Chapter Nine - Birthday Boy

"Ready?" I turn to Theo with the tickets and the biggest grin on my face.

He chuckles as he stares down at me. Nodding he intertwines our hands and we start making our way to the trailer. Today is Theo's birthday but he never mentioned it to me during the days leading up to it. Instead, he let it slip to Aria last week and that he doesn't enjoy anyone making a big deal out of it.

So, rather than doing that I decided to ask him out on a date today and surprise him later with a small celebration consisting of just us two. We're currently at a Halloween themed outdoor cinema that has been open throughout the month of October. But to get to the cinema we need to go on a "haunted hayride" first which I just got tickets for. I'm glad he shares my love of horror films and anything spooky.

"Can't wait for you to throw yourself at me when you get scared." He smirks mischievously and I scoff with a roll of my eyes.

"I will be doing no such thing! In fact, I bet you'll get a fright first!"

"Loser buys dinner?" He arches a brow and holds his other hand out.

"Deal." I shake it with a laugh.

We get onto the trailer attached to a tractor. There's loud music playing so we don't even hear it when it starts and pulls us deep into the woods. Instantly we're surrounded by green lighting, smoke and spooky noises here and there. Everyone's conversing on the ride until three clowns jump at the trailer and grab onto some people. I chuckle when shrieks echo around me before people burst into laughter over their reactions.

We see several characters dressed up for the occasion. Some even come into the trailer and try to scare us with chainsaws, axes, and much more! I almost let loose a scream when one of them pulls on my hair from the back while a person dressed as a zombie steps too close to my face as soon as I turn around.

Theo laughs loudly at my predicament and teases me over how I was about to lose. I shove him lightly and he tucks me into his side once the characters have jumped off the trailer. We're doing good until I catch a doctor covered in blood sneak up on Theo from the side. Because he's right by the exit of the trailer the person jumps right on top of him with the loudest yell.

I feel Theo jump out of fright onto me and immediately turn to him with a big grin. "Did Theo Jackson just get sca –"

"I did not!" He states firmly but a smile escapes onto his lips. "Shit! I was going to win as well!"

"Aw, c 'mere. You're safe with me." I reply in a baby voice as I hug him to me.

His body shakes with laughter as he wraps his arms around me. Pulling away slightly he pauses when our eyes meet. I smile softly and he bites his lip before kissing me sweetly. It doesn't last long as we're aware there's people around us but it makes me blush regardless. He grabs my hand again and intertwines them with a big grin on his face.

Eventually the hayride stops right outside the outdoor cinema and we get off. Theo grips my waist and helps me down. Like always I can't help the flurry of butterflies that go crazy inside me. We make our way over and after getting snacks we choose seats closer to the back. The film starts and we chuckle when we turn to each other at the same time to say that it's one of our favorites.

I find myself enjoying it even more with him by my side. We catch each other mouthing the lines several times. Theo even goes so far as to dramatically yet silently imitate the screaming which makes me almost laugh loudly a few times. By the end of the movie I'm cuddled into his side as it gets a bit chilly. His hand stroking my hair and back is so comforting that it almost makes me fall asleep.

After the film ends we head down to the pumpkin patch where we grab some to carve and marvel at the display on show. I pick two little ones for Aria and a bigger size while already knowing that my carving is going to suck.

"Mom and Dad have this competition between then every year on who can make the best carving." Theo grins excitedly as he loads the pumpkins into the boot of the car.

"Has it been even or are one of them in the lead every year?"

"Dad." He laughs as we get in. "He's so great at drawing and really creative but, I will admit that sometimes he lets mom win. It's obvious when he does it too but he doesn't care, just wants to make her happy."

"Aw that's so sweet!" I smile as I drive us back into the city. "So that's how you're so good at art huh?"

"Yeah, dad taught me how to draw when I was younger. Some of our artwork is probably in the attic somewhere."

"You'll have to show me someday."

"Not my earlier drawings." He smirks when I glance at him in surprise.

"Oh, now I'm definitely curious!"

"Dine in or takeaway?" He changes the subject with a sly smile.

"Hmm, one day you'll give in." I shake my head before answering. "I don't mind any. If you want a takeaway we can go back to mine?"

"Sure." He nods before we decide on a place to order from.

I feel a hint of nervousness creep up within me at the thought of his reaction to the small cake I had made earlier. There's some balloons alongside his presents on the counter but it's not overdone. God...I really hope he likes it, I think to myself as I park the car outside the restaurant.

"You okay sunshine?"

I'm brought out of my thoughts when I feel him caress my cheek with the back of his hand. I nod and tilt my head slightly to peck the inside of his wrist. His light green eyes darken with desire and I chuckle when he immediately leans forward to press his lips against mine hungrily. It takes my breath away and makes my toes curl in pleasure. He's about to deepen the kiss when I pull away hastily.

"Okay that's enough, we need to collect the food!" I laugh breathlessly and push him back.

"One more?" He asks as he grasps my chin.

I roll my eyes and lean forward to peck him. Immediately he cups my face and deepens it, only letting me go when he's had his fill. With a teasing nip to my bottom lip he pulls away and winks cheekily.

"I should've known." I sigh with a shake of my head.

"It's not my fault you're irresistible sunshine." He shrugs innocently before getting out of the car.

I can't help the smile that remains on my face even when we've collected the takeaway. He makes me so happy and I'm so grateful to have met him. Compared to how Aria was my only happiness before now Theo is another reason for my smile. It warms my heart and makes me proud to see the change in myself.

I'm a mess of nerves and excitement when we pull into the driveway of my house. As we walk up to the door I unlock it before stalling to turn on the lights. As soon as he's inside and walked a few steps to the kitchen I turn them on. He halts at the sight of the cake sitting on the counter with balloons and presents.

"Happy birthday!" I wrap my arms around his waist from behind.

"How did you know?" He turns to me with a surprised expression yet a big smile on his face.

"You told Aria last week." I chuckle when he groans in realization.

"Wait...so this is why you planned the date night?" His eyes widen before he laughs when I grin at him cheekily. "Thank you sunshine, you didn't need to. I'm sorry for not telling you either. I just didn't want –"

"A big, over the top surprise party...I know." I peck his lips after lighting the candle and handing him the knife. "That's why I made it a casual date night with a tiny surprise at the end."

"You're so sweet." He smiles softly with a kiss to my cheek.

"Hopefully the cake is too! Dark chocolate icing just how you like it." I wink and start singing happy birthday as he cuts it.

I cheer at the end and he laughs as he holds out the slice for me to bite. Thankfully he loves the cake and it's not overly sweet. We move onto opening the presents and I watch as he frowns curiously at the wrapped boxes.

"You saw me eyeing this didn't you?" He smiles widely when he unwraps the new perfume I got him.

He unwraps the second and last present that is a bit pricier but I feel like he needs it the most. Theo was talking about his office recently and one thing I realized is that he can only use his graphic design software there. He doesn't have anything that he can use to sketch or work on his projects at home if he's too busy to come into the office for the day. So, I got him a multitouch tablet with a digital pen.

"Holy fuck!" He breathes in surprise as he stares at the packaging. "Char this is...what the...this is so cool!"

"I'm glad you like it." I grin as I watch him completely fawn over the piece of tech in excitement.

As soon as he's done checking out the specs he pulls me into the tightest hug. I don't even have time to speak before his lips come crashing down on mine. He eventually grips my waist and hoists me onto the countertop, not breaking our kiss even for one second. I moan softly when his tongue greets mine and pull him closer by winding my arms around his neck. With the feel of his lips on mine and his hands caressing my body softly I feel like I'm on cloud nine.

At some point we pull away and I rest my forehead against his as I catch my breath. He smiles handsomely and we stay like that for a moment before I hop off the counter. We take another slice of cake each and walk into the garden. Sitting down on the chairs by the firepit that I light we talk about everything and anything that comes to mind. The warm glow of the fire enhances his already striking features and I find it hard to stop staring sometimes.

"Any plans for Halloween night?"

"Taking Aria out for trick or treating with her friends. She wants to dress up as Iron Man." I reply with an amused smile. "You?"

"I'm doing the same with Noah. He wants to dress up as the Grim Reaper with a skull and bones covering his scythe." He rolls his eyes playfully as he takes a bite out of his cake. "I'm keeping mine plain but I got this skull mask though."

"Wait...you're dressing up too?!" I almost choke as I turn to him in shock.

"Yeah! I always tag along to scare the other kids!"

"Theo! You're terrible!" I laugh loudly as I set my plate down.

"Promise me you'll text me on the night of where you and Aria are? I want to try scaring her." He grins devilishly and I end up agreeing.

"Just don't be surprised when she launches herself at you with a punch." I smirk at him when his cheeky grin drops.

"Oh shit...well then I might reconsider."

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

Vote if you are enjoying this story!

Chapter 10 is already up on Inkitt! Click the link in my bio or announcement post to read my book faster!

1. Download the app

2. Follow my profile

3. Put my book in your reading list!

- R.W. ♡