There was something about being out on the water that made everything feel softer. Slower. Like the whole world had agreed to quiet down for a minute so we could just exist inside it.
We ate too much.
Laughed too hard.
Let the salty air cling to our skin as we watched the sun sink into the horizon like it was putting on a light show just for us.
And then that night, while fireworks exploded over the water, Theo stood behind me on the deck with his arms wrapped around my waist, his mouth near my ear as he whispered all the ways this weekend with me had been absolutely perfect.
Later that night, when we finally crawled into bed, we didn’t talk much. We didn’t need to. I fell asleep with his arm wrapped around my waist and woke up the same way.
Like our bodies had simply decided this was the new normal and refused to let go.
And when we got back to Eden Falls and slipped into regular life again, it somehow got even better.
The days became routine. Comfortable.Ours.
Three mornings a week, Theo would knock lightly on my door at 5:00 a.m. before pushing it open just enough to slide his head in and ask, “You gonna meet me downstairs or what?” Even though he always looked half-asleep, with his hair messed up, voice rough, like he’d only dragged himself out of bed because he knew I’d be down there.
“I’m coming,” I’d say, sitting up.
Theo’s gaze would drop, taking in my pajamas in a slow, unashamed sweep. Then his mouth would tip like he couldn’t help himself. “Want me to stay and supervise while you get changed?”
“Absolutely not,” I’d say, pretending to be appalled even though I loved that he was so comfortable flirting like that with me now.
Then he’d take another step into the room, like he was planning to stay anyway, and I’d grab a pillow and throw it at him.
Which, of course, he’d catch because he had the reflexes of a cat.
“Go downstairs,” I’d whisper, trying not to wake Charlotte who was still sleeping just next door. “I’ll meet you in the basement.”
Theo would linger in the doorway for a beat longer, then he’d finally back out, grinning. “Fine. But I’m counting.”
“Counting what?” I’dcall after him.
“The seconds until you get down there.”
And then he’d be gone, leaving like he hadn’t just made my heart sprint before I’d even brushed my teeth.
A few minutes later, I’d head down, hair pulled up, leggings and sports bra on. And that familiar steady energy would click into place. Because after years of early morning workouts at a facility, getting to work out with Theo in his beautiful home was a treat.
Something I actually looked forward to.
By the time I hit the basement, Theo would already be doing some reps.
He’d glance up the second he heard me on the stairs. His eyes would drag over me in a way that made it hard to remember oxygen was a basic human need. And when I bent over to do my dumbbell rows, he’d stare at me for a long moment before nodding like he was just assessing my form.
Completely professional and totally innocent.
You know, except for the moment his mouth would curve up and he’d say, “Best part of waking up.”
And while I’d try to roll my eyes at being objectified by this man, I couldn’t help but return the grin as I said, “You’re so cheesy,” walking past him to switch out my weights.
Theo would follow, still smiling. “And you love it.”
“I totally do.”
We’d continue working out side by side. Theo would spot me, hands near my waist, his focus locked in like he took the job very seriously.