Theo:I can just come over and we can do them together?
Renley:No, you’re too charismatic for that and I’ll probably put something down that I don’t mean.
Theo:Charismatic, huh?
Renley:Yes. So just stay there and when I’m done, I’ll pass them through your mail slot.
Theo:I love it when you talk dirty to me.
Renley:^^^ That’s exactly what I’m talking about.
Theo:Sorry for being so quick-witted and enigmatic. I’ll try to tone it down for you.
Renley:You and I both know that’s not possible.
Theo:I wasattempting to alleviate your stress.
Renley:Not helping.
Theo:I have other ways to alleviate the stress…
Renley:THEO!
Theo:You’re right, you’re right. Sorry. Okay, work on the rules and get back to me. And don’t forget, we’re doing the bathroom today.
Renley:I know, that’s why I have to get this over and done with now.
Theo:So romantic.
Chapter Twenty-Nine
THEO
Why am I so nervous?
This is ridiculous.
But ever since she said she’s working on new rules, I’ve been pacing back and forth, waiting for her to slip something into my mailbox. It’s been hours. So many hours of waiting, and frothing, and waiting while frothing.
And sure, it really hasn’t been hours and I’m unclear on how to make myself froth, but I can’t take the anxiety. What if she wants to end all touching?
Sorry, lady, your nipple pressed against my palm last night and that’s a feeling I can’t erase. No, madam, it’s there forever.
No touching will not be agreed upon—of course if she really asks for it, I’m a dignified man, not some plonker who thinks he can take advantage of women. If she says no, then it’s a no.
But please, fuck, don’t let it be a no. I feel like I’ve made so much progress, and even with everything up in the air, I wouldn’t be giving myself a fair shot to explore the idea of whatit would be like to…I don’t know, have a fling and then get engaged.
God, how fucked up is that sentence? Have a fling and then get engaged?How about date her, you twit.
The door opens and my heart thumps loudly as I look up to find Rupert walking in, wiping his brow with a sweatband on his wrist and drinking what seems to be a freshly squeezed juice.
“It’s going to be a scorcher today. Phew.” He sips his drink and looks me up and down. “Why are you just standing in the middle of the living room?”
“Waiting for something from Renley.”
“Oh.” Rupert reaches into his pocket. “She gave this to me like half an hour ago to give to you and I forgot about it when Kitty promised me her freshly squeezed lemonade.”
“You arsehole,” I say, snatching it from him. “You should have brought it to me right away.”
