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SEVENTEEN
HADLEY
By the time we make it back to the bed, I am exhausted. But Theo’s apology for eventually breaking our summer-only agreement is on a constant loop, replaying in my mind. He didn’t push me to reveal my feelings about continuing our relationship into the fall, which is good because his confession puts me in the middle of a tug-o-war between him and my brother. Eventually, Curtis is going to start hounding me, especially when I don’t show up in Georgia at the end of the week.
There are also still lingering questions about Serena. He told me once we left the car, we wouldn’t talk about her again, but what happens when she’s released?
“You’re thinking too loud,” Theo mutters beside me.
“Sorry,” I say. “I guess my brain isn’t as exhausted as the rest of me.”
He slides his hand across my middle and pulls me closer. “Tell me.”
“It can wait.”
“Clearly it can’t, so tell me.”
“But you said—”
He groans. “Is this about Serena?”
“Sort of,” I admit. “What will happen when she’s released?”
“Nothing,” he says. “She doesn’t have custody of Colton and Piper, and when she’s released, I’ll have a protective order put in place.”
“Do you think she would hurt them?”
“No, I think she’ll try to take them from me.” He rolls me until I’m snuggled against his chest, his hand tracing light paths up and down my back. “What else is bothering you?”
I’m tempted to lie and tell him there’s nothing else, especially since he’s the one who changed the subject, but then I remember my promise to be honest. “Can we talk about this in the morning?” Hey, if he can change the subject, so can I, and I’m still being honest. I do want to talk to him about Curtis because I’m often alone at home. I don’t have allies, other than Tanner and Jolene, to support and back me up.
“Yes,” he agrees. “But don’t think you can get out of the conversation.”
I settle against him, and the combination of his warmth and the soothing strokes of his hand against my back calm the chaotic thoughts in my head. As I drift off, one final thing filters into my mind.
This is the first time I’ve ever spent the night with a man.
* * *
Wakingup with to Theo is entirely different than going to bed with him.
First, he’s sitting at the small desk in our room sipping coffee, talking on the phone in a quiet but firm voice. His laptop is open and though he’s not in the office today, he’s still wearing an olive-green polo shirt and a pair of khaki pants. He spins in the chair and catches me trying to slide out of bed without disturbing him. When he pats his knee, beckoning me to him, I shake my head and point to the bathroom. His eyes grow dark, and a rumble escapes his lips.
“I’ll be right back,” I whisper before disappearing into the bathroom.
It doesn’t take me long to wash my face and run a brush through my tangled hair. Before I go back out, I stare at my reflection. I don’t look any different, though I’m starting to feel different. None of my past relationships were serious but what’s developing with Theo is major. Am I prepared for that kind of intensity? I don’t think I have a choice. Theo doesn’t seem like a casual dater.
With a heavy sigh, I turn and open the bathroom door only to come face-to-face with a very handsome but very annoyed looking face.
“What’s with the scowl,” I ask with a light laugh.
“Your brother is an insufferable asshole.”
Oh, shit. My heart drops and heat blooms on my cheeks. Did he read my emails? Answer my phone? “What happened?”
“He somehow found out you were working for me and contacted me.”
I push by him and sit down on the edge of the bed. Leave it to Curtis to fuck things up for me. “What does he want?”
