Page 28 of Stolen Kisses

Theo rubs his hand across his mouth and judging by the sparkle in his eyes, he’s attempting to hold in a laugh. “Keep your money. It’s all good, I promise. And no, you keep the pizza. Have them tonight or whenever.” He leans casually against the doorframe. “So, you’re a teacher.” It’s a statement more than a question.

“Yeah, I teach grade one. Used to be in corporate, but left after I had Lachlan and was pregnant with Austin. I wanted to be around more for the boys. Are you sure I can’t reimburse you for dinner last night?” I don’t want to get into all the ins and outs of my life with my neighbor. He doesn’t need to know about my drama.

“I’m sure. Do you like it?”

“Pardon?”

“Do you like teaching?”

“Oh yeah, I do. I’m not sure why I didn’t become a teacher to begin with. It’s rewarding watching the kids learn and grow. That lightbulb moment when they finally understand what you’re trying to explain.” I realize I’m rambling again. “Well, thank you for dinner. It was a really kind gesture. Sorry it didn’t work out last night.”

I look back toward my house. I don’t suppose he fixed my steps, after all, he said he’s a carpenter.“Did you happen to see anyone working on my porch steps and mailbox today?” I don’t want to assume he did it.“We’ve come home to repaired porch steps and a stabilized mailbox.I don’t actually remember hiring a contractor.” I huff out an embarrassed laugh because this guy’s going to think I’m a complete airhead.

He leans around his doorframe, looking across to my place as if he can see the porch steps from here. “Nah, I haven’t seen anyone. I’ve been busy though, so I probably missed whoever it was.” He runs his fingers through his scruff. “Anyway, I need to get back inside to Kenny. Have a nice night.”

“Uh, you too.” He steps inside without abackwardglance. Well, that was an abrupt ending to our conversation. Idiscreetlysniff my armpit, because maybe I smell bad. Nope, still doing okay in that department. I turn on my heel and head back home.

–seven–

–emma–

“Mommy, can we go tothe park?” Austin comes barreling into the kitchen as I’m cleaning up after having Mom, Dad, Max, and Sarah over for Mother’s Day breakfast. Thank goodness Mona couldn’t make it. She was taking her mom out to some fancy champagne breakfast at some la-de-da restaurant overlooking the river.

“Sure. Should we make it a picnic?”

“Yeah! Can we invite Kenny, too?”Uhhh. That would mean Theo would probably come as well. “Please, Mommy.”

“Okay. Take Lachlan with you to invite them. Tell them we’ll be ready to go at twelve-thirty and I’ll have all the food for everyone.” It’s the least I can do since he fed us for a couple of nights with the pizzas he left behind. He collects Lachlan and a few seconds later,the front screen door slams behind them.

I take deep breaths and decide to put some effort into my appearance, though I don’t want to look like I’m trying too hard. I don’t know him all that well, I only know that when he’s near my tummy flips, and I’m tired of him always seeing me at my worst. I quickly change into a pair of navy capris and a pale pinkbabydollblouse sans buttons. I always find it tricky getting blouses and shirts to fit across my bust properly, so I avoid them wherever possible. I can pair them with my Vans and look casual. Tying my hair up in a high ponytail, I swipe a light coat of mascara on my lashes and apply a slick of gloss to my lips.

I step back into the kitchen just as the boys come barging back inside to share the news that Kenny and Theo will be joining us for our picnic at the park. I prep enough sandwiches for everyone, fruit,slicedvegetables for Lachlan in separate containers, drinks, and some chocolate cupcakes as a treat. Loading up the picnic basket, I grab the picnic blanket and lead us all out of the house right on the dot oftwelve-thirty.

Kenny and Theo meet us out the front and Theo’s looking delectable in ripped jeans and a Captain America t-shirt, which brings out the gorgeous blue of his eyes. He’s got that perpetual dark shadow across his masculine jaw.Mmm, yummy.

Kenny runs forward, wrapping her hands around my legs and squeezing tightly. “Hi, Emma.”

I laugh at her enthusiasm as I lower my basket to free up my hands so I can squeeze her back. As Kenny and the boys greet each other as though they haven’t seen each other for days, Theo brings his arm out from behind his back, presenting me with a gorgeous bouquet.

“Happy Mother’s Day, Emma.”

My heart literally skips a beat at his thoughtful gesture. The boys each made me a cute card, but since splitting from Preston, I haven’t been given a gift on Mother’s Day. This was completely unexpected, but very much welcomed and appreciated.

“Thank you so much. They’re gorgeous.” I take the flowers, pressing up on my toes to kiss him on the cheek in appreciation. The soft bristles of his short beard tickle my lips. He sucks in a breath, unexpectedly turning his head … our lips lightly connect for a brief moment as I’m pulling away. Both of us startlea little at the lip-to-lip contact. Heat rises to my face and I press my fingers to my lips to temper the tingles.

“Uhm … I’ll just take these inside and put them in a vase with water.” I gesture over my shoulder. “Back in a moment.” I quickly step away from Theo and the kids to head inside so I can put the gorgeous blooms in a vase. I also need a moment to catch my breath and center myself. I don’t need to be getting turned on by my sexy neighbor because he brings me flowers. Quickly, I arrange the flowers in a vase with water and head back out to join our small group, so we can walk to the park for our picnic. The kids stroll in front of us, Austin and Kenny holding hands, as Lachlan walks beside them. “Thanks again for the flowers. They’re beautiful.”

“You’re welcome. I figured your boys are probably too young to get you anything. I rememberDad always gaveMomflowers on Mother’s Day. I think he even gave my sister flowers to acknowledge the day.” He rubs the scruff on his face as a ghost of a smile touches his lips.

“I’m sorry about your sister.” I look back toward Kenny, motherless at such a young age.

“I took her to the cemetery this morning, so she could visit with her.” Hescratcheshis fingers through hisshort beard. “It’s the first time I’ve been. It was fucking hard. I can’t believe mysister’sgone. She was always so full of life.” His voice sounds watery as he finishes. I watch his Adam’s apple bob as he swallows down his emotion.

I reach out, grasping his hand to give it a supportive squeeze. He surprises me by returning the gesture and then linking our fingers together as we walk, apparently not in any hurry to let go. To say I’m shocked by his gesture is an understatement. I’ll admit it’s nice to hold such a masculine hand, but I’m confused by the action. Arriving at the park, the kids take off toward the playground while Theo and I set up the picnic.

“Thanks for the invitation. I wasn’t sure how I was going to entertain Kenny for the rest of the day.” He laughs. “She’s got so much energy.”

“How are things going for the two of you? Are you finding your way through the minefield of parenting?” I ask, remembering the stack of reading material on his outdoor table, as I empty the picnic basket, pulling out item after item.

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