6. Chapter 4

Chapter 4

Helene

I t's five thirty in the freaking morning, and I'm getting ready because Theo insists we set out early for wherever the heck he's taking me. I almost feel like crying because I love sleeping in on Sundays. Thankfully, the principal at my school told me yesterday that I could have the day off tomorrow. Zipping up my backpack, I make a mental checklist of what I need for a surprise date.

He told me not to have breakfast, so I just drink down half of a diet coke that was in my fridge. That will probably sustain me until we eat, hopefully around eight in the morning. I'm still a bit sleepy when the doorbell rings. I look in the peephole and it's Theo with a huge panty-melting smile on his face. I open the door just halfway as if I don't want to let him in.

"May I help you?"

"Good morning, goddess. Your chariot is ready and waiting."

I'm surprised to see a normal SUV parked in my driveway. I'd been sure he drove some fancy car, but this is downright domestic. I like it. He takes my backpack from my hand and closes the door behind me, checking that it is locked. I could get used to the royal treatment.

"So where are we going?" I ask.

"I told you, it's a surprise."

"I need to tell someone where I'm going. I just met you yesterday."

"Fine, put your friend's number in my phone and I'll tell her, but warn her to keep it secret."

I do that and pass him his phone back. He quickly texts something and puts the phone down. I eye him with curiosity, but his poker face is amazing.

"I've told her where we'll be and that it's a surprise. I imagine she must be still sleeping."

Knowing better, I hold my phone close, and sure thing, there's a message from Tammy.

Tammy: A surprise date, how exciting

Me: Will I like this surprise?

Tammy: Oh, yeah. You'll love it

Me: Ok that's all I need to know. Thanks, bestie

Tammy: Have fun!

Feeling slightly more relaxed about the whole adventure, I sit back and relax in the car.

"Hey, Theo. Mind if I plug in some music?"

"Sure, what've you got?"

"It might not be your thing, but give it a try."

I hook up my phone to his car's system and put on some Frank Sinatra Duets. I love almost all of the songs in those albums.

"Oh, Frank. That surprises me." He smiles.

"I love his voice. Nobody croons better. How long is this drive?"

"Depending on traffic, an hour and a half to two hours. It'll be worth it."

We spend the time on the road in comfortable silence. It's nice just being here with Theo, even if I just met him two days ago. I see some road signs and think we're going to Orlando. Wouldn't it be wonderful if he took me to my favorite park? But he wouldn't know which was my favorite, would he? I mean, I don't remember posting anything about loving Universal Studios on my social media.

The closer we get to our destination, the more excited I become. When he follows the path to the park, I enthusiastically grab his knee, and he tenses. I take it away almost immediately, embarrassed.

"I'm sorry. It's just… are we really going to Universal Studios? It's my favorite park."

"Yeah, I want to take you to the Harry Potter area. I read you like the books. I'm a big fan, too."

"You should have told me. I would have brought my Ravenclaw robe."

"Mine's Slytherin. I got Professor Snape's wand, too."

"I got Luna's. She's ditzy but has great potential. Have you seen the interactive ones?"

"Yeah, maybe I'll get one of those today. I like the Poplar and Dragon Heartstring."

My face feels flushed, and my smile is so big it starts to hurt. This conversation makes me want to climb him like a tree and just eat him up. We go directly to the Harry Potter Castle, screw the rest of the park. The first thing we do is buy our robes and interactive wands. Diagon Alley is as amazing as if it was the first time I visited.

We get on all the rides, and he buys me whatever he sees I'm interested in. Riding the Hogwarts Express is an experience, and we have lunch at Hogsmeade. This has got to be the best date I've ever been on. Theo holds my hand all day long, insisting that 'we might get separated.' Doubtful, but I love feeling this close to him.

There's a light show at Hogsmeade at night, and he holds me close while we watch it. I'm sad when it's time to go.

"I can't believe it's over. I think I'm going to cry."

"No need for that, goddess. I'll bring you back whenever you feel like it."

"Promise?"

"Cross my heart and all that."

When we get to the car, however, there seems to be some sort of trouble. We call Triple A, but we're out of luck. The repairs need a part, and they won't have it until tomorrow. Thank God I'm free all day tomorrow.

"Well, goddess. I guess we're staying the night."

A little thrill goes through me at the thought. Please let there be only one bed, please. The litany goes on and on in my head. He's frowning and almost seems defeated when he looks at me.

"I got us something, but we might have to share."

Yes! I give a shy smile and nod at this announcement as we wait for a rideshare to take us to the hotel. We have a ton of bags from all the things Theo bought me at the park, and when the driver reaches us, he whistles at all my goodies.

"You guys certainly enjoyed yourselves today. Slytherin and Ravenclaw. That's an interesting match."

"It was an amazing day."

Theo says that with a serious face while looking directly at me. I can feel the heat of his gaze on my body, and goosebumps appear all over my arms. Thankfully, I'm still wearing my robe. Once we're seated inside the car, Theo reaches for my hand again. His hand is big and warm, and it feels like it's protecting me from the entire world and its cruelties.

The hotel is gorgeous—easily a five-star accommodation. We walk together to the front desk, and once the clerk has Theo's name, he starts looking worried. I look up at Theo and shrug. We can't know what's going on until the guy tells us.

"Sir, there's been a problem with your room."

"Can it be fixed?"

"We only have one room with a king bed for you. We don't have the double room you reserved for some reason. The system can be glitchy at times."

"We'll take it." I practically shout.

Theo looks surprised at my outburst, but I keep a straight face so that he doesn't know I'm hot for him. My blush is probably proof enough of that. He nods to the clerk in approval and they finish with our registration. Once we've got our key, we head upstairs. The hotel is fancy, and I hope our room is nice. I love staying in hotels and hotel sex…

As soon as Theo opens the door for me and the bellhops puts my packages on the desk I start rummaging through them. I've got the biggest smile plastered to my face and I keep making ooh and aah sounds with every new thing I bring out from the bags. Theo sits in the corner studying what I'm hoping is the room service menu.

"Fancy dinner, goddess?"

"Yes, please."

"Burger or something fancier?"

"That's fine, with a coke, please. Get dessert, too."

There's a smile on his face when he calls them up and orders for us. I have to be honest. I love the way Theo treats me—like I'm special. But I guess in his eyes, his future bride IS special. I feel a pang of guilt about lying to him, but I'm just going to let the chips fall where they may. I haven't spent time with someone I was this attracted to in years.

I finish ogling my gifts and sit on the bed, looking at Theo. He seems comfortable here with me. I wonder if he'll make me put pillows between us when we go to bed. It'll be a waste of pillows, and we can't have that. I fall back on the bed and hold myself up on my elbows. I kick my legs up and down. I'm so freaking happy tonight.

"You know, being in our thirties, we're rather old to be geeking out on Harry Potter," I say.

"Nonsense, there's no age limit to the love of magic."

"That's true. Did you love magic as a kid?"

"I mean, I saw all the movies and stuff, just like any other kid. How about you?"

"My childhood was spent trying to find magical objects in my grandmother's backyard. There was this cartoon on TV with a girl who found this magical flower that gave her powers. She had a talking dog and, I think, a cat too, and they went on adventures. I just wanted the magical flower. God, I loved that show."

"I can see that. You've got this whole look on your face as if you are in ecstasy."

"That's one way to get there," I mutter under my breath.

"What was that?" Theo asks.

"No, nothing." I wave him off.

There's a knock on the door, and room service announces itself. I sit up on the bed and rub my hands together. I'm starving. The server gets us set up in the room and soon leaves. I check out the plates and see that dessert is my favorite—apple crumble a la mode.

"How did you know this was my favorite?"

"I'm your number one fan, goddess."

That makes me blush. I think I need to learn more about this man so that we can be even in our knowledge of one another. We dig in, and I start moaning because the hamburger is to die for.

"This is really good, Theo. Thanks."

"What are we going to do about the bed?"

"A little stuck on that, are you?"

"Well, yeah."

"We're adults. We can handle it."

"You're a goddess, and I'm a commoner. It doesn't matter if we're adults. It's inappropriate."

"Oh my God, you're old-fashioned. That's so cute." I grin.

"I'm trying to be chivalrous."

"Yeah, good luck with that. If you want a pillow between us, you'll have to sacrifice yours. I need all my pillows, Prince Charming."

He gets a spoon and starts approaching my apple pie with it. I move the plate back and glare at him.

"What do you think you are doing, charming?"

"I'm getting a piece of pie."

"I don't share food," I growl.

"What, are you Joey from Friends?"

"Something like that. Now, put that spoon down before you get hurt."

He thinks I'm joking, but I'm not sharing my pie with anyone. The more I eat my pie, the more the frown on his face intensifies. Yeah, buddy, it's not happening. Some other things might happen, but not this.

"You're seriously not going to let me even taste that?"

"Nope."

"But it's romantic to share."

"In the movies, maybe. In real life, this whole pie is mine, and look, it's almost gone."

I slip the last spoonful of pie into my mouth and moan like I'm coming right here, right now. Opening my eyes, I realize I've woken the beast. Theo's gaze is heated with desire, and he might just jump me if I'm not careful. Who am I kidding? I want him to jump me. I've never seen such a sexy man in my entire life.

Instead of making an advance, Theo takes himself into the bathroom and locks the door behind him. I shouldn't be teasing him like this, but there's a raw attraction between us, and I'm not sure how to handle it except to try and seduce him. That's my go-to place, generally with guys. I'm not sure how slow or fast Theo wants to take things between us.

The Theo that comes out from the bathroom is different and more reserved. He's taken off his jeans and is only in his black boxer briefs, and oh my, is he packing. He doesn't look at me and lifts the comforter on the bed to get in. He grabs one of the pillows behind him and puts it beside him, making what I'm guessing is a wall between us.

I go to the bathroom to get ready for bed. I undress down to my underwear and put on a robe that is behind the door. When I came out, Theo had already taken the food cart outside. I'm glad he's back on the bed, however, because I would be ogling him otherwise.

"Are you going to sleep in your t-shirt?" I ask him.

"Yes."

"Okay."

I take my robe off quickly, and I see Theo turn his head to the other side. What a gentleman. That's so cute. I lift the comforter and slide into the bed. The sheets are soft and comfortable, and I almost moan in pleasure. I appreciate the finer things in life, but sometimes, I'm a little too vocal about it. I go crazy when I'm having sex.

My mind starts wondering how Theo is as a lover. Is he tender or wild? Would he call me his "good girl"?

I turn to my side and realize he's on his side as well, looking at me.

"The bed is nice. Thank you, Theo."

"Anything for you, goddess."

"I need to figure out a nickname for you."

"No, you don't. Theo is fine."

"Wait, is it short for Theodore?"

He pales slightly and is having a hard time speaking. His mouth just keeps opening and closing. I laugh out loud.

"Ooh, my little chipmunk! You're so cute."

"Do not call me a chipmunk in front of others."

"I'll shorten it to Chip. They won't know where it came from."

He places his hand on the pillow between us, and I'm dying to put mine over his. I mean, we held hands all day long. It's just natural. I look into his eyes and see heat in them. Is that for me? Does he want me as much as I want him?

"Theo…"

I decide to go for it and place my hand on top of his. When I touch him, an electric current zaps me. Our eyes connect, and my stomach feels like it's filled with butterflies. Suddenly, he removes his hand from below mine and starts to climb out of bed.

"Wait, where are you going?"

"I can't sleep in the same bed as you, goddess. I'm not that strong."

"I'm sorry. I shouldn't have touched you. The barrier is there for a reason. Stay. I won't touch you again." I hurry to say.

He doesn't look convinced but lies back down and stares up at the ceiling. I feel like he wants to say something, but he keeps silent. I keep my hands close to my body, but I know I need to thank him properly for today.

"Theo, today was the most fun I've had in a long time. Thank you so much. I'll treasure the memory forever."

"You don't need to keep thanking me."

"It's a big deal for me."

"Being with you was a big deal for me."

He's still staring at the ceiling, but I feel him physically relax into the bed, which sets my mind at ease.

"Goodnight, Theo."

I reach over and give him a kiss on the cheek and then roll onto my other side so my back is to him. It's the only way I'll be able to sleep. As it is, it takes me quite a while to fall asleep. I keep thinking it won't make a difference if I make a move now instead of waiting for him to make one, but I want things to go well with Theo, even if he wasn't meant for me originally.

When I finally fall asleep, I dream of being in a fancy wedding gown, holding a gorgeous bouquet of flowers, and walking towards a dark stranger who's waiting for me to join our lives together. Was the stranger Theo? I don't know, but it all felt "right."