Theo got the leftover salad out of the fridge too and poured the dressing over it.Corvin had recommended some Green Goddess concoction and given out Mike’s recipe.While Theo had been skeptical at first, he had to admit that it was as amazing as advertised.
Peter, of course, added the salad to the tray and grabbed a water bottle before heading to the stairs.Theo walked behind him.I like his shoulders.Like his entire back; so nice to lean on.
Peter transferred the tray to one hand and got the basement door open, then turned on the light down there.He moved smoothly, looking comfortable in his skin and his surroundings, unbothered that he was carrying food that held no appeal at all for him.
Out of some guilt-driven impulse, Theo hugged Peter around his middle from behind while they were still in the middle of the staircase.
Peter stopped.“Theodore?”
“Sorry.I just…I like you.I’m sorry for asking about the stupid contract thing.”
“You don’t have to be sorry about that.My heart is yours, and so is my body.I don’t mind putting it in writing.”
Theo tightened his hold.“Ugh, so cheesy.”
Peter chuckled.“Theodore, instead of carrying this tray downstairs, I’d much rather carry you upstairs, but you’ll not skip dinner.We can always cuddle on the couch during the movie.”
“That’s a good idea.Okay, I’m letting go now.Don’t be weird.”
Peter clicked his tongue.“Weird.Pah.”
As soon as Theo let him go, he did a model strut, somehow managing to swing his hips wildly even on the stairs.It was ridiculous.Theo’s face was red with laughter by the time they got to Peter’s downstairs lair.
“Weirdo vampire,” Theo said fondly as Peter unfolded the blanket he kept down here these days, no matter that the newly installed heating worked just fine.
Theo had just finished his food when his phone vibrated in his pocket.
Peter frowned.“Should I stop the movie?”
“No.Might just be Celeste.”He cleared his throat.“About work, you know.”
“Certainly.”
Peter sounded reserved, if not disapproving.He has to learn to deal with it.With me working.
It was indeed Celeste who had texted Theo, except it had nothing to do with work.
FYI: Sage asked for your number to give to Will, his apprentice.He says Will was concerned about not having thanked you.Can I tell them?
Sure.
Done.When can you start?
Theo bit his lip.
Is Wednesday okay?
Of course.Be here when you can.
Before Theo could turn off his phone, another text came in.
Hey, I wanted to say thank you again for the food!The churros were really yummy.
This is Will by the way.
I asked Sage to ask Celeste to give me your number.
Also, Sage liked the notebook I got him at the bookstore.
