Page 31 of Press Play

“Yes, sorry for the rude alarm. I can’t help myself when Taylor comes on.” I let out an awkward giggle.

“Cute.”

Theo glances between us. Tension spills into the room, and I really wish I knew why.

“Would you like some waffles?” I ask, and she clicks her tongue.

“I have to get going.” Standing on the edge of her toes, she kisses Theo’s cheek. “See you later, handsome.”

“Yeah, see you around,” he chokes out.

The door opens and slams shut, sending a shudder down my spine.

“She’s still delightful,” I say while fighting back an eye roll.

“That’s one way to describe her,” he grumbles, rubbing the back of his neck.

“Sorry if I interrupted anything. You could have told me to shut up or leave until you finished,” I say as the thought comes to mind. When he doesn’t respond, I keep blabbing. “I would have understood. I mean, she’s stunning. I would have kicked my ass right to the curb, too.” I take a break to pick up a waffle and take a bite of it without syrup. “I’m the intruder here,” I say with my mouth full. “I’m the one screwing up your routine.”

“Wren, that’s enough.”

“You didn’t ask for any of this. I would have walked out and?—”

“Wrenly,” he states in a firm tone, stopping me from continuing. “I would never kick you out. You mean more to me than you realize. Besides, Amanda isn’t someone I want around.”

I tilt my head as I ponder his words.

He sighs while placing his hands on his hips. “You and I both know she’s a horrible person.”

“Then why was she here?”

With a soft smile, he grabs a set of plates and forks. After placing some waffles on each plate, he spreads butter and drizzles syrup over them before offering me a serving.

“I didn’t have much of a say,” he murmurs.

Before I can say something, he adds, “And no, I don’t mind that they’re gluten-free.”

“It’s not fair that you know what I’m going to say before I do,” I tell him while cutting the food on the plate into equal pieces.

“It’s my superpower.” He throws a wink at me, and my smile widens.

“So.” He hops onto the counter to sit. “What are our plans today?”

“Our?” My brow raises.

“Yes,our.”

“I was going to stock your fridge and pantry with more than just pancake supplies.”

He frowns. “You should be resting, not grocery shopping.”

I don’t respond. Not because I don’t want to, but because I’m nervous that if I utter a word, tears will come next.

“I don’t need to rest,” I mutter.

“Then I’m going with you, and afterward, we’ll get lunch and take a nap.”

I roll my eyes and say, “Fine, but only if we can get caffeine first.”

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