Page 118 of Darn Knit All

“And for you,” Frankie agreed, pushing her chair forward until her wheels brushed the side of my seat. “He’s helped you find your confidence.”

I blinked rapidly, fighting tears that threatened to fall. “I love you guys.”

“Nawww.” Flo rose up, reaching out a hand for Annie to help guide her across to me. “Group hug!”

We leaned down until we could wrap Frankie in our four-way hug, squeezing tight.

“Alright,” Annie said after a beat, breaking up our love fest. “We need to head back to the hotel and get ready for tonight. You okay if we leave you?”

I nodded. “I’ll be fine.”

“When does your family fly in?” Flo asked, digging through her bag.

I glanced at my watch. “Their plane should have arrived by now. Ren said they’d catch up with me after the event.”

“We’ll try and meet them at the hotel.”

I waved them off, watching them leave the venue.

Slowly, I walked around the backstage area, keeping myself busy as I twisted the ring on my middle finger. Nerves began to build as I contemplated tonight’s show.

Everything will be fine. You’ve worked hard, the models are great, your designs are Erike approved. Everything will be fine.

“Mai?”

I turned to see one of the network’s camera guys waving at me. “Can we get you out front please?”

I followed him around to the front of house where my models were being positioned on stage for different shots.

In all, there were twenty-six designs, each incredibly unique and gorgeous. My chest ached seeing them, knowing I had done that. I had created these exceptional pieces.

“You mind if we get some shots of you?” the camera guy asked, gesturing toward the stage. “Be cool to be able to slice you in on these.”

I nodded, forcing a smile. “Of course.”

We took shots, and they were about to finish when I heard a familiar foot fall.

Theo.

I turned, seeing him standing at the end of the runway, the corner of his mouth lifted into a wry grin. His hair needed a cut, and stubble decorated his cheeks, and he wore a tailored suit that fit so nicely my heart flipped at the sight of him.

“Hey, Ms. Winner,” he greeted, opening his arms wide. “Can I get a hug?”

A sob choked me, and I stumbled forward, tumbling down the runway toward him. He caught me easily, hugging me close.

He cupped my cheeks, pressing kisses over my cheeks, holding me close as I fought for control.

“Theo.”

“Missed you,” he murmured against my lips. “So fucking much.”

Our kiss was fierce and desperate, our hands grasping at each other as if we were alone and naked.

“Phew,” someone said from behind me. “You better be getting this on camera, Phil.”

“Every second,” Phil confirmed.

I pulled back from Theo, suddenly remembering we were far from alone. He murmured a protest but let me go.

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