Tommy sat inside a booth at Big Belly, sipping on coffee while he waited for Thea to arrive. He felt a sense of anticipation at the thought of seeing her. It was crazy. He'd been with her the day before and talked to her earlier that morning, but somehow it still didn't feel like enough. He missed her when she wasn't around and when they were together it felt like time ran out far too quickly.

He heard the jingle of the front door and looked up, his brain slowing everything down. Thea walked in, her hair a mass of soft curls that fell down her back and around her shoulders. Her blue jeans were tight and hugged the curves of her hips so closely he felt his mouth go dry. Her shirt, crisp and white was tucked into the waist of her pants and secured with a metallic silver belt. Her petite feet were encased in a black pair of the highest heels he'd ever seen. He was sure they couldn't be very comfortable, but he didn't really care since they looked sexy as hell.

He stood up as she approached, giving her a rakish smile. "The men are staring."

She tossed her bag, keys and sunglasses onto the table. "By men I assume you mean you?" she replied with sass.

He stepped up close, slipping his hands around her waist. It felt like the most natural thing in the world. "Not only me. Every man in this place between the ages of one and 100 can't turn away."

Her hands moved up and rested on his shoulders. "So what exactly are you doing?" she asked, amused.

"Staking my claim, of course. Can't have these guys thinking you're available." He stared into her eyes, losing himself in their mossy depths.

"Ahh…because that toddler over there is just dying to make me his?"

Tommy didn't bother to look at who she was pointing to. "I reckon that's a fair assumption. I think I need to show him that he's fishing in the wrong pond," he teased, his eyes roving over her glossed lips.

Thea arched an eyebrow. "Dare I ask how you plan to do that?"

"Like this." He heard her gasp right before his lips swooped down and captured hers in a blistering kiss. His hands moved up and cupped her cheeks, deepening the caress, her hands curling into his shoulders as she held on tightly.

Far too soon, he lifted his lips from hers. She stared up at him, her mouth slightly ajar, her eyes glazed. Thea. Stunned. Who would have known? He felt exceptionally pleased with himself.

"Hey," he said.

She blinked. "Hey," she replied softly.

"Get a room!" came a voice from behind him, followed by laughter.

Grinning, Tommy watched as Thea's cheeks flamed with embarrassment. She smiled in the direction of the comment before sitting down opposite him.

"Smooth, Merlyn. Very smooth," she said, pushing her hair away from her flushed face.

He smiled at her. "I wasn't a playboy in my former life for nothing."

She burst out laughing. "Tricks of the trade?"

"I've retired in that capacity, but I know some stuff about stuff."

"Well played," she complimented him as the waitress brought their menus. "Since I slapped a few on you, I guess I deserved that."

He looked at her, his voice lowering. "That wasn't about payback. I kissed you because I needed to. Period." Their eyes met and held. He broke contact first, taking a sip of his coffee.

Thea grinned. "Keep talking that way and I may just proposition you after all."

He choked on his hot beverage, coughing uncontrollably. He glared at her. "You need to stop doing that to me."

Her eyes were alight with mischief, her voice all innocence. "But it's so much fun."

He shook his head. "You're incorrigible."

"Would you prefer me any other way?" she asked brightly.

"Absolutely not," came his definitive response.

He meant it. There was nothing about her that he'd change, not one hair on her beautiful head. He couldn't believe that a few short weeks before, he'd been a man stuck in a dead end relationship and dealing with some heavy paternal issues. These days, he had none of those things weighing him down. All because of Thea.

He realised that he hadn't thought about Laurel once since the breakup. The knowledge surprised him. He'd always thought that should they break up, he'd probably pine for a while, maybe even ask her if they could try again. But honestly, he felt none of those feelings. He truly wished Laurel well, but he was more convinced than ever that they weren't meant for each other.

He watched as Thea surveyed the menu, chewing on her bottom lip while she made her choice. She slapped the laminated card down on the table. "I know what I want."

His lips curled up at the sides. So do I. He called the waitress.

Thea was having the best time. The conversation between them flowed easily as they devoured their burgers and fries. Tommy wanted to know all about what was happening at Drama Queen and what her plans were for the launch. He gave her some valuable advice around possible issues she hadn't considered, reminding her that he was an experienced and skilled businessman.

In turn, she asked him about his work at Verdant and how he was managing things at Merlyn Global. She didn't ask just for the sake of it either, she was genuinely interested in his work and the aspects of it that he enjoyed and found challenging. She watched him as he talked enthusiastically about the various projects he was working on and how he planned to change the legacy his father had left behind. It was clearly very important to him and Thea understood why. He wanted to make it clear that he didn't support his father's underhanded dealings and the only way to do that was to take a firm stand and state his intentions plainly. Already, the results had been astounding.

Tommy was great with people and they seemed to respond to him. He was also a lot smarter than many gave him credit for. She could tell that earning the respect of his colleagues and subordinates had been a rewarding process. He was thriving and she couldn't be happier for him. He'd worked long and hard, he still did, and he deserved to reap the rewards.

"I have something to tell you." She took a sip of her cola.

Tommy sat back in his seat looking relaxed and satisfied. "Shoot."

Thea felt anxious. "Felicity knows about us."

She saw the surprise on his face. "You told her?"

She put her drink down and pushed it away. "Only after she more or less deduced that something was up."

"Is she telling Ollie?"

Try and she might, she didn't detect any panic. "She told me she wouldn't, but it might slip out, I don't know."

"Are you against him knowing?" he asked thoughtfully.

"No," Thea replied. Deciding to just be straight with him, she continued, "I know we haven't figured out what this," she waved her hand between them, "is. But I don't really want to have to lie to anyone. Granted, if you're not comfortable with him knowing, I completely understand and I won't pressure yo-"

"Let's do it."

"…to do something that you- What?"

Tommy chuckled. "There's nothing wrong with your hearing, Thea."

She was stunned. She hadn't thought he'd want anyone to know just yet and despite him taking the news about Felicity knowing really well, she hadn't banked on the fact that he'd want Oliver to know too. At least not so soon.

"Why are you agreeing to this so easily?" she asked suspiciously.

He leaned forward and reached across the table to link their fingers together. At his touch her skin tingled.

"Because," his grey eyes were tender as they stared straight into hers, "I want to be with you and I agree that it shouldn't have to be a secret. We're both consenting adults and while I would really appreciate your family's support, I don't need their permission to see you."

A thousand butterflies took flight in Thea's tummy. Her instincts had been right. He did care about her and this wasn't just a passing fancy. She was certain because she knew how much Tommy loved her brother and he'd never jeopardise that relationship for the sake of a meaningless fling.

Nonetheless, she felt a little nervous. "You do realise he occasionally aims sharp and pointy objects at people who piss him off?"

He acknowledged her remark with a nod of his head. "He gives new meaning to brothers all over the world who threaten to kill their sister's boyfriends." He grinned. "If I ever hurt you, he'd actually do it."

Thea frowned at him. "So what are you smiling about?"

He turned her hand over and kissed her palm. "I'm not worried about Ollie. I know I'd never do anything to hurt you intentionally, Thea, so that threat means nothing to me."

She melted. How do you always say the perfect thing? "Well, hopefully it won't come to that."

Tommy stood, looking incredibly handsome in dark slacks and an open collar blue shirt. "You know what? Let's do it now. Carpe diem!"

"I'm sure when the owner of that quote first stated it he wasn't advising a woman to tell her vigilante brother that she had the hots for his BFF," she muttered under her breath as she dropped some dollar bills on the table.

Escorting her out of the diner, Tommy whispered in her ear, "I'm sure he would have had he known that the BFF had the hots for her too."

Thea grinned as she walked to her car parked at the curb, Tommy right behind her. "Meet you at the club?" she asked, standing beside the driver's door of the Evoque.

"I'll be right behind you," he said in a deep voice as he leaned in to press a soft kiss against her parted lips.

Not satisfied with a peck, Thea wound her arms around Tommy's neck and leaned into him, not caring that they were standing between their cars, in full view of anyone passing by. Responding immediately, he pulled her against him and proceeded to thoroughly demonstrate his mastery in the art of making out.

Thea was so lost in the moment that she was completely disoriented when Tommy was jerked out of her arms. Confused, she looked up, her eyes widening as she stared into the furious face of her brother.

Tommy, equally thrown, recovered quickly. "Ollie-" he said, holding up his hand in a placating gesture.

Oliver ignored him, his eyes blazing murderously at his friend. "What the hell do you think you're doing?!"

Thea regained her wits and moved forward, grabbing her brother's arm. "Hello! I'm here too!"

He glared at her briefly before fixing his gaze back on Tommy. "I trusted you! When I asked you to look out for Thea, I didn't mean pawing her in the middle of the road!" His voice was dangerously low.

Thea's gaze swung around to Tommy. "Look out for me?" she asked sharply.

He looked at her earnestly. "Trust me, I can explain," he said. "It's not what you think."

She did trust him. Besides, now wasn't the time for them to argue. Oliver was the bigger problem. She looked at her brother. He seemed about ready to punch Tommy to the ground.

"Ollie, this is not the time or the place to be having this conversation," she said reasonably.

He didn't bother to look at her. "I'm going to kill you," he said to Tommy, his eyes hard and cold.

Tommy rolled his eyes. "Seriously? Did you have to live up to that stereotype?" He looked at Oliver, anger written all over his body language. "I'm your best friend, Ollie. You know me. I'm insulted and offended that you'd think I'd take advantage of Thea. That's not how this is!"

"How exactly is it?!" Oliver roared. "Last week you were with Laurel, this week you're with Thea? That has player written all over it!"

Tommy glared at Oliver and Thea got the distinct impression they'd forgotten she was there. Already people were glancing at them curiously as they walked by.

"Look, I know it seems that way, but you have to believe me, I am not using your sister!"

"I'm going to kill you!" Oliver reiterated menacingly.

Tommy threw his hands up in frustration. "Will you listen to me?!"

Thea rushed to stand between them. "This is not pistols at dawn! We don't live in the 1800's. My honour does not need defending!" she shouted at her brother.

He moved her aside and strode toward Tommy, his voice threatening. "Stay away from her! I'm warning you, Tommy. You come anywhere close to her and I will-"

"What?" Tommy's voice lowered. "Shoot an arrow into me? Well, go ahead!" he challenged. "I'm not staying away from her unless she asks me to!"

"She happens to be standing right here!" she waved at them, not that either one noticed.

Oliver's jaw hardened. "Stay away from him," he said to Thea, not breaking eye contact with his friend.

"No!" she exclaimed. "Ollie, this caveman behaviour is really unbecoming. Let's go home and talk about this like the adults that we are."

His tone confident, Tommy vowed, "You're going to have to get used to the idea because I'm not going anywhere."

Irritated, her brother snapped, "Why the hell not?"

Tommy stepped up close to him, their chests almost touching. "Because I love her."