Page 66 of The Scent of Happiness

Stephen raised an eyebrow. “We can debate that all day, but the result is the same. You’re making me look like I don’t know what I’m doing.”

“When we win, you won’t care about that.” Theo moved a black bishop across his chess board, sliding it to the other side. This was a conversation they were both tired of having, but they seemed destined to repeat it. “I’m the one who’s doing the scut work. Let me do it.”

Stephen frowned at the chess board until the silence became unbearable. “Your king needs help. You need to protect him.”

Theo studied the board, trying to see what Stephen saw. He couldn’t. “The king is in a strong position. As long as I line up the other pieces behind him and don’t make any foolish moves.”

“Well then, you’re screwed.”

“See this queen?” Theo tapped the chess piece. “She’s at the king’s side. Nothing will happen to him. This game is already won.”

“Then there’s nothing more I can do here.” Stephen knocked over the white king before leaving Theo’s office.

Theo righted the king, and then reset the board and played through a few different opening gambits. There were cautious ways to play and risky ways to play. He preferred to play the smart way.

Right now, it would be smart to treat Brooke like a client. Hit the pause button on their relationship. Stay away from her until her legal case was resolved.

He knew this. They both knew it.

Knowing and doing were two different things.

Theo couldn’t stay away if he tried. He thought about Brooke constantly. At work, he wondered which pair of glasses she’d chosen that day. At the gym, he thought about her body and all the interesting ways she moved it. He sent her pictures. He sent her flirty texts.

When he finally got to see her, he brought her hibiscus tea, sandalwood incense, and peppermint candy, just for the pleasure of watching her enjoy them. He even started attending church again, which thrilled his mother no end. He sat with his mom, Brooke sat with the choir, and they’d try to be subtle while making eyes at each other across the pews.

Brooke was busy too, juggling her job, craft shows, and extra choir rehearsals. Finding time together was nearly impossible.

Theo liked the challenge.

* * *

Brooke knew that openly dating Theo was too risky, especially after running into his old law school friend in Columbus. So they stuck to hanging out at her apartment. Theo would park his car a few blocks away and scurry past her parents’ door in the dark, sneaking in like a teenager after curfew. Brooke didn’t like being a fully grown adult who still had to hide things from her parents, but Theo was always there to reassure her. Every time she worried aloud, he’d smooth her hair and run his hands over her shoulders and remind her that it was only for a few more weeks. At most a few months. Once her legal case was put to bed, they could be seen together.

In the meantime, they snatched what time they could find. Theo brought over Chinese takeout and wrote legal papers at her table while she made soap. He waited for her after a late shift at the library and they vaulted into each other’s arms, desperate for touch after hours apart. When they miraculously had the same afternoon off, he cooked her pancakes, she tried to coax him into the tub, and they laughed like hyenas while trying to learn the latest TikTok dance.

One Thursday, Brooke was getting ready to turn off her phone for the night when a text from Theo came in. He’d had a family thing with his mom and some other relatives that night and she hadn’t expected to hear from him. Just as well, since she was exhausted from work and choir practice. Their director was already preparing Christmas music, including some pieces way above the level that a small church choir should be attempting.

You up? Theo’s text asked.

Brooke’s thumbs paused above the keyboard. She wanted to see Theo, but she was way too tired for a booty call.

As if reading her mind, he sent a follow-up text a second later. I’m wiped out but I want to hold you in my arms as I drift off.

I’ll leave the door unlocked, she sent. Gallop in, centaur.

When he arrived fifteen minutes later, Brooke was half asleep, but she stirred when Theo’s weight entered the bed. She moved toward him and he gathered her in his arms, exhaling a sigh of pure contentment.

“Long day?” she murmured.

“Better now,” he whispered. “Go back to sleep.”

She planted a few lazy kisses on his cheeks and lips, which soon turned to urgent kisses, which he returned. She inhaled his wonderful scent, caressed his hard muscles, enjoyed his hands on her body.

Perhaps sleep could wait.

* * *

“What are you doing?” Brooke asked.