Chapter 278 Planning Dates

Chapter 278 Planning Dates
Leila's POV

That caught her interest immediately. "Really?" She looked at Adam with newfound admiration, her eyes widening slightly.

I nodded enthusiastically. "Of course! He's amazing at it. Dad made all of us learn, but Adam's the best." I watched with satisfaction as Adam's ears turned slightly pink at the praise.

Once home, I immediately reported to our family group chat about Adam and Sophia's progress, focusing on the revelation that they had already kissed. I sank into my plush living room sofa, grinning at my phone as the notifications started flooding in.

Brandon and Jude responded with disbelieving emoji, their skepticism practically radiating through the screen.

Jude texted: [Seriously? Adam and Sophia actually kissed??? Laylie, are you sure Adam knows how to kiss? That's hard to believe...]

I sent a nodding emoji, then wrote with dramatic flair: [It was so intense his lip got cut!]

Mom chimed in with sudden understanding: [Oh! So that's where the cut came from! And here I thought he'd gotten into some kind of trouble.]

Jude's response came quickly, clearly energized by this unexpected development: [Wow! That's wild! Adam's changed in San Francisco! I need to see this for myself. I just finished recording and could come do a photoshoot there.]

Dad immediately cautioned, his text somehow conveying his stern expression: [Don't interfere. If you mess things up, you'll regret it.]

Jude promised: [I won't! I just want to see what's happening. I can be subtle!]

Brandon seized the opportunity to tease, never one to miss a chance at brotherly ribbing: [Go ahead and watch, maybe you'll learn something. Honestly, I can't imagine you in a relationship even more than Adam!]

Jude protested indignantly: [What's that supposed to mean? I've done plenty of love songs and music videos. Are you saying those are fake?]

Brandon shot back without missing a beat: [Aren't they? When have you ever been in a real relationship? Name one that lasted longer than a month.]

I couldn't resist joining in the teasing: [Yeah, Jude, you've never even told us what type of girl you like! Is there anyone special you're hiding from us?]

Dad offered sincere advice, his message longer and more thoughtful: [If you're struggling, come back and let your mom set you up. Chicago has plenty of nice girls from good families. Or maybe try getting to know Echo. She's a bit wild but has a great personality. Sometimes the person you need isn't who you expect.]

Jude sent a horrified emoji: [No way! Don't play matchmaker! We're just friends!!! That's all.]

Dad responded dismissively: [Fine. You're too picky. You'll be single forever and end up in a retirement home alone. Don't come crying to us when you're eighty with no one to care for you.]

Jude complained, his frustration evident: [Why are you all picking on me? I'm still young! Brandon doesn't have a girlfriend either. Why aren't you pressuring him?]

Brandon calmly replied, his text surprisingly thoughtful: [Echo isn't right for him. I think Diana would be perfect. She's mature, intelligent, beautiful, and she's always by his side keeping everything organized. They complement each other perfectly. Her background might be modest, but we care about character, not social status.]

I enthusiastically agreed, sitting up straighter as I typed: [That's a great idea! I've always thought Diana and Jude look perfect together! She's still single, Jude should try asking her out! They'd make such a power couple.]

Mom added her approval: [Diana is such a lovely girl. Jude, are you listening to your sister? She has good instincts about these things.]

Jude immediately left the chat, making me laugh out loud in my empty living room.

That evening, Theron returned home and joined me for dinner. We watched a movie afterward, snuggled together on the couch like newlyweds. The soft lighting of our living room cast everything in a warm glow, and without the kids around these past few days, we'd been enjoying our time alone together, rediscovering aspects of our relationship that had been put on hold.

Noticing him shift slightly during a slower scene in the film, I worried he might be bored. "If you don't like this movie, you can go do your own thing. Don't feel obligated to stay," I offered, giving him an easy out.

Theron raised an eyebrow, pulling me closer against his chest. The steady beat of his heart beneath my ear was both comforting and intoxicating. He whispered near my ear, his breath warm against my skin, "I never used to waste time on movies, but I enjoy watching them with you."

He added with a hint of regret that made my heart clench, "Why didn't I discover how good this feels sooner..." His fingers traced idle patterns on my arm, sending pleasant shivers down my spine.

His words sparked my interest and a rush of warmth through my body. I repositioned myself, draping my arms around his neck and giving him a teasing smile. "Since you're enjoying it so much, how about I plan our dates from now on?" I suggested, my tone playful but my eyes conveying sincerity.

Theron's eyes darkened with interest, and his hand came up to tuck a strand of hair behind my ear. "You planning our dates?"