Page 35 of Stolen Kisses

He takes it from me, studies it for a moment, then tucks the slip of paper into his pocket. “Thanks for that, but I’m sure we’ll be fine. Take your time. I’ve got us covered for the day.” He looks across to the boys. “We’regonnahave a great day. I’ve got big plans for us.” He rubs his hands together, giving my boys a wink.

Kenny comes racing back toward us. “Bye, Uncle Theo.” She races past him without stopping.

“Uh, uh, uh. I need a goodbye kiss, Munchkin.” He scoops her up, nuzzles her neck with his scruff, eliciting giggles from her before kissing the tip of her nose. “Have fun. Be good for Emma and Sarah. Okay?”

“Okay, Uncle Theo. Bye, Austin. Bye, Lachlan.”

I kiss each of myboysgoodbye, then Sarah does the same and we’re on our way.

Arriving right on time, we enter theR&R Nail Salonready for ourmanisand pedis. Nicole and her ladies get straight to work, fussing over Kenny. When I called Nicole to tell her about Kenny and what we were hoping to do today, she was more than happy to help out. She situates the little girl of the moment in a special chair as they discuss colors for her polish. I step in and suggest a pale pink polish because I’m not sure how Theo will take Kenny having a bold color on her nails. Nicole gives Kenny a mocktail, then hands Sarah and me a Mimosa as they begin to work on our feet.

Kenny’s busy chatting away with Mandy, so Sarah takes the opportunity to interrogate me about Theo.

“So, I just witnessed your sexy new neighbor plant a kiss on you that could melt the underwear off of a nun. Spill, Sis!” she whispers, her eyes wide. I was waiting to see how Theo would react to Sarah when he saw her because she’s such a knockout,but he barely paid her any attention.

I feel my face heat at the memory of his touch. His grip on my neck was firmanddirect, while his kiss was gentle and tender. “There’s nothing to tell. We’re neighbors and I’m helping him out with his niece. He was … being grateful.” I shrug.

She scoffs. “That’s the mostbullshittiestbullshit I’ve ever heard.” She wriggles her fingers in a give it to me gesture.

I breathe out a heavy sigh. “Look, he was an asshole to me when he first moved in. Then we sort of had a big blow-up. He apologized and since then, he takes every opportunity he can to steal touches and small kisses like that whenever we’re together. I’m not sure what it all means, but it’s confusing as all hell.”

“Why is it confusing? He’s a good-looking single guy. You’re a beautiful single woman. He obviously likes you more than just in a neighborly way.” She wriggles her eyebrows up and down.

“Yeah, but why? Most times he’s seen me, I’ve been an absolute mess.” I go on to tell my dear sister about every interaction Theo and I have had since he moved in. Even the time I saw him naked on his back deck. She giggles at that tidbit of information.

“Is that a regular event?” She takes a sip of her mimosa.

I shake my head. “Even though I’ve been checking, I haven’t been lucky enough to witness it again.” We both sigh dreamily.

“Well, if you get the opportunity, which I’m sure you will at some point, you should jump on that!” I roll my eyes as we both burst into giggles.

We finish up at the salon and decide we need a coffee, so we head to the nearest coffee shop. “What would you like to drink, Kenny?”

Her wide eyes are taking in the quirkiness of the place. Various old-fashioned bird cages are hanging at all different heights from the ceiling. They’re all empty of course, but they’re so interesting to look at. “Can I please have a chocolate milkshake?”

“Absolutely. Would you like a cookie, too?”

Her eyes widen while a smile touches her lips. “Weally?”

“Of course.”

“Oooo, can I please have a chocolate chip cookie?” I nod.

“How about you?” I ask Sarah.

“My usual. Thanks, Sis.”

“Coming right up,” I order for the three of us as Sarah guides Kenny to a booth that looks out onto the street.

I take a seat with my sister and neighbor as they’re admiring their manicures. “Thank you, Emma. My nails look sopwetty.”

“You’re welcome.” I pull out the bottle of polish I bought to match. “We can retouch them before the dance.” I give her a wink as she claps her hands together in excitement.

A young man brings our food and drinks to the table, causing the conversation to stall for a few moments as we all dig into our treats. I’m pretty sure Kenny gets more chocolate on her face than in her stomach.

“So, what type of dress are we looking for today?” Sarah asks Kenny.

Kenny looks at me for guidance, before answering, “Apwettyone that makes me apwincess.”

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