Page 80 of Press Play

I can already picture it. Wren and I have a lot in common, one of the main things being our introverted ways.

Leaning back in her chair, she crosses her legs and frees her hair from the hair tie it was pulled back with. “It depends on which age we’re talking about. I don’t remember certain years of my life.”

She’s told me this before, but it doesn’t ease the sting that pierces my chest.

“Tell me about six-year-old Wren.” I change the subject.

“Oh, she was adorable.” Her expression lightens, bringing a wide smile to my face. “She had the most amazing curls; she was also terribly shy. I was my mom’s shadow, and she hated every second of it. Also pushed me onto other kids, but my grandmom always rescued me. She would scoop me in her arms, and we’d spend our entire day together.”

I can picture it clear as day. While I only met her grandmom a handful of times, she radiated care—wrapping you in comforting warmth you didn’t want to leave. Whenever Wrentalks about her, she gets bubbly and shares endless memories with me. I adore every second of it.

“I bet you were a cute kid,” she says. “With even crazier curls.” She messes with my hair again, and I chuckle.

“I’m surprised Mom never showed you any pictures.”

“Do you think she would now? We could do a little show-and-tell!” Wren starts to stand.

“Do you enjoy seeing me suffer?” I ask with mock shock.

She plops back down. “Maybe.”

The hum of music fills the air as we fall silent. Wren moves her gaze to scan the party while I focus on her.

I was an idiot for letting my feelings toward her go unacknowledged for so long. Nothing is different between us. If anything, it’s more exciting. Every touch is natural, and every glance leaves me wanting more. I’ve fallen into her orbit, and I never want to escape.

“Theo?”

Wren’s lips don’t move when she says my name. Looking back at me, she darts her gaze to someone behind me, offering them a polite greeting. “Hi, Gia.”

Shit.

Rolling my eyes, I put on my own polite act and turn to face the woman who won’t leave me alone. “Hello again.”

“Do you have a moment? I was hoping we could talk.” Her dark locks blow in the wind as the sun kisses her tan complexion.

With a sigh, I nod and stand from my comfortable seat.

Gia escorts me toward the fence line, and I spot Andrew zone in on Wren. My hands ball into fists, and it takes all my willpower not to rush back over to her and guard her from his unwanted attention.

“You seem oddly familiar, but I can’t put my finger on it,” Gia says while leaning against the wooden fence.

“Really? I must have a familiar face,” I say without looking at her.

“I don’t think that’s it. I’d remember you if we met bef— Oh, shit.”

When I look at her wide eyes and slack jaw, I mumble, “Fuck.”

“You’re Theo, liketheTheo,” she whispers.

Brushing my hair back with my fingers, I exhale and nod. “That’s me.”

Her cheeks turn pink as she stares at me, completely awestruck. “I can’t believe this. I’ve fantasized about meeting you. Sorry, that’s too much information you didn’t need to know.”

“I’ve heard worse, it’s okay.”

“I have so many questions.”

Out of the corner of my eye, I spot Wren forcing a laugh. He’s in my seat, and her familiar uncomfortable expression fills her features.

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