Page 65 of Stolen Kisses

“Hi, Theo. I’ve got a present for Kenny.” Austin tells me as he struts inside like he owns the place.

Lachlan locks eyes on my chest when I look at him. “Hello, Theo. Thank you for inviting us to Kenny’s party. I have a present too.” He holds it up for me to see. “I also finished sanding the table you left for me. It was too heavy for me to bring over today.”

I ruffle his hair. “That’s great, Buddy. Thanks for helping me out, I’ll come pick it up tomorrow. Come through.”

Pulling the door closed, I look up to find Emma carrying a birthday cake—her family following close behind. They all said they would come to Kenny’s birthday before everything went to shit. My heart finds its way back to my chest, settling for the first time in two weeks. I take a deep breath. God, I’ve missed her.

She stops at the top of the steps, lifting the cake like an offering. Her eyes don’t make it past my chin. “Uh, sorry I’m a little late, had a little trouble with the unicorn topper.” She looks fucking beautiful in a light-blue sundress, but I need to see her chameleon eyes; they’ll tell me exactly how she’s feeling.

Her family is all smiles as they stand behind her—even Mona the leech came, but I don’t think she came for Kenny.

“Hey, thanks for coming. You’re not late at all.” She still hasn’t looked at my face. “That cake looks amazing. Kenny’sgonnalove it.” I open the door wide. “Hi everyone, come in. Kenny’s out on the back deck.”

Emma’s mom and dad say‘hi’as they pass,Sally pressing up on her toes tokissme on the cheek. Clearly, Emma hasn’t told them what an asshole I am.

“Hey, Theo. Nice to see you again.” Sarah also presses up to kiss me on the cheek in a friendly greeting.

“Hey, Sarah.Are youkeeping well?”

“Yeah, can’t complain.” She walks through to the back.

Max mumbles hello as he tips his head with Mona hot on his heels. She looks like she’s dressed for clubbing rather than a birthday party for a five-year-old.

“Hi, Theo.” Mona’s saccharine voice drips in honey as she moves in to kiss my cheek like Sarah just did, but I pull back out of reach at the last minute. She actually pouts. I don’t know whether Max doesn’t notice or doesn’t care about his girlfriend’s behavior.

Icollectdrinks for everyone beforemaking my wayout to the back deck. I bought enough food in case everyone showed up, but I am truly surprised they did. Dad’s speaking with Sally and John while Emma watches Kennyopenthe presents her boys brought over. I notice more gifts sitting on the table next to Kenny.

I move next to Emma because with her this close, I can’t not benearher. Laying my hand on the small of her back I lean in close, but she moves forward slightly, causing my hand to drop away from her body. I’m not sure why I thought I had the right to touch her, my only excuse is that it’s become a habit. I push down my disappointment because this situation is my own doing; I’ve got nobody to blame except myself. I had a good thing—no, a great thing—with Emma, and I threw it away because of my own cowardice.

“Thank you for coming. I wasn’t sure you would,” I whisper. I don’t want everyone to hear our conversation. I get the impression she hasn’t told her family that things have gone south between us.

Without looking at me, she responds with carefully contained contempt. “I’m here for Kenny. I would never let that sweet little girl down. She’s had enough heartache.” She wraps her arms around her middle. “Austin and Lachlan love her like a little sister. It’s important to all of us to maintain our friendship with her.” She finally looks at me, her eyes full of hurt. “I hope that won’t be a problem for you.” She takes another step away from me as though she’s only now realized that we were standing close together.

“Of course not. Look, I’m—”

“Uncle Theo, look at my dolls’ house now! My dollies have everything they could ever want.” Kenny’s excitement bursts into my conversation with Emma.

Crouching down, I take a thorough look inside as Kenny points out all of the different furniture, rugs, pictures, and decorations. “This looks fantastic, Munchkin. Did you say thank you to Emma and the boys?”

She jumps up from her kneeling position, wrapping her arms aroundEm’sgorgeous hips. Emma’s hand catches the back of Kenny’s head in a familiar hold. “Thank you so much, Emma. I love everything.”

Emma giggles. “You’re welcome, Sweetie. I think my mom and dad have something for you too.”

Without shame, Kenny makes her way over to Emma’s parents for her gift. Sarah and Max also have small items to add to Kenny’s bounty. At this point, her excitement can’t be contained. Dad sidles up next to me. “I don’t think Kenny’s ever had this many people celebrate her birthday. Even before Anna passed, it wasonly everthe three of us.”

Cue the blade stabbing into my heart at Dad’s words. I know he didn’t saythemfor any other reason than to make a comparison, but I feel guilty as fuck. I should have been here. Plain and simple. I let Anna, Dad, even Kenny down for no good reason. I was too caught up in old hurts to be here—where I should have been all along. I’ll never forgive myself for not stepping up when I should have; for allowing the past to take away precious moments I could have spent with my sister.

Moments I’ll never get back.

I can’t take my eyes off of Emma. Wherever she is, whoever she’s talking to, my gaze naturally gravitates toward her. Not once does she look at me or even acknowledge I’m here and I’m man enough to admit that her dismissal fucking hurts. I want to apologize to her, but she’s constantly engaged in conversation with someone.

I’m placing the candles onKenny’s birthday cakewhen a feminine arm slides around my stomach from behind. I immediately know it’s not Emma from hersickly sweetperfume. No wonder Lachlan stays away from her, he probably has an aversion to her smell. She presses her body against me from behind, effectively trapping me against the counter. I try pushing my butt against her to provide me some space, but she pushes against me even harder, like it’s an invitation.

“Do you mind backing the fuck up?” I growl.

She giggles. Fucking giggles. “Sure, big boy.” Uh, I’m no fucking boy and I don’t see what’s so fucking funny about this scenario.

She moves back though, which is a relief, so I turn around. The hair at the nape of my neck stands on end as she presses up on her toes, connecting with my mouth before I realize what’s happening. A gasp rings out from the back door, snapping my head around in that direction. Catching a flash of pale blue fabric disappearing out the back door, I panic. Pushing Mona away, probably with more force than necessary to get to Emma, I catch her as she reaches the final step before the grass. Grabbing her wrist, I tug her around the side of my house before anyone notices.

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