*Note: I'm not the best at math so if you think I've got Theo's age wrong please let me know. Thank you in advance!

Chapter Five - Feeling Like Sunshine

Currently I'm standing in front of my opened wardrobe trying to decide which outfit I'm going to wear tonight for my date with Theo. We had passed each other in the city a few days ago when he asked for my number to give me details for the date. This morning he texted me saying to dress a little fancy. I assume the restaurant we're going to is one of the finer establishments in the city.

"You're taking too long!" Aria huffs before marching over and tugging at the skirt of a dress in my wardrobe. "Wear this!"

A light laugh escapes me and I pull it out. It's a golden yellow dress that ends at mid-thigh but a wearable shade that doesn't clash with my hair thankfully. It has a square neckline with long sleeves that are transparent and puffy. The fabric is beautifully embellished too. We love colors associated with fall so it's no surprise she has picked yellow.

Aria stands there tapping her foot on the carpet expectantly which makes me chuckle. "Alright baby, this is the one."

"Yay!" She shrieks before throwing herself at my legs in a hug.

I laugh and bend down to kiss her cheek before she runs out to let me get ready. I've already taken a shower and blow dried my hair so I get changed into the dress. My gaze catches the stretch marks from my pregnancy and I bite my lip nervously. I've never slept with anyone after my ex-boyfriend so the thought of becoming serious with Theo and him seeing my body makes me a bit anxious.

But then I think of my sweet little Aria and the confidence comes back. With a shake of my head to rid those thoughts I get dressed before styling my hair into loose curls. Next I put on my makeup but keep it light. I pack my clutch with my phone and other essentials before slipping on a pair of black heels.

Just as I'm checking myself in the mirror I hear the doorbell ring. I hear Aria yell "grandma!" before calling for me to unlock the door. I hurry out of my room and open the door to greet her. Her bright blue eyes take me in before a tender smile graces her lips.

"Hi grandma, come in."

"You look stunning Charlie! He's a lucky man!" She winks and I roll my eyes playfully with a laugh.

"Thank you." I grin as I close the door and wander to the bag I've packed. "All of Aria's things are in here. Bedtime is at eight – not that you guys are going to follow it."

"Oh please!" My grandmother waves me off adamantly as she pulls a giggling Aria closer. "Staying up for an hour or two extra on a weekend won't hurt anybody."

"You don't have to deal with her falling asleep in the car during the drive to school on a Monday morning." I tease as I hand her the bag before bending to my daughter's height. "Be good for grandma –"

"Don't eat too many sweets, don't get into trouble and don't make a mess. I got it mum don't worry!" She smiles cheekily knowing that all these things are going to happen.

I hum skeptically and walk them to the door with a sigh. They shower me in compliments and Aria's comparison of me to a sunflower makes me laugh. Giving them both a kiss to the cheek I watch them leave with a wave before shutting the door.

There's only five more minutes to go before Theo gets here so I start tidying up Aria's toys and cleaning the kitchen. Eventually I hear the doorbell ring again. After drying my hands, I walk over and pull the door open only for my eyes to widen.

"Hey – wow..." I trial off in awe as I take him in.

Theo's dressed in a navy suit with a white shirt, black shoes and a watch peeks out from his sleeve on his right wrist. On top he has a long black coat as it's become chillier. His hair is styled but slightly tousled, as if he forgot and accidently ran his hand through it. Mesmerizing green eyes roam over every inch of my body before meeting my gaze again. Those perfect lips widen into a handsome smile as he pulls out a beautiful bouquet of flowers.

"Hey sunshine." He greets with a nod to the color of my dress which makes me laugh. "For you."

My lips part in surprise as I take hold of it. It's mixed with orange and red flowers – most of them roses – with pops of purple and green. Then he hands me a smaller bouquet filled with pink and white tulips. I look up at him with a confused glance and he shrugs.

"For Aria."

His kindness tugs at my heart and I smile widely. "Thank you Theo, these are so beautiful. Do you want to come in while I put them in a vase?"

"Sure." He nods and follows me to the kitchen where I put the flowers into separate vases. I'm sure Aria's going to love her ones.

"Okay, ready to go." I eventually turn to Theo only to find him already staring.

Blushing fiercely, I slip my hand into his outstretched one. Instead of leaving like I thought he tugs me even closer. "You look really beautiful Charlotte."

"Thank you." I smile shyly as we make our way out of the house. I grab my coat and clutch on the way before locking the door and turning to him. "You look very handsome if you couldn't already tell from my reaction."

He chuckles before nodding as he opens the car's door for me. "I feel quite flattered trust me."

I put on my seat belt with a laugh as he gets in. He starts the engine before pulling out onto the road. Soft music filters through the speakers as we drive to our destination. We talk about the past week and I find myself relaxing quickly as it's so easy to talk to him without there being an awkward silence.

"I'm just glad the week flew by. I've started the major project with my final years and they're a little stressed out."

"Is it really difficult?" Theo asks with a quick glance.

"No but some of them weren't expecting the chosen theme so they're struggling to find inspiration. Poor things, I remember how stressful it is when that happens." I shake my head as I watch us head deeper into the city. "How was your week? Busy much?"

"Always." He grins cheekily which makes me chuckle. "Projects are coming in one after the other so the entire team has been busy all month. But some of the machinery at the ranch has broken down which is giving me a headache."

"Do you seriously never take time out for yourself when things quiet down?"

He opens his mouth to reply but pauses before shaking his head with a sheepish smile. "Not really. What's it like?"

I laugh at his joke as he parks the car. "Heavenly. I would definitely recommend."

I catch his smile as we exit the car and he holds out his hand for me to take. I slip mine into his warm grasp and we make our way into the restaurant Theo's picked. It's classy but not overly luxurious which I like. We get seated and order our drinks.

"Have you been here before?"

"No, that's why I'm taking so long to decide what to get." He grins widely as he places the menu down. "The steak sounds amazing but so does the pasta...wait they also have duck..."

I watch as he frowns adorably before sitting back just as confused as he was when he first opened the menu. His eyes meet mine before he rubs the back of his neck shyly. I let loose a few chuckles that I was holding back and he eventually joins in.

"I love food but I'm so bad at deciding what to get. We could be here a while." He taps his fingers on the table for a moment. "I don't like dessert though."

"What?! Are you serious?" I exclaim and watch as he shrugs with a small smile.

"Savory over sweet any day of the week." He states confidently before leaning forward. "What about you?"

"In the middle. I like a bit of both." I tuck a strand of hair behind my ear.

"Favorite flavor?"

"Hmm...strawberry. But raspberry and white chocolate is a close second." I pretend to do a chef's kiss which makes him laugh.

The waiter then comes around with our drinks before taking our orders. I choose the chicken dish whereas Theo settles for the duck. I look around at the other people in the restaurant before my gaze meets his again.

"So, do you have any other relatives in the states?"

"Just my grandmother who lives closer to Aria's school. All my other relatives, both from mum's and dad's side, are spread out over Europe and Asia. My grandfather was born in Texas so after he retired they moved back because of how much he missed it." I explain as I take a sip of my drink.

"I'm assuming he passed away?" He bites his lip when I nod in confirmation. "How's she doing now?"

"Better, she loves having us around and I'm glad it makes her happy. What about you?"

"A few but they're all living in different states across America with some of our cousins studying in Europe. Only one of them decided to go to Australia and he's having a blast last I heard." He chuckles and I perk up in interest.

"I'd love to visit Australia and New Zealand one day!"

"My brother Roman and his wife went there recently, said it was amazing so it's definitely on my list too." He grins just as our food arrives.

"So...I believe you have some stories about your schooldays to tell me." I laugh lightly when he groans over how good the duck is.

"Ugh where do I begin?" He taps his chin jokingly. "It's been so long."

"Are you telling me you're old?" I tease and he shrugs with a chuckle.

"I'm twenty-seven but I'll be twenty-eight next month in October. You?"

"I'm twenty-five. My birthday's a long way away in February." I smile as I take a sip of my drink.

"Okay so for most of these Roman, Ryder and Hunter are involved too. Vandalizing Ryder's teacher's car was one of the tamer things we did."

"Oh god...any valid reason?"

"Said our parents were greedy, stuck up assholes who didn't know when to stop having kids and were failing at raising us. Mom stormed into school the next day and ripped Ryder's teacher a new one." He laughs loudly before smiling apologetically to the people who glanced over at us.

"Wow, I'm surprised you guys didn't do more than just destroying his car." I shake my head in disbelief.

"Trashed his classroom afterwards but that was it." He shrugs half-heartedly before taking a sip of his drink. "Let's see...we blocked off all the school's entrances one day so they had to cancel school because nobody could get in. As a Christmas present to our principal one year we snuck into his office and wrapped everything. Switched classroom numbers when the first years had to start."

"How many times did you guys get suspended?!" I laugh and he winks cheekily.

"Too many times to count but we did stop when our parents threatened to ship us off to boarding school." He pretends to shudder with a small smile. "Judah, however, is much more rebellious and our parents gave up on being strict halfway through his high school years."

"Oh no...what did he get up to?" I finish my food and sit back with my drink.

"His ideas were absolutely insane when he joined our school and he was almost kicked out. Turned the school grounds into a damn zoo with the animals from our ranch and his friend's farm. He also made his entire year swap with another from a different high school nearby. Painted the school building purple and pink, and hosted a barbecue cook out on the football pitch with a band and all." He explains with a fond look in his eyes as he reminisces.

"I bet everyone besides the staff loved him though?"

"Worshipped him." He scoffs with a loving smile. "Prom king every year since he started, had girls throwing themselves at him and boys trying their hardest to be in his friend circle. Typical bad boy but a knack for sports. Excelled in everything."

"Ah I'm familiar with the kind except in female form. One of my younger sisters, Donna, is just like that. Climbed the ranks and earned the top seat of popularity in a month." I shake my head as a memory of her walking through the halls with her large group of friends flashes through my mind.

"Did you guys have a good relationship while you were still close?" He asks and I can tell that it's harmless curiosity.

I nod as a wide smile blooms across my lips. "The best. Me and my older brother, Harry, are closer in age so we got along great. Dixie and Donna are twins but surprisingly didn't get along well...only in vulnerable times when one needed the other. They loved spending time with me though and we'd get up to the craziest things."

"Like?" He asks softly and I shrug.

"Like...when we wanted to cook dinner for our parents but almost burned the kitchen down. When they were learning how to drive and I let them have a go in my car...Dixie got us lost and landed us in a ditch. We were stranded for about two hours but I've never laughed so hard in my life." I find myself smiling at the memories. "Camping in our back garden and Harry scaring us in the middle of the night, me pushing Donna in a shopping trolley but losing my balance and being the reason she broke her arm. Dixie cussing out a boy her age at the hospital in front of everyone because he was annoying her...which was hilarious because she's a literal angel."

"I assume your parents never found out about some of these incidents?" He arches a brow with a smirk.

"They still don't have a clue to this day." I grin mischievously which makes him chuckle.

We talk some more before eventually deciding to skip dessert and leave. He extends his arm towards me and I loop mine through his with a smile. After he insists that we take a walk instead of ending the night so soon we veer down a street with no specific destination in mind.

Our voices echo in some of the quiet lanes before the bustling city life drowns it out. I sigh contently as people walk by, the lights making the autumn leaves glow as we wander in and out of shops.

A small smile lifts my lips at the sight of an arcade as it brings back a childhood memory. "I loved going when I was younger. My dad would always bring me."

Theo stares at me with a small smile before mischievousness glints in his eyes and he's tugging me inside. I gasp and try to pull back but his grip is too strong and we enter the noisy building of music and chatter.

"Theo we're too overdressed for an arcade!" I laugh and he smirks cheekily in response.

"I guess we'll be the fanciest customers this place has ever had."

We play many games, some of which are classics I used to always play when I was young. Midway we get hungry again and grab a small pizza to share. There's a billiard's table too which I try my luck at and it's obvious that Theo lets me win, especially with all the help I receive.

Eventually we leave the building and continue our walk before he halts. "Ice-cream?"

"I thought you didn't like desserts?" I tease as I glance at the ice-cream store at the end of the street.

"This place always has a dark chocolate flavor." He grins boyishly and twists to face me as he steps ahead. Taking both of my hands he starts walking backwards, as if tugging me towards the store. "What do you say?"

"I'd love some."

Much to my delight they have a raspberry flavor which I order. We grab our cones and thank the shopkeeper before setting out once again. His hand brushes mine as we walk and although we've held hands many times throughout the night the butterflies come racing back to cause a nervous frenzy inside me. His fingers trail around to the inside of my hand before hesitantly intertwining them.

I can feel him looking at me and meet his gaze with a reassuring smile. He grins handsomely before looking ahead as we enter the park. Unlike me, he finishes his ice-cream as we walk around the lake before a soft sound of exclamation escapes him. I follow his gaze to see people in boats on the water before he turns to me.

"Want to go?" He asks and hooks a thumb in that direction.

"I haven't even finished my ice-cream. How will I row?" I laugh and shake my head at his antics as he tugs me towards the rental booth.

"Time for these muscles to be put to use!" He winks back at me as he pays before guiding me towards the deck.

After helping me in he takes hold of the rows but we yelp loudly when the boat rocks. Our loud laughter echoes in the quiet evening as he rows into the middle of the lake. I feel content as I watch the water ripple with the beautiful reflection of the sunset above us.

Sadly, we don't spend as long since it's getting late but we do plan to come back some other day when the weather is nice. As we make our way back to the car I feel excitement and happiness course within me over how well this date is going. Although I was extremely nervous in the start I love how comfortable he makes me feel and how easy it is to talk to him.

He drives us back to my place and helps me out before we walk up to my door. I feel anticipation rise within me and his hand at the small of my back certainly doesn't calm my nerves.

"I hope you enjoyed our date...as random as it was." He rubs the back of his neck with a sheepish smile.

"Don't worry, I had a great time and I liked how different it was."

"Liked it enough to agree to a second date?" He asks with a hopeful spark in his eyes that makes him look adorable.

"Yes...I would love that." I smile shyly and squeeze his hand reassuringly.

He tugs me a little closer until I'm pressed up against his body. The heat in his eyes warms me up and I feel the pad of his thumb caress my knuckles gently. His gaze flickers between mine and my lips making my heart race. I've never wanted anything more than his lips on mine right in this moment.

"I guess I should let you go then." He murmurs albeit huskily which makes me grin.

I tilt my head slightly just until our lips are a breath away before whispering, "I guess so."

Teasingly I step away and turn towards the door but he whirls me around.

"Well...maybe not just yet."

Feeling bold I wind my arms around his neck just as his wrap around my waist. He plays with a lock of my hair and I suppress a shudder dying to run through me. His eyes are so easy to lose myself in and portray all his emotions like an open window. His gaze flickers down to my lips and I find myself mirroring his action. They look heavenly soft and I crave to feel them against mine.

"Can I kiss you?" We both say at the same time.

Our eyes widen before we burst into laughter. He cups my face and pulls me close before his lips come crashing down on mine. My eyelids flutter shut as he kisses me tenderly yet I still manage to feel a hint of passionate urgency, as if he's been waiting all night for this very moment. I swipe my tongue across his bottom lip which makes him smile before he lets me in.

His arms tighten around me as he deepens the kiss and I tug on the ends of his hair in response. My entire body hums in delight and pleasure courses through my veins like a wild, heavenly rush. A soft whimper escapes me when he pulls away for air before his lips are back on mine again.

Eventually, we break away entirely and he kisses the corner of my mouth which elicits a smile. He grins back at me with a breathless laugh before nuzzling his nose against mine. I feel the heat from his hands fade away as he slowly lets me go, wishing he would hold me for just a little longer.

"Goodnight Charlotte." He whispers with one last soft peck to my lips.

"Goodnight Theo." I smile, feeling like I'm on cloud nine as he makes his way back to his car.

He waits until I've unlocked the door and stepped inside before we wave at each other. I see him drive off before locking the door and resting against it. The butterflies finally settle down and I shake my head gently over how intense that was.

"Theodore Jackson...you've got me feeling like sunshine."

Update schedule is: once a week whenever I find time!

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