Page 41 of Press Play

Me:He’s a good person. Even you can’t deny that, especially after he took me in.

Brandy:He has his moments, but it’ll take more than that to change my mind.

Releasing a long exhale, I close the chat and start my show again. I didn’t want the conversation to turn like that. I simply wanted them to distract me. A notification appears on the top of my phone, and I open it because it’s Mia.

Mia:I’m sorry about her. You know how she gets. She’s just worried and super protective of you.

Me:It’s still frustrating. He’s a good person regardless of his job.

Mia:Anyone can see how much that man cares for you.

My cheeks turn red as I tap on my phone screen.

Me:What do you mean?

Mia:Do I really need to spell it out for you?

My brain is screaming at me to run from this conversation, but my heart wants to hear it. Should I see it? Probably not, but Iwantto. For once, I want to explore these feelings and see what happens. With all that has happened in the last couple of days, I want to know if the signs I think I’m seeing are really there or not.

Me:Treat me like a second grader. I’m losing my mind over here.

The typing bubble pops up, and my stomach fills with anxiety. Forcing steady breaths, I close my eyes, and when my phone vibrates, I open them.

Mia:I could go on and on about howhe treats you, but it’s important for me to explain what I see from him.

Mia:It’s in his eyes, Wren. When he looks at you, they soften. It’s as if he’s committing you to memory and just admiring you. He smiles at you when you’re not looking.

I sit straight up. That can’t be true. Why would he do that? I don’t understand...

I’m used to his flirty words and concerned smiles, but why does it seem like they’re affecting me more than they usually do?Why is my stomach tumbling? And why is it suddenly so hot in here?

Mia:I won’t say anymore because I’m willing to bet your eyes are about to fall out.

Me:You’re not wrong. . .

Mia:You should get some rest. You sleep better with him, right?

Me:Right again.

Mia:Go to him and get some sleep. Can I stop by tomorrow?

Me:I would love that :) Thank you!

Mia:Always <3 See you tomorrow.

I roll out of bed and leave my new room for his. Thankful that his door is cracked, I slip inside and approach him. His curly hair is mussed from sleep, his lips are cast downward in a relaxed frown, and his chest is rising and falling peacefully. The desire to lie beside him tugs me closer.

“Theo?” I murmur while gently shaking his shoulder.

“Hmm?” He shifts awake and blinks his eyes open. “Are you okay?” His voice has dropped an octave, making it sexier than it should be.

“I’m fine?—”

“Did you have a nightmare?”

With a soft smile, I shake my head.

“I can’t sleep. Can I?—”

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