Page 34 of Stolen Kisses

Turning my head, so I can speak to him, my eyes instantly drop to his lips and pause there. Watching me, he whispers, “Don’t look at me like that, Emma. I’m working hard to keep itPGin front of the kids. You studying my lips like they’re a fucking dessert,doesn’t help my resolve.”

I quickly look away, my cheeks heating at being caught out. Clearing my throat, I ask, “Why was Kenny upset this afternoon?”

“The Daddy-Daughter dance. Some kid said she couldn’t go because she didn’t have a daddy or a mommy.” My head snaps back to Theo in time to catch him take a deep swallow. “I was fucking pissed until I remembered they’re only four.”

My smile spreads unbidden, for a guy who’s only recently taken on the responsibility of a child, he’s settled into the role remarkably well. Better than some men who watch a baby growing in their wife’s belly. I have to consciously push down the constant anger I have for my ex and his lack of desire to be a father to his sons. Placing my hand on his firm thigh,oh my, I squeeze. “Kids that age don’t really understand that words can hurt someone’s feelings.”

“Yeah, that’s what Mrs. Roberts said too.”

“There’s no reason you can’t take her.” I make a move to lift my hand, but he catches it with his free hand and replaces both of our hands on his thigh. The heat from his leg is scalding my palm.

“Oh, I plan to. But I’mgonnaneed some help.” He looks at me pointedly.

“Sure, whatever you need.”

“Would you be able to take her shopping for a party dress, new shoes, the works?”

“Of course, I’d love to. I don’t get to shop for little girl dresses. It’ll be so much fun.” The excitementbubbling up inside me is something new. Whenever I shop for the boys’ clothes, I always admire the cute clothes available for little girls and feel a little sad that I can’t buy them.

“I’ll take care of the boys for you while yougirlsshop.”

“Oh, you don’t have to do that. My sister or brother can come over to look after the boys.”

“No, I want to.” He looks at me as if he’s uncertain. “If that’s okay? They enjoyed helping me in the workshop and I enjoyed having them there.” He looks hopeful that I’ll agree to the deal. Why wouldn’t I? The boys came back from his place smiling like loons, talking a mile a minute about how amazing Theo is with his tools.

I wouldn’t mind seeing him work with his tools.

I nod. “Okay then. It sounds like a plan.” He goes on to tell me what he has planned for the afternoon of the dance, melting my heart. I readily agree to help him. I can’t wait to see the look on Kenny’s face!

* * *

Bright and early on Saturday morning, my crew and I knock on Theo’s door so I can take Kenny shopping. I’m so freaking excited, I decided to invite my sister along as well to join in the fun. We’re going to havemanisand pedis, too. The frontdoor’sopen and I spot Theo walking down the hallway as he pulls a t-shirt over his head.

Mmmmhm! Yum! What I wouldn’t give to lick thoserock-hardabs of his. Sarah’s eyes are almost bulging out of her head as her eyebrows rise halfway up her forehead. A sly grin touches her lips as she mouths “wow” to me while fanning her face.Could she be any more obvious?

The screen door opens and my belly flips as I lay eyes on Theo with shower-damp hair and smelling gloriouslydelicious. He hasn’t noticed Sarah yet as he flashes me that panty-dropping smile of his. “Morning, Emma. Hey, boys.”

“Hey, Theo. What are wegonnamake today?” Austin’s been talking non-stop about Theo’s workshop.

He ruffles Austin’s hair as Kenny comes running down the passage toward us. “Emma, Austin, Lachlan. I’m so happy to see you.” This little girl is always so freaking happy, except for the other day, when she came out of school crying. I could see her tears were difficult for Theo and I knew he would do anything to make things better for his niece.

Theo finally notices Sarah. “Uh, this is my sister, Sarah. She’s going to be joining us for our shopping excursion today.”

Kenny jumps up and down in excitement as Theo offers his hand in greeting. “Hey, Sarah. Nice to meet you.” He looks back at me. “Thank you for making today so special for Kenny.”

“My pleasure. We’ve even got a special surprise planned for her! We need to get moving though if that’s okay?” I look down at Kenny. “You ready?”

“Yeah! Let’s go.”

“Not so quick, Munchkin. You need to go to the bathroom first.”

“Okay, Uncle Theo.” Theo watches her race down the hallway. He leans backward, his t-shirt rising and showing off his defined v, to pick up Kenny’s backpack before handing it to me. With his free hand, he gently grasps the back of my neck and presses his lips to my forehead for a brief moment; my eyes dropping closed as I absorb his tenderness. Sarah’sgasp rings out from the other side of the boys as my heart hammers against my ribsin an attemptto burst free. He tucks his hand in his pocket and then places a credit card in my hand, which makes me feel weird.

“Thank you again for this, Em,” he whispers, capturing my eyes with his. The intense blue that I love so much has almost completely disappeared.

I can only swallow and nod. His tender kiss stealing my words.

He steps away from me and I miss his proximity immediately. Gathering my composure, I address my boys, “Okay boys, listen to Theo and remember your manners.” I turn to Theo. “I’m not sure how long we’ll be, but if you have any issues, please call.” I hand him a slip of paper with my phone number, in case he needs me.

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