Page 52 of Stolen Kisses

I look at my boys with raised brows, waiting on them to make the decision. “Yeah, that’d be fun! I love the beach. I make the best sandcastles.” Austin informs Kenny proudly.

Agreeing on a beach outing for the afternoon, we all work together to clean up from breakfast. Theo heads home with Kenny and I move upstairs to change into my gardening clothes. I realize I’ve been sitting opposite Theo without a bra on. Oops! I’venever been able to sleep wearing a bra; these days, I’m battling to even wear one during the day. The wires are becoming really painful along the side of my boob and causing a swollen lump. Maybe I need to get fitted properly for some new bras. I might see if Mom can look after the boys for me one afternoon, so I can go shopping.

My phone lights up with a message from my sister.

Sarah: Max and I are taking Mom and Dad to the beach this afternoon. Want to bring the boys?

Me: I’m already going to the beach this afternoon

Sarah: Awesome. Meet you there

I waffle back and forth for a few seconds. The sound of a lawnmower starting reminds me I’ve got stuff to do before I can relax for the afternoon at the beach.

Me: We’re going with Theo and Kenny

My phone rings immediately, my sister’s face filling the screen. I press the button to accept the call to be greeted by my sister’s shrill voice, “Oh my gawd! Is itlikea date? Are you dating him now? Are you guys a couple? What’s going on? Tell me everything.”

I laugh at her barrage of questions. I haven’t told her about the afternoon-slash-night we spent together. We usually talk about that sort of stuff, but … I don’t know … it felt too special to share with anyone. I wanted to keep it sacred.

“We’re just neighbors who spend some time together occasionally.” I can’t believe I just lied to my sister. We’ve done something with Theo and Kenny every day so far this vacation. It feels very much like we’re a family. The noise of the lawnmower grows louder. Stepping over to my window, I investigate.

“Don’t lie to me. Something’s going on! Anyway, I can wait for this afternoon. I’ll make my own judgment about the state—”

“Hey, Igottago. I’ll message you the time and place to meet.” I press the end call button without waiting for a reply and race downstairs.

Bursting onto my back deck, which is a stark contrast to Theo’s gorgeously appointed deck, I wave my arms in the air to gain Theo’s attention. It doesn’t work, so I quickly move toward him, stopping in front of his path, hands on hips.

He smiles at me, turns off the machine, then removes his ear protection. “Hey,Peaches.” Leaning forward, he tries to kiss me, but I pull back quickly. Crinkles form across his forehead as he tilts his head to the side. “What’s up?”

“What are you doing?” I’m fuming that he doesn’t think I’m capable of maintaining my own property. Helping out with the carpentry stuff, I can deal with, that’s out of my wheelhouse, but this …thisI can do.

He looks down at the lawnmower as if it’s obvious. “I’m cutting your grass.”

“I can see that. Why are you cutting my grass?”

He shrugs carelessly. “To help you out?” He poses it more as a question, the furrow between his brows and narrowed eyes suggests he’s not really sure.

“I can cut my own grass. I’m more than capable of starting my mower and getting the job done. I’ve been doing it for the last … I don’t know how many years.” I used to cut the grass even when I was married to Preston. He didn’t like getting dirty and sweaty from working in the garden.

He puts his hands on his hips. “I know that you’re more than capable of doing the job, but you don’t havetoanymore. I’ll do it for you.”

I know he’s trying to be sweet and all, but I just can’t let myself start relying on him for stuff like this. I sigh and drop my hands down by my side. “Thank you. It’s really sweet and kind of you to offer, but I don’t want to impose on you.” I gesture to my house. “You’ve already done so much to help out with the repairs and extra carpentry work. Which I really appreciate.” I rush to add. “But I can’t accept this. Cutting my grass is something I’m able to do myself. Please leave it. I was just coming down to do it when my sister called.”

He takes a long moment to study my face. Nodding to himself, he steps out from behind the lawnmower. Cupping the side of my face, his bright blue eyes lock with mine. “I get that you’re independent. I love that about you, I do. I get the feeling that you’ve had to do a lot of stuff yourself, even when you were married. No more.” I open my mouth to interrupt, but he presses his thumb over my lips, shaking his head. “I know that we’re in this era where men and women are equal and gender shouldn’t define our roles. In saying that, I was brought up in a household where my dad took care of all this stuff. He looked after my mom and treated her like a princess.” He shrugs, giving me a half-smile. “I don’t know another way to be. Let me do this for you. Please?”

The fight falls away from me, my shoulders dropping in defeat. How can I say no when he puts it like that? Before I can get the words out, I nod my head in compliance. His whole face lights up in joy and I don’t understand why he’s so happy to take on the task of cutting my grass. I get the feeling it’s a whole lot more than just cutting the grass for me. “Okay. On one condition.”

He presses his lips to mine briefly. “What’s that?”

“You have to let me do something for you in return.” His eyebrows almost shoot to his hairline as his lips widen, causing the crinkles around his eyes to deepen.

“What would you do for me in return?” There’s a certain twinkle in his eye that warns me I’m going to get myself into a sticky situation here, but do you think I take heed? Nope.

“Any favor you want me to do that will make your life better.” His smile widens considerably at my offer.

“Anything?”

My brows furrow, I sense a trap here. Narrowing my eyes, I reply slowly, “Yeah, I guess.”

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