Page 78 of Commander in Briefs

He chuckles awkwardly, wiping his hands on his thighs. “You know I like to make an entrance.”

I agree, twisting my fingers in knots underneath the tablecloth so he doesn’t see how nervous I really am. He pulls out the remaining chair, making himself comfortable as only he can do. His posture is slouchy as he stretches his legs, knocking them into mine.

“So, what’s good here?”

A laugh bursts from my lips as his quip breaks up the nervousness churning in my stomach, not unlike indigestion. I relax further in the chair, my eyes cutting to his amused face. “What are you doing, Von Bremen?”

Those midnight blues glow under the ambiance of the lights, making him seem ethereal. Laid back, arms folded across his chest, jaw strong and flexing as that boyish dimple plays peekaboo, he looks like my own avenging angel. He flashes me his trademark smile before his tongue sweeps out, moistening that plump bottom lip that’s just begging for me to bite it.

“I need extra innings,” he confesses with a nervous twitch of his mouth, his finger already slipping in between his lips.

Not sure what he means, I ask again, pulling his hand from his mouth. “Extra innings?”

Tim returns before he can answer, placing a water along with a bottle of expensive wine in front of us. I scoot closer, pouring us a glass to help ease the nerves about whatever he needs to say. Theo frowns at the glass I’m pouring and then almost like a bomb, he explodes from the table, and is pacing in the small space between the railing of the gazebo. I can’t help the stupid smile that forms on my face. This is the Theo I know.

“I’m an asshole.” His hands are already in his hair, pulling in frustration.

I rise from the table, too, wanting to comfort him, to ease the burden he feels in confessing this.

He stops me with his hand at my chest. “I need to get this out.”

I raise my hands in mock surrender, sitting down, giving him the space he’s requested.

“I’m an asshole. I know this. And, I know you have always tolerated this in me, and for that, I’m grateful. But, Ans…”

His steps increase, his pacing faster, as though he wants to run.

“It can’t end this way. I can’t lose you.” His apprehension shows as he takes a deep breath and exhales slowly.

“Theo, I don’t understand. What’s ending?”

He hesitates and then nods once as if he’s made up his mind, moves in front of me and kneels. “I wanna date you, McCallister. I’m ready to blow this friendship to hell. I’m asking for another shot.”

Tiny pinpricks stab my eyes as the realization of what he’s saying sinks in. He wants me. He wants to date me. Not to be my friend or even friends with benefits. He wants todateme.

He’s waiting patiently for an answer. Before I speak, I clear the sudden lump from my throat. No one wants to sound like a demented frog when giving such a precious answer. I’m ecstatic he’s finally taking this step after all these years, but I’m scared, too. Having him as a friend is better than nothing. Do I really want to lose him on the off chance he changes his mind or finds someone else?

“Theo, what if it doesn’t work out?”

He’s in my face, pulling me to my feet. “What if it does? Come on, Ans. Nobody puts up with my shit better than you.”

Is that meant to be a compliment? That I’m the idiot who deals with his bullshit? Yeah, I guess I am. I love his bullshit. I’m in love with his crazy.

I tug him close, burying my face in his chest. “I can’t lose you.”

He squeezes me tight, comforting me in his strong arms. “You won’t.”

Opening and closing, my mouth can’t decide if I should argue my concerns or kiss the breath from him, when sweeps me over his shoulder fireman-style, swatting my ass playfully.

“Time’s up, McCallister. We’re doing this. I’m issuing an order, Commander. Do you dare defy me?”

He called me Commander.

I’m giggling as he steps carefully out of the gazebo.

“Where are we going? I’m hungry!”

“Oh, we’re going to eat. I just have a taste for something different now.”

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