Page 86 of Stolen Kisses

He nods as he stands up. “Need me to get anything for you?”

Theo steps forward. “I’ve got it, Max. Thanks.” The two men study each other for long moments. Max tilts his head forward,then steps out of the living room.

“What was that about?” I ask Theo.

He shoves his hands in his pockets. “Nothing.” It didn’t look like nothing to me.

Moments later, Theo assists me out of my seat, so he can help me into the dining room. The arm he has wrapped around my back burns through my shirt, warming my body. Even though I know I shouldn’t, I love being this close to him again after so long.

There’s a literal feast laid on the table for us to enjoy. It smells amazing and I don’t think it’s because I’ve been stuck eating very ordinary hospital food for the past several days. Every time I’ve eaten food prepared by the Drivas men, mytaste budsfeel completely and utterly spoiled.

Dishes are shared around the table as everyone piles their plates high with delicious food. I notice there are a couple of dishes with crunchy potatoes and crunchy chickpeas. Theo must notice me watching Lachlan. Leaning in closer, he whispers, “I’ve got some of his favoriteslicedvegetables ready in the fridge if he doesn’t like anything here.”

And just like that, my heart softens toward the man sitting beside me. That he thought to have food on standby for my son amidst everything else he’s already done is so incredibly endearing. If he keeps this up, my walls won’t stand a chance.

There’s a lull in the conversation, so I look around the table ready to express my gratitude. “Thank you everyone for stepping in to help me out this past little while. I really appreciate everything you’ve all done for me.” I look at Sarah and Max. “Thanks for staying here with the boys. For looking after the two most precious people in my life.” I look at Mom and Dad. “Thank you so much for taking care of the boys after school and visiting me in the hospital.” I look at Theo and his dad. “Thank you for everything you’ve both done to welcome me home. I really appreciate you taking the time out of your busy days.” They all brush off my thanks like their support is no big deal, returning to their meal. “No. I really mean it.” I swipe at the tears escaping. “I don’t think you understand how your help reduced my stress and made the process a little easier to deal with.”

“You’re welcome, Honey. We’ll always help you outin any waywe can. You know that.” Mom gives me her warmest smile followed by a wink.

Dinner comes to an endandeveryonebootsme out of the kitchen so they can clean up. Gradually, everyone heads home, leaving me alone with Theo and the kids. Theo makes a pillow fort on the floor for the kids, while we sit on the couch. With a full belly, I get comfortable on my end of the couch, gradually relaxing against the arm of the chair.

Arms slide beneath my legs and behind me, jostling me awake. I must have fallen asleep—again. All the lights are out and the kids are nowhere to be seen. Looking up, I get caught up in stunning pools the color of the ocean. “How long have I been asleep?”

He lifts me as though I weigh nothing. “A couple of hours.”

“Why are you still here?” I shake my head. “I can walk. My legs still work fine you know.” I smirk at him.

“I’m here because this is where I need to be. I won’t be going anywhere any time soon. I know your legs work fine, but Iwantto carry you.” He kisses my forehead as he makes his way upstairs with me. “Let me help you. Please.”

What can I say?Nothing.SoI keep my mouth shut and let him carry me upstairs. He takes me into my bathroom, carefully placing me on my feet. “I’ll just be on the other side of the door if you need me. Okay?”

“Okay.” He closes the door with a gentle snick and I get busy doing what I need to do. Stripping off my clothes, ready to shower my hospital stay away, I realize I don’t have anything to cover my dressings so they don’t get wet. Wrapping a towel around my body, I step out of the bathroom to grab theSaran Wrapand shriek as my body jolts to a stop. Theo’s sitting up in my bed. No shirt. As though he’s meant to be there. “Uh, why are you sitting in my bed, naked?”

“This is where I need to be. You might need something during the night.”

“Where are the kids?” I probably should have asked this before, but I was still half asleep when he left me in my bathroom.

“I set up a fort in the boys’ bedroom, they’re all sleeping in it just like they did when we camped in the backyard.” He says it so matter of factly, but it immediately conjures a memory of a better time. A simpler time. I look to my bedroom door and back again.

“You can’t sleep in here with me. I don’t want my boys to see you in my bed.Soyou can put your clothes back on and get out of my bed. Kenny can stay the night, so you don’t disturb her, but you need to leave.” My heart’s hammering like crazy in my chest. All that bronze skin on display, those sexy abs that I spent hours exploring waking up my core.

He pulls the sheet back and I prepare to see his dick, but he’s got gray sweats on. The disappointment is profound and I mentally kick myself for my reaction to him. “I promise to keep my hands to myself, Peaches. This is purely to make sureyou’reokay tonight. It’s your first night home, please humor me.” He gives me his best puppy dog look and I begin to waver. Rising to his knees, he makes his way over to the side of the bed closest to me. His rough hands land on my hips and he closes the distance, placing a gentle kiss on my lips. The lightest of touches have me questioning whether he actually kissed me at all. “Please, Em. I won’t get any sleep tonight if I’m not next to you. I need to know you’re okay. I promise I won’t touch you unless you ask me to.”

How can I say no? He’s being so incredibly attentive.

I give a stiff nod, then head for the door to grab the plastic wrap I need to cover my dressings.

“Where are you going?” Turning around, I capturethe creases forming between Theo’s eyebrows.

Feeling exposed and vulnerable, I keep my explanation simple. “I need something from downstairs.”

“I can get it for you. What do you need?” Hebegins to climb off of the bed, but I hold out my hand in the universal sign for stop.

“I’m okay, I’ll get it.” My feet move quickly, taking me downstairs. I grab what I need and head back upstairs. When he spots the box ofSaran Wrapin my hands, he jumps out of bed.

“What’s going on?”

“Nothing. I want to have a shower, which means I need this …” I wave the box around. “tocover my dressings and stitches. Even though it’s okay to get the dressings wet, I don’t want to sleep with them damp.”

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