Chapter 7
CHAPTER SEVEN
Livie
Livie snuggled into the warmth. It felt too good to get up. Even if prickling thoughts told her she needed to. Oh no. Her eyes popped open; she was lying against Theo’s chest. Nuzzling it, in fact. His spare chest hair tickled her nose. It hit her she’d been nuzzling Theo’s chest when his sparse hair tickled her nose. As her brain fully engaged, she realized she was lying half on top of him, her leg thrown over his thigh, and his erection nestled against her hip. His very sizable one.
Oh god, had she drooled on him? She’d never get over that mortification. As she tried to move, the arm he had draper over her back pulled her closer.
“Where are you going? It’s still early.” Theo’s deep voice, still raspy from sleep, rumbled under her.
“Sorry, I didn’t mean to use you as a pillow.” Livie winced. How was she going to extract herself from his embrace, and did she really want to?
“Don’t be. I can’t remember the last time I slept so well. You’re warm and cuddly perfection.”
Livie was thankful he couldn’t see her face. From the heat in her cheeks, she had to be all kinds of colorful. “What time is it?”
“Just after six. Go back to sleep for an hour. I’ll make sure you wake up on time for our breakfast command performance.”
Theo was funny. She hadn’t realized just how much until yesterday—and calm. Nothing seemed to ruffle his demeanor.
“I don’t think I can. I’m awake now. You can. I’ll promise you the same—to make sure you’re up in time.”
“No can do, sweet cheeks. I’m up at this time every morning after so many years in the Navy.”
“Right. Okay, since I’m not ready to start the inquisition early. I’m going to take a shower and get ready as slowly as possible. Unless you have another idea?”
The rumble of Theo’s laugh vibrated against her. If she didn’t move soon, he’d probably feel the dampness pooling between her legs. She’d never woken up so horny in her life.
“Well, I can think of a few things. I’m not sure you’d be up for it.”
“Oh yeah?” From the size of his hard-on, she had a pretty good idea about his train of thought. It was a horrible idea. Well, no, not horrible, but a very, very bad one. It would cross a line in their fake relationship and make it real. Livie tensed just thinking about it.
“Hey, Livie. It’s okay. I don’t expect you to do anything you’re not ready for or comfortable with. We talked about touching and kissing, nothing else. I won’t cross that line unless you tell me otherwise. Okay?”
Livie relaxed again, but shifted to meet his gaze. His hazel eyes were more blue than green in this morning light seeping through the blinds. God, he was gorgeous. How was she going to resist falling for this man? “I believe you.”
“Good. I guess that means we’re getting up. Do you want to shower first?”
“You can go. I still need to unpack and figure out what I’m wearing today.”
“Do we need to be dressed up for breakfast?” Theo released his hold on her and sat on the edge of the bed with his feet on the floor. He rubbed his hands over his face and scratched at his beard.
Livie had never spent an entire night with a man. After spending the night wrapped in Theo’s arms, her cold, empty bed would be depressing. She needed to memorize every moment to pull out when she was missing him.
“No, breakfast is casual. Especially since we’re all expected to do our part for dinner. You’ll probably end up with Geo and Dad and whatever Mom comes up with. I’ll be in the kitchen with Betsy and Jean. Melissa has the holiday off.”
“Really? I’m surprised your mom allows that.”
“Right? She never used to. When we got old enough to help, she started giving her the day off. Mom is very particular, if you couldn’t tell. She likes the idea of cooking, but it’s too much work. God forbid, she breaks a nail. Her preference is to have her meals prepared and served by someone else. I think she feels guilty on the holidays, though.”
“Do know how to cook? Or like cooking?” Theo’s curiosity was clear in his expression.
It was a valid question; one they hadn’t touched on yesterday during the drive. “Yup. Melissa taught me and Betsy. I love to cook, and probably would have made you many meals.”
“What’s your favorite thing to make? I should probably know that.”
“Hmm, that’s hard. Maybe risotto with shrimp and mushrooms.”
“Damn. That sounds delicious. You’re going to have to make that for me when we get back to Virginia.” Theo stood up and stretched. His back muscles flexed, and his glutes were visible through his boxers. She’d never forget how all those firm muscles felt beneath her.
Livie almost swallowed her tongue trying to hold in a moan. “Next time I make it, I’ll bring a container for you to the Ready Room. I’m sure Pam won’t mind. She’s a great boss.”
“Maybe.” His muffled voice coming from the closet as he grabbed his clothing.
“Remember, no boxers in the hallway.”
“Shit. Right.” Theo grunted and pulled on his jeans, but left them unzipped. Then he grabbed his toiletry bag from the nightstand and stopped at the bedroom door. He turned and winked at her. “Be back soon.”
As soon as he was out the door, Livie jumped out of bed and grabbed her phone. It was probably too early to talk to Patience, but she’d text and see if she answered.
Livie: You awake yet? Happy Thanksgiving.
While she waited, she unpacked her suitcase and hung up the dress she planned to wear for dinner. It was her favorite. She wore it when she wanted to feel powerful. The emerald-green jersey clung to her in all the right places and stopped just above her knee. Patience had helped her pick it out and said the color looked great with her hair. It had been the last thing she packed. She hoped it’d knock Theo’s socks off when he saw her in it.
Patience: Happy Thanksgiving. Is everything okay? Did you get to ride Theo the stallion?
Livie: OMG. No. But we kissed, and I almost spontaneously combusted.
Patience: You know that’s not real.
Livie: If Theo keeps kissing me, I might disprove that.
Patience: Damn, girl, you have it bad. Don’t get hurt.
Livie: It might be too late. He’s so dreamy and perfect, and funny.
Patience: You’re right. It’s too late. Just be careful. He seems like a nice guy, but we don’t really know him.
Livie: I kind of do now. But I don’t have time to explain. If I can sneak away from the kitchen, I’ll call you in a couple of hours. Okay?
Patience: I can’t wait. I have so many questions.
Livie: And for once, I’m the one with the answers. *Smiley face*
Patience: Love you.
Livie: Love you too. Later.
Livie put her phone on the nightstand and locked the screen. The last thing she needed was Theo or anyone else to see her texts with Patience. Theo walked in a few minutes later.
“How was your shower?” she asked. His damp hair appeared darker than its usual milk chocolate color. He was wearing a pair of jeans and a sky-blue long-sleeved pullover.
She barely resisted the urge to check if she had drool on her chin.
“Lonely.” He winked.
She was sure color flooded her cheeks, and he chuckled.
“Your turn. I heard your parents heading downstairs. I’m thinking they’ll be ringing the breakfast bell soon.”
“Probably. Do you need to call your family this morning?”
“I will, but not until later. I usually call around dinner time. Although, I won’t if it’s the same time we’re eating.”
“Oh, you won’t have to worry. We eat promptly at three every year. Same for Christmas.”
“Are you sure you’re not in the Navy, too?”
“Please, don’t give my mother any ideas. She’s bad enough already.”
Theo laughed. “Just try to roll with it. I’ve got your back. We’re going to have a great time.”
Livie squished up her face. “If you say so.”
“I do, and I’ll prove it too.”
Livie laughed. His expression had turned serious. Maybe he had a point. She was already more relaxed than usual. Time would tell that and being around her family.
“Be back soon.” Livie gathered her things to take into the shower. Her mother would think it was odd if she saw her, but if Theo heard them go downstairs, she was probably safe.