"Do you think that's smart, hiding me in your room?" He's aware of my insinuation but doesn't care about the implication.
"I got the note you left me."
Tilting my head to look him in the eyes, I reply, "Oh, oh yeah that."
"That has to be the nicest thing someone has ever done for me. Thank you, Amelia."
He cradles my face between both of his hands and squeezes my cheeks with light pressure before placing a delicate kiss on my lips.
It's the type of kiss that opens the door to so much more, an unspoken invitation that this could lead to whatever we want it to. And even though my body is screaming to progress this, heisonly one article of clothing away from being naked, we have to leave for dinner shortly.
"I have to get ready for dinner, but I had to come up and tell you something."
"What is it?"
He doesn't appear ruffled that the heat between us spikes so high it feels like we are in purgatory. He's absorbed in my words.
Suddenly, I don't feel like telling him about Scarlet, not right before we have to pretend with our parents there isn't something hanging over us.
"Just that…" I clear my throat as I take in Theo's simple appearance. He's tanner since he's been home, and his olive skin accentuates the strong ocean blue resemblance in his stare. It's like gravity pulling me in, waiting for me to immerse myself.
"You didn't get in trouble for my free drink, I hope?"
"Ha, ha, no. No, Benny doesn't care. I wanted to thank you for coming tonight. I'm sure this means a lot to my dad."
"You were the bargaining chip. I wouldn't be going if you didn't."
"Hopefully it won't be a waste of your time."
My dad's voice is loud from the first floor. "Amelia, you up there?"
"Shit." I scurry out of his room. "Hey Dad, what's up?"
Hanging my body off the top of the stairs, our eyes meet just in time that my exit could have come from my own bedroom.
"You're coming tonight?" he confirms.
"Yeah, I still need to get ready, but I'll come for appetizers."
He does an embarrassing little jig that makes me snort.
I cover my eyes. "Please don't ever do that again."
"This is great. Want to drive with me and Molly or—"
"I'll take her." Theo appears behind me, fortunately fully clothed.
"Perfect. We'll leave earlier and get a table in the lounge. Let us know when you're ready to go."
This might be more uncomfortable now than it was when Theo met me for the first time. At least then I didn't know what he looked like naked.
We have to be on our best behavior. I cannot give off the impression I have done exactly what my dad confided in me not to do.
Ineverwouldhaveagreed to this if Amelia wasn't coming along. But I need to work on my relationship with Bruce, and I think I can handle an hour in his company. Consider this the nice hour, but I'm playing with Amelia's dad.
She doesn't take long to get ready. We're not going anywhere super fancy, but she wears some wedge-type heels that pair well with her jeans and sleeveless top. Her delicate shoulders hold up two straps that are tied in a modest bow. She looks exquisite.
"Ready?" she asks me.
