Page 53 of Stolen Kisses

“Great, I’ve got the perfect thing.” He kisses me swiftly and replaces his earmuffs, starting the lawnmower.

I tap his shoulder. “What do you want me to do?” I shout over the noisy machine.

“I’ll tellyalater.” He winks at me, before continuing to cut my grass.

* * *

The beach is packed, which isn’t a surprise for the Independence Day long weekend. I’m actually dreading Theo seeing me in my bathing suit compared to Sarah in hers. She’s curvy like Mom and me, but her body hasn’t been changed by carrying babies. I’m not even thinking about Mona in a bikini; hopefully, she won’t want to come. Thank goodness for my coverup—I probably won’t be brave enough to take it off. Theo looks delicious in board shorts and a t-shirt with a baseball cap. It doesn’t matter what he wears, he always looks amazing.

We unload everything from the car and begin the trek toward the sand, keeping an eye out for my family. Theo didn’t even balk a little bit at spending the afternoon with my entire family. I feel awkward having him spend time with them when I don’t really know what we are yet.

Mom and Sarah are waving at us like crazy people from their prime spot. They’ve got several umbrellas providing shade, coolers, beach chairs, and brightly colored towels delineating our space. I point in their direction. “There they are.”

Theo looks across, a huff of a laugh escaping him. “They look happy to see you guys.”

“I think it’s more like they’re happy to see you. Please ignore any and all matchmaking which will ensue from my mother and any innuendo which will inevitably come from my sister.” My palms are sweating and it’s not from the heat. I’m nervous as all get out.

He wraps his arm around my neck, pulling me into his body before kissing the top of my head. My eyes snap toward my family, catching them mid-gasp. Oh no! This isn’t good. I try to extricate myself from Theo’s hold, only to have him pull me in so tight, I almost lose my balance. “I’m sure it’ll be fine. Stop worrying so much. They’ll love me. I promise.”

That’s not what I’m worried about.

Austin runs toward Max, while Kenny makes her way toward Sarah. They got along so well on our shopping excursion, then I think they fell a little in love with each other the day of the Daddy-Daughter dance. Dad steps forward, taking my beach bag off of my shoulder, while Mom moves in to hug me.

“Oh, it’s so wonderful to see you and the boys enjoying a day at the beach with your newfriends.” The emphasis she places on the word ‘friends’ is excessive. Even for her. I feel the need to speak to her privately, so she doesn’t scare Theo away. “Are you going to introduce us?”

“Sure, Mom. Would it be okay if we put our stuff down first?” I barely manage to suppress my eye roll.

She waves off my suggestion with a laugh. “Ohsilly me. Of course.” She then proceeds to step across to Theo, thrusting her handforward as sheintroduces herself. “Hi, it’s so lovely to meet Emma’s new friends. I’m Sally andthis is John.” She gestures back to Dad. “We’re Emma’s parents and Lachlan and Austin’s grandparents.” I can’t stop myeyes from rollingthis time. She half turns, pointing at everyone else. “This is our son, Max, and his girlfriend, Mona.” Great. Theo’s not evengonnalook at me twice with her here as well as Sarah in a swimsuit. “And, I believe, you’ve already met our youngest daughter, Sarah.”

Theo takes her hand. “Nice to meet you, Ma’am.”

Mom interrupts. “Oh, please … call me Sally.” She places her hand on her chest and giggles. Oh my God! Sometimes, she’s too much.

He nods. “Okay, Sally. Nice to meet you. I’m Theo,Em’sneighbor.” He gestures across to Kenny, who’s digging around in our things for her sand bucket and spade. “That’s Kenny. My niece.”

“Oh, she’s such a gorgeous little thing.”

Theo shakes Dad’s hand as Max steps forward to greet Theo. The scowl on Theo’s face as he greets my brother sends alarm bells ringing in the back of my head. Mona totters over with a full face of makeup in a barely-there yellow polka dot bikini, which looks amazing with her platinum hair, and high-heel sandals. Really? High heels at the freaking beach. Who does that? I catch Sarah’s eye and I know we’re thinking the exact same thing. I almost can’t suppress the giggle rising in my throat until I see her lick her lips as she looks at my man. Woah! Hang on a minute. He’snotmy man.

“Hey, Theo.” Mona almost pushes my brother out of the way in her bid to get in front of Theo. “Nice to meet you,” her words trickle out like honey as she touches his forearm.

In. Front. Of. My. Brother.

Theo steps back and to the side, reaching out for my waist, pulling me in close to him.

“Nice to meet everyone. Thanks for letting Kenny and I tag along this afternoon.” He tips his head to the other side of the area. “We’d better get set up, Peaches.”

Everyone’s head snaps in my direction causing my body to heat—not from the sun either. I wonder if he realizes what he just did.

In. Front. Of. My. Family.

No less.

We move to get ourselvesorganized;Theo seemingly oblivious to the stir he’s caused. First, the way he held me on the way from the truck to the beach, and now, holding me while using his nickname for me. Which I love, by the way. Mona looks slightly put out, while Max is busy entertaining the three kids with his juggling skills, eliciting giggles from them.

“Mommy, can we go in the water now?”

“Sure thing, Austin. Let me check if Lachlan’s ready.”

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