“Great,” she says sarcastically. “I have a breeding kink now, so thanks for that.”
“You’re welcome,” Theo shoots back with a grin, leaning close so only I can hear. “Let’s get out of here, Mama. I need some time alone with my girls.”
Yes, please.
TWENTY-TWO
THEO
“Will you stop cleaning?You’re going to exhaust yourself,” I say, taking the cloth from Finley’s hand and holding it above my head. Annoyed, she narrows her eyes, jumping as high as she can in an attempt to swipe it back.
“Nice vertical, baby,” I taunt, watching as her feet barely leave the floor. “What is that? Two inches? I think you could put Emmett to shame with those hops.”
“Theo, come on. Your family is going to be here any second, and the kitchen is disgusting,” she whines, crossing her arms over her chest. The motion catches my attention, gaze homing in on her ample cleavage as she pushes it together. I go completely brainless for several seconds, only returning to the present when she screeches my name again.
“Theo! Stop!”
I toss the cloth onto the counter and lower my hands to her waist, hauling her into me. Breath rushes fromher lungs, her big green eyes full of panic as she stares up at me. I soften my expression, fingertips ghosting up her sides in a soothing gesture.
“Everything is clean. You’ve been going a million miles a minute all morning, and if you don’t calm down, you’re going to hurt yourself.” Leaning in slowly, I pause when our lips are just inches apart. “I never want to be mean or forceful with you, Fin. But if you don’t sit that pretty ass in one of these chairs right now, I’m going to bend you over and turn it red. Do you understand?”
A shaky sigh fills the space between us, her eyes fluttering closed as she nods in response. I can’t lie—the reaction has my cock thickening inside my boxer briefs, the mental image of my handprint tattooed across her backside doing nothing to stop it from happening. I’ve been so careful because I’m afraid to hurt her or the baby, butfuck. I’m dying to see if she likes it rough. I’d spank and edge her little pussy until she was sobbing, aching, and begging to be filled with my cum.
Shit. I’m all the way hard now.
I kiss her chastely, adjust my erection, and point to one of the high-back barstools. She heeds my request without another word and watches as I finish wiping the counters, but I can tell that her nerves are still getting the best of her.
Tossing the cloth into the sink behind me, I reach across the counter, taking her hand in mine. “I promise, they’re going to love you. They don’t give a fuck if there’s dust on the baseboards or laundry in thehamper. All that matters to them is that we have a happy home, and that we’re taking care of one another, okay?”
She swallows, the tension in her body melting away as I skate my thumb across her knuckles. “Yeah.”
“Good girl,” I reply, winking just as the security system alerts us to a car at the gate. A smile spreads across my face, and I try my best not to act like a kid on Christmas because I haven’t seen my family in well over six months.
“Wait!” she says, jumping off the chair in a sudden panic. “The furniture! I tried to make sure there was room for your sister, but can you double ch?—”
“Finley Bolton,” I admonish, cutting her off. “Everything is perfect. If Tatum needs something, she’ll say it. I’ve known her my entire life, and I can’t remember a single time she’s kept her mouth shut when something was in her way.”
She nods, nervously smoothing the nonexistent wrinkles from her sweater dress. It’s adorable that she’s so concerned, but there’s no need for it. And she’s about to find that out.
Seconds later, the front door opens, all hell breaking loose as voices from outside filter in. I take Fin’s hand, smiling softly and leading her to the entryway. Boner has already beaten us there, his tail wagging happily as he hops around, but remains fairly calm while my family files inside.
“There you are!” my mother rushes out, shoving her bags into my dad’s chest. She’s halfway to giving meone of her famous hugs when she sidesteps, arms wrapping around my girl instead. “Oh, my goodness, Finley!” she gasps. “You’re even prettier than Theo described. I’m Teresa, but you can call me Tess…or Mom. I answer to both.”
“It’s nice to meet you,” Fin replies on a hushed laugh, looking over at me with shock painted across her expression as she returns the embrace.
“Mom, can you leave that poor girl alone before you scare her away?” Tatum teases as Kyle helps her maneuver her wheelchair through the door. My one-year-old niece, Evelyn, sits proudly on her lap, her toothy smile on full display, as always. Reid, who just turned four, follows them with every one of his worldly possessions hugged tightly to his chest as though they’re planning to spend the rest of their lives here, instead of just a weekend.
“Oh, stop,” my mother says. “If she didn’t run for the hills after seeing your brother’s crazy pajamas, it’s safe to say that she isn’t easily rattled.”
“Wow,” I deadpan. “You guys flew three and a half hours just to come into my home and roast me? Is that what’s happening here?”
“Absolutely not,” Tate replies with a sarcastic smirk. “We just didn’t believe that a woman without an inflation valve would willingly choose to spend more than fifteen minutes with you.” She turns to Finley. “Blink twice if you’re under duress.”
“Well, this should be fun,” I mutter, earning an adorable laugh from Fin as I make all the proper introductions and lead everyone to the living room. As Isuspected, Tatum has no trouble with the furniture, settling her chair next to the wraparound sectional and weaving her fingers through her husband’s the moment he sits beside her.
“Uncle Feo!” Reid says, his little feet slapping against the floor as he hurries my way. Boner trots behind him, but doesn’t jump, making me every bit the proud daddy I am. A couple of months ago, I’d have had to put him behind a baby gate so the kids could move around without getting knocked over. But now, he listens and acts like a real gentleman, thanks to his mama. “Look at my new velociwaptow! He does dis!” Pressing a button on the back of the dinosaur toy, he shows me how it roars, his eyes going wide with excitement as I crouch down beside him.
“No way!” I exclaim, my jaw dropping dramatically. “Do you think he’ll eat my vegetables at dinner?” I lean in close, like I have a secret just for him. “Don’t tell grandma, but Ihatebroccoli.”
