Page 6 of Stolen Kisses

We play at the park on the swings, slides, and climbing frames for almost an hour before heading home,when Kenny’s tummy grumbles. Now I have to think about what to make for dinner. I’ve got some tinned soup—that’ll have to do. I only picked up the basics to get us through today. I figured we can go shopping tomorrow after we work out what we’re going to eat for the week.

As we step onto the front porch, I catch my neighbor out of the corner of my eye. She’s carrying a casserole dish and headed our way. I open the front door to let Kenny inside to wash up, while I see what Emma wants.

“Uh hi …” She steps onto the first step, looking up at me and I realize I didn’t introduce myself earlier.

“Theo. Sorry, I should have introduced myself.” I reach my hand forward to shake hers before realizing her hands are full, so I drop it back down by my side.

“Oh, that’s okay. Nice to meet you, Theo.” She raises the casserole like an offering. “I, uh, made my macaroni cheese for you guys,as a welcome to the neighborhood dinner.”

Iswallow mysurprise at her kind gesture. I would never have expected her to welcome us in such a way after she basically chewed me out earlier today. I lean forward to lift the corner of the foil so I can see what’s inside. The aroma hits me first and it smells so damn good.

I catch Emma’s eye. I think they might be a mossy green in color, but I still can’t be sure. “Smells delicious. Thank you. I was trying to figure out what to make for dinner.SoI really appreciate it.” If I plan it properly, this could possibly dous twomeals.

“You’re welcome.” I move to take the casserole from her, but she pulls it closer to her body. “The dish is still hot. I’ll carry it inside for you so you don’t burn your hands.”

“Sure, thanks.” I open the screen door and stand to the side so she can enter.Her shoulder brushesagainst my chest with the lightest of touches, sending sparks through my body. “Excuse the mess. I’ve still got a lot of work to do.”

“Don’t worry about it. I remember when the boys and I moved in next door. It took me months to get sorted. Between work and looking after the boys, it didn’t leave a lot of time to unpack. I got there eventually.”

I notice she didn’t say ‘husband’. Wonder if she’s single? Not that I should care.She easily steps around the mess and heads straight to the kitchen; I guess she’s familiar with the layout of this house. My eyes have a mind of their own, following the movement of her ass as she walks. What I wouldn’t give to bite those luscious globes.

Damn it, there I go again.

By the time I shake myself out of my not-so-neighborly thoughts and catch up with her, she’s placed the casserole on top of the stove and has started washing our dishes from lunch. Really? She’s like a tornado at the rate she got to work.

“What in the hell are you doing?” I snap at her. As if she hasn’t done enough by making our dinner, now she’s also washing our lunch dishes.

She jumps at the harsh tone of my voice. “No need to be rude. I wasonlytrying to help. I know what it’s like to be in your position.”

Placing my hands on my hips, I’m ready to go toe to toe with this woman. “And what position is that?” I snark.

“Moving into a new home. Having children that rely on you to do everything. Nobody around to help you out.” She answers flippantly as she waves her soapy hands around the space, flinging bubbles all over the counters. “I remember Nancy coming over our first night with a casserole for me and my boys. I was so grateful that her thoughtfulness meant I had one less thing to worry about. Idecided to pay it forward.” She turns back to the sink and continues cleaning up ourmess, mumblingsomething I can’t make out under her breath.

Kenny comes running in. “Hello, Emma. Youwannasee my newwoom?”

“Hey, Kenny. Absolutely. Let me finish these dishes and you can show me everything.”

“You don’t need to finish the dishes. I’m more than capable of looking after us.” I don’t like feeling as though she thinks I’m incapable. I may not know what I’m doing with a kid,but I’m sure I can work it out.How hard can it be?

“It’s okay. I’m almost done.” She looks at me over her shoulder, giving me a timid smile. I can’t believe she’s still smiling at me when I’ve snarled at her since I walked into the kitchen. “There. All done. You can dry them and put them wherever they go.”

“Yay!” Kenny rushes forward, taking Emma’s hand to leadthe womanto her bedroom.

I’m left standing in the kitchen—among boxes that need to be unpacked, dishes that need to be dried and put away, and dinner on the cooktop—wondering what the hell just happened.

–two–

–theo–

The early rays ofthedaystream across my face, waking me from a restless sleep. I never sleep well in a new place; usually taking a week or two before I settle properly.

I may as well get up and enjoy the peace and quiet before the munchkin wakes up—the house is completely silent, unlike yesterday with the kid’s constant chatter. As quietly as I can, I head downstairs, make myself a coffee, and climb back upstairs to enjoy the early morning on the deck outside of my bedroom. Leaning against the railing, I decide to make myself a rocking chair so I can enjoy the dawn in comfort. Surveying the view, my eyes wander next door, noticing the back grass could do with a cut. Emma’s front yard is immaculate, thebackyard—not so much. You’d think her boyfriend, if she’s got one, would cut the back grass every time he cuts the front. As I enjoy the fresh air, I take the first sip of my coffee. My eyes travel up toward the house next door—it certainly could do with some TLC. Maybe her partner isn’t much of a handyman?

I catch movement in the upstairs corner window, but I can’t be sure. Well, if someone was there, they’d certainly get an eye full, because I haven’t bothered to get dressed. My preference will always be to sleep naked and enjoy the early morning the same way. I may need to reconsider my habits if Kenny’s an early riser though. It’s probably not appropriate for her to see me naked. When she woke during the night, afraid of the dark, I made sure to pull on my boxers before going to her. My heart fucking broke to find her sobbing,her little body shuddering, her hair a sweaty mess.

The whole day, yesterday, even when she talked about Anna, she had a smile on her face. To see her so distressed in the middle of the night was tough. Sitting with her tucked into a ball on my lap, snuggled against my body, she began to burrow deep inside as she gave me her unconditional trust to keep her safe. While holding her close, I decided to always put Kenny first—her heart, her needs, her wants. She’s now my number one priority. It’s what Anna would have wanted and it’s the least I can do for her after I let her down—like the asshole I am.

Finishing my coffee, I head inside to shower and dress for the day. I’mgonnawake my girl up with a serving of chocolate chip pancakes. Every kid loves pancakes. I can’t go wrong!

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