Page 83 of Theodore

"If you so much as look at another woman, I'll cut your balls off," I vowed.

Theo snorted with laughter.

"I don't doubt it, Phillips."

"Iloveyou," I whispered as he kissed me.

"I love youmore. I'll call you when I land, okay?" Theo’s eyes searched mine as he tilted my chin before he kissed me for the last time. "Look after my girl, Ryan."

I walked with him to the car, hand in hand.

Ryan smirked as he glanced at me.

"She can look after herself, De Luca. She's grown up withyoufor a start."

Theo's dad opened the trunk of the car as Theo tossed him his bag. He turned to me and took a deep breath, and I swallowed.

"Goodbye, beautiful. I love you."

"I love you too."

He studied me for a moment before framing my face in between his hands.

"Sofucking beautiful."

I laughed as he climbed into the truck, his eyes on mine as his dad started the engine.

My heart felt like it was breaking into a million pieces, the small distance between us too much. I had to be strong, though; he deserved this opportunity. I knew if I asked him to stay, he would. Instead, I forced a smile.

"Bye, baby," I mumbled as he smiled at me from behind the glass.

The truck left a cloud of dust behind as I hugged myself, allowing the tears to stream down my face.

"Hey, come on. He'll be back soon enough," murmured Ryan as he folded me into his arms.

I sobbed, realizing I wouldn't see his gorgeous face every morning as we drove to school, nor was I going to hear him hollering at me from across the street whenever I walked outside.

"Sorry," I mumbled.

Ryan stroked my hair.

"Maybe we should have a little party tonight." He grinned, ruffling my hair playfully.

"Mom's working. We could watch your favorite movies, eat shit, talk crap. What do you say?"

I laughed despite myself as he sighed with relief.

"God, I didn't think I'd ever see you smile again."

"I need to call Mara." I pouted as his eyes lit up.

"Invite her over," Ryan suggested as I raised my eyebrows at him. "And anyone else you want to ask, of course," he added hastily.

"Have you got work tomorrow?" I asked as we walked back towards the house.

"No, I've got a few days off. Why?"

I studied him for a minute before I chewed on my lip.