(TORREN) Theo spent the rest of the time with his dad in the office, and I couldn’t shake the growing disappointment that I wouldn’t see him before he left.
He was still in the office when his dad came out to say goodbye to everyone.
I kept waiting for Theo to appear, but he didn’t.
After the others had dispersed, I found myself lingering near the office, unsure whether to go in.
It was already dark when I knocked on the door, carefully checking to make sure no one saw me.
His voice called me in, and I peeked inside.
He smiled, waving me forward.
Theo was still on the phone, seated behind a heavy desk that made him look even more commanding.
Dark wood bookcases lined the walls, and the room smelled faintly of cigarette smoke.
I stepped inside, glancing around.
He ended his call just as I approached, holding up his sunglasses.
“I thought you were leaving,” I said.
“I’m meeting my father in a bit.
He and Vivian went to say hi to some friends.” I leaned against the desk, handing him the glasses.
“Thank you.” “You’re welcome.” He shifted back in his chair, his fingers laced together in his lap, like he was actively holding himself in check.
“So, I just wanted to say bye.” “I’ll miss you,” he said, his voice soft but sure.
My heart skipped, and I ducked my head, placing my palm on the desk.
“Will you?
Are you up for more confusing fights?” He laughed.
“Maybe I won’t miss that.” “Yeah, me neither,” I admitted, glancing at him.
“But I guess I’ll miss you too.” His grin widened as he leaned back further, looking completely at ease.
“Torren Matthew, are you finally warming up to me?” I rolled my eyes, though I couldn’t help smiling.
“Maybe, Theo.” He tilted his head, studying me.
“What are you thinking right now?” I sighed, rubbing my knuckles against my nose.
“You tell me, since you’re so good at reading my mind.” He shook his head.
“Not this time.
That’s why I asked.” I hesitated, his gaze pressing on me.
“I was just thinking,” I started, clearing my throat, “that I’m sober right now.” His smile grew.
“Yeah, I couldn’t help but notice that too.” There.
I’d said it.
Surely, it was his move now.
But he didn’t budge.
“So,” I prompted.
“Come here.” I glanced down.
Instantly, it felt like a challenge.
A test.
I could walk away and keep this back-and-forth going forever, or I could give in.
This was the chance to finally prove to myself that I was either in this thing we had going on or not.
The chance has availed, and now what was left was my surety.
Steeling myself, I stepped forward.
He slid back in his chair, giving me space.
When I stopped in front of him, he didn’t move, just watched me.
“What?” I asked, confused.
“I’m still waiting.” I frowned.
“I came.” He smiled slowly, shaking his head before patting his lap.
My stomach flipped.
“Come here,” he repeated.
I hesitated, shaking my head instinctively, but his sigh stopped me.
“This one’s on you.
Why do you have to make it so difficult?” Theo stood, stepping into my space.
One hand slid to the back of my neck, the other tilted my chin, holding me gently.
I stared at the open V of his shirt, my resolve wavering.
“I’m not trying to be difficult,” he said softly, his voice a soothing contrast to the tension between us.
“I’m trying to savour it and make sure you do too.
Please, just do what I’m asking.
I promise you’ll like it.” I closed my eyes for a second.
“Stop fighting me, Torren,” he added.
He sat back down, his eyes holding mine, steady and unwavering.
“Trust me,” he whispered.
I couldn’t keep this up.
What was the worst that could happen?
I’d hate it and tell him to stop.
That wouldn’t kill me.
What would kill me is wondering “what if” for the rest of my life.
Staring at my hand on the desk, I steadied myself.
“Can we try that again?” Theo asked gently.
I nodded, and the soft creak of leather told me he was leaning back.
“Come here, darling.” I exhaled and pushed away from the desk.
His lips parted slightly as I approached, his gaze never leaving mine.
Placing a hand on his shoulder, I straddled his lap, my heart pounding.
“There,” I said, earning a low chuckle.
He didn’t move, his forearms resting on the armrests, his composure maddeningly intact.
“Come closer,” he urged.
Clenching my jaw, I leaned in.
His eyes roamed my face, a satisfied smile playing on his lips.
“Good boy,” he murmured.
My eyes widened.
I tried to pull back, but his hands settled on my hips, holding me firmly in place.
“You’re treating me like a pet again,” I accused, my face burning.
“I’m not,” he countered, his voice softening.
“You’re so fucking perfect.
I just want you to know it.” His hands pressed lightly, urging me closer.
“Stop running from me.
Let me take care of you,” he whispered, sitting up and burying his face in my neck.
His lips were warm against my skin.
“All I want is to make you feel good, darling.” I closed my eyes, trying to relax, letting him pull me closer.
“That’s it.
Put your arms around me,” he murmured.
I wrapped my arms around his neck, his lips brushing just below my ear.
A shiver ran down my spine.
“I promise I’ll take such good care of you, Torren.
Just let me.” Breathing deeply, I relaxed into his embrace, his words melting away my doubts.
He kissed my jaw, his hands sliding under my shirt and moving up my back.
His touch sent a surge of heat through me, and I tightened my hold on him.
“Theo,” I breathed.
“Tell me what you want me to do,” he said, his voice laced with anticipation.
“Look at me.” Our eyes locked and my brain promptly abandoned me.
It was then that I even noticed things I shouldn’t have seen.
the way he breathed, the tiny part of his mouth, how he was looking at me like he was figuring something out.
I forgot what I was about to say.
I forgot my own name.
“Kiss me,” I said, almost in a whisper.