He will share when he is ready, but until then, I can ask him some questions, get to know him on a surface level.
“Tell me about your family?” I ask, then gather his now-empty bowl with mine and drop them both into the trash can close by.
Theo shifts his body so that he is facing me. His brow is dipped and I hate seeing it.
Reaching up as if on instinct, I brush my thumb over the offending expression.
“No man as handsome as you should be frowning, honey.”
“There is not much to say.” He shifts uncomfortably, so I get to my feet and offer my hand to him.
“Come on, let’s walk and talk. No pressure here, Theo, just two men getting to know each other.”
He takes my hand, and I am glad that he has removed his glove so I can feel his palm against mine. We walk together down Main Street, watching the kids play, noticing couples walking hand in hand like we are.
This feels nice, and I also see how people watch us, knowing that Theo is new in Silverpine and Miss Patty’s grandson.Everyone in town is nice enough, yes, but everyone is in each other’s business, and nothing is private. Although, if you need help or support, they will be there to help at the drop of a hat.
“My parents travel for work. I see them when they come home, and growing up was the same. I didn’t have a bad childhood, so to speak, but it was lonely at times. If I needed them they would be there, but it may take days sometimes for them to get home. Patty stepped in as well as my other grandparents, but they have passed now.
“I have no siblings; my parents never wanted kids. I was a mistake, but they never made me feel like they regretted me. I found computers—gaming at first, then chatrooms. I fell down the dark internet rabbit hole, but without it, I would not be who I am today.”
“I have one brother,” I say. “I do not speak to him anymore, and it is the same with my folks. They kicked me out when I told them I was gay. I met Neve’s aunt, who took me under her wing and taught me everything I know. Thanks to her kindness and love, I got to know what love felt like in a family and not fear. I am who I am today because of her.”
“I am glad that you found them.” Theo stops, his free hand coming up, cupping my cold cheek. “No person should be made to feel fear from those who are supposed to love them.”
His hand feels nice on my face, so I lean in. Closing my eyes, I soak up the heat from his palm. My body tingles and I smile, opening my eyes to look into his sage green ones. Licking his lips before his head dips, he presses his mouth to mine.
I am shocked that he is this bold; Theo is shy and showed no signs of making a first move. Maybe he does have a different side to him that comes out when he is comfortable with someone.
I lick the seam of his lips, and he groans deep in his throat. The sound goes straight to my almost frozen balls, making them thaw out a little.
Giggling ends our kiss. I look to the side to see a group of teenage girls walk past us, smiling and giggling. One who I know gives me a thumbs up.
“I liked kissing you.” His voice is thick with arousal.
I wish I could feel how hard he is, and show him what he does to me. The time will come when we will get naked and I get to feel him all over me.
“Oh, baby, I liked kissing you, too. We can kiss as much as you would like, and not only on the mouth.” I wink, making him laugh.
“You are shameless, babe.”
I cock a brow at him, his pink cheeks darkening.
“No, do not feel embarrassed about calling me ‘babe.’ I like it.” I give him a wide smile, and we start walking again.
Talking about all the stupid things we did as teens, we trade stories about first kiss, with both boy and girl. His were better than mine, but I love hearing him speak about his life. I live for this; getting to know someone who you feel in your bones could be the best thing that could ever happen to you.
Colt I know, not on a personal level, but I know enough about him that I feel the connection between us. Studying him over the years has made me see that he could be the man for me, yet he never took that step. But… having Theo here makes me wonder of he was waiting for an extra spark, so to speak.
No matter how I want to analyze it, I get to have both Colt and Theo naked and in bed. I just hope it will be soon. My balls ache for them.
Theo drops me home after our amazing date, giving me the warm and fuzzies when he kisses me on my doorstep. Like a proper gentleman, he walks me to my door, making sure I am inside before he leaves.
Twelve
THEO
My life has been a fucking whirlwind since I arrived in Silverpine.
