Theo still gave me space.
“How are you doing?” he asked quietly.
“I’m good.”
His brow rose. “Really?”
“I wouldn’t lie.”
He gave me my card back, eyes intense on me, then Kelsey had my drink ready. I gave them both a wave before going to my usual table and pulling out my laptop.
When I sat, I wanted to see if Theo was still looking.
He was.
I gave him a wink, and that seemed to jostle him out of histhoughts. His cheeks went red before he looked down at the register.
God, that man was cute.
And inspiring.
With a smile still on my face, I opened a new Word document, determined to think of my next book.
When I was a kid, I lived in my imagination. Worlds would spill out before me and I would write them down as quickly as I could. Now that it was my career, I still kept to that. I loved writing swoon-worthy, kind heroes. I loved making them care more than anything about the woman that they were going to be with. Normally, I made my heroes like sunshine itself.
But for my last book, I’d deviated. I had no idea if Mitch would like it, but I still felt inspiration brewing every time I looked at Theo.
The afternoon sun was hot when both Kelsey and Theo started closing. Instead of kicking her out for the day, he seemed to be willing to let her help. I kept myself busy with my outline while they worked.
“I’m heading out,” Kelsey announced. “Bye, you two.”
“Bye,” I said. Theo waved before looking at me.
Now that we were alone, I did the same thing I had with Grace. I imagined our hands brushing again.
The idea sent a jolt through my body, but it didn’t feel like fear. It was excitement.
Things were different with him, and him alone.
“I see you’re getting to know people in town. Grace is really nice.”
“She is, but touch is still a no go. You’re the only exception so far.”
“It could have just been a fluke.”
“I don’t think it is.” I tilted my head to the side. “But we could testit.”
“Again? So soon?”
“I’m up for it if you are.”
Theo blinked at me, his expression unreadable. My eyes stayed on him, wondering if he would turn me down or not.
“What did you have in mind?”
“More touching. Maybe a different part of you this time.” One singular eyebrow raised and my cheeks grew hot. “Not likethat.”
“I figured.” He took a breath.
