Page 68 of Stolen Kisses

“So, tell me how’s thathandsomeneighbor of yours. I see I have his niece in my class this year.”

I release a heavy sigh and go on to tell Kate everything that’s happened since her wedding. God, it feels like such a long time ago now, but it’s been less than two months. I don’t know how I became so attached to the man in such a short space of time. I mean I knowhow—that gorgeous niece of his, the way he’s learning to be a parent, his sexy smile, and grumpy but kind-hearted ways—he’s all hard exterior, but a soft puppy on the inside.

Kate rests her chin on her hand. “Do you think there might be a reason for his behavior?”

“Do you think there could ever be an excuse good enough for the way he responded?” I brush my hand through my hair. “From the first time I met him, he came across as rude and overbearing. Maybe I got blinded by the orgasms?”

She huffs out a laugh. “Maybe. They must have been pretty great to blind you though. I think deep down he’s a decent guy, or you wouldn’t have let him give you orgasms in the first place.” She raises a sculpted eyebrow at me.

“You’re right.”

“Maybe you should give him a chance to apologize. I remember you giving me similar advice and look where I am now.” She wriggles her eyebrows up and down.

“I’m not sure my relationship, or lack thereof, has the possibility to end up like yours. If he apologizes though, I’ll at least give him the courtesy of hearing him out.”

“Great. Then see where things go from there.” She finishes with a warm smile. “I really want you to have what I have, Em. You deserve the best.” She reaches across the table, squeezing my hand.

My heart melts at her kind-hearted wish for me. “I don’t see a sexy billionaire banging down my door any time soon.” I give a humorless laugh, glancing down at my phone. “Geez. I need to get going.”

Kate looks at the time. “Oh, me too. Where did the time go?”

We gather our things and walk back toward our cars together, saying goodbye. We’ll be back on Monday, but I doubt we’ll see each other. The first week back at school is always crazy.

* * *

With the boys spending the weekend at Mom and Dad’s, I have the opportunity to focus on my planning and prep work for the first few weeks of school, but I really need to cut my grass. I’d like to get it done first thing before it gets too hot, so I check the time and decide it’s not too early to be annoying for my neighbors. Changing out of my pajamas into my gardening clothes, I head outside to get started. I enjoy cutting my grass and working in the garden. Ilike the sense of satisfaction I feel at a job well done.

Every time I push the lawnmower back toward Theo’s house, it takes great effort on my part to keep from looking for him outside. I should never have let things go as far as they did because I feel utterly awkward everytimeI step outside my front door now. I quickly trim the edges and pull the few weeds that have sprouted, before packing everything away and heading back inside to shower.

I only have the luxury of enjoying a long shower once a month while the boys are at Mom and Dad’s, so I take full advantage today. I’ve got nowhere to be, except to sit on my couch to finish off my planning and read through my student files, so I can make notes for individual education plans for students who may need one.

Making myself an iced coffee, I set my music playlist on low, get comfortable on the couch, and get to work. I’m only distracted a couple of times when I see Theo’s truck leave and then come back sometime later. It’s been a month since things went bad, yet I still wonder where he’s going, what he’s doing. Is he seeing someone new? I can’t imagine a guy who looks like him would stay single for long. Add in Kenny and he’s most women’s kryptonite.

I ache at the memory of his hands and mouth on me. His attention in the bedroom was like nothing I’d ever experienced before. No man has ever been so devoted to my pleasure, to my curves. I reallyneed tomake a determined effort to stop thinking about him; it’s unhealthy and unproductive.

It’s not until the pages become hard to read in the fading light that I realize it’s quite late in the day. My stomach growls, reminding me that I completely missed lunch. Stretching my arms over my head, I wince at the sharp pain near my breast. Rubbing it gently, I notice the lump that had formed is less pronounced, but the pain when I raise my arms is getting worse. Maybe Ishouldsee my doctor about it.

My legs scream at me when I finally stand after being seated most of the day. I need to go for a walk. I haven’t moved since my gardening this morning.

As my foot hits the final step from my front porch, Kenny calls out to me, waving madly. “Hello, Emma!”

“Hi, Kenny. Are you excited to start kindergarten on Monday?” I check that Theo isn’t nearby and move closer to the little girl who’s stolen my heart.

“Oh yeah. Uncle Theo got me a new backpack and everything. Wanna see?” She runs inside before I can answer, so I wait for her to return, hoping like hell her uncle stays wherever the hell he is—well, sort of. I wouldn’t mind laying eyes on him from a distance. I know he’s a jerk, but he’s still nice to look at.

She returns, holding up her new backpack. All silver glitter with a unicorn in a rainbow of colors on the front. It’s so incredibly cute and very Kenny. Putting it on the ground, she opens it, pulling out a matching lunch bag and water bottle. “Isn’t it so pretty?”

“It’s gorgeous, Kenny. You are one lucky girl.”

“I know.” She tucks everything back into the bag carefully. “How come you don’t come over anymore?”

I feel like telling her to ask her uncle, but that’s not fair. “I always get busy before we go back to school, but we’ve still been going to the park together, right?” I work to keep my tone light.

“Yeah, Is’pose. I think Uncle Theo misses you though. He’s always looking out of the window at your house.” Out of the mouths of babes. It’s good to know I haven’t been completely forgotten. She zips up the backpack popping it onto her back as if she’s going to school.

“Kenny!” Theo’s deep voice comes from inside before the front screen door bursts open. Obviously, she went missing again. Maybe he should put a bell around her neck, so he knows where she is at all times. He freezes when he sees she’s speaking with me. “Uh … hi, Emma.”

I wave like a pathetic schoolgirl with a crush.What is wrong with me?“Hi. I was just going for a walk.” I indicate over my shoulder. “Seeya, Kenny. Have a great first dayatkindergarten.”

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