Page 95 of Stolen Kisses

I reach forward, taking the envelope as though it may bite me. “What’s this?”

“Open it.”

I slide my finger beneath the seal, lifting the flap, revealing a thick wad of $100 notes. My head snaps up to Preston. “What’s this for?” If he thinks he can buy himself out of the boys’ life, he’s got another thing coming.

He tucks his hands back into his pockets, looking around, he sighs heavily. “Can I sit for a minute?” He gestures to the other rocking chair with his chin. There’s something different about him. He’s less … arrogant. Almost defeated.

“Sure.”

He sits, smoothing his fingers over the timber. “These are nice. Real nice. What sort of timber is this?” I roll my eyes. This is Preston’s typical style when he’s feeling out of his depth.

“Yep, theyarenice.” Silence falls between us for long moments. I’m not willing to offer up conversation to fill the space. If he came here for a purpose, he needs to be the one to start the conversation.

He huffs out a heavy breath. “Look. Em. I’m sorry. Okay?” The hackles on the back of my neck rise.

“What exactly are you sorry for, Preston?” I can’t believe I used to think his name was sexy. Ugh!

“Sorry for bailing on the boys, on you, on our marriage.” He gestures to my boobs again. “For what you’re going through.” His voice is full of genuine apology. His sorrow is written all over his face in the creases across his forehead and the furrowbetweenhis brows.

I take a moment to digest his words. “Where’s all this coming from?”

He looks down at his hands, then sits back in the chair, looking up at the exposed roof and then back out across the street. “I caught Stacey cheating on me.” My gasp is audible, forcing him to look at me. The slump in his shoulders and the downturn of his mouth hint at his sadness and hurt. “I guess I got a taste of my own medicine. I’ve had a little time to do some serious soul searching.”

“And what did you discover during yoursoul searching?” I can’t temper the sarcasm in my voice.

“I discovered I’m a dick.” His comment catches me off-guard and I choke on a swallow. Covering my mouth, I try to stop the coughing fit that ensues. The front screen door opens, revealing Theo. His posture automaticallybecomesstiff, his face hard.

“You okay out here, Peaches?” If it wasn’t for my lingering cough, I would smile at his obvious display of familiarity in front of my ex. He passes my coffee to me, patting my back to help me out.

“Yeah.” I wink. “Thanks, Stud.” His eyes widen at my nickname for him. Preston coughs, his face turning red.

I turn to Preston. “You haven’t met my boyfriend, Theo? Have you?” I know it’s petty, but I love that Theo’s so much bigger than Preston. So much more masculine. And I know for a fact that Preston will be well aware of the differences between the two of them. Internally, I revel in his discomfort. After years of him chipping away at my body image, I love that he’s feeling insecure about his masculinity at this moment. I know it’s unfair of me to use Theo in this way, but by God, it feels so good to watch my ex-husband squirm.

Preston stands to his full height but still comes up short, in more ways than in the physical. He never would have stood by me through what I’ve been going through. Not like Theo has. Theo holds out his free hand to shake, squeezing Preston’s a little tighter than necessary. “I don’t believe I have. I’m, uh, I’m Preston. Lachlan and Austin’s dad.”

“I know who you are.” Theo’s deep baritone is strong and sure as he releases Preston’s hand like it’s covered in poop. I have to work hard to suppress a chuckle at the look on my man’s face.

Huh!My man.When did that happen?

I mean I introduced him as my boyfriend, but that was to make a point. Do I think of Theo as my boyfriend?

I think I do.

I care about him a lot. I appreciate how steadfast and true he’s been since he’s been back in my life. He hasn’t pushed for anything more than a few hot kisses here and there. Every morning, I wake wrapped in his embrace. Every night I fall asleep to his steady breaths and heartbeat beneath my ear. He looks back at me, eyebrows raised. “You okay out here?”

I squeeze his hand, giving him a confident smile. “Yeah. I am. Thanks for checking on me.” He gives me one last squeeze before bending down to lay a hot kiss on my lips before standing again. He eyes Preston as he walks back inside, closing the screen door quietly behind him.

“He’s a bit intense.” Preston gives a nervous chuckle.

I don’t respond, just raise mybrows, waitingfor him to continue with what he was saying before.

“Uh, anyway, I thought I should apologize for being a dick and probably worse than that to you and the boys. You didn’t deserve my mistreatment and disregard for your feelings throughout our marriage, particularly toward the end. I’m sorry for these last months, bailing on the boys. I, uh, I really miss them. More than I ever thought I would.”

Tears prick at the back of my eyes for his genuine, heartfelt apology. His regret pours out of him in waves. “So, where do things stand with you and Stacey?”

“We’re done. She was the catalyst for the wedge between the boys and me.Notthat I’m blaming her completely, becauseIallowed it to happen.” This is new. Preston’s actually taking responsibility for his choices. “But she certainly made them feel unwelcome and it was easier to keep the peace with her and go along with what she wanted. I’m sorry I was so weak. I’m sorry I let the boys down.” He rubs his hands on his thighs. We sit quietly for a few moments. My mind is racing with his apology and everything he’s said in the last few minutes.“I would like to have the opportunity to apologize to them. If that’s alright with you?”

I nod. “Of course. It’s never been my intention to keep them away from you.” I pause and hold up the envelope filled with money. “What’s this for?”

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