I melt into him, my hands sliding up to rest on his chest as the music plays on, forgotten. Everything else—the sound of Valkyrie’s claws occasionally clinking against the floor, the music, the cooling wine glasses on the counter—fades away.

Gripping my hips, he puts me on the counter as he deepens the kiss stepping between my thighs.

Then—

BEEP. BEEP. BEEP.

The sharp sound of the oven timer pierces the moment, yanking us back to reality.

We both freeze, our breaths mingling, eyes locked. Theo groans softly, dropping his forehead to mine.

“The cookies. Of course.”

I laugh, breathless and giddy. “You better save them before they burn. I’m not starting over.”

Reluctantly, he steps back, running a hand through his hair as he turns toward the oven. I watch him go, my heart still racing and my lips tingling from the kiss.

Valkyrie, clearly unbothered, trots up and drops her stolen whisk at my feet like an offering.

Hopping off of the counter I clear my throat as I bend down to grab it. “Thanks for your contribution,” I mutter, setting it on the counter as Theo pulls the tray from the oven.

The look he gives me as he sets the cookies down—equal parts amused and heated—makes it painfully clear that whatever just happened between us isn’t over.

“These better be as good as you promised,” I say, trying to steady my voice.

“Try one,” he challenges, offering me a warm, gooey cookie.

I take a bite, and the rich chocolate and buttery dough practically melt on my tongue. I let out an involuntary hum of satisfaction.

Theo smirks. “I’ll take that as a yes.”

“Okay, fine,” I admit. “You might be a genius.”

As the night wears on and the wine glasses empty, the air between us stays charged—thick with the weight of everything unsaid.

I glance at the clock. It’s late. Too late for Theo to drive or even walk home.

“You’ve had a couple of glasses of wine,” I say, hesitating. “Why don’t you just stay here tonight? The couch is pretty comfortable, and I can grab you some blankets. I would offer my spare room but Celeste is up there sleeping.”

Theo looks at me, his expression unreadable for a beat before he smiles softly. “Are you sure?”

“Of course,” I say quickly, maybe too quickly. “It’s no trouble.”

He nods, his gaze lingering on mine. “Thanks, Selene.”

I busy myself setting up the couch, fluffing the pillows like I suddenly care about them. But I can feel his eyes on me, heavy, considering. When I finally glance up, he’s still watching me.

“You could stay with me,” I say before I can think better of it. The words hang between us, weighted with meaning. I clear my throat, rushing to add, “I mean—only if you want to. Just to sleep.”