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“And how has that been?”
I smirk as I put down the bottle. “I’ve seen them once, dinner at their new house. My mom wants to meet up, lunch dates, family dinners, but I’ve been busy and I’m not used to them being in the same town. It’s a little overwhelming.”
Theo offers a kind, “I bet,” before turning around to pull the pizza out of the oven. It’s not until now that I realize I probably sound like a dramatic teenager, complaining about my relationship with my parents when Theo’s aren’t here anymore. I study him from my spot on the stool. I watch him cut the pizza, and he doesn’t look upset or sad. Maybe our conversation didn’t bother him. He actually looks relaxed, his attractive face free of all grump lines and frowns.
He plates the pizza and carries it over to my side of the island. He places a plate in front of me, while gently lifting my bag off the second stool and sitting it on the floor. I was wondering if he was going to get any closer to me tonight.
“Bon appétit,” he says.
“This looks fantastic,” I tell him as I grab a slice and blow on it gently so I don’t burn the roof of my mouth on the scorching hot cheese.
He eyes me as he takes a bite like he suspects I’m poking fun. I just grin and take a bite.
“So enough about me. Let’s talk about you. I want to know more about Theo Abbot. All I know is you run a pharmaceutical company. You’re an amazing big brother. You have a dog named Waffle and you have a driver. And all of this makes you very grumpy.” I giggle around another bite. We are sitting nearly shoulder to shoulder, so I lean in slightly and nudge his arm with my own.
He grunts and places what’s left of his first slice down on his plate.
“That’s pretty much all there is to know,” he deadpans.
Barking out a laugh, I say, “Nice try.”
“I’m a busy guy, Cassie. There’s not a lot to me, I guess. I work and that’s it.”
“What a copout, Theo. You work a lot, sure, but you’ve got a personality. And surely there’s a list, even if it’s small, of things you would do if you weren’t working. Like hobbies.”
“No hobbies,” he grumbles.
“I saw what you’re hiding under all those fancy suits. Surely you work out.”
This earns me a sideways smirk. “Every morning. I run but also lift weights a few times a week. I’ve got a home gym. There’s also a fitness center at the office.”
“See, now we’re getting somewhere. I love running. I build up a lot of energy and running and cleaning are my go-to ways to exert that energy.”
“I can think of other ways,” he says, but as my eyes meet his, he pulls his heated gaze away from mine and lifts his pizza.
“Hmmm. Okay, what else? Working out is important, but when you get home from a long day at work, what do you do?” I polish off my first piece, savoring the crust. Theo goes big and gets expensive pizza.
“You’re going to laugh.”
I turn all my attention to him. His words tell me I’m about to get some great intel on this man.
“Never,” I tell him, crossing my heart.
“While I try to read before bed, I really enjoy playing video games.” He says it confidently.
“Why would I laugh?” I question.
“I’m a thirty-four-year-old man who plays video games,” he deadpans.
I chuckle this time, but only at his tone. “No, I think that’s fun. It totally makes you a little nerdy. And I find that way hotter than I expected.”
He makes a grunting noise as he pushes his empty plate away from him.
“What kind of video games do you play?” I ask.
“I enjoy some strategy games, but my college roommate got me into first-person shooters, so I play those the most.” He leans his elbow against the counter, turning to face me while I finish. Having his full attention now causes my body to flush. I can feel my cheeks heat.
“I enjoy playingMario Kart. But I’ve never played any first-person shooters. Maybe you can show me how to play sometime.” I throw it out there, knowing darn well I’m shifting us into unsteady waters.
