Page 59 of Wish You Were Mine (Kings of Eden Falls #3)

OWEN

The sun had dipped below the rooftops by the time I parked outside Theo’s house. I sat there for a second, watching the porch light flicker on as the motion sensor caught me.

I didn’t know if showing up here was a terrible idea or a smart one, but I couldn’t shake the feeling that if I wanted to prove myself to Theo—and to Lucy—I needed to do this in person.

So, after giving myself a little pep talk, I climbed out of my car, walked up the front walkway, and knocked. A few seconds later, the door opened.

Theo stood in slacks and a dress shirt, sleeves rolled up, his tie tugged loose. He looked tired but not surprised to see me.

“Hey,” I said, clearing my throat. “Mind if I come in and talk?”

“Sure.” He stepped aside. Which was...probably a good sign.

The house smelled like takeout. When we walked into the kitchen, a half-eaten container of noodles sat on the table in front of Charlotte’s booster seat. A second container with the remnants of a salad sat where Theo must have been earlier.

I glanced around, half-expecting to see a three-year-old with pigtails running circles around the room. But the faint sound of cartoon voices filtering in from the living room told me Charlotte must be in there, winding down before bed.

“So,” Theo said as he moved to the kitchen island and poured himself a glass of scotch. “You decided to show up for the big-brother interrogation?”

“I did.” I rubbed the back of my neck, a sudden swell of anxiety filling my chest. “Figured you deserved more than a phone call or text.”

“Don’t forget the photo.” He gave me a wry look, lifting the bottle slightly in my direction. “Want one?”

“No, thanks.” I shook my head. “Figure I should keep a clear head for this.”

Theo studied me for a beat, then took a sip. “I’m guessing Lucy told you what we talked about?”

“She did.” I nodded. “Said you weren’t planning to call your dad right away, which…I appreciate. A lot.”

“Didn’t feel like stepping into that minefield just yet.

” Theo chuckled, then took another drink.

“But in all seriousness, after hearing what Lucy had to say and taking some time to think about it…I guess I can see that you two just got stuck in a really tricky place. And while I’m not exactly thrilled that my baby sister is dating a guy my age…

I know you’re a good guy. And…” He let out a slow breath.

“If Lucy picked you—even while knowing the wrath she might face from my dad—then there’s got to be something real there.

She’s not exactly known for letting people in. ”

“She’s kind of amazing,” I said quietly.

“I know.” Theo’s mouth pulled into a wry smile. “Which is why I’ve spent the last few hours trying not to picture the two of you doing anything that makes me want to set myself on fire.”

I choked out a laugh. “We’ve kept things in the, uh, PG-13 realm.”

“Well, that’s a relief,” he said with a sigh. “I mean, I know you’re a good guy and I’d like to think you’re interested in her because of who she is and not just the physical stuff. But you never know. And I know in her past relationship, she wasn’t always cherished the way she deserved to be.”

“I know.” I met his eyes. “And I swear I’d never do anything to hurt her. I care about her. Way more than I planned to.”

“I hope so.” Theo’s mouth pressed into a line, but then a flash of amusement crossed his face as he added, “Because if you do hurt her, even by accident, it’s not just my dad you’ll have to deal with.”

Then he shot me a look that said he might be joking, but also…maybe not.

“Noted,” I said, my throat going dry. “So...any advice for how I tell your dad that I’ve been secretly dating his daughter? While also being employed by his university?”

“Just, uh…” Theo huffed a quiet laugh. “Good luck with that.”

“Thanks, super helpful.”

“Okay, fine.” He sobered, crossing his arms. “Honestly? I think it’s best for you to just lead with the truth. All of it. Especially the part where you didn’t know who she was at first. And that when you did find out, you both tried to take a step back.”

“I promise we did,” I said, needing him to believe it.

“I know. And that’s going to matter.” Theo leaned back against the counter.

“And while I’m sure my dad will be mad and will possibly lash out a bit when you guys first tell him, he’s not completely unreasonable.

So as long as you can get him to understand that you weren’t trying to mess with his baby girl’s heart, he’ll hopefully take a breath and hear you out. ”

“I hope so.” I let out a slow exhale, tension slipping from my shoulders. “Because I’d really love to keep my job and still have a chance at dating your sister.”

“I’ll be crossing my fingers for you,” Theo said. Then, with a smirk, he added, “But maybe just don’t mention the pantry.”

I winced. “Don’t worry. That part’s already been wiped from my mental script.”

“Good.” He chuckled as he rinsed out his glass and set it next to the sink. Looking back at me, he said, “Also, I guess I know why you stopped going on dates.”

“Yeah…” I scrunched up my nose. “It was slightly difficult to think about other women when your sister was in my classroom three days a week.”

He gave me a long look. “She really did a number on you, huh?” His voice was soft, more curious than teasing.

I shrugged. “I tried not to fall for the temptation. I mean, I’m not exactly known for being reckless. But…”

“But my sister weaseled her way into your heart and refused to let go,” he said, a knowing look in his green eyes.

“Basically.”

“Well,” he said, a hint of a smirk tugging at his mouth, like he couldn’t decide whether to be annoyed or amused. “She’s worth all the drama that might come your way. So just…don’t screw it up.”

“I’ll try not to.”

He stood and walked me to the door, then paused. “Oh, and when you do talk to my dad?”

“Yeah?”

“If you and Lucy want…you can do it here on Saturday.” He shrugged and gestured to the living space behind him. “A di nner in neutral territory. No crowd, no pressure. And if things go south, you can bail without any onlookers watching.”

I blinked. “You see this ending with me running away?”

“I’m not ruling it out.” He gave a shrug. “Just remember: the front door’s easy to access, and the back patio’s even faster if you need to make a run for it.”

I laughed and held out my hand. “Thanks for the heads-up.”

He shook it. “Take care of her, Owen.”

“I will.”

Then I stepped back out into the night, the porch light flickering on again like it was saluting me for surviving the first real test.

One hard conversation down. One very big, very intimidating conversation to go.