Chapter 27
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Theo
I wake with a sharp intake of air. My neck is stiff, and it cracks when I push myself up to stare ahead.
“ Looks like someone’s trying to steal your girl.”
I haven’t thought of that evening in years. It’s all been happening so slowly—brick by brick.
My girl.
Wren was always mine, even when I was too dumb to see it.
Her door is slightly ajar, and a wave of relief crashes through me. “Wren?” I call as I get to my feet. “Are you awake?” My expression morphs when I notice her bed is empty, made even.
She must have slept against the door like I did, but where is she?
My phone vibrates against my thigh, and I reach for it.
Wren: Morning sunshine, I had to run a few errands before your mom’s birthday party at noon. I’ll meet you there. Mia is going to drop me off
I squint and shake my head in disbelief.
Me: Wrenly Jacob, did you sneak past me this morning?
Wren: Uhh, maybe?
I smile down at my phone while I text her.
Me: We have to talk about last night.
Wren: I know. . . And we will after we go to your mom’s.
Me: Sounds great, see you there.
I have an hour before I have to leave, which means I don’t have time to dillydally. I head into my room and gather a pair of jeans and a black tee before taking a shower. My focus is on getting clean so I can get ready, but the image of Wren on her knees will forever be at the forefront of my mind. And damn, is that an experience I’d pay to relive repeatedly.
The memory of last night lingers, her warmth, the way she unraveled me so effortlessly. I’ve never felt that exposed with anyone else; somehow, she reaches into me, past all my defenses. The thought terrifies me as much as it thrills me. I can’t decide if that’s a reason to run or lean closer. One taste wasn’t enough, and the ache she’s left me with only grows stronger, clawing at my every thought.
The things I’d give to have her with me right now, so I can hold and cherish her. It’s criminal. Knowing I’ll see her within the hour sets me at ease. Even if we don’t pursue our feelings or attraction, I’ll be content with her just being in my life, but I’m not a quitter. The first step is acknowledging, and I’ll do all I can to prepare myself for it.
“You’ve got to be kidding me,” I grumble when I pull alongside the curb in front of Mom’s house.
I put my car in park and turn off the engine, sighing. Mom didn’t mention anything about a party. She conveniently left that major piece of information out when she sent Wren in as a messenger.
The cool breeze hits me when I step out of the car, but the sun is warm. Music fills the street, and the mouth-watering smell of BBQ laces the air. It’s the perfect day for a party if you enjoy them. Wren and I do not, and knowing my dear mother, she didn’t mention this tidbit because we would have come up with every excuse in the book to avoid going. Nothing beats last year when we went to the pet store to buy a dead fish. His name was Hercules, and we gave him a grand funeral. Mom wasn’t amused when I shared the pictures.
“And how did it die?” she asked.
And sweet, innocent Wren put on her most serious face and said, “It drowned.” Then she broke down in fake tears.
I had to put my best acting skills to use that day.
I’ll give it to her, Mom got smart, and she’s lucky it’s her birthday, or I would grab Wren and turn around. Speaking of which, I should warn her?—
“There you are!” Mom squeals as she opens the front door.
“Hey, Mom.” I greet her with a wide smile. She’s almost a foot shorter than me, so I have to bend over to give her a hug. “Happy birthday.”
“Let me see you.” She squeezes my cheeks as she fawns over me. “My baby boy got so big and handsome.”
“You just saw me the other day.”
“After you tried to avoid me.” She pats my cheek before freeing me. “When are you going to give me grandbabies?”
“You don’t waste any time.” I sigh.
“Time is ticking, but I guess we should find you a girl first. Listen, there’s someone I want you?—”
“No.” I cut in with a stiff tone.
“I didn’t even?—”
“You’re trying to hook me up with one of your friend’s daughters, and the answer is no. I don’t want to hear it, Mom. Is Wren here yet?”
She opens her mouth to respond but snaps it shut with a smirk instead. With an arched brow, the question I’m about to ask is cut short when Wren’s familiar voice stops me.
“Sorry, I’m late. Mia and I aren’t good with directions.”
With an amused grin, I turn around to tease her. “You practically lived here— Oh, fu—” Picking up my jaw before I make a further fool of myself, I take in the sight of the beautiful woman now standing beside me.
I’ve never seen her like this before. The shock stilled my heart and stole all my motor functions. Her auburn hair is pulled back into a high ponytail, with two pieces framing her face. It’s taking everything I have not to give in and trace her curves, which are only highlighted by the light blue sundress she’s wearing. And her breasts . . . fuck me. I’m going to have to be on my best behavior and not stare at them all day. I certainly can’t imagine how soft they must feel or how they fill out her top?—
“Theo?”
I clear my throat, averting my gaze away from her figure, and force myself to focus on her eyes.
“Yes?” I stutter.
“Your mom asked you a question,” Wren says with a small laugh.
Shaking my head, I turn to face my mom. “Sorry, what did you say?”
Her attention flicks between Wren and me. “Are you two not telling me something?”
My eyes widen, and I laugh it off. “What? No, don’t be ridiculous.”
Mom turns her focus to Wren, and I swing around to meet her blushed cheeks and wide eyes.
“Wren, you know you can tell me anything, right?” Mom puts on the kind and gentle tone she saves for my best friend.
Wren darts her gaze to me, and I slowly shake my head and mouth, “ Don’t .”
“You can trust me, sweetheart,” Mom says as I continue to shake my head.
“Well, you see,” Wren mumbles.
“Yes?” Mom eggs her on.
“Theo and I got you a gift, but it won’t be here until Monday,” she rushes out, and my shoulders drop in relief.
“Oh, well, that’s all right. I’m just happy to have my two babies here. It’s all I need.” Mom side-eyes me, so I plaster a wide smile across my face. “Let’s get you two inside, and I’ll show you what you can eat, Wren.” Mom links their arms together, and they head inside.
Stepping across the threshold, I’m thrown back in time.
Mom never redecorates. The living room is exactly the same as it was ten years ago, right down to the family photos on the wall. Running my hand along the couch cushions, I catch the moment Wren looks back at me, only to turn away and pretend she didn’t. As Mom shows her the safe food, I ignore the butterflies in my stomach.
“I’ll be outside if you two need anything.” Mom rubs Wren’s arm before squeezing it. “And don’t hightail it up to your room!” She points at me, and I raise my hands in surrender.
“Yes, ma’am.”
“See you outside in a few minutes.” That wasn’t a question but rather an expectation.
Wren snickers while placing a strawberry between her lips, and I become entranced. Not even twenty-four hours ago, those lips were wrapped around my cock, sucking me off and sending me straight to cloud nine.
“You’re staring,” Wren says.
“Can you blame me?”
Her complexion turns pink as she focuses on another piece of fruit, avoiding my gaze.
“That dress is driving me insane,” I murmur, running my knuckles slowly along her waist, the fabric silky under my touch. Her breath hitches, and her body arches just slightly, like she’s inviting my hand to explore. I press my fingertips to her hip, trailing upward, and she trembles against me. Her skin is warm, almost scorching, beneath that flimsy fabric, and all I can think about is what lies beneath it.
“I wanted to try something different,” she mumbles while her eyes flutter open.
“Who are you trying to impress?” I tease her.
“Maybe I did it for myself,” she sasses.
“Or perhaps—and correct me if I’m wrong—you wanted to show me how stunning you are?” I approach her slowly, more than pleased when she inches closer.
“And why would I do that?” she whispers now that we’re face to face.
A shiver rolls down my spine as a dark chuckle rumbles in my chest.
“You left me hanging last night,” I murmur, leaning closer so only she can hear, “just when I was getting started.”
She sucks in a sharp breath and looks up at me, a blush coloring her cheeks. “Oh, I remember,” she whispers, a slight tremor in her voice.
I trail my hand over her waist, loving the way she leans into me, and add in a low voice, “But I don’t plan on leaving it unfinished. I intend to take my time with you, Wren.”
Her pulse beats visibly at her throat, and every inch of me aches to pull her closer, to show her just how badly I want her.
“Are you scared?” I kiss her cheek and inch toward the shell of her ear.
“No.” Her tone falters as her body starts to tremble.
“So you wouldn’t mind if I do this?” Sucking on her earlobe, I move down to her neck and place numerous kisses along her pale skin, desperate to leave my mark. “Speak to me,” I murmur.
“I don’t mind,” she moans. “I don’t mind at all.”
“If we go upstairs right now, I’m going to take my time with every inch of you. Show you exactly what I’ve been craving since last night.” I slide my hand up her back, and she arches into me.
Her eyes meet mine, wide and filled with anticipation, just as Mom’s voice echoes through the room, breaking the moment like a snapped rubber band.
Wren jumps back, and we both reel from the loss of that perfect, stolen moment. But she looks at me, and that same spark lingers, unspoken but unmistakable, promising that we’re far from done.
“Let me help you out of this dress?—”
“Theo!” Mom hollers.
The biggest cock block in the city. With a groan, I peel myself away from the woman of my dreams to face one of my nightmares.
“Time’s up. There are people I want you two to meet.”
“We’ll be there in five?—”
“Now!” she shouts.
With a chuckle from Wren, my irritation melts away.
“We’re coming,” she calls back.
She pops a berry into her mouth, catching my gaze as she licks her lips slowly. She winks, knowing damn well what she’s doing to me.
My mouth goes dry, and I clench my fists in my pockets, trying to keep it together. She has me utterly unhinged. I wonder if she can tell how close I am to dragging her upstairs, consequences be damned.
“Coming, Theo?” Wren spins around with a troublesome gleam in her eyes.
I’m about to.
“Right behind you.” I try my best to hide my erection while following Wren outside.
Today is going to blue ball the fuck out of me.