizes. Theo leans forward and seals his words with the most wondrous, enthralling, and mind-blowing kiss I’ve ever had the pleasure of experiencing. And I know without a shadow of a doubt, I am indeed head over heels in love with this man.

ChapterForty-Two

Theo

The other day, Sienna almost rendered me speechless when she admitted her biggest fear was death. And, of course, it’s something we’re familiar with within our line of work. You’d be surprised how many people have Thanatophobia. Some are afraid of dying and fear being dead, while others are afraid of the act. There’s been a few occasions where we’ve even had clients have full-blown anxiety attacks. Losing someone is hard enough but having a phobia can be consuming on top of that, and it’s hard to watch.

I can’t wait to get back to the flat. Sienna has no idea I’ve been keeping this from her, and I can’t wait to see her reaction.

I told my aunt and uncle how I want to be with Sienna. My uncle seemed shocked, but Meredith wasn’t even the slightest surprised. I was worried about what they’d think. Did they believe it unethical of me to date an employee?

My aunt was quick to tell me ‘no’, after all, it’s how she and my uncle met. She said there was nothing unethical about having a romantic relationship, providing I ensure I treat her professionally and be courteous while at work.

I didn’t admit how I felt about her, I want Sienna to be the first to know.

Leaving everything else in the car, I grab the pet carrier and make my way up to the flat. A familiar smell instantly hits my senses, but I shake my head because there is no possible way.

Unlocking the front door, I push it open and call out, “Honey, I’m home,” in a sing-song voice.

But the person who comes into view as I reach the living room is no other than Orla.

She has her arms crossed, her face clouded with the smile I now know as fake––and one full of harmful intent.

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