Run to Ground(70)

“Oh, Theo doesn’t…” She could feel a burning flush creeping up her neck toward her cheeks. “I mean, we’re not dating.”

“Not yet.” Sherry’s smile turned teasing. “I’ve known Theo a long time, and the way he looks at you…” She fanned her face, making Jules laugh despite her flustered state. “So hot.”

Despite Hugh’s warning, despite Jules’s own misgivings, a warm spark lit in her belly. “Really?”

“Oh yeah.” They shared another grin. “Now feed me. I’m dying for one of Vicki’s turkey clubs.”

“I’m on it.” As she led the way out of the kitchen, Jules realized that the wreck of a day might’ve been salvaged after all. She was pretty sure she’d just made her first Monroe friend.

* * *

It was one thing to resolve to stay away from Theo when she wasn’t faced with his broad shoulders and a rare, precious smile. Viggy sat next to him, his tail thumping on the porch boards. It took less than two seconds for her to cave, to smile back and open the door wide enough for them to step inside.

“We’re about to have dinner,” she said, unable to keep her gaze from roaming over Theo hungrily. He was in jeans and another hoodie that was identical to the one she’d stolen from him. Although Jules had planned to wash it and give it back, she couldn’t bring herself to do either. It was warm, comfortable, and smelled like him, and she couldn’t bear to change that—or give it up. “Want to join us?”

“Yes.”

“It’s tuna noodle casserole.” As she started to lead the way to the kitchen, she glanced over her shoulder and caught him staring at her butt. Her voice went a little husky. “Just thought I should warn you.”

“Consider me warned.” His gaze slid up her back and their eyes caught.

Of course, Jules tripped on the warped floorboard at the kitchen entry. Flushed and flustered, she regained her balance and hurried to the stove, pretending she had to check the contents of a pan. After a moment of staring at broccoli—because who could get breathless about a vegetable?—Jules was ready to face Theo again. When she turned, he was right there, his eyes locked on her mouth. She was immediately breathless all over again. He leaned in closer—or maybe she did—until their lips were just a breath apart.

Ty and Tio came charging inside through the back door, and Theo straightened, taking a step back. Jules didn’t know whether to curse the twins’ timing or thank them.

“Hi, Jules! Hi, Theo! Hi, Viggy! We’re going to get cleaned up,” Ty yelled as they charged through the kitchen and into the hallway. The clatter of their feet on the stairs sounded like a thousand booted soldiers making their way to the second level.

“Ow,” Jules complained, rubbing her ear with one hand. “Why was he shouting? I was two feet away from him. I think I just lost my hearing in this ear.”

Theo took a step closer again. Taking her fingers in his, he gently pulled her hand away from her ear and leaned in. She held her breath.

“Should I test it?” he said quietly, near enough to her ear that his breath touched her skin.

Jules shivered. “Um…what?”

“A test.” He leaned even closer. Now she could feel the warmth of his lips. “A hearing test.”

“This doesn’t feel like any hearing test I’ve taken before.” Her voice had gone from slightly rough to full-on throaty. “I’m wondering about its medical legitimacy.”

“That’s because it’s a field hearing test.” She loved how he played along, understanding when she was teasing and when she was serious. She knew, too, that he wasn’t like this with anyone else—only her. There was something heady about being the one who was able to make serious, angry Theo laugh and joke. “Only to be used by trained first responders.” His voice had lowered to a rumbling hum, and his lips were actually brushing the ever-so-sensitive shell of her ear.

“Good thing you’re here, then. Being a trained first responder and all.” Jules knew she shouldn’t be flirting, but this teasing version of Theo made it impossible not to respond.

“Hey.” Sam’s voice brought her off her flirty cloud and back to earth with a thump. On the pretext of getting a serving bowl from the cupboard, she reluctantly eased her body away from Theo’s, only then realizing how closely they were standing, with her side almost plastered against his front.

“Hi, Sam.” She still sounded breathless, and Theo hadn’t even touched her—not really. “Homework done?”