Page 60 of Where We Call Home

“No time!”

She dragged me far from the group, out the barn doors and into the cool Texas night. The sky was inky black, and the sound of crickets filled the air. Her small legs moved in quick bursts as I followed behind her.

“It went so good!” Theo huffed, coming to a stop. She spun around, her smile so radiant you could see it from space. The apples of her cheeks were prominent, smooth, and round. “I’m really proud of myself. I can’t believe I did it.” She laughed and threw her hands in the air. “It shouldn’t be groundbreaking—an adult talking about her feelings—but for me, it was. Oh my God!”

She rambled, and it was adorable.

Without warning, she threw herself at me, wrapping her arms around me in a tight embrace.

At first, I hesitated. Did I hug her back? Did I go for a friendly half-hug or a full one?

Fuck it.

I wrapped my arms around her and rested my chin on top of her head.

If I got the chance to hold Theo Matthews, I sure as hell was going to take it.

She burrowed deeper into my chest, and I couldn’t stop myself from smiling.

I didn’t want to let go. Theo’s body fit perfectly against mine, like she was made to be here, in my arms, for eternity.

She leaned back slightly, her arms still looped around my body as she looked up at me. Even dressed as a farm animal, she was breathtaking.

My gaze flicked between her eyes. The playful smiles we’d been wearing faded, replaced by something heavier, deeper.

Electricity crackled where our bodies touched, and the urge to close the space between our faces became almost unbearable. I wanted to kiss her—to feel those plump, sassy lips against mine and lose myself in her.

Like she could read my thoughts, Theo rose onto her tiptoes and pressed her lips lightly to mine. The warmth of her touch unraveled me. My eyes drifted shut as I melted into the kiss, her soft breath mingling with mine. Her lips, gentle yet insistent, sent a rush of heat spiraling through my chest.

She must’ve felt it, too–the pull between us was undeniable. It wasn’t just me.

My hand wove into her hair, pressing us closer. The taste of her on my lips was heavenly and utterly intoxicating.

Kissing Theo was better than I’d ever imagined. I wanted to be stuck with her forever, stuck in this moment under the stars.

With a final lingering press of our lips, Theo pulled away, though I could sense we were both reluctant to break the connection.

“Thank you,” Theo whispered, her voice barely audible as her gaze dropped to my mouth, then back to my eyes. Her lips were wet and swollen, and I knew mine must have been the same.

“I don’t know why you care so much,” she added, her voice tinged with vulnerability.

Smirking, I lifted a hand and gently tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear. Her pigtails were cute, but seeing her hair wild and loose? It did something to me—something I couldn’t put into words.

“I just do,” I said softly, letting the weight of my words hang between us. Little did she know, I wasn’t going anywhere.

She leaned into my touch, her eyes fluttering closed briefly before opening again with a small, raw smile. This moment—it felt real.

“You can tell me all about the conversation on the way home,” I said reluctantly, knowing we couldn’t stay wrapped up in this bubble forever. “We better get back to the rest of the crew before someone comes looking.” Not that I cared because after tasting those lips, I was hooked. I’d let the world know how infatuated I was with Theo Matthews.

She sighed. “You’re right,” Theo said, stepping back with hesitation. “I’ll grab more ‘blood’ and meet the girls by the fire.”

I nodded, letting my hand linger against hers for just a moment longer. “Let me know when you’re ready to go, okay?”

Theo nodded, clutching her drink with both hands as she turned and walked away. I couldn’t help but watch her, my gaze following every step.

When she rejoined the girls, I made my way back to Boone. Across the yard, Mac and Logan were deep in conversation. By the look on Mac’s face, it was serious, and he seemed completely out of his element.

“What the hell was that about?” Boone asked, raising an eyebrow as he sipped his beer.

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