(TORREN) “Hey, T, there’s something here for you,” Maya called from the doorway.
I groaned, rolling off my bed and trudging toward the living room.
She walked in, carrying a sleek black box in her hands, her eyebrows raised in curiosity.
“Thanks,” I muttered, taking it and feeling its unexpected weight.
I shrugged, walking over to the couch and sitting down.
The box was unmarked.
No brand, no logo, but a card was tucked neatly into the side.
I pulled it out, Maya sitting beside me like she was settling in for a movie.
It’s not a bribe.
I just thought it’d look good on you.
Answer your fucking phone.
A smile tugged at the corner of my lips despite the fact that I didn’t want to.
Folding the card, I slipped it into my pocket and exhaled, letting the box rest on my lap.
“What is it?” Maya asked, nudging me lightly.
“I don’t know.
I’m not sure I want to open it,” I admitted, my fingers brushing over the smooth edges.
“Why?
Who’s it from?” I hesitated.
Theo had been calling nonstop since Friday, his name lighting up my screen like a persistent reminder of the things I didn’t want to deal with.
I’d been dodging him, but I knew I couldn’t avoid him forever.
Finally, I glanced at Maya.
She was watching me with an expression that said she wasn’t going anywhere until I spilt.
“Theo Kane.” Her eyes widened comically.
“What?
Why?” I leaned back, letting my head rest against the couch, closing my eyes against the inevitable flood of questions.
“I’ve already told you why,” I muttered.
Maya gasped, her hand flying to her mouth.
“T, has he been hitting on you this whole time?” I nodded, sighed, and turned to face her.
“You can’t tell anybody about this, Maya.
Nobody.
Promise me.” Her expression sobered.
“I promise.
Is there something going on?
Is that why you were so mad at him?” “Nothing is going on between us,” I said, running a hand through my hair.
“Yet.” Maya’s jaw dropped.
“Oh my God, Torren, are you serious?” “No.
I have no idea what to do.” “But you’re considering it?” I rubbed my knuckles over my lips, biting down on the skin before nodding reluctantly.
“Yeah, I am.
Or at least I’m not flat-out refusing him.
I did at first, but then we talked on Friday.” Her brows shot up.
“When did you even talk to him?
Is that why you disappeared?” I nodded again.
Taking a deep breath, I looked down at the box.
It felt like it was holding more than just a gift, like it carried the weight of a decision I wasn’t ready to make.
Slowly, I lifted the lid.
Inside was a thin gold bracelet, its rounded links catching the light.
It was understated yet expensive-looking, undeniably him.
I held it out for Maya, and she gasped, covering her mouth with her hand as her eyes grew wide.
“Torren, what the heck?” she whispered, taking it from me to inspect it more closely.
I leaned back, exhaling sharply.
“This is so like him.
It’s like he’s branding me,” I said, taking it back and holding it in my palm.
After a moment, I set it back in the box and pushed it to the far end of the table, as though distance might lessen its weight.
“T, how old is he?” Maya asked softly, cautiously.
My stomach dropped.
“Thirty-four,” I said, meeting her gaze.
“I can’t believe you’re considering this,” she whispered.
“Believe me, neither can I.
If you met him, you’d understand.
It’s like… you can’t refuse him.” I groaned, throwing my arm over my face to block the light.
“Can you please tell me what to do?
I can’t make this choice.
Tell me I’m insane.” “You are insane,” she replied without missing a beat.
“I didn’t even know you were into guys.” “Trust me, neither did I.” Putting a pin on my sexual confusion was easier.
Focusing solely on who he was and why this was such a bad idea rather than what this said about me.
Was I supposed to pick a label now?
“So, it’s just him?” I peeked at her from under my arm and nodded.
“He calls me ‘darling’,” I admitted.
Maya pressed her lips together before bursting into laughter.
I couldn’t help but laugh along with her, rubbing my hands over my face and nudging her with my foot.
“I can’t do this.” I grabbed my phone, staring at it before glancing back at her.
“What?” “I’ll call him, and you can listen in and tell me if I’m insane or not.” She laughed again, shaking her head.
“Torren, I can’t tell you that.” “Please,” I begged.
“I can’t do it alone.” With a resigned sigh, she nodded.
I searched for Theo’s number, my fingers trembling lightly as I pressed the call button.
Holding the phone between us, we waited as it rang, my stomach twisting itself into tighter and tighter knots.
“So, was it the gift that did it?” Theo’s voice came through, smooth and teasing.
Maya’s eyes widened as she clamped a hand over her mouth to stifle a squeal.
“I needed a little time.
It’s not unreasonable,” I told him, trying to keep my voice steady.
“Is that what you needed?
Just asking for the next time I overwhelm you.” His tone was dripping with playful arrogance.
“That’s what I needed.” “But you liked the gift?” I glanced at Maya.
She was practically vibrating with excitement, leaning closer with a grin stretched across her face.
“Yeah, Theo, I liked the gift.
It wasn’t necessary, but thank you.” He clicked his tongue.
“I can’t be on safe ground if you’re still calling me by my name.
Tell me, darling, what exactly do I have to do to get you to warm up to me?” Maya sank into the couch dramatically, pretending to swoon.
I stifled a laugh as she mouthed So hot.
“I don’t know,” I answered honestly.
“But you’re calling,” he pointed out, the smugness evident in his voice.
“So, at the very least, you wanted to hear my voice.” “I just thought it would be rude if I didn’t,” I said, which earned me a low chuckle.
Maya bit down on her knuckle, shaking with silent laughter.
“Are you going to let me see you?” My stomach did an uncomfortable flip.
“I promise it’ll be out in the open.
I won’t come closer if you don’t want me to.” Taking a deep breath, I glanced at Maya for help.
She nodded vigorously.
“I thought you were supposed to be discreet.
How are you going to manage ‘out in the open’ and discreet at the same time?” “Why don’t you let me worry about the logistics?
You just need to tell me yes or no.” I closed my eyes.
“If I say no, are you actually going to back off?” Maya elbowed me in the ribs, making me smother a laugh.
“Torren, we both know you don’t want to say no.” His voice dipped into that dangerously attractive tone that made my chest tighten.
“And you already know I’m dying to see you, so could you just put us both out of our misery and say yes?” Maya started fanning herself, nodding like her life depended on it.
“Say yes,” he insisted, more commanding now.
“Fine,” I said, trying to sound annoyed.
He chuckled softly.
“I was hoping for a more enthusiastic response, but I guess that’ll do.” “Are you free tonight?” I asked, scrunching my nose in embarrassment.
Maya’s eyebrows shot up, her mouth forming a perfect O.
“I’m always free for you,” he replied.
I rolled my eyes.
“That’s such a line,” he laughed.
“And it’s not true,” I pointed out.
“You’re right.
It’s not.
But I happen to be free today.
I’ll come pick you up at eight.” I sank deeper into the couch, and Maya tried to mimic my posture, grinning like an idiot.
I glanced at my watch, it was already six.
“Okay.” “See you in a bit, darling.
Don’t disappear on me again.” “See you,” I murmured and hung up.
“Oh my gosh, Torren!” Maya squealed, grabbing my shirt and shaking me like a rag doll.
I buried my face in my hands, turning face down on the couch.
“I should cancel, right?
I can’t see him,” I said, starting to panic.
“Don’t you dare!” Maya shot back.
“That man has the sexiest voice on the planet.
Please go out with him, please sleep with him, and please, for the love of God, tell me all about it.
I need to live vicariously through you.” I laughed despite myself, then groaned again, running my hands through my hair.
“What am I going to wear?
I don’t even know where we’re going.” “This is too good.” Maya dissolved into giggles.
“I can’t believe you’re actually going through with this.” “You heard him.
It’s not just me, right?” Maya shook her head, still laughing.
“I’m amazed you can carry on a conversation with him.
I’d just drool on the phone.
It’s so weird listening to you two talk.” “Why?” “You don’t sound like you’re having an existential crisis.
You sound like you’ve known him for years, like teasing and joking.” “That’s him.
He makes it easy.
I was terrified to talk to him at first, but he made it effortless.” She smiled.
“I can’t believe you’re going to date Theo Kane.” That didn’t sit quite right.
“I don’t think it’s dating, Maya.
Theo doesn’t date.
I’m not sure what we’re doing, but I’m sure it doesn’t qualify as ‘dating’.
Her smile faded slightly.
“And you’re okay with that?
What is he going to be then?
Your…friend with benefits?” “No idea.” “Hey,” she said, suddenly serious.
“Is that why you’ve been on another planet these past few weeks?” I shrugged again.
Honestly, even though it was a total mindfuck, Theo was a great distraction.
I’d got an extension to delay choosing my major, but I hadn’t told my parents yet.
I kept telling myself I’d do the research, explore my options, and pick something, anything.
But letting my mind drift to Theo was so much easier than figuring out what the hell I wanted to do with the rest of my life.
“College stuff,” I said vaguely.
She gave me that look.
The one that made it clear she was disappointed in my lack of communication skills.
Well, get in line.
“Come on, help me find something decent to wear,” I urged, grabbing her hand and dragging her back to my room.
As I rifled through my wardrobe, Maya kept up the questions, and eventually, I spilled everything.
It was a relief to finally unload the Theo obsession on someone else.
By the time Theo called to say he was downstairs, I was dressed and fussing with my hair in the mirror.
Maya gave me a thumbs-up, assuring me I looked great, but the nerves didn’t let up.
Taking a steadying breath, I grabbed my phone and headed out the door.
My heart lodged in my throat as I stepped onto the street, scanning for Theo’s car.
I jumped when a sleek black SUV slid up beside me, its windows tinted dark.
The passenger window lowered, revealing him.
“Hello, darling,” Theo greeted me.
I opened the door and slid into the seat beside him.
“Hey,” I said simply, buckling my seat belt.
His gaze settled on me as I adjusted myself, and the weight of it made me shift in my seat.
When I glanced at him, he was leaning back, a small smile playing on his lips, watching me like he had all the time in the world.
“What?” I asked, unable to bear the silence.
“Is this for my benefit?” He gestured toward me.
My face burned instantly.
“What?” I feigned ignorance, even though I knew exactly what he meant.
His deep-brown eyes scanned me slowly, from my face to my lap, then back to my hair.
“You look fucking fantastic.” I looked away.
“Thanks,” I mumbled.
“Not that you don’t always look amazing, but I’ve never seen you dress up.
It’s nice.
You look nice,” he said quickly, his grip tightening on the steering wheel.
It was almost funny seeing him unsettled for once.
“Are you okay?” I asked, unable to hide my amusement.
He chuckled softly.
“Yes, I’m fine.
Just exercising self-control,” he replied with a loud exhale.
I smiled, the tension easing slightly.
“What happened to your car?” “The windows are darker in this one.
It’s Henry’s,” he said, starting to drive.
“So, he knows about this?” “He knows.” “You tell Henry everything,” I complained.
“It’s a little problematic.
He’s always making fun of me now.” Theo laughed.
“He makes fun of everyone—that’s just Henry.
He might not seem trustworthy, but he is the least judgemental person I know.
And anyway, he knows me too well to hide anything from him.
Why try?” “Do you think you could refrain from telling him about this?” He glanced at me, stopping at a red light.
“Tell him what?” he teased, his tone all innocence.
I shook my head and looked away.
“You’re so fucking infuriating,” I mumbled, which only made him laugh again.
His hand landed on my knee, and I nearly jumped out of my skin.
He tightened his grip before moving it to the gearshift.
It seemed like an absent gesture, but it set my nerves on fire.
Nothing Theo did was without calculation.
“I won’t tell him about it if you don’t want me to.
But honestly, even if I denied it, he’d still think something was going on,” he said, glancing at me knowingly.
He wasn’t wrong.