Forbidden Passion

Chapter 393 Easing Relations

Phoebe showed Ollie around the house, but her arms got sore from holding him so long. Back in the living room, she set it on the sofa. Ollie curled up, its cat eyes darting around shyly.

Phoebe sat next to it, her heart melting at its timid look. "It seems too scared to move," she said.

Theodore handed her a glass of warm water. She drank most of it, then offered some to Ollie.

Ollie meowed softly, sounding affectionate.

"Is it hungry? I'll wash its food bowl," Phoebe said, rummaging through shopping bags to find it, then heading to the kitchen.

Theodore watched her go, then sat in her spot.

Ollie, who had been meowing affectionately, now eyed Theodore warily, showing his teeth.

Theodore crossed his legs and stared at the tiny cat. His strong presence made Ollie look away.

Theodore leaned in, scaring Ollie, whose fur stood on end. Theodore laughed. "I brought you here. If you compete for attention, you're out."

He reached out. "Don't scratch me, or you'll sleep outside tonight."

Ollie widened its eyes, gripping the sofa, but didn't scratch when Theodore's hand touched its head.

Theodore petted it and smiled. "Good job. Let's get along."

didn't dare resist, needing

bowl and saw Theodore

let you hold

Ollie's chin. Ollie looked miserable but didn't

cat food. "Ollie, this is your dinner. Which

"I'll choose for you. If

"Theodore, bring it over. It needs to get used to eating in a fixed spot," Phoebe said. Theodore carried Ollie over, and their fingers touched briefly, making them both pause. Phoebe quickly took Ollie and set it on

the food

Seeing Ollie enjoy the food, Phoebe

heel with his foot. "Now that Ollie's fed, isn't

Phoebe said, standing up. "What do you want to

around, their relationship,

cook with you,"

conflicted all day. That morning in Brandon's office, she'd sincerely said she wanted a divorce. She felt there was no

but things had

the cactus?" Phoebe suddenly remembered, standing up too quickly and wobbling. Theodore's strong arms steadied her. "You okay?" he asked,

fine, just got up too

put the cactus in the study. Haven't watered it

weight. When he held her waist,

she said, stepping back from his embrace. Despite everything, being in his arms

she said, heading to the kitchen. Theodore

was large, but with Theodore there, it felt cramped.