My arms were still wrapped around him, but they weren’t squeezing anymore. My body had relaxed as I talked with him. His voice had started this, but now I knew I felt completely safe in his arms.
And even better, Ilikedit.
“I’m good.”
Theo moved, and for a moment, I thought he was pulling away. Instead, his hands moved up and down my back, leaving heat in their wake.
“Is this also okay?”
“Yeah. I really like it, actually.”Likewasn’t a strong enough word. All my life, touch had come with pain. With every movement, Theo eased one moment of misery. My mind clung to his hands, desperately wanting to remember this and not all the misery that came before.
I wanted more. I wanted to experience what touch was like when it wasn’t pain.
We stayed like that for a long time, and I wondered if I would ever be ready to pull away.
Theo paused first. “M-maybe I should get back to closing.”
I came back into myself and slowly pulled away.
My skin felt cold.
“Yeah, of course. Thank you for that, Theo.”
He looked me over, seemingly lost in thought for a long moment. I tilted my head at him, wishing I could read minds. “Any time, Piper.”
My breaths were shaky, and I could only nod and grab my laptop. I wasn’t nervous. Instead, I was buzzing with a different sort of energy. I wondered if Theo was feeling the same thing.
But he was working on closing, not facing me.
For a moment, I tried to get a read on him. It was hard when he seemed determined not to look at me. Then he glanced back, catching my eye.
They were wide, as if he felt the same thing I was. My own emotions felt warm but delicate, like the wrong word could tear them all down.
“Did you mean it when you said any time?” I asked.
He answered quietly, “I did. You gonna wear out that offer?”
“Is it okay if I do?”
He gave a jerky nod and relief made my shoulders sag.
I could do this again. He would be close to me.
It was all I wanted.
24
THEO
Strawberry Springs Neighborhood Watch
Marjorie Brown:Interested in the art of the human form? Nude drawing classes are every Thursday at six!
Comments:
Dale Garrett:Who in their right mind would want to draw naked people?
Mollie Wilson: @Wren Hackett @Grace Day @Jade ClarkWe’re in this week, right?
