Theo wipes the chocolate from his lips with his pyjama sleeve. “Can I have some milk?”
Nick clears his throat. “Sure, Teddy bear.” He strides over to the fridge and pours a full glass of milk, then hands it to Theo.
“Thanks.” He carries it back into the living room with both hands, sipping it as he goes.
Nick stretches his arms, the white t-shirt lifting, giving me a glimpse of his six-pack and his erection still jutting out of his checked bottoms. “Right. I’m going to take a shower.”
“Best make it a cold one.” My eyes can’t stop staring at his large package. “Or maybe you need some self care.” I giggle as I pick up the rest of my sandwich.
“I’m definitely getting someelfcare later.” He winks, making my walls clench. “Are you okay hanging out here while I change?”
I nod and bite into my sandwich.
“Just make yourelfat home.” He chuckles as he disappears into the hallway.
I finish my sandwich and tidy the kitchen, then enter the living room to check on Theo. “Hey. Everything okay?” I bounce on the sofa next to him. “Did you write your Christmas wish list yet?”
He shakes his head, chewing the last of his cookie.
“You should write Santa a letter. I’ll post it for you if you like.”
“Good idea.” He jumps from the couch and runs into the kitchen. “Can we bake cookies after?”
“I’d like that.” I say, following him. “Next time, I’ll bring a gingerbread house kit for us to make.”
“Do you think my mum would have liked to bake with me?”
I open cupboards and set out the baking ingredients. “I think she would have loved it, Theo, and I’m sure she wishes she were here, but I’m glad that I get to do this with you.”
“I think my mum would like how happy you make me and daddy.”
My heart swells. I really want Theo to like me. The two of them are a package deal. “I hope so, Teddy bear.”
He wipes his milk tash with his sleeve. “Are you Dad’s girlfriend now?”
I freeze. My heart pounds in my throat. I don’t know what to say. My shoulders relax when Nick appears at the side of me, fumbling with his tie.
“Joy’s Daddy’s friend, and she’s going to have a sleepover tonight. You know how you have sleepovers with your pals.” He unties the knot and tries again, but he’s all fingers and thumbs.
Theo looks up at me. “Can we have hot chocolate and play games?”
“I’d like that.” I smile at Theo, then swat Nick’s hands away. “Let me.” I take the blue silk in my hands and tie it in the perfect knot. His damp hair hangs over his forehead and I brush it back into position, inhaling the scent of his aftershave.
“Right, I’m going to the office for a few hours, Teddy bear. Joy will take care of you. If you need anything, call me.”
“Bye.” Theo bites into his sausage roll and heads to the couch, where he continues to watch the TV, the baking obviously forgotten for the moment.
Nick walks into the hall and I follow, hoping to feel his lips one more time. He doesn’t disappoint when he presses against me in a long, searing kiss before stepping out the front door. “Thanks, little star. I’ll see you later.”
“Can you bring my clothes home? I left them hanging in the office.”
He smirks as he gets into his car. “I don’t know. I kind of like seeing you in that.”
19
NICK
The lights are out and the house is quiet by the time I get home. I shouldn’t have stayed at work as long as I did, but I needed to get on top of the paperwork.
