“You make me happy, pixie.”
Her insides quivered, and her heart raced.
“Thanks for helping me out with Jordan today. Not sure I could have managed without you. She tends to get excited about things.”
So he liked that she took care of Jordan today. Was that it? God, how was she supposed to read this? But his arm around her shoulder, caressing her neck and ear kept her from dwelling on anything else. Even the show they were watching.
When a few more shows finished and she’d given Theo another dose of painkillers, she caught him nodding off.
“I’ll let you get some sleep. What else can I do for you before I go upstairs?”
His strong arms tightened, and he kissed her. It wasn’t the first time, and it wasn’t the most passionate, but the connection between them was there. She felt it and joined in freely. Theo leaned back, and she fell against him, their lips never leaving each other. Touching his chest and feeling his strength caused her to become brave.
As she combed her fingers through his hair, his hands roamed down her back and caressed her backside. God, it felt amazing. Wiggling closer, she wanted, no needed to have him touch her more intimately.
Whump. His leg slid off the ottoman. His face scrunched up in agony, he bolted up and stifled a curse.
“Oh, my God. I’m so sorry. I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have—”
He gripped her hand so she couldn’t move away. “Yes, you should have. That wasn’t your fault either, pixie. You seem to like blaming yourself for everything. I started it, and I sure didn’t mind you joining in.”
Biting her lip, she whispered, “I didn’t mind joining in either.”
His laugh rang through the room. “Good to know. I guess it is time to call it a night. Those pills are working their magic. Help me get this leg onto the couch again.”
Once he was resting and she’d covered him with a quilt and given him a good pillow to use, she wandered around making sure the doors and windows were closed and the lights were off. As she neared the stairs, he crooked his finger at her.
“I need a goodnight kiss like Jordan gets.”
An impish grin escaped as she said, “But you don’t have a kissing heart.”
“Then, you can put it right here.” He pointed to his lips.
“This is how we got in trouble a few minutes ago. Are you sure it’s a good idea?”
He reached out and reeled her in. “It’s a very good idea.”
A quick rap on the door distracted Theo from his attempt at washing out the coffee pot. Grabbing one crutch, he maneuvered into the living room as the front door opened. Rico’s dark head appeared, a grin on his friend’s face.
“Don’t get up on my account.” Rico entered and closed the door behind him. “I was only checking to make sure you don’t need anything.”
“I was already up,” Theo answered. “Nothing wrong with me, except a little bruise on my leg.”
Rico’s eyebrows raised. “Alittlebruise?”
“Okay, a big bruise. It’s nothing I can’t handle.”
“Norma doesn’t seem to think it’s nothing. I heard she’s got you on leave for a few days.”
Theo gazed skyward, trying not to roll his eyes. He liked his boss but wished she hadn’t put her foot down on this.
“Yeah, which is ridiculous since I’m fine. Maybe she’ll let me do desk duty tomorrow, if I promise to be a good boy.”
“Dina would love that,” Rico said with a smirk. “You’d be right where she wants you. Can’t you see her finding all sorts of things to do around your desk? Running those long fingernails along your arm, down your back, brushing against your—”
“Okay, desk duty probably isn’t the best idea. Guess I could stay home and enjoy some time with my family.”
Rico looked around. “Are you talking about Jordan or JordanandChelsea? Speaking of…where are they?”
