I’m shocked; was that sexy or gross? I feel my face redden but he doesn’t seem to notice or miss a beat.
“That was amazing. Maybe you need to move in with me and be my chef.”
“I don’t think your current chef would like that. Go get some more. There’s plenty.”
A couple on the TV kiss. “Aww, I was rooting for those two to hook up.” I’m a hopeless romantic through and through. I’m not sure if I’m sold on the idea of soulmates but I love when people get their happily ever after. Romantic comedies, romance novels… you name it, I love it.
Theo snorts, looking over at me. “I can’t believe you buy into all this.”
“What? You don’t think it’s real?”
“No way.”
“Why not? Are you so cynical that you don’t believe two people can fall in love on a reality TV show?”
“It just doesn’t seem real to me. It’s like they’re doing it for the ratings or something. But what do I know? I’ve never actually seen the show.”
“Well, I think it’s real and I won’t let your negativity ruin it for me. I’m a hopeless romantic.”
“Here we go,” he jokes but I know he’s serious. Theo won’t admit it, but he’s jaded and more than a touch cynical. He’s that whole I’m an island thing, but I think it’s total bullshit and he’s projecting.
“I know you don’t believe in forever love but I do. One of these days, I’m going to find the right man and everything will be perfect. We’ll meet, become friends, fall in love, and get married. We’ll grow old together and have a happily ever after.” I give him my biggest smile just to rub it in that his negative Nancy attitude about love won’t spoil my fantasies.
“I hope you’re right. I, however, will be in my office when you need me.”
I can’t help but laugh, even if it is out of pity. “You’ll give it up one of these days.”
“Give what up?”
“Your heart.”
He doesn’t respond, just turns his attention back to the pizza in his hand.
We both get a little more comfortable, kicking our feet up on the coffee table as we watch TV, drink, laugh, and talk. The sun goes down and the apartment grows dark, other than the blue light from the TV.
It’s getting late and honestly I’m surprised Theo has stayed this long. I squint at the clock on the microwave but between the long day and the wine, I can’t make out the time. I don’t want to ask him either for fear that he’ll suddenly realize how late it is and bolt. Instead, I let the warmth of his body next to mine and the soft glow of the TV slowly lull me to sleep.
I don’t know how much later it is when I feel the couch shift and the weight of a blanket being placed over me. I stir a little, reaching my hand out and feeling Theo grab it before placing it back on the couch next to me.
My eyes attempt to flutter open but they’re too heavy. I feel my hair being brushed gently away from my face and hear the slightest whisper before sleep completely overtakes me. “Good night, Wren.”
5
Theo
I sit at my desk, images of Wren sleeping soundly beside me filling my brain. It took everything I had last night to leave her. I wanted to sit next to her all night, watching her sleep, knowing she was safe. I kicked myself this morning when I realized that she’d be on the train alone, possibly being followed by this mysterious stalker.
“Cheryl?” I hold down the intercom button.
“Yes, Mr. Carmichael?”
“Can you check again to see if Wre—Miss Adler has arrived yet?” I’m not sure why I suddenly felt the need to be more formal when referring to Wren. As if that will somehow change my feelings about her or cancel out the fact that I tucked her in last night.
“Sir, I just checked with her assistant Julie and she’s not in yet. Should I call her?”
“No, no, that won’t be necessary.” I pull out my phone to call her, fear starting to turn into panic at the thought that something could have happened to her. I stuff the phone back into my pocket and grab my suit jacket from the back of my chair. I don’t know where I plan on going—the train station? What do I say when I find her? Oh, hey, I was worried you were murdered and I’m in love with you.
“Sir?” Cheryl asks as I blaze past her toward the elevator.
“Back in a minute.”
The moment I step off the elevator and into the lobby, I see her standing on the front steps, talking to him… her ex. I ball my hands into fists, then release them, willing my blood pressure to settle.
I walk slowly out the door. They’re facing one another, their profiles to me. Neither of them seems to notice as I approach. I wait briefly. I don’t want to interject if it truly is a friendly conversation, but it only takes a second for me to realize it’s not.
“It’s not your responsibility to keep an eye on me anymore, Penn. We’re broken up. You can’t keep doing this.” I can hear the desperate pleading in Wren’s voice. Even when she’s angry she tries her hardest to be kind.
“So I’m a bad guy for wanting to make sure you’re safe?” Penn waves his hands around wildly. Of course, always playing the fucking victim.
“What? No. I didn’t say that.” She lets out an exasperated breath, shaking her head. I can see the stress and anxiety of the situation taking over and I know I need to step in.
“That’s basically what you’re saying, Wren. You expect me to just quit caring? I love you and I just want to make sure you’re safe. I’d think you’d appreciate that a little more since I’m practically the only person in your life who cares to check up on you.”
He reaches out and grabs her hands in his and I step forward. “Is everything okay here?”
Wren yanks her hands away from Penn. “Yes, I’m fine.”
I give her a stern look, hoping to read whatever she’s not saying. “You sure?” I lift a brow at her suspiciously.
She nods. “Penn was just leaving, and I’m getting ready to go inside. I’ll follow you.”
I give her another long, hard stare, then turn my gaze to Penn and back to her before nodding and heading for the doors. I take my time walking away and I catch the tail end of the conversation before I reach the door.
“God, that guy is such a dick. Always sticking his nose where it doesn’t belong.”
“He’s my boss, Penn. He’s just looking out for me.” I can hear the annoyance in Wren’s voice still and it makes me feel a little good that she defends me.
“Exactly. He’s your boss. It’s not his job to look out for you. Plus, that’s why you have me.”
I want to turn around and lay the motherfucker out. Tell him that she doesn’t need a pencil dick little weasel pretending to protect her when he can’t even get his own fucking life together—but I don’t. Instead, I step inside and wait till I see Wren making her way into the building and on to the elevator.
“Cheryl, can you come in here?” I hear the bark in my voice and I don’t even try to pretend I’m not about to tear heads off.