Page 121 of Unexpected Kisses

It’s what Anna wanted.

I don’t know why. She knew I’d never had anything to do with kids. I have no fucking clue what to do, but I’m getting the feeling that no matter what, Kenny must come first. I can’t leave her to her own devices for very long. When I noticed she wasn’t where I told her to stay earlier today, I almost had a heart attack.

We play at the park on the swings, slides, and climbing frames for almost an hour before heading home when Kenny’s tummy grumbles. Now I have to think about what to make for dinner. I’ve got some tinned soup—that’ll have to do. I only picked up the basics to get us through today. I figured we can go shopping tomorrow after we work out what we’re going to eat for the week.

As we step onto the front porch, I catch my neighbor out of the corner of my eye. She’s carrying a casserole dish and headed our way. I open the front door to let Kenny inside to wash up while I see what Emma wants.

“Uh hi …” She steps onto the first step, looking up at me, and I realize I didn’t introduce myself earlier.

“Theo. Sorry, I should have introduced myself.” I reach my hand forward to shake hers before realizing her hands are full, so I drop it back down by my side.

“Oh, that’s okay. Nice to meet you, Theo.” She raises the casserole like an offering. “I, uh, made my macaroni cheese for you guys, as a welcome to the neighborhood dinner.”

I swallow my surprise at her kind gesture. I would never have expected her to welcome us in such a way after she basically chewed me out earlier today. I lean forward to lift the corner of the foil so I can see what’s inside. The aroma hits me first, and it smells so damn good.

I catch Emma’s eye. I think they might be a mossy green color, but I still can’t be sure. “Smells delicious. Thank you. I was trying to figure out what to make for dinner. So I really appreciate it.” If I plan it properly, this could possibly do us two meals.

“You’re welcome.” I move to take the casserole from her, but she pulls it closer to her body. “The dish is still hot. I’ll carry it inside for you so you don’t burn your hands.”

“Sure, thanks.” I open the screen door and stand to the side so she can enter. Her shoulder brushes against my chest with the lightest of touches, sending sparks through my body. “Excuse the mess. I’ve still got a lot of work to do.”

“Don’t worry about it. I remember when the boys and I moved in next door. It took me months to get sorted. Between work and looking after the boys, it didn’t leave a lot of time to unpack. I got there eventually.”

I notice she didn’t say ‘husband’. Wonder if she’s single? Not that I should care. She easily steps around the mess and heads straight to the kitchen; I guess she’s familiar with the layout of this house. My eyes have a mind of their own, following the movement of her ass as she walks. What I wouldn’t give to bite those luscious globes.

Damn it, there I go again.

By the time I shake myself out of my not-so-neighborly thoughts and catch up with her, she’s placed the casserole on top of the stove and has started washing our dishes from lunch. Really? She’s like a tornado at the rate she got to work.

“What in the hell are you doing?” I snap at her. As if she hasn’t done enough by making our dinner, now she’s also washing our lunch dishes.

She jumps at the harsh tone of my voice. “No need to be rude. I was only trying to help. I know what it’s like to be in your position.”

Placing my hands on my hips, I’m ready to go toe to toe with this woman. “And what position is that?” I snark.

“Moving into a new home. Having children that rely on you to do everything. Nobody around to help you out.” She answers flippantly as she waves her soapy hands around the space, flinging bubbles all over the counters. “I remember Nancy coming over our first night with a casserole for me and my boys. I was so grateful that her thoughtfulness meant I had one less thing to worry about. I decided to pay it forward.” She turns back to the sink and continues cleaning up our mess, mumbling something I can’t make out under her breath.

Kenny comes running in. “Hello, Emma. You wanna see my new woom?”

“Hey, Kenny. Absolutely. Let me finish these dishes and you can show me everything.”

“You don’t need to finish the dishes. I’m more than capable of looking after us.” I don’t like feeling as though she thinks I’m incapable. I may not know what I’m doing with a kid, but I’m sure I can work it out.How hard can it be?

“It’s okay. I’m almost done.” She looks at me over her shoulder, giving me a timid smile. I can’t believe she’s still smiling at me when I’ve snarled at her since I walked into the kitchen. “There. All done. You can dry them and put them wherever they go.”

“Yay!” Kenny rushes forward, taking Emma’s hand to lead the woman to her bedroom.

I’m left standing in the kitchen—among boxes that need to be unpacked, dishes that need to be dried and put away, and dinner on the cooktop—wondering what the hell just happened.

* * *

Do you want more of Emma and Theo’s story?

You’ll find it here:

books2read.com/dsj-stolenkisses

Moonlit Kisses

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