Where We Call Home (Faircloud #2)

Chapter 23

Twenty-Three

I felt her watching me. It took everything in my power not to glance in her direction. I wanted to give her privacy and space to handle this moment. As much as I was dying to know how things were going, I’d wait as patiently as I could.

Pride swelled in my chest for Theo. This clearly wasn’t easy for her, yet she cared enough about the relationship to be uncomfortable and vulnerable. I admired that more than I could say.

Besides trying not to be nosey, keeping my eyes to myself was a special kind of torture because she was testing me in that spandex suit. It hugged her perfectly, and my legs felt weak at the sight.

I counted my lucky stars when she left me alone in the hallway at home. She’d come out of the bathroom dressed like that, and I was a goner. Then she opened her mouth. I didn’t know feisty women were my thing. Maybe just when it came from Theo.

“Aspen wants everyone to go to the fall festival for a mini ‘Friendsgiving’ the weekend before Thanksgiving. Would you be in?” Boone asked.

I barely registered the words. I was focusing so hard on not looking at Theo that my brain wasn’t computing anything else.

“Yeah, sure, that sounds?—”

“I need him for a minute!” Theo yelled, grabbing my biceps and yanking me away before I could finish. I still had her drink in my hand; the red liquid sloshed dangerously at the force of her pull.

“Whoa there,” I laughed.

“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.

“What was what?” I replied, feigning innocence.

“Theo pulling you away. The hug? Did I see you kiss?”

I glanced toward the fire. Theo was laughing, her smile brighter than the flames rising from fire.

“She had a good talk with Aspen and Penny. I helped her work through some stuff, that’s all,” I said casually, though Boone’s skeptical look told me he wasn’t buying it.

“Oh yeah? A little bird, also known as Aspen, told me you two are living together.”

“Since when are you a gossip?” I shot back, taking a long sip of my beer.

Boone grinned, unbothered. “The girls are right; it is kinda fun.”

Sighing, I adjusted the cowboy hat Boone had loaned me for the night. I wasn’t going to admit it out loud, but I was starting to like the damn thing.

“She needed a place to stay, and I had the room. That’s it. Things could’ve been different, now it’s...” My voice trailed off.

I owed Boone the truth. A few months ago, I’d given him endless grief over Aspen. I couldn’t be the pot calling the kettle black.

“I saw the way you looked at her,” Boone said, his voice quieter now. “That wasn’t very roommate-like.”

“Do I like her? Yeah, absolutely. She’s the first woman to make me feel something since Jess. But things are complicated,” I admitted, the words tasting heavier than I expected.

“Because she’s pregnant?” Boone crossed his arms, his tone sharp, like he’d fight me if that were my problem.

“Jesus, no. Because she’s my roommate.”

Boone smirked. “I don’t see the issue.”

“Of course you don’t. You got with your neighbor and your employee,” I retorted, rolling my eyes.

“Coworker,” Boone corrected, holding up a finger like he was giving a lecture.

“Whatever. The point is, it’s not that simple.”

Boone’s grin softened into something more sincere. “Look, if you feel something, you should explore it. Your shot at love wasn’t like the rest of ours, but that doesn’t mean you don’t deserve to be happy. I’m not gonna judge you for seeing where it goes.”

His words settled the storm in my chest, even if just a little. Truth was, I did like spending time with Theo. I looked forward to coming home to her. I couldn’t help but wonder—what would it be like to come home to her and the baby?

“I wouldn’t even know where to begin,” I confessed.

“Win her over. Do cute shit. They love cute shit,” Boone said, chuckling.

I laughed, shaking my head. Though, he wasn’t wrong—Theo would like cute shit. I’d just need to figure out what would make her smile.

“Take it slow,” Boone added, clapping me on the shoulder. “See what happens. But don’t put your happiness on hold just because you’re living together. Do what feels right.”

It was worth a shot. If things didn’t work out, we could be adults about it... right?

By the fire pit, only Aspen and Logan remained. Theo was lounging in her chair, her eyes half-closed. After living with her, I’d learned the signs that meant she was ready for bed: droopy eyes, slackened mouth, and uncontrollable yawns. Watching her now, I saw the trifecta.

“I think we’re gonna head out,” I told Boone, nodding toward the fire pit. He gave me an understanding look and motioned for me to go.

When I reached Theo, her sleepy smile tugged at something deep inside me.

Leaning down, I whispered softly, “Come on, Honey. It’s time to go.”

She groaned, her eyes fluttering open just enough to see me. She stumbled slightly as she stood, but I steadied her with a hand on her elbow.

Murmuring her goodbyes, she hugged everyone left in the circle before we made our way to the truck. Once we were out of sight, I scooped her up, carrying her the rest of the way. She didn’t protest, just nestled into my chest, warm and trusting.

After buckling her into the passenger seat, she snuggled up against the window, her eyes closing almost instantly.

The entire drive home, my mind wandered. I thought about how much I cared for her, how much she consumed me. When we pulled up to the house, I realized I’d have to help her get ready for bed which started a whole slew of feelings.

“Come on,” I murmured, coaxing her awake as gently as I could.

Theo grumbled incoherently, but let me guide her inside. She barely stirred as I helped her wash her face, her makeup melting away under the warm washcloth.

When we got to the last step—her spandex costume—I hesitated.

“We have one more step,” I said, sitting her on the edge of the bed.

Her room was a mix of her personality and her past: photos of her and her friends, a black comforter she’d brought with her, and trinkets scattered on the nightstand. Little by little, she was making this place her home. I liked that.

Reaching behind her, I unzipped the fabric, loosening it enough for her to tug the sleeves down. She struggled, sleepy and incoherent, until I stepped in to help.

Just as I turned my head to give her privacy, I caught sight of a strap on her shoulder.

Thank God.

I helped her out of the costume, leaving her in what looked like a swimsuit or some kind of undergarment. Whatever it was, it offered just enough coverage to keep things from being awkward.

I rummaged through her dresser, eventually pulling out a set of matching pajamas. The fabric was soft and the pattern was simple. When I turned back, Theo was already curled up on her side, her breathing slow and even, teetering on the edge of sleep.

Did I even bother?

Groaning softly, I ran a hand down my face. Forget the pajamas. Tossing them onto the dresser, I made a quick decision: I wasn’t going to undress her completely. That was a line I wouldn’t cross, especially not without her consent.

Instead, I stood by her bed, unsure whether I was being helpful or just plain intrusive. She looked so peaceful, her features softened and serene, like every worry she carried was momentarily set aside.

My gaze drifted lower, landing on the gentle swell of her belly. It was impossible to ignore now, a quiet reminder of the life growing inside her. Something stirred deep in my chest—something I hadn’t felt in a while. A strange, unfamiliar longing.

For a fleeting moment, I let myself imagine this was my life. That I belonged here. That this was the family I’d always dreamed of.

The thought hit hard, and I blinked rapidly, forcing away the sting of tears gathering in the corners of my eyes.

Maybe the tears weren’t for Theo or the baby, but for myself. For the life I thought I’d be living by now. I’d always wanted a family and a house full of laughter and love, the kind of happiness you see in picture frames at the store.

But that wasn’t my reality. Not yet.

I reached down and brushed her cheek with my thumb, the faintest of touches, just enough to feel the warmth of her skin.

One day, I told myself. One day, it would be my turn.

For now, I stepped back, letting her rest. As I watched her breathe softly, her hands cradling her belly even in sleep, I couldn’t shake the feeling that maybe, just maybe, this was where I was supposed to be after all.