Chapter 22
Chapter Twenty-Two
Theo
I had her; she was in the palm of my hand until Ms. Impeccable Timing showed up. Younger Theo would have jumped at the chance to sleep with her again, but I’m not the same man I was before. Hell, I’m not even sure I was a man.
When I close the door, she asks, “Is that the girl from the other day? Why is she still here?”
In case I needed the point proven again. . .
“I already told you: Wren lives here.”
“But why?” She pushes.
“I don’t need a reason. I want her here, end of story.”
“Whatever. Do you want to make a video or not?”
“I don’t,” I answer without needing time to think. “I told you. I’m not recording anything other than solo videos right now.”
And I’ve barely done that. If I’m not with Wren, I’m too busy thinking of her. After recording so many videos over the course of nine years, sex became boring. Sure, the orgasms were the same, but it was harder to get off each time. I lost the desire. . . until Wren asked me to help her.
And then we kissed. I hadn’t felt like that in years, and she did it with one touch. The curves on that woman are insane. When I felt them as we danced in the kitchen, it took all my willpower not to get an erection. She’s unlike any woman I’ve been with, and I can safely say I’ve never wanted anyone more than I do her.
“That’s ridiculous,” Amanda states, forcing me back into reality. “Why would you do that?”
Shrugging, I say, “I don’t want to.”
“Is it because she’s here?” She points behind her.
“It’s none of your concern.”
Amanda lets out a dramatic scoff, her eyes rolling so hard it’s a wonder they don’t fall out of her head. “Oh, please. What even are you two? Don’t tell me you’re trying to sell the ‘just friends’ act. Friends don’t look at each other like that .”
I shoot her a sideways glance, feigning disinterest, but my curiosity gets the better of me. “What are you talking about?”
“Oh, don’t play dumb.” Amanda leans in like she’s about to spill the hottest tea of the century. “She’s completely enthralled by you. And don’t act like you’re all innocent either. I saw the way you looked at her in the kitchen the other day—like she hung the moon or whatever.”
She twirls a strand of hair around her finger, her tone dripping with mock sincerity. “Go ahead, keep telling yourself there’s nothing going on. But, honey, she’s a lovesick puppy who will have her way with you, then run off.”
My nostrils flare in response. “Wren would never?—”
“What about a threesome?” Amanda blurts out, and my brow creases.
“What?”
“A threesome. You, me, and whoever else you want.”
Shaking my head, I say, “No.”
“Why not? Isn’t that every guy’s fantasy?”
Sure, I’ve thought about it and watched my fair share of porn, but that doesn’t mean I want to partake in the act myself. “Why are you doing this?” I ask, and she shrugs.
“Do I need a reason?”
“Do you need a reason for showing up to my home unannounced, insulting my best friend, and then asking me to record with you? Yes, yes, you need a reason, Amanda.”
Her features soften as she walks toward me. Those blue eyes used to render me useless, but now, I can only think about a certain pair of hazel irises.
“I miss you,” she purrs while taking my hand. “I’ve been thinking about us a lot.”
“There was never an us ,” I deadpan.
“But what if there was?”
Freeing myself, I step back. “It wouldn’t work. I’m sorry?—”
“Why won’t it work?” she demands.
I sigh while raking my hand across my scalp, gently pulling my hair. “Because?—”
“You want her,” she states and clicks her tongue.
There’s no need to respond. She took the words straight from my mouth.
“You’re certifiably insane,” she says with a slight laugh, and all I can do is look at her. “Are you really picking her over me? She’s so?—”
“I’d think twice about what you’re about to say,” I growl.
Standing on the edge of her toes, she closes the gap between us. “Plain.” She enunciates clearly.
“Get out.” The order rumbles from deep in my chest.
“Wha—”
“Don’t make me repeat myself,” I hiss as my cheeks burn.
“You’re making a mistake,” she whispers while reaching for me again, but I don’t fall for her pity act.
“Leave, Amanda, now.”
With an angry grunt, she whirls around, storms out of my room, and slams the door closed.
Flexing my hands, I pace around my room while forcing myself to take a deep breath and release it through my nostrils.
She had no right. I was a fool for agreeing to sleep with her all those years ago, but I was ignorant and high off attention. If I could go back in time, I would tell myself to think logically and not with my other head. I would follow my heart and be with?—
“Are you okay?”
Her voice instantly puts me at ease. My shoulders drop, and I unclench my fists.
All I can think when I look at her is how far from “plain” she is. Magic lights up the depths of Wren’s eyes; it shines through and lights the darkness in my soul. I’d fall to my knees for her. Worship her like a goddess and be devoted to her and only her.
“Theo?”
Clearing my throat, I bring my thoughts back to the present. “Yes, sorry. I’m okay.”
“I heard shouting.”
“It was a disagreement, but it’s over. I asked her to leave.”
Wren nods and doesn’t pry. “Okay.”
I hold her gaze, and my heart aches as the pull between us becomes hard to resist. The need to be near her is irresistible.
“Your mom called me. She humbly asked for our presence this Saturday. Apparently, you’ve been avoiding her calls.”
There’s that smile I love so much.
“What’s this Saturday?” I ask with a quirk of my brow.
“Her birthday. Did you forget?”
“I’ve been. . . preoccupied.” My eyes fall to her lips, and my breath hitches. “Listen, I’ll be in my room most of the day tomorrow.” Might as well put all this pent-up desire to good use and make a video.
“Oh, how come?” Her tone falters, and I dare to think it’s because she’s disappointed.
“Need to record and edit, but don’t worry, it’ll be just me in here.”
Wren’s face flushes when she realizes what I mean. “Right, okay. I’ll be good and quiet.”
Reaching out, I twist one of her curls around my fingers before tucking it behind her ear, allowing my knuckles to skim her jawline.
“Dinner tomorrow? We can have whatever you want.”
And with a warm smile, she says, “It’s a date.”