Page 39 of Stolen Kisses

Emma’s eyes take on a glassy sheen as she accepts the flowers, swallowing hard. “Thank you. These are unnecessary because it was my pleasure to do this with Kenny.”

Blue paper litters the floor as Kenny holds my gift over her head like a trophy. “I love it, Uncle Theo. Put it on me, put it on me.”

Emma and I both laugh as I take the glittery tiara from Kenny’s tiny hand to place it on her head. I look to Emma for guidance. Her nod puts my worry to rest that I’m putting it on incorrectly. “There. Now you look like arealprincess!”

“Iwannasee.” She looks up to Emma. “Can I please use yourbathwoommiwworagain?”

“Sure.” Emma takes Kenny’s hand to lead her to the bathroom and I stay rooted to the spot, my eyes falling to her round ass. She looks over her shoulder, catching me in the act but I don’t care that she knows I was checking her out. “Are you coming?”

“Wasn’t sure I’d be welcome in your bathroom.” I move forward to follow them upstairs and through Emma’s bedroom which isn’t overly feminine. Taking a quick look around, I spot the corner window I’ve often looked at from my upstairs deck. On several occasions, I’vecontemplatedwhich room was situated on the back corner closest to my house. There’s a cozy window seat and I wonder if she ever gets the opportunity to relax there. Moving forward, because I don’t want her to think I’m weird by checking out her bedroom too closely, I step into her bathroom. The vanity is littered with a hair dryer, some wand-looking thing, brushes, combs, and makeup. I’ll never understand why women think they need all of that shit.

I pick Kenny up so she can see herself in the mirror. Gently, she touches her fingers to the small tiara. A smile forming on her lips as her eyes catch mine in the mirror. “I love it so much. Thank you.” She wraps her little arm around my neck and kisses my bristly cheek.

I swallow hard. “You’re welcome, Munchkin.” I put her back on her own feet, taking her hand in mine. “C’mon, we need to get going.”

Emma looks at her watch. “Me too. I don’t want to be late.”

She never did tell me where she’s going, but I don’t have time to get into it with her now. “Say thank you to Emma.” I wriggle Kenny’s hand to gain her attention.

“Thank you, Emma.”

“You’re welcome. Have fun at your dance.”

“I will.” Kenny leans forward, hugging Emma around her legs.

“Thank you, again. I truly appreciate all you’ve done for Kenny. We’d better getouttayour hair so you can get on with your date.” I can’t help the snark that weaves its way into my tone. Her eyebrows draw down low as she tilts her head to the side, so I gesture to her outfit. “I assume you’re going on a date tonight.”

She looks down at herself as if she’s forgotten the clothes she’s wearing. Her shoulders drop and she lets out a huff of a laugh. “This. I wouldn’t wear this on a date. This isfor the Dinner-Dance. I’m a server tonight.”

It’s my turn to be confused. “Huh? You’re going to be waiting on us tonight?”

She nods. “Yep. And I really must be on my way. I’m supposed to greet everyone as they come through the door. Sorry to have to rush you.”

“We can all go together. Let’s go.” I step out of the bathroom, holding Kenny’s hand. As we walk down the stairs and past the living room, Kenny calls out her goodbyes and I notice Sarah sitting on the couch.

“Hey, Sarah.”

“Hey,Theo. Have a great night you two!”

“Thank you, Sarah!” Kenny calls out.

“You’re welcome, Gorgeous Girl.”

We make it out of the house after Emma kisses her boys and gives Sarah instructions for dinner. I secure Kenny in her seat then hold open the passenger door for Emma. “Uh, it’s probably best if I take my own car. I don’t know how late I’ll be and I don’t want you guys to have to wait around for me.”

“Get in, Emma. There’s no point taking two vehicles.” I wait by the door until she gets the idea that I’m not going to give in. “C’mon, you’re wasting time.”

She huffs out a breath and steps toward me. “I can’t work you out!” she snaps as she takes a seat in my truck.”

Good. I’m glad I keep her as off-balance as she makes me feel.

Emma and Kenny chat on the way to the school as I concentrate on driving. I’m happy to listen to the girls bang on about girly stuff. My chest feels tight at the thought of Kenny not having her mom to talk with about that type of thing. I can try to be that person, but I’ve got the wrong equipment and I struggle to understand thevalueof some of the stuff women seem to find important. Emma turns slightly in her seat to look at Kenny, allowing me a glimpse of a lace-covered thigh, which has my dick rising to attention.

Arriving at the school,Emma jumps out of the car as soon as I park. “See you two inside. Enjoy your evening.” She waves as she moves toward the building.

I watch her hurry across the parking lot, marveling at the fact that she spends all day with these kids, then volunteers her personal time to wait on them.

“C’mon, Munchkin. Let’s go have some fun!”

---