Chapter 10
CHAPTER TEN
Theo
Breakfast with the Andersons was everything Livie had said it would be, and more. The food was excellent. He’d give her mom that. The rest, well, it was like a dreadful movie. When she’d told him about her family, he thought she’d exaggerated. It turned out to be an understatement. There were too many snarky comments from her brother-in-law and rude remarks from her brother and sister. The sad part was her parents—especially her mother—were the worst of all of them.
If Livie wasn’t almost the spitting image of her mother, Theo wouldn’t have believed Livie was hers. Helen’s meanness doused all the sweetness Livie exuded. If he hadn’t been worried about hurting Livie, he’d have told them all to shut the hell up. Belittling her dreams was bad enough, but to keep saying she was letting the family down by not supporting the family business. It boggled his mind.
The only good thing about her family were the grandchildren and Geo’s wife. Jean was amazing and had the patience of a saint. The boys were precocious and added the only enjoyment to the meal. If not for them, he wouldn’t have stopped himself from replying to some of the rude remarks made at Livie’s expense.
Theo wanted to get Livie away from her mother as quickly as possible, but he wasn’t sure how. He’d already seen how Mrs. Anderson enforced her schedule. She missed her calling and should have been a drill sergeant.
He hated not sitting with Livie for breakfast, but he’d make sure he sat with her at dinner. She kept glancing at him and chewing on her bottom lip. As the meal dragged on, he watched the joy seep out of her. Not that anyone else noticed. She only smiled when on the kids spoke to her. It broke his heart. If he hadn’t already been falling for her, he would have as he watched as she silently took all their crap.
“Delicious as always, dear,” George Anderson said as he pushed back from the table.
“Thank you.” Helen picked up his plate and stacked it with hers. “Olivia, it’s time to clear the table. Put the food on the island so we can box it up. Jean and Betsy have to deal with the kids.”
“Sure, mom.” Livie grabbed her plate and offered Theo a tight smile that didn’t reach her eyes.
“George, why don’t you take Theo on a tour of the winery while we make dinner?”
“That’s an excellent idea. Olivia, you won’t mind if I steal your boyfriend for a couple of yours, will you?”
“Not at all, but maybe you should ask Theo if he wants to go.”
“I thought I’d be able to help with dinner or whatever was needed around her,” Theo said.
“The men stay out of the kitchen,” Helen said.
“We’d only be in the way. John, Geo, are you coming with us?” George asked.
Betsy shook her head. “John needs to watch the girls until they go down for a nap. I can’t have them running around while I’m helping Mom.”
“Sorry, John, guess you’re stuck here. Maybe you can watch the boys, too.”
Theo bit the inside of his cheek to stop from laughing at the expression on John’s face.
Jean took pity on him. “Don’t worry, John. The boys will be fine with me. Right, guys? You’re going to help with the green beans, aren’t you?”
“Yes, Mommy. I’m the bestest at breaking the beans,” Jeffie said.
“Okay, that’s settled. C’mon, let’s get moving or dinner won’t be on time,” Helen commanded.
“We’ll leave in a half hour.” George nodded at Theo, then walked out of the room.
Livie was stacking plates and silverware, as everyone else had scattered.
“Are you okay with me going?” Theo asked.
Livie placed the serving spoons she’d gathered into a bowl and looked up at him. “I’ll be fine. Remember, I’m used to this.” She reached for his hand and squeezed it. “Having you here is definitely helping. They weren’t as bad as usual.”
“That was better?” Theo couldn’t believe it. No one in his family would have dreamed of treating anyone the way they’d been treating Livie.
“Yup, tons better, actually. They didn’t harp on med school, or babies. Georgie wasn’t kidding when he said that about my mom. I’m sure they’ve heard worse, too. Trust me, going to the winery will be much better than hanging out here with nothing to do.”
Theo didn’t like it. He hated leaving her to the wolves, because that’s what it felt like to him. That they were a rabid pack preying on the weakest link. What they didn’t understand is Livie was far from weak, or she would have caved years ago and given up on her dream. He wasn’t sure if Livie realized how strong she was, either.
“Okay, but if it gets bad text me, and I’ll make your father bring us back.” He needed to touch her, to reassure himself she’d be okay.
He wrapped his hands around her waist and pulled her closer. She looked up in surprise, and a strand of hair fell across her cheek. He tucked it behind her ear, then cupped her cheek so she couldn’t turn away.
Theo leaned close, his lips almost touching hers. “You’re beautiful, intelligent, kind, and stronger than you give yourself credit for. If your mom gets to you, remember that, okay?”
“Yes,” she whispered.
He hadn’t intended to kiss her, but having her close, feeling her warm breath, he couldn’t resist. He smiled as her cheeks turned the peachy pink he loved.
“I’m going to kiss you. Say no if you don’t want me to.”
Livie’s lips parted as she sucked in a surprised breath, but she didn’t say no. It was the answer he’d hoped for and the only one he’d wanted.
He pulled her closer, and one hand slid beneath her ponytail and tilted her head. His lips slanted over hers, nibbling, before sliding his tongue inside her mouth to caress hers. She tasted like coffee and maple syrup, and her jasmine scent enveloped him.
She moaned into his mouth as he deepened the kiss. tasting all of her, breathing her deep. Livie’s hands slid up his chest and over his shoulders. He never wanted to let her go, but he had to.
They pulled apart and tried to catch their breath. Livie’s cornflower blue eyes sparkled, her cheeks glowed, and her lips were swollen from his kisses. She’d never looked more lovely—perfection.
“Are you going to help me or not?” Helen’s shrill voice fractured their tender moment.
“Yes, Mom. Sorry.” Livie rolled her eyes. “She won’t stop until I get in there. My list will be long since I won’t have kids to watch.”
“Try not to let her run all over you, baby. You deserve so much better. Oh, and make sure we’re sitting next to each for dinner. If not, I’ll be updating the seating arrangements.”
Livie laughed. “Yes, sir. You’ll be right next to me where you belong.” Her eyes widened when she realized what she’d said.
He chuckled. He wanted her to claim him and not just for the weekend. “Wish me luck with your father and brother. It’s going to take a lot of restraint not to deck him if he starts any shit.”
“Don’t hold off on my account. Actually, no, please don’t hit him. It would make everything worse. It would be nice to see him get what he deserves.”
“Livie!” Helen called from the kitchen.
“Damn. Go. I’ll see you later. Try to have fun.” She picked up the stack of dishes and hurried off to the kitchen.
Theo sighed and wondered what the senior and junior George had in store for him. At least there’d be wine. He never promised not to come back tipsy.