Rosie's nod was accompanied by a warm smile. "Yes, dear, go on. Ryder's waiting. We wouldn't dream of keeping you apart." Thea's face bloomed with a soft blush, her eyes darting downward momentarily.
As she entered Ryder's room, her eyes fixed on Ryder's tall frame standing by the window. She couldn't help but notice how handsome he looked, his hair messy, his eyes focused on the phone call. She felt a flutter in her chest, her pulse skipping a beat as she gazed at him.
Without making a sound, she hid behind the door, her eyes never leaving Ryder's face. She wanted to surprise him.
Thea leapt from her hiding spot the second he turned. "Boo!" she crowed, tackling him mid-laugh. The force of her joy knocked pretense clean away.
Ryder's eyes widened in shock, his face frozen , and Thea couldn't help but burst into laughter. "Brother Ryder, you're looking so cute with this horrified face!" she teased, her laughter echoing through the room.
Tears streamed down her face as she laughed, her sides aching, her heart filled with joy. She had never felt this carefree, this happy, and it was all because of Ryder. She knew in that moment that she was falling for him, hard.
Ryder's surprised face slowly changed to a normal one, "Thea, you sneaky one!"
Thea's merriment slowly died down, her eyes anchoring onto Ryder's, her heartbeat faltering. She felt like she was lost in his eyes,
"Happy birthday, Ryder." she breathed.
"What did you get me?"
"Ryder, I—" She froze, then blurted, "I completely forgot your present!" Her hand flew to her mouth.
His features crumpled, a shadow of hurt flickering across his gaze. Wordless, he turned and sank into the sofa, the sigh escaping his lips more resignation than breath.
Thea settled close, her shoulder brushing his as she dangled the packet between them. "Grumpy looks don't suit you," she murmured, her teasing laced with warmth. She nudged the gift against his arm, her smile softening. "Trust me—this'll help."
She jabbed him playfully with her elbow, "Enough with the sulking—open it already!"
She shoved the gift into his hands,"Now, open it and tell me whether you like it or not!"
Ryder's fingers wrapped around the gift, his eyes fixed on the wrapping paper. Thea could see the curiosity simmering beneath his grumpy exterior.
"Come on,Ryder! Don't be shy! Quickly open your gift!"
Ryder peeled back the wrapping to reveal a matte-black titanium watch, its face a sleek expanse of obsidian. A single cut of sapphire glass sliced across the dial like frozen midnight, while the band—woven carbon fiber—felt weightless against his skin.
Thea's palms dampened. Had she chosen right—or was it too wistful for him?
Ryder's expression shifted from wonder to delight. "Thea, this is...!" he exclaimed, his eyes locked on the watch.
"This is what, Ryder?"
"This is good..."
"You think so?" she teased. "But seriously, do you like it?"
Ryder's face lit up. "Hmm, I like your present."
Thea chuckled. "Well, well. Looks like someone's mood just lifted. The grumpy bear's smile is back!"
Ryder's eyes locked onto hers, his gaze filled with warmth.He raised an eyebrow. "Who are you calling a grumpy bear?"
Thea's gaze softened, her voice a mix of warmth and teasing,"Who else would it be, if not you?"
Ryder clasped the watch around his wrist, Thea's gaze strayed to the bed, her interest snagged by a flicker of something resplendent.
"What's that?" she asked,her eyes fixed on the object.Ryder followed her gaze, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. "That? It's just an old photo album."
"Can I take a look?" she asked, her eyes locked onto Ryder's.
"Sure, go ahead."
She reached for the album, her fingers tracing the cover. The pages revealed a treasure trove of memories, each photo telling a story of Ryder's life.
Childhood snapshots showed Ryder's bright smile and adventurous spirit. Family portraits captured laughter and love. But then, her eyes landed on a photo that made her heart skip a beat.