Brothers

Chapter 31

Hardin's POV

"Christian should be home soon. He should have been off work an hour ago." Anastasia says.

"Is there anything I can do to help?" Tessa asks tying the apron around waist.

"If you don't mind, chop up the lettuce for the salad please." Anastasia says.

Tessa smiles and goes over to the fridge. I watch her, turned on by the way she looks in her apron.

"What are you looking at?" Theodores voice asks, making me jump slightly out of my chair.

"Jesus fucking Christ." I say under my breath, forgetting the small child next to me.

"You said a bad word." Theodore says, his eyebrows wrinkled.

"Crap. Ummm, don't repeat that." I say.

"Are you staying for dinner?" Theodore changes the subject.

"Yeah we are. What are you doing? Where's phoebe?" I ask him.

"She keeps taking my cars. I don't want to play with her." He says crossing his arms.

"You really have a sharing problem." I laugh.

Theodore glares at me, not amused by my joke. I thought it was funny.

"Where's my dad?" Theodore asks.

"On his way home. Seriously what's with all the questions all the time?" I chuckle.

"I like to ask questions. My mom says I'm nosey." He says, still a serious face.

Does this kid ever smile?

"So you don't hate my dad anymore?" He asks slowly.

"I mean I never — no I don't hate him anymore." I say.

"Good. I like you." Theodore says, his soft eyes look up at me.

I don't know what to say. I give him a little smirk.

He reminds me of Smith when smith first came over to our house. He liked me more than he liked Tessa. He wouldn't leave me alone.

"I like you too I guess." I say.

Theodores smile grows and he runs out of the kitchen into the living room.

Tessa looks at me, a smile on her face. Her head resting on her hand leaning up against the counter.

"What are you doing?" I ask.

"Nothing. It's just cute."

"What are you talking about weirdo?" I laugh, nudging her with my elbow.

"You say you don't like kids. But yet you're so good with them. It's cute." She says.

"Shut up." I laugh, nudging her again.

"She's right Hardin. You're really good with Theodore. He adores you." Anastasia says coming over to the counter where we are.

She mixes a bowl of mashed potatoes.

"He's a cool kid i guess." I say.

"Who's a cool kid?" Christian says entering the kitchen.

We all look his way and Anastasia smiles.

"Your son." She says walking over to him and giving him a soft kiss.

"Where is that little man anyways." Christian asks, grabbing his wife's hips and pulling her closer to him.

"He's in the other room playing. Dinner should be ready soon." Anastasia says.

Christian looks towards Tessa and I.

"Glad to see you accepted my invite to dinner." Christian smiles.

He reaches out to give Tessa a hug.

"It's good to see you again Tessa." He says.

Christian looks at me next, putting his hand on my shoulder.

"I hope my brother here isn't too much trouble." Christian jokes, Tessa laughs nodding.

"Good to see you too, Christian." I give him a playful shove.

"Christian call the kids and have them clean up. Dinner is almost ready." Anastasia says, taking a baked chicken out of the oven.

Christian rolls his eyes and heads for the living room.

—

Authors Notes

I hope you guys are still enjoying the story. Please comment and give feedback. I have an idea where I want the story to go and I'm excited for what is to come.

Spoiler: Hessa wedding 😉