Chapter 13
Thirteen
**TheoTheGreat09 Wants To Start A New Game With You**
**TheoTheGreat09 played QUEEN for 14 points**
**TheoTheGreat09: suck it **
**Rhodes2324 played VICTORY for 15 points**
**Rhodes2324 has won **
**Rhodes2324: you were saying? **
“ L et me in!” A loud thud echoed through the door, definitely more of a kick than a knock. I didn’t have to think too hard about who it was. I was expecting Theo any second.
I twisted the handle, and there she was: five-foot-two and gorgeous, her face twisted in a mix of exhaustion and determination. She flashed me a tight, pained smile, the kind you give when you’re in over your head but too stubborn to admit you needed help. A large pizza box balanced steadily on her belly, and a two-liter bottle of soda dangled from her hand.
I’d told her I could pick up the pizza on my way home, but Theo insisted. She’d practically begged over the phone, saying she needed something to do that gave her “purpose.” Apparently, pizza delivery was just enough responsibility to make her feel useful.
I grabbed the box and soda from her, hoping to ease her discomfort, and stepped aside to let her in.
Theo waddled into the kitchen, dropping her purse onto a chair at the island before collapsing half over the counter. She sighed dramatically, resting her forehead against the cool surface.
“Why is picking up pizza and walking like fifteen steps to your door so exhausting?”
“Maybe because you’re carrying an entire human inside you?” I teased, placing the box on the counter and leaning on the edge.
She groaned but pushed herself upright, heading toward my cabinets. “The exhaustion is strong, but the hunger is stronger.” She opened a cabinet and reached for the plates I kept on the top shelf. “You’re lucky a slice or two isn’t already missing. The smell in the car nearly broke me.”
I leaned back, crossing one leg over the other as I watched her struggle which was mildly entertaining. Theo was determined to handle it on her own, even if she had to stretch onto her tiptoes and exert the energy knowing she’d never be able to reach the plates anyway.
As she reached higher, her sweatshirt rode up, exposing a sliver of soft, smooth skin. My grip on the counter tightened, my fingers curling as I fought the urge to reach out and touch her.
“You know, I wouldn’t have cared if you ate some on the way,” I said, trying to keep my voice light.
She huffed, dropping back onto her heels in defeat, blowing a stray hair from her face.
I sighed, stepping forward. That was enough struggle for her. “Let me get it.”
Stretching past her, the movement closed the space between us. For a moment, she stayed perfectly still, caught between me and the counter. I could feel the warmth radiating from her, and the proximity made my heart race.
I grabbed the plates and stepped back quickly, putting distance so I could regain my composure.
When Theo turned to face me, our eyes met. The dim light of the kitchen made hers glow, and her freckles stood out against her flushed cheeks. For a moment, I couldn’t move. The air felt heavy, like a rubber band stretched too tight.
“Um, thanks,” she said, breaking the tension. She glanced down, her voice quieter than usual.
“No problem.” I turned away, inwardly cursing myself. I’d been so close to crossing a line I wasn’t sure either of us was ready for.
I focused on opening the pizza box and setting out plates like nothing had happened. Baby steps. I had to take baby steps.
Would I love to kiss Theo right here in my kitchen? Absolutely. Would I love to take things further, to explore every inch of her body? No question. But I couldn’t risk pushing her or myself too far too fast.
“Make it two slices for me,” Theo said, standing way too close.
I smiled, grabbing an extra slice for both of us. “Want red pepper flakes?”
Her faint smile returned. “Oh, yeah.”
I’d already set out the shaker, knowing she’d say yes. Generously, I sprinkled her pizza until every inch was covered.
“Take a seat,” I said, nudging her gently. “I’ll bring it over. Just need to grab the tea first.”
She must’ve been tired because she didn’t argue, which was rare for Theo.
I poured the tea and brought everything to the table. Theo perked up immediately, clapping her hands like an excited kid.
“Dinner is served.” I bowed dramatically as I handed her a plate.
“Oh, why thank you, kind sir,” she said with mock formality.
“So,” I asked, taking a bite of my slice, “how much longer until the baby’s here?”
“Fourteen weeks,” she replied. “She’ll be here before I know it.”
“You nervous?”
“A little,” she admitted. “More about my next doctor’s appointment, though.”
“Why’s that?”
She explained the gestational diabetes test and how her mom had it during her pregnancy. She tried to brush it off, but I could see the worry lingering in her eyes.
“You know, it’s okay to feel nervous,” I said softly. “You don’t have to handle everything on your own.”
Theo gave me a small smile, though she didn’t respond.
After a few moments of silence, she set her pizza down and wiped her hands on her pants. “I could actually use your help with something else, though.”
I froze.
“Sure,” I said, keeping my tone casual even though my heart was pounding.
Theo took a sip of her drink, clearly delaying the answer. The gears in her head were turning; a look in her eyes screamed contemplation.
“I need to find a new place,” she said. “My mom’s house is too small, and her work schedule makes it hard. I was hoping you’d come apartment hunting with me?”
“Of course,” I replied without hesitation. “When were you thinking? I’m free Saturday afternoon.”
She nodded, looking relieved. “Saturday works.”
I smiled, feeling a warmth spread through me. Theo trusted me, piece by piece letting down the walls she’d built over the years.
“What’s that goofy grin for?” she teased, her own smile lighting up her face.
“Nothing,” I said, grabbing another slice of pizza. “Just thinking of all the ways I’m going to beat you at Scrabble later.”
Theo snorted, nearly choking on her tea. She started laughing—a raw, unfiltered laugh that made my chest ache in the best way.
I missed this feeling.