“Theo!” she exclaims, slapping my chest.
“Tell me I’m wrong and that doesn’t turn you on?” I ask, my eyebrow raised.
She rolls her eyes. “I plead the fifth.”
Cupping her cheek, I draw her in for a kiss, mumbling against her lips, “Trust me, firefly. I won’t let you down again.”
She leans into me, breathing deeply. “Okay. Let’s do this. But the second anyone gets a hint of what’s going on between us, it's over. Got it?”
“Got it.”
I smile, knowing I’d rather die than lose her again.
Chapter Thirty-Nine
THEO
“Ineed a favor,” I call out as I open James’s front door.
I might not have instant access to Caleb or Noah’s places, but I do to my bestie’s. I think the not-so-subtle hints finally got to him a few years back, so on my thirtieth birthday, he gave me a key to his place. Best birthday present ever. I may have even shed a tear or two.
“Hello?” a voice calls back.
“Is that my favorite redhead I hear?” I ask as I walk through to the kitchen.
Raven’s sitting at the breakfast bar, her curly red hair up in a ponytail, fresh-faced and still in her pajamas. It’s 8 a.m., so I shouldn’t expect anything less.
“Hey, you,” she greets warmly, jumping down from her stool to hug me. “I didn’t know you’d be popping by. James is in the shower.”
“Trouble in paradise already?” I tease, walking to the coffee pot and pouring myself a mug.
Raven chuckles. “Nope. I just had my nose stuck in this book and needed to get it finished before heading off to class.”
“Why am I not surprised? Is there ever a time you don’t have your nose stuck in a book?” I ask, but I already know the answer.
“The day that happens, there’s something seriously wrong, and you’ll need to call the doctor,” she quips, laughing.
“Noted.”
She goes back to perching on the stool. “How’s everything going?”
“Good.” I nod. “Some days are better than others, but I think I’m finally getting there. Having Oscar around is really helping. I don’t know if that’s because my focus is on him now and not me.” I shrug, sipping my coffee. “All I know is that I feel better than I have in years.”
“I’m so pleased to hear that, Theo.” She smiles softly. “If anyone deserves a happy ending, it’s you.”
I wave her off, uncomfortable at the praise. “How are things with you? Is James treating you good? Cause I swear if he’s not?—”
“He’s treating me just fine.” She chuckles. “Dad is finally coming around, and I think I know what I want to do when I finish college.” She blushes and brushes a hair behind her ear.
“Don’t keep me in suspense, girl. What is it?” I ask, leaning on the counter, curious.
“I’m… going to open my own bookstore,” she murmurs.
“Yes!” I shout excitedly. “That’s the perfect job for you.” I rub my neck, my face scrunched. “Honestly, I don’t know why you didn’t think of it earlier.”
Raven sighs. “I guess I thought following in my mom’s footsteps was the best idea all around. I was so worried I’d be letting people downwith my choices, but ultimately, this is my life, and I should get to choose what I do or don’t do.”
Pushing away from the counter, I walk around and envelope her in my arms. “It would be impossible for you to let anyone down, Raven. I can’t help you with the legal front—I’m not that kind of lawyer—but let me talk to one of my guys who owes me a favor.” I wink as I draw back.
