“He’s kind of strict with that, huh?’ she teased and glanced at Theo as he carried in their three plates and placed them on the coffee table.
“Sometimes, I’ll allow popcorn if we’ve got a special movie. But yeah, your daughter can be kind of messy with food. Like someone else I know.” His eyebrows rose and his lips twitched.
Color flooded her cheeks as she remembered a few times they’d snacked in this room when they’d first met. Too often, the food had been forgotten or dropped when kissing and touching had taken precedence. The smirk on Theo’s face made her stomach flip and desire twist even deeper. It was times like this that she truly believed they could make it.
Jordan picked a movie. Theo had insisted it be a short one to try and stay within the doctor’s orders. Chelsea didn’t mind. It was simply too wonderful sitting next to Theo, resting on his shoulder with Jordan sprawled across both their laps. Was this what being a family meant? Being together, happy, and loving each other? No doubt she loved Jordan, and her daughter took every chance she could to tell her she loved her back. But Theo? Did he still love her? Jordan had said he did when she’d mentioned the princess story. Was it all talk?
Theo’s actions lately had certainly showed he cared. Not only the kissing and subtle touching but how carefully he treated her. How scared he’d seemed when she’d been hurt. The fact he hadn’t freaked out when she told him of her nervous breakdown. Could he accept her the way she was? Did she even dare tell him the whole truth? Soon. Soon, she would.
“Okay, peanut, time for bed.”
“Daddy,” Jordan protested. A yawn slipped out of her mouth giving her away.
Theo grinned. “Caught ya.”
“Can Mama put me to sleep tonight, too?”
“I think I’m going to put your mama to sleep right after you. I caught her yawning a few times, also.”
“Where you gonna sleep, Mama?”
It did seem strange that she’d stayed over twice, once on the couch, and once in Theo’s bed, with him on the couch.
Before she could answer, Theo said, “I thought your mom should sleep in my bed, since she doesn’t feel well. It’s more comfortable.”
Yes. But where would he sleep? “Are you sure? I can—”
Scooping her up into his strong arms, Theo strode toward the stairs. “I’m sure. No arguments. Jordan, head up, and we’ll be right behind you.”
Their daughter giggled at the sight of her father carrying her up the stairs. Chelsea enjoyed being held close to his hard chest and slung her arms around his neck.
At the top of the stairs, he put her down. Sadly. Being in his arms was far too nice. Addictive even. But he steered her into Jordan’s room and had her sit on the bed while he got the child into her pajamas, brushed her teeth, and read her a story. They both gave her kisses and bid her goodnight.
“Your turn now,” he said, lifting her into his arms again. Jordan giggled once more, not quite asleep. He stopped at the bathroom and let her down. “Can you do this part yourself, or do you need help?”
Rolling her eyes, she caught his smirk. “I can probably manage.”
By the time she’d finished in there, Theo had turned down the covers and had a t-shirt in his hands.
“I can run over to your place tomorrow and get some more clothes. For now, I thought this might work.”
Taking the shirt, she sat on the bed and bent to remove her socks. Theo was already there, pulling them off. His gentle hands helped lift her shirt over her head and remove her bra before putting the new shirt on. It was almost clinical, the way he helped her. Did he not find her desirable anymore? Was she too skinny after so many years of inactivity and not eating?
“Lean back,” he instructed as he undid her button and slid down her pants, then tucked her feet under the covers.
“Where are you going to sleep?” Her voice rose, hoping he wouldn’t make her stay alone.
His eyes darted around the room. “I don’t want you to be uncomfortable, pixie.”
Biting her bottom lip, she held out her hand. “I will be, if I know you’re downstairs all squished on that couch and I’m all by myself.”
“You need someone to hold your hand?” One eyebrow lifted.
“I need you to hold me.” Was that too needy? Would it push him away?
Instead, he nodded and kissed her on the forehead. “Let me close up the house, make sure the animals are all set, then I’ll be up. Do you need me to bring anything up when I come?”
“Just you.”
