Page 106 of Stolen Kisses

“Mommy!” I tilt my head back down, opening my eyes at the kids’ sweet voices.

Standing, I open my arms wide. “Hey, guys. How was your day?” Austin and Kenny move into my embrace, one on each side of me. Lachlan comes forward once I release the younger two. I hug him, ruffling his hair as he pulls away.

“Hey,Peaches. How was your day?” Theo moves in to give me a quick kiss on the lips.

I blow my bangs out of my eyes. “It was great, but I’m shattered.”

Creases form between his brows. “Let’s get you home then. I’ll run you a bath and you can relax while I deal with the kids.”

My shoulders drop in gratitude. “That sounds divine. But I can help out. You don’t have to do everything. We’re a team, remember?”

He takes my hand, pulling me into his side. “I remember. But I want to look after you while you get used to being back at work. You’ll be back to your old self in no time and then you can help out.” He punctuates his words with a kiss.

“Howwasyour first day back?” Kate strolls into my classroom. “Oh, hi, Theo.”

“Hey, Kate. My girl’s a little tired after her first day.” He pulls me in tighter against his body and I revel in the hard planes supporting my softer curves.

Kate’s eyebrows draw down low over her gorgeous denim eyes. “You didn’t overdo it, did you?”

I look between my closest friend and my boyfriend. “I promise I took it easy. I sat when I could and the kids were so sweet. They helped me out wherever they could.”

Kate’s face softens. “Awww, they’re so sweet. You’ve got some gorgeous kids in this class.”

“I have, I’m incredibly lucky. I feel bad that I’ve messed themaroundthis year,with all the time I had to take off.”

Kate brushes off the comment with a wave of her hand. “Kids are resilient at this age. They loved Brittany and she was happy to fill in for you. So don’t feel bad.”

“You can’t help what happened, Peaches. You can’t feel guilty. I know you gave the kids your best before you left and you’ll give them your best now you’re back. It sounds like they were in good hands.” He squeezes me in tighter, kissing the top of my head.

“You should go home. Refresh yourself ready for tomorrow.” Kate gives me a hug. “I’ll see you in the morning.”

“For sure. Bye, Kate.”

Waving to the kids and Theo, she says her goodbyes.

“C’mon, Peaches. Get your things. Let’s go.”

–theo–

I’ve missed Emma more than I anticipated I would. I knew I would miss being able to see her throughout the day on a whim, but I feel as though part of me is missing—the feeling is completely new to me. I’ve never felt the need to want to spend every waking minute with someone else, generally happy with my own company. But with Em—I do. I want to see her, touch her, kiss her constantly. It’s almost become an addiction.

I’ve been working my ass off every day to get our place finished this week. I finished off all of the detailing,baseboards, painting, and shelving. I only need to clean the space up and then finish off the hardwood floors. I want to move us across next week whileEm’sat work. I’ve organized both of our dads and Max to help me move the bigger stuff on Monday, so I can move the smaller stuff over the course of the week. Hopefully, by next weekend, it’ll all be done and dusted.

“Why can’t I see what you’ve done this week?” Em whines.

“I told you. I want you to be surprised when you see it all finished. Don’t spoil my plan.” She pouts, folding her arms beneath her glorious tits.

Sighing, her shoulders drop in defeat. “Okay.” She blows her bangs out of her eyes as she looks around the living room. “I might pack a bit more, so we can move it across when we’re ready next weekend.”

“Sounds like a plan, Peaches.” I look around. “I need to finish a few things off today. I can help you pack in between.”

“That’s okay, you do what you need to do. I’ll work slowly. I promise I won’t do too much.” I smack her ass as I step past her.

“Take breaks.”

“Hey, did you forget something?”she calls, pressing closed fists into her generous hips.

I run through the last few minutes and come up short. She taps her lips, raising her face up. My feet move without instruction back to my girl. I can’t believe I didn’t think of it and was going to walk away without a goodbye kiss. Cupping the back of her head under the fall of her hair, I drop my mouth against hers. “Sorry, Peaches.” My lips make contact with hers and I feel that instant spark ignite as it always does. Pulling away quickly so I don’t get distracted—because damn, it’s easy todowhenEm’sin the room, I step away from my girl. I can’t afford distractions today, I’vegottaget this done. I’m so close to finishing. “I’ll be back in a couple of hours.”

---