Page 94 of Stolen Kisses

“How’re you feeling, Peaches?” Theo’s deep rumble comes from the doorway. Looking at him over my shoulder, I find him leaning against the door, looking as handsome as ever. I wonder how long he’s been standing there?

“I feel great.”

“Don’t lie to me, Peaches.” He presses away from the door frame, his long strides bringing him to me.

Tilting my head back, I lock eyes with the man I’m falling for. He stands patiently waiting for me. My shoulders drop, as does my fake smile. “I’m tired and sore tonight. Dr. Corrigan was right about the pressure.”

He holds out his hand, opening his closed fist to present my pain killers to me. Grabbing the glass of water from the side table, I swallow down the pills with gratitude that he saved me another trip downstairs.

“Thank you.”

He nods as he climbs onto the bed behind me. Lifting my pajama top over my head, he then reaches around to the front of my body releasing the clasps holding my compression bra closed. Slowly his work-roughened fingers slide the straps from my shoulders, his hands gliding down each arm following the path and sending electricity shooting through my body. Pressing the softest of kisses against the crook of my neck, he begins massaging the ointment onto each scar on my back. His hands on my body mesmerize me and I block out all other thoughts to concentrate on the sensations he’s eliciting in me.

My body relaxes into his touch and a sigh of epic proportions escapes me. His breath whispers across my skin as he chuckles softly. “That was a big sigh.Youokay?”

The fact that I don’t have to look at him as I speak gives me the space I need to answer honestly. “It’s all been alot. You know? From the first visit to my GP, to now. So many emotions …the whole process hasbeen a whirlwind. I’ve had to make so many decisions in a short space of time while coming to terms with having cancer—even in its least invasive form.” I blink to hold back the tears building in my eyes, but all it does is send them falling over my bottom lashes onto my cheeks. “I almost feel like a fraud to say I had cancer because my form wasn’t as serious as others. It was caught early enough.” I slam my mouth shut.

Oh, God. Stop it!He lost his mom and sister to the worst, most aggressive form and here I am blabbingonabout mine. I cover my face with my hands to stop the word vomit. Strong arms wrap around my body, pulling me into the safety of his embrace.

Warm lips surrounded by scruff press against my temple. “It’s okay, Em. Let it all out. I’m here to catch you.”

And just like that, the floodgates open—again!My shoulders shake with my sobs as he silently holds me. My tears soaking through his shirt, snot running out of my nose. I’m a freaking mess of epic proportions.

Goosebumps cover my exposed skin and I reluctantly peel myself away. Keeping my head low, so he can’t see my face, I step into my bathroom, quietly closing the door behind me. I stand, leaning against the cold surface for long minutes. I can’t believe I broke down like that and it’s not the first time either. I can’t believe Theo hasn’t already run for the hills.

Maybe he does mean what he says; that he’s here for the long haul.

–eighteen–

–emma–

Theo and I have falleninto a routine of sorts, a rhythm that feels comfortable, feels right.

He’s been my rock, while still keeping up with his business. Every single school drop-off and pick-up—he’s there. Every single appointment for me or Lachlan—he’s there. Every night, he massages the ointment into the scars on my back, rubs my feet, brushes my hair. Every night, I’ve been tempted to turn around and kiss him senseless, but I don’t.

I’m still scared and I don’t know why.

Sitting on my favorite rocking chair, I take another sip of hot coffee. Theo insisted I relax, setting me up with everything I need—coffee, a warm blanket, and my Kindle. I’m feeling all hot and bothered as I read about Josh McKinley. Kylie Kent certainly knows how to write a dark antihero! I’m reaching a particularly sexy scene when a familiar car pulls up in my driveway.

My good mood evaporates with the slam of his car door.

My body deflates as his foot hits the first step.

When he looks up from his phone, his eyes land on me, then immediately drop to my breasts. I pull my cardigan tighter around my body like a shield. I don’t bother standing to greet my ex-husband. I’m not exactly sure why he’s here. This would normally be his weekend to take the boys, but he stopped coming around once he got married. He stands at the top step, tucking his hands into his pockets.

“Hey, Emma.”

“Hi.” My reply is hard. I’m not giving him an inch; he doesn’t deserve anything from me.

“Uhm, how are you feeling?” He tips his head down, gesturing toward my boobs. Ugh, what a jerk!

“Fine.” I’m not sure how he found out about my surgery.

“Good. Great.” He pauses, looking around at my porch.“Uh, how’re the boys?”Here we go.

“Great.”

He nods to himself. “Great. That’s great to hear.” He reaches into his back pocket, pulling out an envelope. Stepping forward he holds it out to me.

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